What-Does-God-Want-Me-to-Do-faith-gr

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Saint Margaret Clitherow

saint of the month

Feast day: March 26 Patron saint: of businesswomen, converts and martyrs Canonized: Oct. 25, 1970 Meaning of name: Pearl Claim to fame: Margaret Middleton was born in 1556 to parents Thomas and Jane. She was one of five children who were raised Anglican. Because religious orders had been closed down, Margaret and her sisters were illiterate. Margaret married a wealthy man named John Clitherow, who was a Protestant and chamberlain of York. In the beginning years of their marriage, Margaret converted to Catholicism and supported her husband’s choice to remain part of the church of Queen Elizabeth. John allowed Margaret to raise their three children Catholic, and Margaret even hired a Catholic tutor for them.

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Margaret began sheltering Roman priests and allowed them to celebrate Mass in her house. Her home became one of the most important hiding grounds for priests.

Margaret even housed John’s brother, who was a priest. Because of this, Margaret was imprisoned many times and she began teaching herself to read and write while jailed. Out of fear, one of the students confessed everything to the queen’s agents. While undergoing trial, Margaret refused to plea to her charges. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, failure to plea meant death by compression.

to celebrate Mass on her property.

She built secret cupboards to hold necessities for celebrating Catholic Mass, and refused a plea during trial.

Pope Paul VI canonized her under the name the “Pearl of York.”

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids

March 2010 Volume 4: Issue 2

Best Quote: In her final moments, Saint Margaret Clitherow’s last words were “Jesu! Jesu! Jesu! Have mercy on me!”

Bishop Walter A. Hurley

How she died: Margaret Clitherow was condemned to death at the age of 33 on March 15, 1556.

At the time, it is believed that she was pregnant with her fourth child. She was granted a 10-day period between her condemnation and execution. On Good Friday, March 25, 1556, Margaret Clitherow was pressed to death. Her right hand is preserved at Saint Mary’s Convent in York, England.

Bishop Walter A. Hurley Msgr. Gaspar F. Ancona Father Ron Hutchinson Molly Klimas Benjamin B. Richardson Mary Vaccaro

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Why she is a saint: Margaret was born Anglican, but converted to Catholicism against the orders of Queen Elizabeth. She became an important asset to hiding fugitive priests, while allowing them

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER/WEB MASTER

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Santa Margarita Clitherow

Por qué es una santa: Margarita nació anglicana y se convirtió al catolicismo contra las órdenes de la Santa Margarita Clitherow Reina Isabel. Tuvo mucho valor para Día de la fiesta: 26 de marzo ocultar a los sacerdotes fugitivos al Patrona: de mujeres empresarias, conversos y mártires mismo tiempo que les permitía celebrar Canonización: 25 de octubre de 1970 misa en su propiedad. Construyó Significado del nombre: Perla armarios secretos para tener lo necesario y así se pueda celebrar la Es conocida por: Margarita Middleton nació en 1556 en Inglaterra. Misa. Se negó a declarar en el juicio y Fue una de los cinco hijos que tuvieron Tomás y Jane. Todos ellos se le condenó a muerte. Fue canonizada fueron educados como anglicanos; debido a que se cenaron las por el Papa Pablo VI con el nombre de órdenes religiosas, Margarita y sus hermanas fueron analfabetas.

“La Perla de York.”

Debido a que se cerraron las órdenes Religiosas, Margarita y sus hermanas fueron analfabetas.

Frase más conocida: En sus Margarita se casó con un hombre rico de nombre Juan Clitherow, momentos finales, las últimas palabras quien era protestante y chambelán de York. En los primeros años de de Santa Margarita Clitherow fueron: su matrimonio, Margarita se convirtió al catolicismo y apoyó la decisión “Jesu! Jesu! Jesu! ¡Ten piedad de mí!” de su esposo, de seguir perteneciendo a la Iglesia de la Reina Isabel.

Por otro lado Juan le permitió a Margarita educar a sus tres hijos en el Cómo murió: Margarita Clitherow fue catolicismo e incluso contrató a un tutor católico para ellos. condenada a muerte a la edad de 33 Durante el reinado de la Reina Isabel, Margarita comenzó a años, el 15 de marzo de 1556. Se cree proteger a los sacerdotes católicos y les permitió celebrar Misas que estaba embarazada de su cuarto en su casa, la cual se convirtió en un lugar estratégico para los hijo. Se le concedió un período de 10 sacerdotes. Margarita dio alojamiento al hermano de su esposo, quien días entre su condena y la ejecución. El fue sacerdote y debido a esto fue encarcelada muchas veces. Es allí Viernes Santo, 25 de marzo de 1556, donde aprendió a leer y a escribir. Por miedo, uno de los estudiantes Margarita Clitherow fue aplastada contó todo lo que ella hacía a un agente de la Reina Isabel. Se le hasta la muerte. Su mano derecha se llevó a juicio. Margarita se negó a defenderse de los cargos y fue conserva en el Convento de Santa condenada a muerte.

María, en York, Inglaterra.

Nicole Ballinger GRAPHIC INTERN

Jillane Job

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Deacon Tom Fogle and JoAnne Fogle Paul Jarzembowski Father Joseph Krupp Douglas Kulp Dr. Gelasia Marquez Dr. Cathleen McGreal Elizabeth Nagel Deborah J. Nykamp Father Robert Schoenstene, S.S.L Michelle Sessions DiFranco Sister Ann Shields CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Philip Shippert

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Derek Melot

PROOFREADING

InnerWorkings

PRINT MANAGEMENT FAITHPublishingService.com FAITHTM Grand Rapids (USPS 023-851), the Magazine for the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, is a publication of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, 360 Division Avenue S., Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4501. Published monthly except for February and August. For address and subscription changes, please contact subscriptions@faithgrandrapids.org. Periodicals postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM Grand Rapids, 360 Division Avenue S., Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4501. ©FAITH Publishing Service and Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.

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Liturgical Calendar: St. Katharine Drexel, virgin March 3 | St. Casimir March 4 | St. John of God, religious March 8 | St. Frances of Rome, religious March 9 | St. Patrick, bishop M

FAITH Grand Rapids / March 2010 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org Cover photo courtesy of Jonathan Tramontana

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what you’ll get out of this issue -5 bishop – Most Rev. Walter Hurley 4 6 parenting journey I can’t stand my son-in-law – Three tips to make it work.

– Dr. Cathleen McGreal

6 what gets my goat? Our neighbor’s son is always playing loud thumping music – Dr. Gelasia Marquez 7 marriage matters She says: He needs to find a job. He says: There's nothing out there. What do they do?

– Deacon Tom Fogle and JoAnne Fogle

8 culture Managing God’s gifts – stewardship journal – Michelle Sessions DiFranco

– Father Joseph Krupp

What does God want me to do?

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Margaret Snow turns 90 on March 31, and she’s still asking God that question. Asking him – listening to what he has to say – and putting her faith in his way – has brought untold blessings to this spry Polish Catholic who lives on Grand Rapids’ West Side.

Five million steps: A son's tribute to his father brings peace, perspective and deepening faith

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When Ben Richardson lost his father Ray to cancer in 2008, he and his family took action in the form of a fundraiser around a hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Ben’s two thousand mile pilgrimage in tribute to his dad turned into an incredible journey of faith. With his hike completed, this recent Aquinas grad now joins CCWM as a social justice coordinator.

– Benjamin B. Richardson

11 s piritual popcorn Who do you say that I am?

– Paul Jarzembowski

12 t heology 101 Can biblical texts have multiple meanings?

– Father Robert Schoenstene, S.S.L. and Elizabeth Nagel

14 s piritual fitness Four questions to a truly humble heart – Sister Ann Shields 30 vocations Humbling ministry – Father Ron Hutchinson

31 last word When the spirit is willing – Msgr. Gaspar F. Ancona

Do you believe?

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Why do we believe the Easter story? Not because Jesus takes away our troubles, but because he shares them… Why do we believe the Easter story?

Certainly not because it is believable. We believe it because it is true.

- An Easter reflection by Mary Vacarro

March 17 | St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the church March 18 | St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary March 19 | St. Toribio de Mogrovejo, bishop March 23

inside this issue

10 in the know with Fr. Joe Is the world ending in 2012?

de parte del obispo

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Q

ueridos amigos, Escuelas Católicas

El martes, 1 de febrero celebré, lo que ha llegado a ser, una Misa anual por la semana de las Escuelas Católicas que convoca estudiantes, profesores y párrocos de todas nuestras escuelas en la diócesis. Fue una celebración maravillosa.

Sigo visitando nuestras escuelas a lo largo de la Diócesis. Este año una vez más he grabado mensajes de radio en apoyo a nuestras escuelas y he adquirido una cartelera de publicidad para promover la educación de las escuelas católicas.

Además, distintas escuelas han emprendido iniciativas para promover sus esfuerzos locales.

Quiero ofrecer algunas reflexiones sobre nuestras escuelas.

Las escuelas católicas, junto con los programas de educación religiosa de las parroquias, el ministerio de juventud y otros medios de formación y educación en la fe a lo largo de la vida, contribuyen directamente a la salud y vitalidad de la Iglesia de la Diócesis de Grand Rapids. Nuestras escuelas católicas proporcionan clases de educación religiosa, preparación sacramental, oportunidades y experiencias de oración y liturgias para dar un testimonio y servicio cristiano en un ambiente de excelencia académica.

A veces me piden que comparta mi visión para las escuelas católicas.Si bien es una cuestión importante, yo había asumido que mi visión acerca de tener escuelas vibrantes estaba clara. En resumen, las escuelas vibrantes deben: 1. Tener una fuerte y clara identidad católica y proporcionar excelencia académica.

2. Ir en aumento. Estrategias de contratación y gestión preventivas son un signo de vida de escuelas católicas vitales.

3. Ser financieramente sanas y, al mismo tiempo, proporcionar asistencia a aquellos que de lo contrario no podrían asistir a una escuela católica. Viabilidad financiera y capacidad de acceso son nuestros mayores desafíos.

Hay tres iniciativas que estamos llevando a cabo este año en nombre de nuestras Escuelas católicas que me gustaría compartir con ustedes.

Cena pro becas del Obispo para la Educación Elemental o Primaria: En el centro de conferencias Wege en la Plaza Catedral, el 14 de octubre de 2010 organizaremos la primera Cena Anual Pro becas del Obispo para recaudar fondos adicionales para los estudiantes de primaria que normalmente no podrían asistir a nuestras

escuelas debido a las finanzas. The Catholic Foundation of West Michigan que es de carácter diocesano está patrocinando el evento. Los fondos que se recauden serán en adición a los más de 200.000 dólares en becas que cada año son concedidas a través del fondo del obispo para la educación católica. El fondo fue establecido como un elemento de la campaña "In the Name of the Lord" que se celebró hace varios años. Las dos escuelas secundarias de Grand Rapids hacen una apelación anual para becas en beneficio de sus estudiantes.

Estas apelaciones son en adición al dinero para becas disponible a través de The Foundation for Catholic Secondary Schools que fue establecida para las escuelas secundarias Católicas de Grand Rapids (West y Catholic Central ). La subvención combinada de nuestras escuelas diocesanas, que es proporcionada por la diócesis y las parroquias, está muy por encima de los 17 millones de dólares. Este importe es en adición a la matrícula y pensiones que se cobran.

Reorganización de la oficina de escuelas: Superintendente de Escuelas Católicas Diocesano: Se ha producido una cierta ambigüedad sobre la presentación de informes y la rendición de cuentas relacionadas con nuestras escuelas y la diócesis. Actualmente estamos llevando a cabo una búsqueda nacional para encontrar un superintendente diocesano para las Escuelas católicas, primarias y secundarias, quién tendrá la responsabilidad general sobre todas las escuelas. La posición del superintendente será responsable directamente ante el obispo. Es mi esperanza de que esto nos permitirá trabajar de manera más creativa y proporcionar liderazgo y dirección a nuestras escuelas. Esto dará como resultado la reestructuración de la Oficina para Escuelas Católicas. Nuestras escuelas enfrentan una grave crisis, como lo hacen las escuelas católicas en todo el país y no hay soluciones simples o mágicas.

Como sabrán no tenemos un sistema escolar diocesano. Hay ventajas y desventajas en esto. Lo que tenemos es una Federación de escuelas operadas parroquialmente con alguna supervisión diocesana. La posición del superintendente está destinada a ayudar a acercarnos a un sistema con una mayor supervisión y rendición de cuentas a todos los niveles.

Cumbre sobre La Educación en escuelas católicas: En los próximos meses llamaré a un grupo de líderes de la Comunidad, católicos y no católicos para escucharles y discutir más plenamente sus opiniones y recomendaciones sobre la contribución de nuestras escuelas en nuestra iglesia local y en la Comunidad, y cómo es que nosotros podríamos ayudarles a crecer.

No estoy bajo ninguna ilusión que me haga creer que estos esfuerzos van a resolver la importante crisis de la educación tanto Católica como privada que se enfrenta a nivel local y nacional. No hay duda que habrá algunas consolidaciones y cierres mientras nos reagrupamos. Esta deberá ocurrir simplemente porque debemos utilizar mejor los escasos recursos que tenemos.

Hay 700 asientos vacios en nuestras escuelas sólo en la sección sudeste de Grand Rapids. La capacidad es mayor que la demanda. Hay al menos 3 escuelas con menos de cincuenta estudiantes en la diócesis. Creo que Nuestra fe - Nuestro Futuro, esfuerzo que está en marcha será útil para hacer las recomendaciones y decisiones necesarias.

Soy muy consciente que muchas influencias culturales están trabajando en contra de mantener una fuerte identidad Católica en nuestras escuelas.

Enfrentamos retos demográficos y otros múltiples retos en el crecimiento de inscripciones escolares. Hay graves dificultades financieras para mantener una educación católica, especialmente para quienes luchan por pagar la educación para sus hijos en la Escuela Católica.

Sabemos que el futuro será distinto pero sino enfrentamos el futuro con confianza y fe habremos fracasado en nuestras responsabilidades.

Obispo Walter A. Hurley

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord March 25 | Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion March 28

y dear friends, Catholic Schools

During a Mass celebrating Catholic Schools Week on Feb. 2 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, Bishop Hurley receives the gifts from Immaculate Heart of Mary sixth grader Haley Lyons (left) and St. Thomas the Apostle eighth grader Monica Blanco.

Bishop's Scholarship Dinner for Elementary Education: On October 14, 2010 at the Wege Conference Center at Cathedral Square, we will host the first annual Bishops' Scholarship Dinner to raise additional funds for elementary students who might not normally be able to attend our schools because of finances. The diocesan Catholic Foundation of West Michigan is sponsoring the event. The funds which are raised will be in addition to the more than $200,000 in scholarships granted each year through the Bishop’s Fund for Catholic Education in the Foundation.

The fund was established as an element of the "In the Name of the Lord" campaign held several years ago. The two Grand Rapids high schools do an annual appeal for scholarships to benefit their students. These appeals are in addition to scholarship money available through The Foundation for Catholic Secondary Education which was established for the Grand Rapids Catholic secondary schools (West and Catholic Central). The combined subsidy of our diocesan schools, which is provided by the diocese and parishes, is well over 17 million dollars. This amount is in addition to tuition that is collected.

Reorganization of Schools Office: Diocesan Superintendent for Catholic Schools: There has been a certain ambiguity about reporting and accountability relationships with our schools and the diocese. We are currently conducting a national search to seek a superintendent for diocesan Catholic schools, elementary and secondary, who will have overall responsibility for all schools. The position of superintendent will be accountable directly to the bishop. It is my expectation that this will enable us to work more creatively and provide leadership and direction for our schools. This will result in the restructuring of the Office for Catholic Schools. Our schools face a serious crisis as do Catholic schools throughout the country and there are not simple solutions or magic fixes.

As you may know we do not have a diocesan school system. There are plusses and minuses to that. What we have is a federation of schools that are parish operated with some oversight by the diocese.

The position of superintendent is intended to help bring us closer to a system with greater oversight and accountability at all levels.

Summit on Catholic School Education: In the coming months, I will call together a group of community leaders, both Catholic and non Catholic, to hear and discuss more fully their views and recommendations on the contribution of our schools in our local church and community, and how we might help them grow.

I am under no illusion that these efforts will solve the major crises of education both Catholic and private that are faced locally and nationally.

There is no doubt that there will be some consolidation and closings as we regroup. This will need to happen simply to better use the limited resources we have. There are 700 empty seats in our schools just in the southeast section of Grand Rapids. The capacity is greater than the demand. There are at least 3 schools with less than fifty students in the diocese. I believe Our Faith, Our Future effort that is underway will be helpful in making the necessary recommendations and decisions.

I am very much aware that many cultural influences are at work against maintaining a strong Catholic identity in our schools. We face demographic and other challenges in the growth of school enrollments. There are serious financial challenges in maintaining a Catholic education, especially for those struggling to afford Catholic school education for their children.

We know that the future will be different from the past, but unless we face the future with confidence and faith we will have failed in our responsibilities.

Bishop Walter A. Hurley

from the bishop

On Tuesday February 1, I celebrated, what has become an annual Catholic Schools Week Mass that brings together students, faculty and pastors from all our schools in the diocese. It was a wonderful celebration.

I continue to visit our schools throughout the diocese.

Again this year, I recorded radio messages in support of our schools and purchased billboard advertising to promote Catholic school education. Individual schools, as well, have undertaken initiatives to promote their local schools. I want to offer a few reflections on our schools.

Catholic schools, along with parish religious education programs, youth ministry and other means of lifelong faith formation and education, contribute directly to the health and vitality of the church of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Our Catholic schools provide religious education classes, sacramental preparation, liturgical and prayer experiences and opportunities for Christian witness and service in an atmosphere of academic excellence.

I am sometimes asked to share my vision for Catholic schools. While it is an important question, I had assumed my vision about having vibrant schools was clear. In summary, vibrant schools must: 1. H ave a strong, clear Catholic identity and provide academic excellence.

2. B e growing. Proactive recruitment and management strategies are a sign of life for vital Catholic schools.

3. B e financially healthy and, at the same time, provide assistance to those who otherwise could not attend a Catholic school. Financial viability and affordability are our greatest challenges.

There are three initiatives that we are undertaking this year on behalf of our Catholic schools that I would like to share with you.

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from the bishop

M

FAITH Grand Rapids / March 2010 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

6 I can’t stand my son-in-law

three tips to make it work Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a psychology professor and certified spiritual advisor.

parenting journey

Q A

A major theme of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding was the distress felt by the bride’s parents when they realized she loved a man who wasn’t Greek. The bride,Toula, didn’t know whether her father was more upset that her fiancé, Ian, was a Xeno (foreigner) or a vegetarian! Ian worked hard to be accepted by Toula’s family, including joining the Greek Orthodox Church. By the day of the wedding, all was well – Toula’s parents even gave the young couple the house next door to their own as a gift. Intergenerational conflicts aren’t typically resolved as smoothly in real life as they are in Hollywood!

The die is cast. As parents, we picture rosy scenarios for our children’s futures, but, as they grow, their choices often stray from our expectations. Sometimes parents are surprised by career choices, disappointed when a promising talent turns into a weekend hobby. Other times, someone is a great fit in the family system and then the couple breaks up! But now your daughter has made a lifetime commitment. Your son-inlaw may rub you the wrong way in terms of his personality or his behaviors may trigger red flags. It is likely that your daughter was aware of your feelings before the marriage. But now she has made her choice and that commitment must be respected.

Q

Whenever our neighbor is away, his son has friends over and plays his car stereo with that loud, low beat that rattles all the windows in the neighborhood. This is ruining our Saturdays – what can we do?

Adolescents have a tendency to take risks and test the limits of authority in every possible way.

I wonder if your neighbor knows what his son does when he is away.

Remember that Jesus told us to love one another as we love ourselves – if this

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were your child, wouldn’t you want to know? So, the first step in trying to solve this annoying situation is talking with your neighbor.

You can present yourself as a concerned adult who needs to inform the parent about what happens in his absence. If he is receptive, you can describe how this

• Focus on the goal. When a couple marry, encouragement and support are much more valuable than gifts from their registry lists. In your daughter’s case, this is difficult – but the goal is for their marriage to work. Accept the fact that you may never like your son-in-law, but he is now family. Give him a small photo of your daughter as a baby and ask for one of him to sit beside hers at your house! All babies are likeable!

• Seek out the positive. Instead of compartmentalizing your relationship with your daughter, also schedule brief interactions with the young couple. Treat them to a movie. Show them a favorite hiking trail, restaurant or other site from your newlywed days. Take them to buy a small tree for their home and help them plant it. Search for plants for their apartment. Look for just one positive aspect about your sonin-law each time you see him and write it down in a notebook!

• Pray that your feelings change toward your son-in-law and that this marriage be a healthy one: “Subject to one another out of reverence for Christ,’ (Eph 5:21) and [through Christ] to love one another with supernatural, tender, and fruitful love” (CCC #1642).

Our neighbor’s son is always playing loud, thumping music Dr. Gelasia Marquez is a psychologist and family counselor.

youngster is ruining all the Saturdays for the rest of the neighborhood.

But, it could also be that the parent doesn’t think this is any big deal and dismisses your complaint.

He may make excuses for his son or accuse you of making a mountain out of a molehill. You could

offer to videotape the next time it happens so he can witness the intensity of the noise. My guess is that your neighbor will not appreciate the potential embarrassment of that offer and probably will talk to his son and you will be able to enjoy your Saturdays again.

S. Kendrick

what gets my goat

My husband and I really dislike our new son-in-law. I want to maintain a relationship with our daughter, but it’s hard to overlook the way we feel about her husband.

What can we do?

So, how do you make this work?

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He needs to find a job Sylvie says: A few years ago, everything was rosy.

Tom was making great money and I was working part-time to save for the kids’ college educations. Then the economy tanked, Tom’s company closed and he lost his job. We’ve had to pull the kids out of their schools and I’m working full time in a job I hate.

I don’t have nearly the time to spend with my family that I used to have.

And Tom is doing nothing but sitting around complaining. He needs to at least try to find a job!

There’s nothing out there!

He said | She said

Tom says: Sylvie doesn’t seem to understand how hard it is for a man my age to get Deacon Tom Fogle and JoAnne Fogle help prepare couples for marriage. another job. There is nothing out there. After years of buildenough to wait for a position, then keeping your skills sharp ing my career, I’m back at the bottom and it’s really depressing. by going back to school or volunteering may help you move Without my work, I feel like I’m nothing. You would think Sylvie out of a depressed mood. could be a little more sympathetic.

Life is not always fair, and when it throws us a curve, we can either adjust our lives to meet the new challenge or we can How ironic as I (Tom), too, was downsized become paralyzed – taking no action and waiting to be dished not just once in my career, but twice! From more of the same. We have always found that by taking the first-hand experience, both Jo and I can initiative and re-inventing ourselves as husband and wife and as truly relate to this situation. Without trying family, we have been able to steer a course in life that is acceptto simplify the circumstance, there are three actions we have found essential for our relationship to survive the loss of an in- able to each of us. Taking the helm of life and determining the direction we should take is much better than just riding along – come and the devastating feelings associated with losing a job letting someone else direct what we do and where we end up. and being required to start at the bottom again. First is heartto-heart communications between us; second is an opportunity The time for joint action from both Sylvie and Tom is now.

Procrastinating will only exacerbate an already difficult situation. to re-invent ourselves as a couple and as a family unit; and Finally, and most importantly, pray together, asking God what third is to take it to prayer. Let us expand on these points as it he desires. We have found that when challenging situations are relates to Sylvie and Tom. First, we can almost guarantee that without a level of commu- encountered, most often God has a different plan for our relationship than we originally did. Discerning God’s plan means we nication that encompasses feelings, thoughts, desires and needs, need to be open to the Holy Spirit’s prodding, open to hidden Tom and Sylvie will find it extremely difficult to maintain their marital relationship where “two shall become one.” Jo and I have opportunities and to making changes, no matter how difficult they may appear. Sylvie and Tom should remember that change found that being sensitive to each other’s feelings helps our conis slow, so be patient and the unconditional love you give each fidence level to be able to share openly and honestly in creating other will get you through this hurdle in life. a new plan of action that is acceptable to us both.

Through it all, be assured that God will be there to provide the No doubt, in this economy, it is tough to find a job – pargrace and strength needed to keep your relationship growing so you ticularly if you will only accept a position at or above your previous wage and skill level. If you are economically fortunate can take advantage of new growth potential and opportunities.

what do they do?

your marriage matters

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Managing God’s gifts stewardship journal

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By Michelle Sessions DiFranco | Photography by Philip Shippert

culture

ince birth, my 4-year-old daughter has always been very quiet, independent, sweet, and easy to please. As an infant, she hardly fussed, and even today she isn’t the whining type if things don’t go her way. Heck, I don’t even know when she’s sick unless she’s running a fever of 102 or higher, since she rarely complains about anything.

Often, I have used her pleasant and easy demeanor to my advantage to clean the house, work on freelance projects or even delve into something fun. It was the perfect routine while my other little guy napped in the afternoon; I would get work done while she quietly played in her bedroom. We had a good thing going. That’s what I thought, anyway. Until my little girl uttered something that proved otherwise and would forever change the way I manage my time.

As I was sitting in front of my computer, I heard her muffled little feet creep up behind me. In her sweet little singsong voice, she asked, “Mommy, how come you never play with me while Joey sleeps?”

My heart sank. Her question elicited mixed feelings of sweet affection and guilt. I didn’t know whether to reply with the proverbial and cute “awww” or cry.

I knew right then I had to shuffle things around on the “to do” list in my own life.

My heart was in the right place with wanting to give of my time and talents. I was just failing miserably at being a good

Stewardship Journal Supplies: • 9 ¾” x 7 ½” composition notebook • Two 11 ¾” x 7 ½” pieces of patterned paper • Two 9 ½” x 7 ½” pieces of patterned paper • Metal frame embellishment • Regal paper clip (or any flat paper clip) • 36 inches of ribbon (1 inch wide to cover spine and right margin of inside cover) • Computer and printer • Metal ruler • Utility or craft knife • Double-sided tape (or any scrapbook adhesive)

steward and managing all of it. Especially the one gift from God that trumps everything he’s entrusted me with – my children.

So how does one go about fixing all of this? For me, ,it took some introspection, prayer and prioritizing. And yes, taking on yet another project. But this one, in the end, helps me to better manage my time, talents, and treasure day by day. It is a personalized journal where I can write down a daily task or goal that is specially chosen to help me (or sometimes force me) to be a better steward of my gifts. I like to think of it as a documentation of a day in the life of a busy mom, as well as a way to make good use of my time that best serves God. But it isn’t just for moms; anyone can benefit from one of these.

It’s amazing how much more one can utilize their God-given gifts with the help of this fun project. I encourage you to try it for yourself.

1

Type and print any copy, and trim all pieces of patterned paper to their appropriate sizes.

2

Adhere an 11 ¾” x 7 ½” piece of patterned paper on front cover of composition notebook, leaving the taped binding exposed and a 1-inch border on top, bottom and right side. Repeat this process on back cover with remaining 11 ¾” x 7 ½” piece of paper.

3

On the inside front cover, fold corners over and then the remaining sides.

Place regal paper clip on top of a 9 ½” x 7

½” piece of paper and adhere on the inside front cover. Trim 1/8” corner off of the top and bottom left side (to match up with the folded corners). Repeat this process on the back cover (trimming 1/8” corner off of the top and bottom right side).

4

Adhere title and frame to front cover. Tie ribbon to cover the spine and right margin of the inside cover. If you wish, adhere a 1-inch strip of scrap patterned paper on left margin of inside back cover (to cover exposed area on top and bottom).

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10

Dear Fr. Joe: T. Gennara

Is the world ending in 2012? @

Q

Send your questions to: JoeInBlack@priest.com

What’s the deal with the year 2012? Is the world really going to end?

in the know with Fr. Joe

A

I’ve been getting a bunch of these.

Let’s get right to it.

First of all, let’s name the situation: In the last couple of years, great attention has been drawn to a calendar created and used by many of the pre-Columbian Meso-American cultures. Most people simply call it the Mayan calendar. Anyway, this calendar is notable for many features, not the least of which is the fact that it abruptly ends on Dec. 21, 2012.

This fact has caused a stir on the Internet and even resulted in the making of a very expensive movie named (oddly enough) 2012. The focus of the movie and, in fact, of the stories and panic on the Internet is the fear that this is when the world is going to end. Many Christians, who tend to focus on the end of the world and other such things, tend to cling to stuff like this.

So, is the world going to end in 2012?

Yes. I’m kidding … really.

There are several problems with this apocalyptic theory, some of them from the calendar itself and others from Scripture. Let’s start with the calendar.

First of all, I’ve read a few articles that mention that the Mayan calendar was never meant to be viewed this way. As an example, some of Mayan inscriptions contain prophecies about events that are to occur after December 2012. That alone should quiet any talk about it, but it doesn’t.

This is from an article in USA Today on March 27, 2008: “But scholars are bristling at attempts to link the ancient Maya with trends in contemporary spirituality.

Maya civilization, known for advanced writing, mathematics and astronomy, flourished for centuries in Mesoamerica, especially between A.D. 300 and 900.

Its Long Count calendar, which was discontinued under Spanish colonization, tracks more than 5,000 years, then resets at year zero.

“For the ancient Maya, it was a huge celebration to make it to the end of a whole cycle,” says Sandra Noble, executive director of the Foundation for the

iStock photo

Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies in Crystal River, Fla. To render Dec. 21, 2012, as a doomsday or moment of cosmic shifting, she says, is “a complete fabrication and a chance for a lot of people to cash in.”

So, there we have it. Plenty of reason to not fear an upcoming apocalypse because of the Mayan calendar.

In case that is not enough for you, let’s read the words of Jesus: But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone (Matthew 24:36).

Or how about this one?

Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come (Luke 12:39 & 40).

Jesus makes it clear in Matthew that this knowledge belongs only to the father. Anyone trying to tell you something different is a huckster. Look at the Luke passage again – based on it, you could actually say that any day someone predicts the world is going to end is a day it definitely won’t.

Here’s the thing in a nutshell, brothers and sisters – it’s not our business to know when the world is going to end.

It’s our business to be prepared every moment of every day for that end. God’s goal is not to trick us or share some secrets with only a few: God’s goal is to get us to heaven, all of us.

Enjoy another day in God’s presence!

FAITH Grand Rapids / March 2010 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

11

Who do you say that I am?

Read more of Paul Jarzembowski’s thoughts on www.spiritualpopcorn.blogspot.com.

Some of the movies are quite direct about the subject, like Mel Gibson’s graphic depiction of the crucifixion in The Passion of the Christ (2004), while others are more veiled references to the Christ figure like the titular alien in E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) and Keanu Reeve’s Neo in The Matrix (1999).

In The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), Jesus is the triumphant king of heaven and earth, so much so that many of the celebrities of the day (from Charlton Heston to Sidney Poitier to John Wayne) came to worship him. On the other hand, in Jesus of Nazareth (1977), the messiah is all-too-human, experiencing the first

century as a simple Jewish man on a mission to save the people with whom he walked.

In more recent years, Hollywood has hidden the face of Christ in characters like the heroic Man of Steel in Superman (1976), the compassionate selfless mentor ObiWan Kenobi in Star Wars (1977) or the mystical master Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back (1981), the wise and self-sacrificing Spock in The Wrath of Khan (1982), the brave Ellen Ripley who faces off against the demonic creatures in Aliens (1986), and three distinct characters in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003): the king of kings Aragon, the cross-bearing servant Frodo and the resurrected high priest Gandalf.

It says so much about the multifaceted character of Christ that no one movie can completely say

everything there is about Jesus of Nazareth. And as unique as these treatments of the messiah are, they actually say more about us than they do about Christ.

In the Scriptures, Jesus poses a question to the disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mk. 8:27). Today, Jesus might offer a similar question to movie-goers: “Which movie about me do you say that I am?” Perhaps whatever kind of Christ figure we most resonate with can give us insight into the way we connect with our Lord – and be a doorway to a deeper relationship with God. So who do you say Christ is? What image of the savior will you meditate on this Good Friday and Easter Sunday – and, even more importantly, how will you take what you’ve seen on screen and proclaim it to the world by your words and actions?

spiritual popcorn

I

t might surprise you to learn that one of the most popular film subjects in the history of Hollywood is Jesus of Nazareth.

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Can biblical texts have multiple meanings?

theology 101

Father Robert Schoenstene, S.S.L., is assistant professor, Department of Biblical Exegesis and Proclamation, University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. Elizabeth Nagel, S.S.D., is a professor in the Department of Biblical Exegesis and Proclamation, University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

Pilgrimage destination of the month Every year, Catholics from around the globe travel to religiously significant locations in order to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the Catholic faith, to venerate Mary and the saints, to ask for intercessory prayers and to express gratitude. Here is just one of the many places you might want to make a pilgrimage.

Lisieux, France Lisieux was founded more than 2,000 years ago. The town was losing its religious and economic importance until the turn of the 20th Century when

France, and later the Lisieux currently receives whole world, discovered more than two million the life and message of a pilgrims a year, and the young Carmelite, Sister number continues to Theresa of the Child grow.

Jesus. The town soon St. Therese was born became an important on Feb. 2, 1873, in Alençon. Therese lived shrine of spirituality. in Lisieux for 10 years About 100 miles before entering the northwest of Paris, in Carmel in 1888 at the the Normandy region, age of 15. In Therese’s Lisieux is second only St, Therese memoirs, Story of a to Lourdes in terms of number of pilgrims received in France. Soul, she explains her “little way” to holiness. This “little way” consists Nearly destroyed in World War II,

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Name that church doctor

Q:

The honorary title, “doctor of the church,” is bestowed by the pope in recognition of a person’s contribution to the understanding and interpretation of Sacred Scripture and the development of Christian doctrine. See if you know which “doctor” said this…

“He prays best who does not know that he is praying.”

Q

Can Biblical texts have multiple meanings? If yes, how are we to understand the different ways of understanding a text?

A

Professor Nagel: The question of multiple meanings brings up the matter of the different senses that biblical texts can have.

For most people, the most interesting sense seems to be the spiritual sense – whatever they mean by that.

If you ask 30 people to define the spiritual sense, you will often get 30 different answers. In the church, too, the meaning of the spiritual sense has varied over time.

The early church fathers recognized two senses in biblical texts, a literal and a spiritual sense. But since their chief context for interpreting Scripture was the liturgy, they emphasized

A:

St. Anthony of Padua (1195 – 1231) St. Anthony of Padua is the evangelical doctor. He became a member of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) after seeing the bodies of the first Franciscan martyrs, who had died in Morocco, being conveyed into a church. From that moment, his one desire was to preach and suffer for Christ’s sake.

He taught theology in various places, but was best known for his oratory. He was a gifted preacher and he worked many miracles. He also labored tirelessly to combat the vices of luxury, avarice, tyranny and heresy (he actually earned the title of Malleus hereticorum, or Hammer of the Heretics).

St Anthony of Padua He is the patron saint of Portugal, searchers of lost items, with Christ Child and travelers. His feast day is June 13.

What does that symbol mean?

The sand dollar has been used in modern times as a reminder of the major events in the life of Christ.

On one side of the shell appears a flower shape roughly resembling the latter and understood it as the Christological sense of the text, i.e., the text’s meaning when read in light of the mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection and the new life that flows from it.

Later, Thomas Aquinas taught that the most important sense and the starting point of interpreting the Scriptures was the literal sense, i.e. the original meaning of the text for those who heard it. All other senses, including the spiritual, were based

not of extraordinary sacrifices, but of the monotony of little acts offered to God through love. Her memoirs were published in more than 60 languages and she quickly became known and venerated throughout the world. In 1925, she was declared a saint.

Notables: • The Carmelite convent that St. Therese entered at age 15 and where she lived a cloistered life of obscurity until her death at age 24.

Les Buissonets

• Les Buissonets (the little bushes) was the home of St. Therese in Lisieux prior to her entry into the convent. It is now a museum.

a poinsettia, a reminder of Jesus’ nativity. The shell is pierced with four small holes and one larger one, signifying the four nails and a spear that pierced his body. On the other side is another flower shape resembling a lily, a reminder of his resurrection. A broken shell reveals five tiny bones that resemble doves, a reminder of the Holy Spirit, who is always with us. necessarily on the literal sense and flowed from it. This meant that any spiritual sense could not contradict the literal sense, but that it must somehow be in line with or develop it.

Father Schoenstene: Biblical texts take on different meanings depending on the historical and cultural context of the community reading them. For example, when Isaiah speaks of the “Suffering Servant,” the Jews of Isaiah’s time would not have understood this as being messianic in nature. Rather, the “Suffering Servant” could have been understood as Israel itself. In contrast, this same text takes on a fuller meaning in the New Testament because of God’s revelation to humanity of himself through the Word, i.e. Jesus Christ.

This is not to suggest the continuum of the truth in the texts is absent, even though the application of the texts may change. The psalms are true though the meaning may change through their use in, for example, the liturgy versus private prayer.

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Four questions

spiritual fitness

T. Gennara

to a truly humble heart Sister Ann Shields is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. Questions can be addressed to Sister Ann Shields, Renewal Ministries, 230 Collingwood, Suite 240, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

15

“J

esus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity – greedy, dishonest, adulterous – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’

But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14.

Sometimes in life, without consciously making a decision, we drift into an attitude in which we see ourselves as better than others. Our intellect and/or our talents are excellent and we tend to see ourselves as a cut above the rest of human kind. People praise us and we believe what they say and begin to think and act, quietly at first, as people of the top tier. “Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men…”

Perhaps, it is not in academic accomplishments or sports or music or drama or art that we take pride, but in our spiritual accomplishments. I pray daily, I tithe, I go to confession and eucharistic adoration weekly, I am an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, I teach CCD, I work on the parish bazaar or minister to those in need.

Doing these things is wonderful and we are called to serve, but they can become millstones around our necks when we use them as a security blanket to feel good about ourselves, or as a way of taking out insurance that God will have to love me now because…

Do you get the idea?

That’s how the Pharisee thought. He prided himself on following every jot and tittle of the law – and then despised everyone who did not live up to his standards. Note: His standards.

When you look at yourself and others, whose standards do you use? Do you use yourself as the measuring stick to determine the value of others?

A lot of us have fallen into this trap. If we have, God wants us to use this Lent to change our thinking so that we can become more like him!

The Pharisee prided himself on following every jot and tittle of the law – and then despised everyone who did not live up to his standards.

When I get on my high horse, as my father used to call it, I can be judgmental and critical of others. I can compare myself to others and according to my lights, see myself as so much better than those around me. God is not pleased!

In this parable, the tax collector knew that he had committed personal sin and he acknowledged it! He knew that, in his position as tax collector, he was working for

the Romans and, in some ways, exploiting his own people.

The Scripture does not tell us why he was a tax collector.

We can’t hear his reasons and then judge him ourselves as having good reason to do so. We make so many judgments based on externals.

But Jesus knows the heart and looks at the honesty of the tax collector who is asking God forgiveness for his sins.

Jesus also sees the pride and the arrogance of the Pharisee in his prayer.

Which one is truly righteous?

When you and I stand before God, we will not be judged on our wealth, our power, our prestige; the judgment of God will not be based on the world’s criteria. None of that will have any eternal value.

What does have value is living my life, according to the Gospel, thanking God daily that he created me in order that I might be with him in eternal joy! God will never ask how many talents I had, but rather what I did with what he gave me.

Spiritual exercises – ask yourself these questions 1. How grateful are you for what you have been given?

2. Do you acknowledge God as the source of all that is good in your life?

3. Do you see him as the origin of all your blessings – however many or few they are?

4. Do you repent when you fail and daily ask his help to live a life pleasing to him?

In other words, as the prophet Micah tells us: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) If you live by these standards, you won’t have time to judge (and most often misjudge) others. Live honorably, act justly, be kind to all and acknowledge God daily as the source of all that is good in your life. As you practice these things you will crowd out the judgmentalism, the negativity toward others. Fear and doubt about yourself will lessen.

As you walk simply and humbly with your God in these ways, you will know his delight in you and that joy, no one can take from you.

c o v e r

“W

s t o r y

hat does God want me to do?” Margaret Snow turns 90 on March 31, and she’s still asking God that question.

Asking Him – listening to what he has to say – and putting her faith in his way – has brought untold blessings to this spry Polish Catholic who lives on Grand Rapids’ West Side.

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By Molly Klimas | Photos by Jonathan Tramontana and courtesy of Margaret Snow

18 A visit to her house goes like this: If you’re a grown-up, like me, you’re greeted with fresh coffee and cinnamon rolls. If it’s dinner time, she might make her famous Swiss steak (her parents once owned a restaurant, Milan’s Barbecue, on Grand Rapids’ Northeast Side – and knowing how to cook is in her genes).

If you’re a wee bit younger – say, a little girl of tea-party age – you might be invited to partake of Earl Grey (honey- or cream-sweetened, of course) and cookies at a dining-room table adorned with lace.

Neighborhood boys also knock on Mrs. Snow’s door. One 10-yearold boy who especially enjoys Mrs. Snow’s company once said, “Mrs. Snow, are you an old lady who acts young or a young lady who looks old?”

“I love it,” Mrs. Snow says, chuckling, “Being born just a day away from April Fool’s, there’s a little of that silliness in me.”

She’s raised six kids and, over the years, had a hand in helping countless others. Now, neighborhood children stop by when they could be playing video games.

Sweet, simple moments like these still happen in our jaded world?

Indeed, they do.

cover story

I nterviewing Mrs. Snow for a FAITH article goes like this: She’s ready for you – more prepared than you are – and has written up, on several sheets of loose leaf paper, the highlights of her very active nine decades. And yet, a funny thing happens when you’re reading these notes later: You realize she’s talking about others.

And during the interview, she tells you, “Now, please don’t make this about me. This is about Catholic Charities West Michigan.”

And so, it’s with Catholic Charities that we’ll begin.

Margaret Snow, age 28

time included 29 counties and stretched from the Indiana border to Traverse City – needed a formal bureau to administer social services.

Just a few years earlier, young Margaret Mary Milanowski had graduated from Aquinas College and spent a year teaching at Sheldon School in Grand Rapids. Her Polish language skills and giftedness working with children garnered a scholarship to Catholic University’s National Catholic School of Social Service. She would study in the master’s in social Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) work program at the Washington, for many years was known locally as Catholic D.C.-based university and, upon Human Development Outreach, Catholic Social graduation, was planning to work Services and, before that, the Catholic Service for the United Nations helping with Bureau. It seems as though the communityrehabilitation efforts for children in based agency operated by the Diocese of Grand Poland affected by World War II. Rapids has always been in existence.

At first, Margaret hesitated to When the hungry of the region need leave her mother and siblings for meals, there’s God’s Kitchen in Grand Washington – four of her six brothers Rapids, Meals on Wheels, Loaves & Fishes were away, serving their country in and the Christian Community Center in the waning days of the war. Her dad had passed away years before, and Muskegon. When individuals or families Margaret’s teacher’s salary helped the need counseling or help with substance family. abuse problems, CCWM is there. When But her mother, who had emigrated women facing unplanned pregnancies from Poland, was adamant that she aren’t sure where to seek assistance, they accept the scholarship. can turn to CCWM. These are just a few of “You go,” she said to Margaret. “You the services provided by CCWM over the years to thousands of people – regardless of can never have enough education.” background or religion.

So she went, and the young Margaret The agency dates to 1946 when thenloved her studies and the nation’s Margaret Snow, (nee Milanowski) upper Bishop Francis Haas determined the capital. right corner, in her graduation program.

Diocese of Grand Rapids – which at the “They were light-hearted times: “We

For the least of my people …

Margaret says the rosary – as she has for years – a decade each in English, Polish, Latin and the Italian she’s learning.

took trolleys all around; and Georgetown med students ‘were available,’” she winked.

She met Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin, founders of the Catholic Worker Movement. “It was mind-boggling how they gave of themselves,” Margaret said.

Once, she was invited to a private Mass followed by a lunch that included thenAmbassador Joseph Kennedy and actress Ingrid Bergman. The celebrant was Msgr. (then Bishop) Fulton Sheen, a member of the Catholic University faculty.

“He had this splendid apartment with a private chapel where he said Mass, and I was stunned by how beautiful and elaborate it was,” Margaret recalled.

A housekeeper pulled the wide-eyed young Margaret aside and whispered that the bishop had to do “a lot of entertaining of important people.”

Then she showed Margaret his bedroom.

“It was so spare, simple. Just a cot,” Margaret said.

Margaret successfully completed the MSW program in 1945, but the plan to help rehabilitate orphaned Polish children had been sidelined when the United Nations sent the children to another country. Margaret stayed on in Washington, working locally for Catholic Charities.

About a year into her work, she received the call to join the Diocese of Grand Rapids’ newly formed social services bureau.

“When I was summoned by Bishop Haas, I was so reluctant to leave DC,” Margaret wrote. “My brother, John, had come to the Catholic University Law School and was able to live with me. I loved working for Catholic Charities. … And my social life was thriving!”

So, she asked God: “What do you want me to do?”

It didn’t take long for her to hear his answer, and it didn’t take long for her to answer his call: She moved back to her hometown.

Waiting at Catholic Service Bureau for her to jump in as

a case worker were Father Joseph C. Walen, director; Fred Lenhard, supervisor; and Pat Eardley Ghering, the first case worker hired on. Together, they got the agency off the ground.

Margaret, writing, recalled: The agency [originally] was located on Leonard Street NE between College and Lafayette, at St. John’s Home, then an orphanage. Msgr. Walen had living quarters there and the Dominican Sisters were in charge of the children. At first, we worked for summer placements with rural families for the older children. As time went on, we tried to reunite some of them with their biological families, find foster homes and adoptions.

One success story: A childless Catholic couple from Texas stopped at St. John’s when I was on duty one Saturday and asked me if there were any children they could take to their cottage near Muskegon. However, they were not licensed. They promised to attend to that matter and came back the following week with the proper license. Three children from the same family went with them (one girl and two boys). The children stayed

19

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cover story

Margaret’s husband of 60 years, Judge Roman “Bud” Snow, who served as judge in West Michigan for three decades. Judge Snow, shown at left in 1949, passed away in May 2009.

with them the whole summer. By the next year, this couple adopted all three. I was privileged to get a picture of the girl as a prom queen years later!

Another story: One time, with two children in the agency car, the weather turned to sleet and snow. I was miles away from Grand Rapids. Luckily, I found a restaurant where the children and I had something to eat.

A couple of truckers (after learning the kids were on their way to St. John’s) led me all the way – one in front, one in back – right up the driveway to St. John’s. Bless them!

Thank You, Lord!

The agency work also led Margaret down the path to her future husband, Roman “Bud” Snow.

One day, after taking three little boys from St. John’s to a doctor appointment, they stopped at a friend’s ice cream shop on

'When I was summoned by Bishop Haas, I was so reluctant to leave DC. My brother, John, had come to the Catholic University Law School and was able to live with me. I loved working for Catholic Charities. …

And my social life was thriving!'

So, she asked God: 'What do You want me to do?'

It didn’t take long for her to hear His answer, and it didn’t take long for her to answer his call: She moved back to her hometown."

Bridge Street. Bud Snow was there. Margaret remembered Bud from Catholic Central High School. He had recently graduated from the University of Detroit School of Law. He asked her about her work and she talked about how she would take the children on various appointments and day trips.

Often, she would take a few of the St. John’s children on Sundays to her brother’s cottage at Ottawa Beach.

“That following Saturday, he telephoned me, asking me if I was taking any children to the beach on Sunday and could he come along? … The rest of the summer we spent together, taking children from St. John’s to the lake.”

When they brought the children back to St. John’s, Sister Leo would say, “You wore them out; you put them to bed!”

And often, Bud would help the children with teeth brushing and night-time prayers. Sister Leo was impressed. So was Margaret.

“I liked that about Bud,” she said. “They were glorious times – I was blessed.”

Margaret and Bud married on June 25, 1949. She worked one more year at Catholic Service Bureau and then left when she was pregnant with their first child.

Whatsoever you do …

(circa 1946) Margaret and Patricia Eardley Gehring, two of the first employees of the then newly created diocesan Catholic Social Services (now known as Catholic Charities West Michigan).

God had plenty in mind for the young couple. For starters, she and Bud would bring into the world and raise six children.

They kept things light with laughter: “For example, on Mother’s Day, Bud would give me a card that said, ‘Happy Mother’s Day … from a fellow who feels somewhat responsible.’ Bud was always joking like that,” Margaret said.

Bud’s law career in West Michigan would blossom and span four decades, three of those decades as a judge. Meanwhile, their West Side house near Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish was always abuzz with activity. The bustle would increase when Margaret became a social worker for Grand Rapids Public Schools. Sometimes, she and Bud would take in children who had nowhere to go.

“Bud was an absolute angel,” Margaret said. “One morning he was up early making breakfast for the kids and a little boy didn’t believe he was a judge – because certainly a judge wouldn’t be making breakfast and doing dishes!”

As the kids grew older, Margaret had more time to volunteer.

She became a Job Corps project director as part of the Catholic organization, Women in Community Service. She served on

FAITH Grand Rapids / March 2010 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

Catholic Charities West Michigan

Margaret at the head of the table of a recent tea-party she hosted for her special guests - children from her neighborhood.

numerous boards, including the Family Service Association, Child Haven Guild, the YWCA, the Grand Rapids Historical Commission, Sacred Heart Parish’s Board of Education and, yes, Catholic Social Services.

The days – and decades – flew by.

Fast-forward to February 2009 when Bud, then 90 years old and retired, fell at home and sustained a severe neck injury.

“The doctors said he wouldn’t make it,” his son Paul Snow said.

But when Bud woke up, cracked open an eye and jokingly started giving his own eulogy, family and staff at Saint Mary’s Health Care were astonished.

“His first words to those of us gathered around him were, ‘Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today … ’” Paul said.

It wasn’t his time, and a few weeks later, Bud walked out the hospital doors – albeit with a halo-like device stabilizing his head.

Back at home, Margaret and Bud didn’t tip-toe around the topic of death; in fact, they’d have a good laugh at it.

“I would say to Bud, ‘You’ve always been such a gentleman. It should be ladies

Margaret shows a photo of a Honduran boy that she sponsors through the Christian Foundation for Aging (CFCA), a Catholic lay organization that sponsors children and elderly in developing countries throughout the world.

A photo of Margaret and Roman "Bud" Snow's children taken years ago at John Ball Park, across from their West Side home. (front row, left to right) Barbara, Judith, Michele; (back row, left to right) Mary Ann, Paul and Catherine.

first.’ And he’d say, “Margaret, if you did that to me, I’d never speak to you again!’”

Three months later, Bud fell again, this time sustaining more life-threatening injuries.. He died on May 24, 2009. The Snows had been married 60 years.

“We had a good alliance for a long time,” Margaret said.

She carries his spirit in her own gusto for life. In November, she made a pilgrimage to Rome and St. Peter’s Square.

Back at home, neighborhood children are always dropping by as well as her adult children and grandchildren.

She’s busy as ever. But she’s also reflective.

Every day, she says the rosary – as she has for years – a decade each in English, Polish, Latin and, since she’s been to Rome, in the Italian she’s learning.

When the weather is good enough, she walks to Mass everyday at St. Anthony Parish near her home.

God’s will is always in her mind. At the end of the notes Margaret wrote for this interview, she asked, “What is my future?”

And then she listens.

In November 2007, Catholic Social Services of Grand Rapids joined with Catholic Social Services of Muskegon and Catholic Human Development Outreach to form Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM), which serves the 11 counties of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.

The programs and services of CCWM have three distinct areas of emphasis: • Community Outreach – including food, shelter and pantry programs: Casa de la Paz Emergency Shelter, Catholics Acting on Social Teaching C.A.S.T, Christian Community Center, Foster Grandparents, God's Kitchen, Immigration Assistance, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, Low Income Pharmacy Care, Project Rachel (Post Abortion Reconciliation and Counseling), Senior Companions.

• Behavioral Health – counseling services for individuals and families: Family, Individual, and Child Counseling, Substance Abuse Treatment, Domestic Violence Group Counseling, Psychiatric Services, Premarital Preparation.

• Child Welfare/Family Preservation – programs that strengthen families and help keep children safe--including food, shelter, and pantry programs: Adoption, Post Adoption, Post Adoption Search Services, Abstinence Education and Support, Families First Program, Family Centered Services, Group Decision Making Program, Reunification Program, Family Issues And Parenting Program, Foster Care, Parenting Education Program, Healthy Start/Healthy Families Program, Early Impact, Strong Families/Safe Children Program, Step Down Program, Teen Parenting Program, Pregnancy Counseling and Support. or more information visit ccwestmi.org, F or become a fan on Facebook.

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Five million steps: A son’s tribute to his father brings peace, perspective and deepening faith

A

llow me to introduce myself ... my name is Benjamin Barron Richardson.

I grew up in beautiful Traverse City, Mich. I was raised in a Catholic family. Life was good for me, though spirituality was hardly a priority. After graduating from high school, I moved downstate to begin my college education. During these years, I became an apostate Catholic.

Story and photos by Benjamin B. Richardson

FAITH Grand Rapids / March 2010 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

As we walked to their car, they broke the news. Dad had not been feeling well; his physicians were not sure what the issue was, but we never thought it would be a life-threatening concern. As my parents prepared to return home, I remember vividly looking at him and saying, “I love you, Dad…” I remember he choked up and told me, “Love you too.”

Ben Richardson stops on a portion of the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts.

It was moments like this, he writes, that helped him realize how tiny he really is among all God’s creation.

I started my education at one liberal arts college, but eventually transferred to Aquinas College to pursue a different direction. I soon realized that Aquinas was a unique fit for me. I was making friends, my soccer career took off and the academics were of the rigor that I was seeking. The community of Aquinas and the faith-filled passion that enveloped the people gently, yet persistently, urged me to question the self-reliant ideologies that I relied upon. I explored

many churches and talked for hours with different students and professors to learn about their convictions. By the middle of my junior year I began taking theology classes out of sheer curiosity and interest. I was in love with my faith and the people who had supported my discernment.

In October 2007, my junior year of college, I was given the single greatest test of my faith.

I was 20 years old, and we had just finished a soccer match against Madonna University.

My parents had made their traditional drive to Grand Rapids to watch me play. We had won the game, and I marched across the field to greet my family. Something certainly seemed different.

I looked first at my mom, and saw feigned positivism. I then looked at my dad, and saw something much different.

As we walked to their car, they broke the news. Dad had not been feeling well; his physicians were not sure what the issue was, but we never thought it would be a life-threatening concern. As my parents prepared to return home, I remember vividly looking at him and saying, “I love you, Dad…” I remember he choked up and told me, “Love you too."

In the weeks that followed, my dad was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer which spread quickly. He suffered from periods of unbearable pain, yet we could only pray and cry. After all options at various hospitals were exhausted, my father was brought back to Traverse City to spend his final days in the town that he loved so much.

On May 13, 2008, my father passed away. It was surreal, yet I feel blessed to say that I was able to hold his hand as my dad took in his final breath and entered eternity with Jesus.

In memory of my father, my family and I created a fundraising organization to support people with cancer. My dad and I had planned

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One of the last family photos taken before Ben’s father, Ray, died. (back row, from left) Ben’s brother Zac, Ben, his brother Nate; (front row, from left) his mother Karen, Ray and sister Bethany.

Ben stops to celebrate in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, one of the most stunning regions of the entire trail.

any signs of civilization, and I frequently encountered wild bear, deer and even ponies! I reached the summit of Mount Washington amidst 30-degree sleet and came off of McAfee’s Knob in near 100-degree weather – all in the same week.

I bid farewell to many hiking buddies as they dropped off of the trail for various reasons. I met people who had been bitten by rattlesnakes and even attacked by rabid skunks!

I met a person whose career was hiking the AT, repeatedly going up and down the trail for years. I met couples that only lived on boats, hikers from France, Poland, Montreal, Vietnam and all corners of the United States. I met a member of Congress from Illinois, war veterans, former NFL players and homeless people.

I remember reaching the end of the AT – the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine. I was above the tree line, totally exposed to the elements, where 50-60 mph gusts knocked and blew me around the mountaintop. My body was soaked and shaking from sideways rain that stung like bullets. The landscape was so fogged in and slippery, at times I had to crawl from one trail marker to the next. After inching my way up 5,200 feet of mountainside, I finally saw that five- foot wide, gnarled, wooden sign indicating the end of the trail about 100 yards ahead. My mind flashed through all of the images of the famous “Katahdin” victory photos that I had seen: For 129 days I periodically stopped into stores, hostels and restaurants and would see photos of hikers victoriously standing atop Katahdin, arms raised in triumph for completing one of the world’s most rigorous trails. And now, the same sign was standing only inches ahead of me.

I felt the emotion swell as memories of my dad warmed my nearhypothermic body. I thought about his great sense of humor that was so Standing at the entry to the infamous “100-Mile Wilderness” in Maine, Ben prepares to uniquely him. His kindness, his passion tackle the last section of the trail before summiting Mount Katahdin. for the outdoors, I remember his love on taking a backpacking trip upon my graduation from college, so we decided to fashion the fundraiser around a hike. I opted for the Appalachian Trail (AT), a trail as expansive and meaningful as my father is to me. We deemed the fundraiser “PennyBen.” The idea was to have sponsors donate a penny per mile that I hiked along the trail which is 2,178.3 miles. We brought the concept to Aquinas College where the campus relished in our grassroots inspiration. By the time I was packing the car to head to Georgia to begin my PennyBen hike, our organization had raised over $14,000 and donated it all to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in downtown Grand Rapids.

I began my hike on May 13, 2009, the one-year anniversary of my father’s passing. My life on the trail was simply phenomenal. There were magnificent times when the weather was stunning and the views were sublime. Spending more than four months in the wilderness also brought some anxiety, like lightning storms in New Jersey and the floods, hurricane and tornadoes around Vermont. I would go days without seeing

FAITH Grand Rapids / March 2010 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

that poured out for our family. It seemed like only the blink Occasionally I would think, “If only they knew I’ve of an eye from when I was a little kid riding with my dad graduated from college. If only they knew that I…” and the in the passenger seat of his truck, to that moment when I list went on. I was viewing society from the other end; I was suddenly grasping the top of the Katahdin sign, the knew what it was like to be considered subhuman. I vowed insignia that so definitively marks the end of a journey. The then to never poorly view a person without a home or any tears came, purging drops releasing me from the anger and person based on their appearance. sadness that had gripped me from my father’s passing, and I learned much while I was hiking the Appalachian Trail, yet tears of happiness knowing that he was with me the but I was left with more questions. In order to truly believe, entire time. perhaps we have to be in a situation with nothing to lean And then, just like that, my hike, my pilgrimage, had on but God. Maybe in order to truly have compassion for come to a close. There truly was only one thing that kept another, we literally have to walk in his or her shoes. To truly me on the trail – grace. understand another’s pain, Some of the most powerful might we have to suffer Some of the most powerful moments that I had while with them? I wonder if in moments that I had while hiking were the hours at the order to seek justice, we hiking were the hours at the break of dawn where I would first must be judged. In walk with God. I would tell order to be Christian, must break of dawn where I would walk him how I was feeling, think we bear his cross? Timewith God. I would tell him how I was about my dad and cry over honored questions with feeling, think about my dad and cry memories from the top of the untimely responses though over memories from the top of the Appalachian Mountains. eternally relevant.

While I was hiking I I do know that Appalachian Mountains.” deepened my relationship statistically I shouldn’t with God, yet my physical have completed my appearance turned me hike. Yet I kept walking, into a societal pariah. one foot in front of the How fascinating to have other, for more than five these two experiences million steps, through 14 juxtaposed. I felt the burn states, over 2,178.3 miles. of judging eyes as I would From Georgia to Maine, I walk into restaurants. I hiked that footpath, and felt the stare as people I hiked every inch of it sheepishly gawked at with my dad and God. my massive beard. I They took the trip with heard children remark me, and we spoke every to their parents about night. We laughed, cried my unbearable stench. I and stared blankly at the noticed people ogle my skies for hours soaking in dirty body, my famished the darkness as if it were limbs caked in mud and bathwater. sweat. They winced at After many months of stained clothing, and hiking, I now find myself the pack that carried working with Catholic my every belonging.

Charities West Michigan I wondered if people as a social justice realized that I was hiking coordinator. I hope to the Appalachian Trail walk in the footsteps of and hoping they didn’t people like Dorothy Day. think I was going to ask I pray for the inspiration for money. Their fixated of Martin Luther King Jr. looks made me ashamed I hope for the heart of and self-conscious.

Mother Theresa. I yearn Then it suddenly for the simplicity of dawned on me. I was trail life, and I beg for experiencing firstChrist’s blessings on all Ben and his dad embrace for a Father’s Day hug in June 2007. hand what it was like of his people; especially, His dad would be diagnosed with cancer just a few months later. to be considered homeless. “the least of these.”

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Do you believe?

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everal years ago, a non-Christian friend of mine told me that he had never heard the story of Easter. Have you ever told the story to someone for the first time? To be honest, as I heard myself tell it in this context, I realized how preposterous it is!

Here is a brief recounting of what I told him. As you read on, try to imagine that you have never heard the story before.

Jesus was a devout Jew who preached the reign of God and worked miracles. He fed the hungry, healed the sick and even raised the dead. But because the Jewish authorities of his day felt he represented a threat to their security with the Roman leaders, they turned him over to the government to be crucified.

Three days after his death, some of his disciples found his tomb empty. They saw a vision of angels, telling them that Jesus had been raised from the dead.

Over the next several weeks, Jesus occasionally appeared to his disciples. But often, they could not recognize him, because he appeared somehow different than he had before he died. After 40 days he ascended into heaven from the top of a mountain, promising that he would one day return. In the meantime he asked his followers to continue preaching, healing and feeding people – acting as his body on earth. He sent his Holy Spirit to guide them. He hasn’t come back in more than 2,000 years, but we are still waiting.

Sounds pretty flimsy, doesn’t it? Why would anyone believe such a story? Because doing so makes our lives perfect? Certainly not. Most Christians I know would admit that their lives are often difficult. They struggle with sickness and sinfulness. They have conflicts with family and friends. Many are unemployed or underemployed. If they do have jobs, they often struggle with difficult co-workers, low salaries or lack of benefits. All of the Christians I know have plenty of troubles and worries. As St. Theresa of Avila once remarked, “God, if this is how you treat your friends, it is no wonder you have so few!”

And yet, Jesus does have more than a few friends.

Over the centuries, millions of people have believed the Easter story and have devoted their lives to it – even though

By Mary Vaccaro

FAITH Grand Rapids / March 2010 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

Clear your calendar for the Passover of the Lord | April 1-3, 2010 No matter what sort of Lent you’re having this year, resolve now to clear your calendar for the culmination of this holy season: The Paschal Triduum.

“Triduum” means “three days.” It refers to the heart of the Church’s liturgical year—our intense annual commemoration of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Triduum begins as the sun sets on Holy Thursday, April 1.

That’s when parishes celebrate the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper and recall how Jesus washed his disciples feet, and gave his mandatum: “As I have done for you, you also should do.”

The liturgy continues on Good Friday when Catholics gather again for the Passion of the Lord according to John, veneration of the cross and to receive Holy Communion that was reserved from the previous evening.

The Triduum reaches its climax with the Easter Vigil at sundown on Holy Saturday. This gathering begins with the Easter Fire, and features the reception of our newest members through the sacraments of baptism, cconfirmation and Eucharist.

Triduum ends as the sun sets on April 4, following festive celebrations of the Easter Sunday Masses. Then the church begins the great 50 days of rejoicing, for the Season of Easter continues until Pentecost Sunday, which is May 23 this year.

Fasting and Abstinence during the Triduum: On Good Friday, all Catholics 14 years of age and older are to abstain from meat and those who are 18 to 58 years old are to fast (taking no more than one full meal; two smaller meals are permitted to maintain strength, but no solid foods between meals).

The church strongly encourages that the fast and abstinence be kept also on Holy Saturday until the Easter Vigil.

Catechumens are likewise urged to fast in preparation for their baptisms. Different fron the penitential Lenten fast we keep on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, it is called the “Easter fast” or “Pascal fast.” It is to be a joyful fast of anticipation as we look forward to the celebration of Easter and most especially to the baptisms at the Easter Vigil.

Contributed by Rev. Chris Rouech, dialogue director for the Diocese of Grand Rapids.

their lives did not become perfect as a result, even when they had to endure great suffering because of Jesus! Why is this? Let’s turn to the Gospels and consider what caused the first disciples to believe that Jesus had risen. As I mentioned above, the disciples often didn’t recognize him at first. Mary Magdalene mistook him for a gardener, but she knew it was Jesus when he called her by name (John 20:15-16). Thomas did not recognize Jesus until he saw and felt his wounds (John 20:2428). Another time, when some of the disciples were out fishing, they recognized Jesus only because he told them to cast their empty nets one more time. Just as before, their nets were filled (John 21:6-7). Sometimes they recognized Jesus because of what he said to them – when he wished them peace and reminded them of how important it is to forgive (John 20:21-23).

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Jesus in a gradual process. They knew there was something special about this stranger when he was able to explain the Scriptures to them so well.

They felt their hearts burning within them. But when they sat down to eat with him, everything became completely clear. They fully recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:13-15).

I believe that we, too, recognize Jesus in a gradual process – in the process of our lives as we “walk along” our way. If we are listening, if we are aware, we can hear Jesus ask us, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” And we know that, just as he listened to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, he listens to us as we share the things that cause us turmoil, worry and confusion: terrorism, war, the global economy or the suffering of the Haitian people. He also listens to our personal concerns – our worries about our health, our families, finding or losing jobs and paying our bills. He listens as we grieve the loss of a loved one, discern a major life decision, suffer through a divorce or make the transition

The fasting of Friday and Saturday, by tradition, includes also a “fasting” from normal work and from entertainment.

Prayer, reading of Scripture, reflection, attention to the needs of others – these activities should fill our lives and prepare us for the great Vigil and Eastertime. Thus we fast on Good Friday and Holy Saturday in whatever way we can “so that the joys of the Sunday of the Resurrection may be attained with uplifted and clear minds.” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy #110).

of a move or retirement. He listens to whatever has disappointed, troubled or confused us.

Jesus listens to us, and in the light of the Scriptures, he helps us to understand and heal our wounds. If we invite him, he stays with us as night approaches. When we gather in our homes to share a meal and when we gather as church for Eucharist, he becomes present to us in the sharing of the word and the breaking of the bread. Like Mary Magdalene, we hear Jesus call us by name.

Like Thomas, we know Jesus when we see and feel his wounds – we recognize his wounds in our own broken and wounded selves.

So let’s return to the original question. Why do we believe the Easter story? Not because Jesus takes away our troubles, but because he shares them. Think of it! God became human and felt all that we feel – joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain.

Jesus walked with his disciples on earth 2,000 years ago, and he walks with us today. He listens, he teaches, he breaks bread with us; he becomes our bread.

What is our response to this great gift? The disciples at Emmaus responded by immediately returning to Jerusalem to share the good news. This is also what Jesus asks of us. Jesus asks us to gather together to share our stories, to reflect on them in light of the Scriptures. After nourishing us with his presence, he asks us to go back out and share the story with others, to continue his work. As incredible as it is, Christ is risen. Why do we believe the Easter story? Certainly not because it is believable. We Mary Vaccaro believe it because it is true.

Mary Vaccaro serves as associate director for program design at the Catholic Information Center. You can reach her by email, mvaccaro@catholicinformationcenter.org.

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28 CIC programs for spiritual growth The Catholic Information Center is offering a variety programs for Catholics and others seeking to learn more about Catholic belief, practice and other faith issues. All programs are open to anyone wishing to attend. Free parking is available. There is no registration fee, but donations are welcomed. To register, or for more information, call 4597267, ext. 1801 or go to catholicinformationcenter.org.

Upcoming programs include:

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The Passion according to Luke Mondays, March 8, 15 & 22, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

This liturgical year, the Gospel of Luke forms the core of our Sunday readings. The session focuses on an depth examination of the Passion narrative as found in Luke’s gospel.

Education and Evangelization: The Life and Legacy of St. Katherine Drexel Tuesday, March 16, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Part 4 of a Series on Race and Catholic Social Teaching. As a wealthy heiress, Sister Katherine Drexel could have had a life of leisure, but instead she devoted her energy and fortune to serving the needs of the poor.

This session features stories of St. Katherine Drexel’s life and the legacy of her work and helping people to understand the vital connection between education and evangelization.

An Evening with the Cross Monday, March 22, 7 p.m. – 8:30pm The cross is the central element in Christian life, and is certainly the object of much reflection in Lent and Holy Week. The session focuses on the readings, reflections, discussion, music and prayer on Jesus Christ crucified.

Our Priests Share Their Stories Thursdays, March 25, April 15, May 20 and June 17, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

In this Year of the Priest, the CIC will host four evenings during which a few diocesan priests will tell a bit about their calling to and experience of priestly life.

Each evening will feature speakers from a variety of life experiences – including: •F rom Afar Fr. Godfrey Onyekwere, Pastor, St. Mary Magdalen, Kentwood • Made to Order Fr. Fred Hoesli, O.P., Priest in Residence, St. Francis de Sales, Holland • Newbie Fr. Tony Pelak, Pastor, Prince of Peace, North Muskegon • In His Prime Fr. Thomas G. Simons, Pastor, Holy Trinity, Alpine • The Well Seasoned Fr. Paul A. Milanowski, Pastor, St. Stephen, East Grand Rapids

Save the date Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and Choruses to perform at cathedral

Mar. 20

The Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and Choruses will perform Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610. Celebrate the 400th anniversary of the piece by experiencing it live with 150 performers at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, in downtown Grand Rapids at 8 p.m. Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20. General admission is $22. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to grsymphony.org.

Men and Boys Choirs present Stations of the Cross

Mar. 25

The Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys present the Stations of the Cross in the style of lessons and carols at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew at 7 p.m. Friday, March 26. Pray this beautiful Catholic devotion in a unique way, with Scripture and with the glorious sounds of this traditional ensemble singing choral music, hymns and songs in the cathedral style. For more information, call the cathedral office 616.456.1454 or visit grcmb.com.

Tenebrae at the Cathedral The ancient tradition of sanctifying the hours of the Triduum is honored in Tenebrae, the adaptation and combination of elements from the Liturgy of the Hours and the Good Friday liturgy at 8 p.m. Friday, April 2, at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. Readings from Scripture, the singing of Allegri’s ethereal “Miserere,” the playing of Barber’s “Adagio” for strings, prayer in song and in silence, veneration of the cross, even the trembling of the earthquake offer various spiritual contemplations on the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. For more information, call the cathedral office 616.456.1454.

Apr. 2

FAITH Grand Rapids / March 2010 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

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ur Faith, Our Future: A Plan for the Diocese of Grand Rapids is a process for creating a clear, strategic and visionary direction for the future of the church in the diocese. The final plan will enable parishes to continue, enhance and expand the outreach of vibrant life-giving ministries. As our demographics change and community needs change correspondingly, we as a church will be ready to respond more effectively.

Find out why Catholic education matters

Retrouvaille offers opportunity for marital healing Retrouvaille is a peer ministry for couples experiencing discord or pain who want to rediscover a loving marriage relationship. Couples considering separation, those who have separated and divorced couples who want marriage help are invited to participate. No couple will be denied the opportunity to participate based on financial restrictions.

To register for the spring retreat May 14-16, 2010, at Springhill Suites in Cascade, call 616.752.7004. Additional information about Retrouvaille is available at helpourmarriage.com.

Stations of the Cross video available online The Cathedral of Saint Andrew is offering a Lenten reflection, Stations of the Cross, in a video narrated by Rev. Mark-David Janus, CSP, rector of the cathedral. To view the video, visit cathedralofsaintandrew.org.

Introduction for Vision for Vital Parishes The idea of “vision” is to illustrate a picture of who we are called to be as church and how we can best carry out the mission that has been entrusted to us.

The vision needs to be clear and inspired by God. An initial draft of the document is in the process of being developed. Input from many people in three deaneries (Big Rapids, Grand Haven, Northwest Lakeshore) has led to the present version. The vision currently reflects input from these deaneries only, but will ultimately incorporate input from priests and parish lay leaders representing deaneries throughout the diocese. As planning unfolds, the vision will continue to be refined as needed to reflect both local conditions as well as a diocesan perspective. The initial draft is posted on the diocesan Web site at dioceseofgrandrapids.org To comment about the vision or to offer your suggestions, please send an e-mail to Gail Welsh (gwelsh@dioceseofgrandrapids.org).

Journeying toward Catholicism Bishop Walter A. Hurley will offer specific encouragement and witness to 213 catechumens and 352 candidates for full Communion, during the Rite of Election on February 20, 21 and 28 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in downtown Grand Rapids. At the heart of the rite is enrollment of the catechumens in the Book of the Elect, during which the bishop “elects” them for reception of the Easter sacraments.

In addition, the bishop calls the candidates for full Communion to continuing conversion.

In memoriam Father Kenneth A. Wing died Monday, Feb. 1. He was born in Hastings, Mich. on Feb. 6, 1926 and ordained a priest by Bishop Allen J. Babcock, on June 6, 1959 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.

Father Wing served in several parishes throughout the diocese until his retirement in 1991. Following retirement, he assisted in many of our parishes.

Father Max J.V. Frego, retired priest of the Diocese of Saginaw, died Friday, Jan. 29 at the age of 81. Father Frego was ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 1962 by Bishop Allen J. Babcock for the Diocese of Grand Rapids. He was incardinated into the Diocese of Saginaw on July 20, 1971. Residing in Holland, Mich. until his death, Father Frego assisted in many of our parishes during his retirement.

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The opportunity to build a foundation of faith and nurture spiritual and moral values within students is unique to the experience of Catholic education. On the heels of Catholic Schools Week 2010, diocesan schools will hold information/registration sessions and open houses for parents considering Catholic education for their children. To find a school near you, visit dioceseofgrandrapids.org and click on the “Schools” link or contact the Offices for Catholic Schools at 616.243.0491.

Check the diocesan Web site calendar, dioceseofgrandrapids.org, or your parish bulletin/Web site for other news and events in our diocese.

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Humbling ministry Father Ron Hutchinson is director of priestly vocations for the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.

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vocations – open to God’s call

very Saturday at 3 p.m., I make my way to the Reconciliation Chapel at Holy Redeemer Parish. It is part of the weekend routine which I find is rarely routine.

One of the most humbling aspects of my ministry as a priest is my role as confessor.

Each week, I am humbled by the act of listening to the sins of the penitents who come to me seeking to be reconciled with God and the church through the sacrament of penance.

Together we celebrate the love God extends to us through this sacrament by which sinners receive the healing and reconciling gift of God’s grace. Whenever I celebrate this sacrament I am humbled to be part of an individual’s faith journey which has brought them to the point of acknowledging the wounds created by their sin which are in need of healing. I am humbled that they willingly bare the darkest parts of their souls to me. In forgiving their sins, I am humbled to be an “. . . instrument of our Lord Jesus Christ, the author and liberal giver of salvation who wills to use [this sacrament and myself] in order to efface our sins and give us the grace of justification.” (CCC, #987) “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” demanded the scribes and Pharisees when Jesus absolved the paralytic (Luke 5:21), and this same objection is unwittingly repeated against the ministers of Jesus by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The power of absolution does not mean that God has contracted out part of his work to the hired help. It is still true and absolutely without exception that absolution from sin can come from God alone, but the power of absolution means that the priest’s words of forgiveness are the instrument and channel of God’s forgiving grace to all who receive the sacrament worthily.

The priest is only the human face given to the invisible grace of God. The Son of God became flesh so that, in him, we could more easily recognize God’s merciful love for us. For the very same reason, God’s words of pardon are spoken to us in the human accents of his authorized representatives. It is often difficult to believe in God’s pardon, especially for sins of which we are profoundly ashamed. Our timid hearts receive a powerful reassurance when one authorized to speak for Christ declares, “I absolve you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” As we all know the lines for the sacrament of reconciliation are rarely very long each Saturday.

And, it is only on rare occasions that the hour I set aside for the sacrament is filled completely. However, I find that I leave the Reconciliation chapel at 4 p.m. each week knowing that I have been privy to powerful moments in the lives of the penitents who came that week.

Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids online vocational resources: Priestly vocations dioceseofgrandrapids.org/vocation/welcome.htm Religious orders dioceseofgrandrapids.org/clergy/religiousorders.htm

FAITH Grand Rapids / March 2010 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

Cathedral of Saint Andrew

When the spirit is willing

Lenten Season Wednesdays during Lent (Feb. 24 – March 24) 7 p.m. – Evening Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours) in the Chapel Sacrament of reconciliation available each Wednesday following the liturgy.

Fridays during Lent (Feb. 19 – March 26) 6 p.m. – Soup and Bread Supper 7 p.m. – Stations of the Cross (English, Español and Latin)

Holy Week Saturday, March 27 4:30 p.m. – Vigil Mass Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday) – Sunday, March 28 9:45 a.m. - Blessing of the palms on the piazza 10 a.m. – Mass (televised), Most Rev. Walter A. Hurley Noon – Mass (Español) 6 p.m. – Mass 7:30 p.m. – Contemplative Mass Chrism Mass – March 30 Blessing of the Oils and Consecration of the Chrism 7 p.m. – Most Rev. Walter A. Hurley This is a ticketed event.

Triduum The Great Three Days Holy Thursday, Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper – April 1 7 p.m. – Most Rev. Walter A. Hurley

Season of Easter Easter Sunday – April 4 10 a.m. – Mass (televised), Most Rev. Walter A. Hurley Noon – Mass (Español) 6 p.m. – Mass 7:30 p.m. – Contemplative Mass

Daily and Weekend Liturgies Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. (Chapel) Friday 8 p.m. during Lent (Español) Saturday 12:05 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. (Televised), Noon (Español), 6 p.m.

7:30 p.m. Contemplative Mass cathedralofsaintandrew.org 265 Sheldon Blvd. SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.456.1454

Let us offer a reminder on the Church’s fasting and abstinence teachings: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of universal fast and abstinence. Fasting is obligatory for all who have completed their 18th year and have not yet reached their 60th year.

Fasting allows a person to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may be taken, not to equal one full meal. Abstinence (from meat) is obligatory for all who have reached their 14th year.

If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection.

Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of complete abstinence (from meat) for all who have completed their 14th year.

Source: USCCB

Msgr. Gaspar F. Ancona is a senior priest of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.

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t seems to be our nature to fall into the doldrums from time to time. Maybe, in our hemisphere, it’s the hibernating instinct during the intemperate cycle of cold, snow and darkness. It’s as good an excuse as any. Can we use it to explain away our spiritual sluggishness, too?

Lest we sink too deeply into self-justifications, the church gifts us with an entire season dedicated to awakening. It’s Lent, and with these 40 days we are summoned to recommit ourselves to Christ and the mission he shares with us. We enter more deeply into the mystery of his life, death and resurrection. We refocus our spiritual energies through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It’s a time to come alive again to what Christ has made of us.

What is it that we have become because of him?

Messengers of good news, bearers of the light, his friends and disciples, commissioned to give the best of ourselves in service to God and neighbor. Not isolated and alone in this mission, we have been made part of a grand community. With them we march with a sharpened purpose during this season of spiritual quickening. We may sense, more than ever, that we are in solidarity with one another.

A helpful reminder in every parish community during this season is the journey in our midst which the candidates and catechumens are making on their way to full participation in the life of Christ and his community. Their open spirit and their evident desire to learn of Jesus and his ways heighten our own sense of appreciation for the beauty of the Gospel. What may have been a too casual and unexamined part of our life in Christ, we now take a fresh look at, because of them. While we pray for them and encourage them, we can sense that they are offering us an example and incentive for our own spiritual renewal.

Yes, the flesh often becomes weighed down in the course of our following of the Lord, but these days of Lent are alive with grace enough to make the spirit genuinely willing.

last word

Good Friday, Celebration of the Lord’s Passion – April 2 Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, Holy Communion 1 p.m. –Most Rev. Walter A. Hurley 3 p.m. (Español) 7 p.m. – Tenebrae (An ancient tradition which closes Good Friday with a service of “shadows”.)

Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil – April 3 8 p.m. – Mass, Most Rev. Walter A. Hurley

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32 360 Division Avenue S. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4539

online: www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

Prayer for Haiti God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.

In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster To see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us.

Be with us as we stand in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti.

Be with us in our mourning and guide our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.

With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.

Amen.

-Catholic Relief Services

Thank you for your generous donations to Haiti Relief Effort. As of Feb. 1, more than $632,000 has been raised in the Diocese of Grand Rapids through special collections. Online donations continue to be accepted, or mail your donation by check (payable to Diocese of Grand rapids/Haiti Relief) to: Diocese of Grand Rapids/Haiti Relief Effort, 360 Division Ave. S., Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4501.

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