Totus Tuus | Fall/Winter 2022

TOTUSTUUS

Totally Yours

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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Homecoming photo recap p. 12

Lansing area 4th-8th graders make a commotion on campus p. 14

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Totus Tuus is a bi-annual publication of Lansing Catholic High School and its predecessors: St. Mary, Resurrection, Msgr. Gabriels and O’Rafferty high schools. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

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ON THE

President Dominic Iocco sits in his office, planning for the future. Read more on page 4. ON THESE PAGES Addy Prosen C26 captures the beauty of Fall on Lansing Catholic’s campus as part of her Digital Photography class.

ALL IN

By Stephanie Van Koevering, Faculty

His goal is simple.

“I want to help Lansing Catholic High School become the best Catholic high school in the world,” says LCHS President Dominic Iocco. “We shouldn’t settle for anything less.”

Now in his third year on the job, Iocco is revving the school’s engines—and changing the tone of daily life for students and educators alike. His relentless focus on mission, coupled with numerous essential changes at the administrative, staff, and student levels, have shifted the mood and renewed the school’s energy and focus on excellence.

Following the departure of former Principal Krystyn Schmerbeck last spring, Iocco made the innovative decision to alter the administrative structure, aligning it more closely with the school’s mission. Instead of hiring a new principal, he appointed three new deans, one focused on each area of the school’s mission: spiritual, intellectual, and social formation.

Iocco himself has transformed the role of school president into one that is far more hands-on when it comes to the daily life of the school and its learners.

“I think it’s worked really well so far,” Iocco says. “Does it make my job a little

bit harder? Yes, but it’s also enabled me to have more direct interactions with the students and with the families, which I think is important.”

So far, feedback from families has been positive. Diane Spence has been a Lansing Catholic parent for over seven years and has seen the traditional format as compared to this missionbased structure.

"The role of a school principal is

endless, overseeing all educational and behavioral aspects of the school. With a school run by three deans, our students' needs are better met. The deans' roles are defined and specialized to a certain area of student life," shared Spence.

“I’ve heard lots of good comments,” Iocco said. “At homecoming, for instance, people were saying, ‘I don’t know what you guys are doing here but this is amazing, keep this up.’ So to me, that was good testimony to the culture that’s being established. People are seeing it.

“And from teachers, particularly those that have been here for a number of years, I’m hearing that this is the best start to the school year they’ve had, or that they have felt rejuvenated in what they’re doing and why they’re here.”

“A strong community and family atmosphere has always set Lansing Catholic apart from other schools, but this year is different,” says freshman algebra teacher and alumna Christen VanNewkirk. “Faculty, staff, students, and parents are all working together as a cohesive unit. It’s been energizing.”

But Iocco is not done.

For LCHS President Dominic Iocco, there’s no other approach.

“I would say there’s still a good deal of transformation that’s needed,” Iocco says. “Moving forward, there will likely be much less structural transformation at Lansing Catholic, but there are still areas that we need to improve. To me, we’re never going to just have it. We’ve always got to be improving.”

Intellectual Formation Is a Priority

At this moment in the school’s history, Iocco says the primary area of focus needs to be on intellectual formation. He says across K–12 education as a whole, results have been declining steadily.

It’s a trend he’s ready to break. “For a long time in Catholic schools, we’ve followed what public schools do, and that needs to stop,” he says. “So I think we have to ask ourselves, what are we striving for? What are we preparing these students for? And how do we get them there in the most effective way possible? Couple that with the fact that, now after COVID, you’re going to be dealing

with for at least the next six to eight years where you may have had, let’s call it a three-foot range of learning abilities in a typical class. Now it’s going to be 10 feet because different students missed different parts of their academic growth throughout the COVID experience.”

During the past year, Lansing Catholic has focused extensively on literacy as an area of emphasis, retaining reading specialists as a means of supporting learning gaps.

“Reading has been sorely neglected,” Iocco says. “We let students come through that really have only found ways to cope with reading, which makes test taking that much harder and leads to more anxiety. And so we’ve got to find ways to address those things much sooner than we are now.”

Social Formation Emphasizes Student Well-Being

“There’s a lot of social ground to make up,” Iocco says. And he’s not just talking about the pandemic. Even before COVID disrupted the lives of LCHS students, the number of students struggling

with mental health concerns had dramatically increased over the past two decades or more.

“How we’re not making a bigger deal about the huge epidemic of anxiety, depression, and suicide is baffling to me,” Iocco says. “The idea that 10-to 14-year-olds’ second leading cause of death is suicide is astounding. And for me, I believe a lot of that is the social isolation from the introduction of digital media and social media, where we feel like we’re connected, but we’re not really connected to anybody in the ways that matter most.”

To alleviate some of these pressures during the school day, Lansing Catholic doubled down on their no-cell-phones policy in its classrooms this year. The school also is working to operate more holistically, in ways that allow clubs and activities, athletics, and academics to build on one another more effectively.

“We need to keep in mind the broader social picture of all of these things we do, so they can be united and working toward the same thing, helping reinforce everything that’s happening in the classroom and everywhere else,” Iocco says.

Spiritual Formation Focuses on Growth

While LCHS is grounded in the Catholic tradition, its student population is incredibly diverse.

“We have everybody from pure atheists to multiple different religions, to Catholics that take their faith really seriously. Trying to meet the needs of all of them spiritually is going to always be a challenge,” Iocco says. “So how do we do that in an effective way that helps all of those students, no matter where they’re coming from, grow in their spiritual life?”

There are no easy answers. But Iocco is committed to the idea that the school will meet students where they are and cause them to think deeply about their spiritual development.

He’s also working to support LCHS staff

“ WE’RE NEVER GOING TO JUST HAVE IT. WE’VE ALWAYS GOT TO BE IMPROVING.

Above: Iocco addresses the student body.

Right: Iocco assists in Thanksgiving food distribution.

members in their growth.

“It is easy to focus on the people you’re serving and neglect the people that are doing the serving,” Iocco says. “And so we have to keep in mind: ‘What are we doing to form our teachers?’ We must work to create opportunities for our team members to get some edification themselves rather than just getting burnt out trying to do these things for the students.”

What’s Next for the Cougars?

Lansing Catholic is doing a solid job of drawing students from across midMichigan—particularly among public school and homeschool students. The care and attention we are able to give students has made our community stronger than it’s been in some time. Enrollment is up 3% this school year after being on a decline since 2017.

But Iocco says there are still needs that must be met.

“Contributions today are more important than ever,” he says. “We will probably have to provide $520,000 to $560,000 of financial aid this year for students that couldn’t afford to come otherwise. And I think with where our economy is and where it’s going, that need is going to become even

more significant. And we always try to tell people, 'Look, don’t let finances stand in the way', we’ll find a way. But the reality is that, 'that does end up having a cost.'" Because at the same time, to get the caliber of teachers we want to have, we must be willing to pay competitive rates.”

Given the team that’s already in place this year, Iocco has made solid progress on attracting and retaining the staff he’s hoping for. It’s just one more piece of the puzzle for him.

After all, he’s about community first.

“The strength of our community really dictates everything else. And so to me, it is the community that’s probably our greatest overall strength,” Iocco says. “I will always be proud of that, and look for new and better ways to be a school that merits such strong support.”

If you wish to donate to our Cor Fund or to learn more please scan the QR Code or visit www.lansingcatholic.org/cor

Our Students Are

ALL IN

FAITH

Annabel Ludwig C23

By Casey Vandenberg, Faculty

I never realized that my class was missing the gift of tongues until I taught Annabel Ludwig.

Annabel and her family are part of an organization called the Work of Christ, an ecumenical community with a charismatic focus. They emphasize the gifts of the Holy Spirit — including the gift of praying in tongues, which Annabel describes as having a “secret language” between her and God.

Annabel is also involved in the faith life of Lansing Catholic High School in every way possible. She participates in Guardians of the Altar and music ministry, both of which assist with school Masses, in addition to attending Discipleship Group every Thursday and working on a student leadership team known as L2. Annabel also attended our Kairos retreat last spring, and she is currently taking my Christian Leadership class, which is an elective course designed to form students as faith leaders both within and outside of Lansing Catholic. After graduation, she plans on attending Michigan State University because of the strong formation program that University Christian Outreach offers there.

Annabel is truly ‘all in’ for her faith. There is no opportunity she will miss to grow and to show her love for Jesus, and to point others toward Him as well. With her quick smile and her infectious laugh, Annabel is a beautiful witness to the liveliness and joy that come from a faith that holds nothing back; and, although she will graduate in only a few short months, the influence that her life and her love for the Lord are having on this community will last well beyond her time as a student at Lansing Catholic.

SERVICE

Matthew Watkins C23

By Mary Gates C97, Faculty

Matthew Watkins’ love of animals and willingness to give of his time and talent makes him a Cougar stand-out who is "all in" for serving the community by rehabilitating animals in need.

Matthew spends his time with animals who need particular care. “I work with the Capital Area Humane Society, Wild Side Rehabilitation, Against All Odds Cat Rescue, and All Species Kinship.”

“Every foster animal has different needs. The abandoned babies have to be fed every two hours using syringes. They haven’t learned to go to the bathroom yet so you have to work with them. They don’t have control of their temperature either so you have to constantly check them and make sure they are staying warm.”

The time and attention Matthew provides each cat allow the animals to eventually move out of his care as they are adopted as pets — a process that is challenging but rewarding.

“As they get older I work with them to help them become social and prepare them for adoption. The older cats sometimes have health problems that you have to help them through. I also get to help retrain some who have behavioral issues so they can get ready to have new homes.”

While Matthew inherited his love of animals from his mom who used to work at the Capital Area Humane Society, it’s become a passion of his own.

“When COVID hit, they had to clean out the shelter so we set up a place in our house for the cats and I got to work with them more myself. Sometimes one doesn’t make it and that can be tough, but I try to remember the ones we saved.

“I love animals and I enjoy helping them. It is really a great feeling when they are ready to go to their forever home and you know you helped them get there.”

EXCELLENCE

NancyLee Bareham C23

By Stephanie Van Koevering, Faculty

If you’ve come to any performance, game, or event at Lansing Catholic during the past three and a half years, you’ve probably seen a lively brunette with a friendly smile in the front row. She doesn’t often miss opportunities to celebrate (sometimes loudly) the achievements of the people she loves, so she’s on campus for nearly everything.

“It’s just who I am,” says senior NancyLee Bareham. “I’m a person who loves genuine community and real godly friendship. And I know that to establish that and grow it, I have to be all in for the things people do.”

As a dynamic, high-achieving student who edits the school’s yearbook and newspaper, plays softball, performs in school plays, and is active in numerous other campus activities, it seems inconceivable that NancyLee would have time for much else. But she does, and for a good reason. She’s purposefully fostering excellence in the LCHS community—and she’s leading by example. “The friendships I have here mean the absolute world to me,” NancyLee says. “And if that means going out of my way to go to a soccer game or a band concert, I’m going to do it because I want to show the people I call my family here that I love and support them. And I want to make memories with them while we’re all together.”

For NancyLee, the journey to Lansing Catholic was an unusual one. Homeschooled during her early years, she arrived in a Christian school setting and advanced quickly due to her academic abilities.

In the middle of fifth grade, she and her parents chose St. Gerard for her education, despite the fact the family is not Catholic.

“In all honesty, I went to St. Gerard because I wanted uniforms when I was a kid,” NancyLee laughs. I’ve always been that way. I’ve loved uniforms forever.”

Now, however, what NancyLee wears is less important than building up the community she adores.

TRADITION

Charlie Gates C23

By Ben Pohl, Dean of Spiritual Formation

Charlie Gates always knew he was going to be a Cougar. His mom, Mary, is an LCHS alumna and freshmen theology teacher.

“I used to walk around the halls and imagine going here and thinking about what it would be like to grow up and be a high schooler here.”

Some of Charlie’s fondest childhood memories are tied to longstanding Lansing Catholic traditions. In sixth grade, he began attending the annual March for Life trip with Lansing Catholic students. “I remember I was sitting in the front of the bus with my mom and I was scared to go to the back and play games with the high schoolers. Eight hours later, I was at the back of the bus having a great time. I’ve been attending the national March or state March every year since.”

Charlie would also look forward to Friday Night Lights, a tradition he joined in himself by participating in the Cougar Marching Band throughout his high school years. Like many Jr. Cougars, Charlie kept up with Lansing Catholic sports, and when he was in second grade, Charlie particularly looked up to then Cougar quarterback Cooper Rush. The two became pen-pals, leading Charlie to attend many Central Michigan football games and to continue to cheer for Cooper in the NFL.

Not only has Charlie helped carry on these great Lansing Catholic traditions, he has also played a big role in the founding a new one. When we returned to school in fall 2020 we had a late start Thursday schedule to accommodate teacher planning for online learning. Charlie would come to our 7:15 am Mass with some friends and after one of the Masses I asked them if they would like to start meeting during the late start hour. The meetings started with just a handful of friends and have now become our weekly Discipleship Groups.

Traditions have played a big role in Charlie’s life as a Lansing Catholic student. As a child, they got him excited to come here, and now as he graduates he thinks about the future: “I look forward to seeing my siblings experience the same great traditions at Lansing Catholic.”

ALL EYES ON OUR FATHER

Over the summer, we had some work done to the St. John Paul the Great Chapel to add to its beauty and effectiveness as an outward sign of God. Probably the most striking change is the deep navy blue on the back wall behind the sanctuary. The contrasting blue creates a depth and sense of transcendence to the space and is framed beautifully by the new white paneling and columns now on the back wall. Our chapel continues to be arguably the most beautiful worship space in the city of Lansing. Thanks so much to all those who support the school and make possible such a beautiful and peaceful place of encounter with God for all who come to Lansing Catholic.

Fr. Joseph Campbell Chaplain | Lansing Catholic High School

A newly gold-plated tabernacle and a few new lights make the tabernacle glow in the center of the sanctuary – a visible reminder that the heart of our chapel is truly the Eucharistic presence of Jesus.

It was all hands on deck moving statuary back into the chapel before the New Family Orientation in August.

Construction took place throughout the summer, with electrician's, woodworkers, painters, and more.

HOMECOMING 2022

Over two thousand Lansing Catholic High School students, parents, alumni, and friends descended on campus on Friday, September 23, 2022 to celebrate homecoming.

During the week leading up to the game, students celebrated with dress up days. The Student Leadership Team chose Disney as this year's overall theme, with each hall decorating according to their assigned Disney Park.

At Friday night’s homecoming football game, the Cougars took on the Eaton Rapids Greyhounds. The Cougars came out on top 47-0.

Halftime included the Marching Cougars, John Williams Show and the crowning of Homecoming King and Queen, Brian Magaswaran and Eva Eyde.

Our Homecoming Friday was packed with community events including the Cougar Classic Golf Outing, Mass with the Football Team, Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Class of '72 donation, Cougarfest, Corn Hole Tournament, and more!

See a video recapping the entire day online at lansingcatholic.org/ homecoming

AN INAUGURAL

To close off the day, there was a Mass in the gym with Bishop Boyea and area school priests. This special day was a great success: it was clear from the looks on the student’s faces.

Even though some people were unsure of a new event, the day proved worth while for everyone.

“Honestly, I wasn’t so sure about this event at first,” said second-year teacher Stephanie Van Koevering. “But after watching this special day of community building, I’m sold. I saw a ton of growth among our LCHS family. I can’t wait for next year!”

interesting to see what they valued that I used to value competitively, they were also very funny and hyper.”

Meanwhile the younger students from LCHS partner schools had a great time being led by the high school kids. There was a positive dynamic between the different ages of students.

LCHS student Elianne Nishimwe noted that “The kids were really funny and it was great to be around them.” It was clear the younger kids also had fun being with the older kids.

By Mary Tennes C24, Student Reporter

This year, our school connected with partner schools with a new event, Cougar Commotion. Students came from seven area Catholic schools for the event, with a total of about four hundred students, staff, and volunteers. Cougar Commotion was a field day where fourth through eighth graders from LCHS partner schools connected with high school students.

Featuring games such as tug of war, capture the flag, kickball croquet, super relays, and dodgeball, the grade school students were put into a “team” where they rotated to different games and stations throughout the day being led by high school students and parent volunteers. Volunteers and high schoolers also were hospitality and event managers.

Ms. DeVries, the coordinator of the event, had some things to say about why she decided to create the event. She said that traditionally younger grades from the partner schools come to watch a school play for a school visit, but we wanted to create an activity that increased participation and elevated the students' engagemnet.

So her solution: “We looked at what could be created that would be really active and fun and appealing to those fourth, fifth, and sixth graders.”

At Cougar Commotion, high school students were able to let go and have a break from school for a day, and relive their grade school days.

Adela Escojido said, “It was fun to interact with [the kids] and it was

Overall, Cougar Commotion was a great day of community and fun and we can’t wait for it again next year!

PERFORMING ARTS

Lansing Catholic kicked off its 2022-23 performing arts season with the curtains rising on its fall play, Harvey, the first two weekends of November.

This 1940s play, a Pulitzer Prize winning drama by the american playwright Mary Chase, follows the journey of Elwood P. Dowd, who maintains a friendship with a 6’3” invisible rabbit. Elwood introduces his “companion” to everyone he meets, which causes his sister, Veta, and his niece, Myrtle, to be thoroughly embarrassed by him. In order to end the madness, Veta attempts to have Elwood committed to a sanitarium where a series of comedic events unwinds.

The key players were junior Paul Watson as Elwood P. Dowd with senior Annabel Ludwig as his sister Veta Louise Simmons, senior Emma Hansen as Veta’s daughter Myrtle Mae, and junior Jackson Jobe as Myrtle’s love interest, Duane Wilson.

Over thirty students worked hard on and off the stage to bring these performances to life.

Save the date for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella this spring, during the first two weekends in March 2023.

Our Students Are ALL IN

NancyLee Bareham C23 Continued from page 9

“The most important parts of my life have happened at Lansing Catholic,” she says. “I love it here. When I leave, I’m going to take all these great and ordinary moments and carry them throughout my entire life. And the community that I’ve built here, that I’ve been welcomed into and grown with, I’m not going to have that security with me in college. I’m going to leave it all when I graduate, which is a terrifying thought because I don’t want to do that.”

But there are many things NancyLee does want to do.

“Right now, I just want to follow the Lord,” she says. “I have no idea where that’s leading me yet. I have confidence

right now that it’s going to lead me back here to do some sort of thing in campus ministry because that’s my passion. I have confidence and a lot of peace that the Lord is leading me to wherever I need to go, and I just want to fully lean into the mission that he has for my life. Wherever that leads, wherever that goes.”

And wherever she arrives, NancyLee Bareham is sure to bring a little LCHS community of excellence—a community she has helped build in countless ways, both large and small—along with her.

Helen Rae Murphy: A Lifelong Love Affair with Theatre

For twenty-seven years, Mrs. Murphy brought us shows like The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and the Seussical. Although Mrs. Murphy is no longer producing shows for LCHS, she continued to use her passion and talents to keep drama alive for students and families at St. Gerard Catholic School.

Lansing Catholic alumna Emma Murphy C19 and Hagop Mouradian C10 penned her beautiful biography that can be read online by scanning this QR code:

KEEPING THE MUSIC ALIVE

Angie (O’Neil) Bidlack Resurrection 60

Ursula Klein impacted a great number of students at Resurrection and Gabriels High Schools through choirs and operettas. As Angie (O’Neill) Bidlack R60 came to know Ms. Klein over the years, she realized that, “For Ursula it was more than just about music, it was a gift from God that she wanted to share and engage people in. And her faith burned so strong.”

That influence led Angie to want to donate to a memorial to honor Ursula Klein, but she never saw one. That changed, however, when the grandson (Joey Greenburg C20) of her niece (Elissa Faggion Greenburg G64) received the Ursula Klein Award in band as he was planning to further his music studies in college.

Angie was elated that one of her relatives was sharing in Ursula’s legacy, but when she realized there was no scholarship behind it she thought this might be her opportunity to pass the torch.

After meeting with LCHS Advancement staff, it was decided to create the Ursula Klein Memorial Junior Cougar Program. According to Angie, this memorial would “not only help students learn an art but discover that music can be life-enriching and a form of selfexpression as well as social.”

Angie has been relentless in making this legacy a self-sustaining reality and the first use of the funds is being utilized to form music staff that work in our partner middle schools. She believes that “anyone who teaches music already has a part in Ursula’s legacy.”

Already Angie can see the fruits of her dedication, the Jr. Cougar Ursula Klein Jazz Band, led by Mrs. Jan Tiesort, has been practicing since September and will have their first performance in December at Lansing Catholic High School.

For more information on the Ursula Klein Performing Arts program, or to make a donation, visit lansingcatholic. org/ursulaklein or scan the QR code with your phone.

2022 1922

100 YEARS

A CENTURY OF FAITHFUL SERVICE AT THE HEART OF LANSING

On June 15, 1922, the Most Reverend Michael J. Gallagher, Bishop of Detroit, sent Father John A. Gabriels to Lansing to establish a Catholic parish east of the Pere Marquette railroad tracks.

Father Gabriels named the parish Resurrection because he believed this was the most important event in Christian life and the cornerstone of Christianity. He celebrated the first Mass on Christmas morning 1922 in the basement church, which would become a school.

In 1926, two stories were added with classrooms for eight grades.

Five Dominican sisters were the first teachers. Parishioners worshiped in the basement church until the present church was built in 1952.

Scan the QR code to watch the video parishioner Jeremy Whiting created for the parish centenary dinner which took place Saturday, November 19, 2022. It is filled with great images charting a century of the Church of the Resurrection parish in Lansing.

Ursula Klein (pictured) was instrumental for performing arts at both Resurrection and Gabriels High Schools.

Giving Back to Lansing Catholic

Q&A with Phillip & Mary Pat Scozzafave

In each issue of the Totus Tuus, we feature a member of the community who has given back to Lansing Catholic High School with financial support. Phil and Mary Pat Scozzafave have alumni children and grandchildren and actively support academic and athletic programs at LCHS. They are also members of the All Saints Giving Circle, providing a monthly recurring gift emphasizing their dedication to Catholic education with a strong belief in Lansing Catholic High School’s mission. When the school shares a need, the Scozzafave's generously respond. They know that giving back can make a world of difference to a student, a family and even a community

What brought you and your family to Lansing Catholic? Why did you choose to have your children attend LCHS? Phil and I both had the privilege of receiving a Catholic education and we wanted this for our children. Our two daughters and our son all attended St. Gerard School and had an excellent education in academics and faith formation. We chose for them to attend Lansing Catholic to continue their intellectual, spiritual and social growth.

What do you think is the most unique aspect of Lansing Catholic High School? At Lansing Catholic, faith is intertwined in all areas and modeled by all people. Christian values are taught and included in the many aspects of learning—in classes, and in social and extra-curricular activities. This helps the students grow and become well-rounded individuals and followers of Jesus Christ. The Lansing Catholic cross is worn proudly by faculty, staff and students.

Why do you feel it is important to give financially to LC? What would you say to encourage other parents of alumni to give back? We have been blessed with the opportunity to send our children to Lansing Catholic and want to be able to help others do the same. We would encourage other parents of alumni to invest in the future of Lansing Catholic to help give a viable option for all families in the Lansing area to have their children receive a quality Catholic education. The whole community benefits from Lansing Catholic faculty, students and families. We are taught to focus on giving back in outreach programs, participating in mission trips, and just helping others in their day to day need.

You have been a part of the Lansing Catholic community for a long time. What are you most proud of as a Cougar? We are proud that Lansing Catholic graduates students to be successful in life and to be kind and caring Christians who give back to their community. We are proud to witness this in our children and grandchildren, and proud to be part of this community of friendship, support and service. Join

267-2121.

Phillip and Mary Pat (center) pictured with their grandchildren.

Learning What It Means To Be

ALL IN

THOMAS CROWLEY C19

By Doug Moore C80, Alumni Director

After graduating from Lansing Catholic in 2019, Thomas Crowley tasted what the world had to offer while attending the University of Michigan. If you asked him then, he would have said he was a disciple, but truly he had not given his all to the Lord.

Thomas has learned and is continuing to learn that to be all in as a follower of Jesus there has to be some matter of consequence, there is a cost to discipleship, but there was a twist he wasn’t expecting. His parents gave him a great foundation for faith sending him and his siblings to Resurrection and then Lansing Catholic.

“I believed and knew I needed faith but I didn’t want to give Jesus everything. Was the Father really good? I didn’t really know Him and you need to know Him before you can trust Him. My life was my life.”

Thomas attended the Kairos retreat, his junior year. “I entered the process mad at God. Why wasn’t my idea of holiness good enough? I wanted to be in control.”

Luckily, he wanted to encounter Jesus more. In a sincere prayer Thomas shared his feelings and what he desired, cracking open the door of his heart, and the Lord’s grace just ran with it. He joined others in renunciation of lies prayer the second day of retreat.

“It was like God pulled out a chunk of darkness, my stony heart, and gave me his heart. I heard Him say, ‘I love you, and you

are Mine.’ I received my sonship and the Father’s love, it was incredible!”

When the retreat was over Thomas was walking out with his dad, he was inclined to share he thought he’d received the gift of prophecy on the retreat.

Thomas recalls, “And then the next thought was ‘that’s weird’. I was afraid of what others would think of me if I did that and I went back to boxing in God and not letting Him into all areas of my life.” The enemy wants us to doubt and beat ourselves up about being all in and Thomas fell into that trap.

The remaining year-and-a-half at Lansing Catholic found Thomas trying to place himself more in God’s hands. He returned to Kairos as a leader and shared his testimony. With the encouragement of Fr. Paul, the chaplain at the time, Thomas joined a morning prayer group, learning to pray in a deeper way and asking big questions.

Yet, he was still not totally open to God’s will for him, especially vocationally. That April, Thomas made a Marian consecration and later while praying to Our Lady Undoer of Knots, because of vocational uncertainty, he heard Jesus tell him, “I’ll tell you when you’re ready.”

Still, God wasn’t everything. His lifestyle wasn’t consistent. And he still had his own plan: graduate with a business degree, marry his girlfriend, and be a "cool" Catholic.

A week into college, Thomas and his girlfriend broke up due to the long distance relationship. But his saving grace is that he invited Jesus into that moment of hurt and allowed Jesus to walk with him. Thomas began to open his heart to Jesus and entrust more of himself to Him.

Shortly after, he was kneeling in prayer and received a clear inclination to be a priest. Thomas described it as, “a loving invitation, much more than a command, to an adventure of a lifetime.”

But he wrestled with the idea because he knew that took marriage out of the picture. He met with Fr. Paul to talk it over and was met with the challenge: “can you go the rest of your life without going to seminary?”

Thomas still was seeking some sort of safety net. What if God was wrong? But Thomas learned that during moments of failure or doubt, where we go during those times shows what we are really all in about.

After wrestling with the Lord for a couple weeks Thomas leaned all in and surrendered to Jesus. He attended daily Mass, prayed more, and found a community of likeminded believers. As he gave his heart totally to the Lord, he began desiring what the Lord desired for his life. “God was closing doors on my old life so I could pursue Him totally. So I could fall in love with God. Once you fall in love, everything else falls away.”

Currently, Thomas is a seminarian at Saint John Vianney College Seminary in Minnesota, but is studying abroad in Rome this semester. The twist wasn’t the call to the priesthood, but moreso how real the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price can be: “when we give everything, He gives more back. We need to empty ourselves, like Jesus did on the cross, to be all in. It isn’t easy, it takes dedication and denying ourselves every day.”

Although it is not an easy life, there is nothing better. Thomas has found that life surrendered to Jesus is more adventurous and full of supernatural love, joy, and peace, than any life the world can offer. Of course we don’t have to be perfect to be all in—that’s what the Deceiver wants us to believe. Repeated surrendering to Jesus, not perfection, is the key.

“Being all in, although it is hard, is what we’re made for. He will turn our little offering into something more beautiful than we can ever imagine.”

Sr. Helen Belsito, OP - R51

Sr. Helen Sohn, OP - M52

Sr. Josephine Gaugier, OP - R53

Fr. Kenneth Pasche - M55

Msgr. Michael Murphy - M58

Sr. Pat Newhouse, SC - M58

Sr. Beverly Stark, OP - R58

Sr. Mary Kay Drouin, OP - R59

Sr. Helen Faiver - R60

Sr. Barbara Quincey, OP - R60

Fr. John Byers - O65

Sr. Anita Parks - O67

Fr. Jim Shaver - O67

Deacon Dave Borzenski - O67

Sr. Karen Katherine Egri - O67

Br. Daniel Klco, SM - O68

C02

Fr. Michael Murray - G68

Fr. Vincent Farhat, Maronite - C82

Fr. Tom Wasilewski - C92

Sr. Theresa Immaculata Ohaeri - C00

Fr. Gabriel López-Betanzos - C01

Fr. Anthony Strouse - C02

Fr. Brian Lenz - C05

Br. Aaron Kazmierski - C17

Seminarians

Thomas Crowley - C19

Mason Abbott - C20

Brandon Amburn - C20

O God, Father of all Mercies, Provider of a bountiful Harvest, send Your Graces upon those You have called to gather the fruits of Your labor; preserve and strengthen them in their lifelong service of you. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit so they may be Christ to all; protect them from harm and evil, Lord, and renew Your Joy in them. Bless them, Lord, as they are a blessing to Your people. Through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph Protector of the Church, all Angels, and Saints, humbly hear our prayers and grant Your Church's needs, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

A LIFE OF SERVICE

Mike Egan, O’Rafferty 68

It seems obvious that someone who was a service tech for over forty years would live by a spirit of service. And yet, things weren’t always that way for Mike Egan (O68).

A foundation was laid at O’Rafferty High School when Sr. Jude and Fr. Sullivan got Mike and others into volunteering. But later in adulthood Mike found himself lacking a sense of direction.

It wasn’t until the company he worked for brought in a speaker who spoke on living with purpose. It was after that, Mike recalls, that he “discovered that I am happiest when making a difference in the lives of others.”

Since that time Mike has been involved in serving others through things like Meals on Wheels and a variety of ministries at St. Gerard Parish with his wife, Sharan, of fifty years.

While his five children were in high school, he even got involved with youth ministry. He's even been involved with holiday community dinners for those that are alone or

homeless at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Mike even turned his passion for riding bikes into a way to give back. For over twenty-five years now, he and a group of others have collected, repaired, and donated bikes to over ten thousand needy young people.

As amazing as all of this sounds, Mike prefers to fly under the radar and serve from behind the scenes. This reflects in the humility by which he lives.

Mike now truly believes that: "Service in the Gospel isn’t a suggestion, it is a Christian duty.”

Top: Fr. Brian Lenz -

| Bottom: Sr. Theresa Immaculata Ohaeri - C00

Prayer for Those in Religious Life

MISSION AWARD | EXCELLENCE ZACH Z INGSHEIM 2022 AWARD RECIPIENT

Zachary Zingsheim is a 2012 graduate and a member of the 2012 State Championship Track Team - when we had a dirt track instead of the stadium and track we have today. He was also state champion in the 800 meter run and 400 meter dash, and was on the state championship relay team for the 4x200, 4x400, and 4x800 meter relays. Additionally, he was a state champion at the 2011 Cross Country finals.

In addition to running, Zach was involved in Campus Ministry where he learned valuable lessons that he continues to draw from as an adult.

Zach then went on to Georgetown where he continued to run Cross Country and Track. During his time there, Zach earned all-conference honors at the BIG East indoor championships multiple times on a distance-medley-relay squad and won an IC4A title in the 800-meter run. Zach graduated

from Georgetown with a degree in Finance, Operations and Information Management.

Zach joined Stony Point Development Group in 2022 with over five years of real estate development, acquisitions, financing, and asset management experience while working at AvalonBay Communities, Inc., ASB Real Estate Investments, and most recently The Shooshan Company in Arlington, VA. During his career, Zach has amassed over $3.0B in underwriting experience and managed over $2.0B in multifamily, office, retail, and industrial assets spread coast-to-coast.

In 2021, Zach married fellow classmate, Kelly McKeon, and they live in Charlottesville, Virginia enjoying the outdoors in the Shenandoah Valley. Zach credits his success to his family, his faith, and his supportive coaches, teachers, and mentors.

Zach addressed the student body at the Homecoming Pep Rally via a video message. Watch it online by scanning the QR code with your phone.

MISSION AWARD | EXCELLENCE

Formerly the Triple A+ Award

This award recognizes an alumnus who continued as a studentathlete during his or her college career. Criteria to receive the award include participation in a minimum of two years in an intercollegiate athletic sport, an earned varsity letter in that sport, completion of a four-year college program and an earned bachelor’s degree.

MISSION AWARD | FAITH

This award recognizes an alumnus who is dedicated to bringing Catholic education to his or her community and students as an employee of a Catholic school, church, or other religious organization.

MISSION AWARD | TRADITION

Formerly the Community Service Award Recipient

This honoree receives his or her award for recognition of a strong commitment to serving the community, whether at Lansing Catholic or elsewhere.

MISSION AWARD | SERVICE

The recipient of this award is dedicated to a life of service and committed to acting as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Active participation in service programs during high school and college is a requirement for this award.

HAVE AN ALUMNI TO NOMINATE?

Contact Doug Moore at 517-267-2153 or doug.moore@lansingcatholic.org.

Lansing Catholic High School annually presents four awards to alumni and other community members honoring our mission statement and representing our four cornerstones in their dedication and accomplishments.

Jake C08 and Meghan (Borzenski) C08 Clark welcomed baby Rosalie “Rosie" on January 17, 2022. The Clarks live Twin Cities in Richfield, MN

Mackenzie (Mohr) Stolarczyk C10 and her husband Michael welcomed their first child, Maximilian. “Max” was born on August 14, 2022, the feast day of St. Maximilian Kolbe.

Julie Anne (Phillips) Reichstetter C13 and her husband Eric welcomed Elliott Thomas born on May 13, 2022. Elliott Joins his older sister, Reilly. The Reichstetters live in Eaton Rapids.

Meredith (Lammers) C09 and Jack Spalding C03 welcomed the newest member of their family, Maxine Ryan, at 3:13 AM on June 20, 2022.

Julie (Madden) Clark C06 and her husband, Shawn welcomed Jeffrey Michael on June 7, 2022.

In June 2022, Alex Van Koevering C18 graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering and shipyard management. Upon graduation, he was hired by Military Sealift Command and now serves in the Mediterranean as an engineer aboard the USNS Arctic.

Aaron Kazmierski C17 entered postulancy with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) on September 1, 2022.

Julia and Staffan Boettcher C08 welcomed Chloe Elizabeth on July 18, 2022. Chloe joins her big brother Jameson. The Boettchers live in Ludington.

Paul Charette G70 received the Governor’s Civic Engagement Impact award on November 17, 2022. He was recognized for his dedication to service at Cristo Rey Community Center.

© 2022 by Shrewsbury Photography

Gabriel Jones C01 (third from left) and The Smoke N’ Pig BBQ was named Delta Township’s Business of the Year Award. Brian Magaswaran C23 (on right) was also presented with Delta Township’s Young Person of the Year Award.

Is your class having a reunion this year? Let us help you get the word out, contact Doug Moore at 517-267-2153 or doug.moore@lansingcatholic.org.

The Class of 1977 gathered for their 45th class reunion weekend July 15-17, 2022.

The 2022-23 school year brought new faces, as well as some familiar ones. Over the summer four Lansing Catholic High School graduates joined our growing list of alumni on staff.

Ann (Yeager) Hoffman C97 (top left) joined the Student Success Center as College and Career Readiness Coordinator.

Christopher Luea C97 (top right) serves as the Dean of Social Formation, overseeing our athletics, house system, clubs, and student discipline.

Kim (Pirochta) Owens C99 (bottom left) brings her decades of teaching experience to the Science Department instructing chemistry.

Colin Moore C16 (bottom right) teaches both history and English at the sophomore level and serves as our building substitute.

These four join the following alumni full time staff members:

Margaret (Martin) Costigan C72

Tom Lorenz C77

Doug Moore C80

Renee (McNeil) Fischman C86

Mary (Sweeney) Gates C97 Christen (Radebach) VanNewkirk C01

Claire (Church) Boomer C08 Chad Wenzlick C09

The St. Mary's Class of 1960 held their 60th+ class reunion on July 12, 2022.

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE OR MOVED RECENTLY? Send us an update at https://lansingcatholic.org/alumniupdates to let others know what great things are happening in your life so we can celebrate our alumni!

Antonetta (Piacenti) Nadile from Resurrection High School's Class of 1939 lived to be the extraordinary age of 101! January 2, 1921 - January 28, 2022

IN MEMORIAM

Antonetta (Piacenti) Nadile R39

January 2, 1921 - January 28, 2022

M Diane (Prescott) Clippert R53

August 9, 1935 - June 22, 2022

Richard Lawrence Courter R62

July 13, 1944 - July 12, 2022

Connie (Davis) LeFevre M62

November 11, 1944 - July 18, 2022

Matthew Johnson C91

January 18, 1973 - July 20, 2022

William “Bill” Johnson C75

December 5, 1956 - July 27, 2022

Mike Fritch R61

October 5, 1943 - July 29, 2022

Mary Kathryn (Barrett) Rubano M60

March 17, 1942 - August 12, 2022

James “Jim” Brogan R59

November 8, 1941 - August 23, 2022

James “Jim” Moody R59

June 3, 1941 - August 24, 2022

Elizabeth “Betty” (LaFleur) McCastle R59

July 22, 1941- August 24, 2022

Rodger Frisosky C74

February 3, 1956- September 22, 2022

Nancy (O’Brien) Penner R58

February 13, 1940 - October 1, 2022

Mary Jane (Letzau) McNeilly R55

December 29, 1936 - October 5, 2022

Louis Eyde R51

November 28, 1932 – October 12, 2022

Nancy (Phillips) Fineis R58

December 6, 1939 – October 14, 2022

Janice (Rapelje) Gage G64

February 2, 1947 – October 15, 2022

Rosalie (Sharkey) Sinko R51

April 21, 1933 - October 30, 2022

Dorothy Irene (Levandowski) Schnable M43

Deceased October 31, 2022

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace Amen.

Photo by David Magaway