Calendar of Events for July and Beyond.
July 7, 2008. Mass, Rosary, and Adoration at Holy Spirit Parish, with Mass beginning at 8:00 a.m. Rosary and Adoration will follow.
July 14, 2008. Luncheon Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Louis Benton Steak House. July 14 also marks the beginning of NDVI week. Our two attendees are Danielle LaVille and Zach Anzivino. We need a driver for that date, with departure at approximately 1:30 p.m. and again for Friday, July 18 for their return. The students are to be picked up at 12:30 on that day. Call Pam McKenzie if you can help.
July 21, 2008. Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Louis Benton Steak House.
July 28, 2008. Prayer Service and Luncheon Meeting, Sacred Heart Parish.
August 11, 2008. Serra Picnic. Details TBA.
August 13-17, 2008. Serra Interational, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Fr. Ed, Mark Kubik, and Dennis Leiber plan to attend. Dennis will serve as our club's delegate.
August 22, 2008. Shrimp Dinner, Muskegon Catholic Central.
Speaking of dates in July, Leonard Grotenrath calls our attention to presentations given by the Grand Dialogue Community, whose website and be found at http://www.granddialog.org/ This interesting and stimulating series of public lectures concern science, philosophy, and belief.
July presentations will take place at Calvin College and they are scheduled as follows: Wednesday, July 2 in the Seminary Chapel, July 9 and July 16 in the Gezon Auditorium.
All events will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Meet our Newly Ordained.
Ordination of Reverend Michael F. Cilibraise (Priest) and Reverend Mister Michael E. Burt and Reverend Mister Aaron Ferris (Deacons) took place at the Cathedral of St. Andrew on June 7, 2008.
Reverend Michael Cilibraise is the oldest son of Charles and Charlene Cilibraise of Sheridan, Michigan. Father Cilibraise has two brothers and one sister. St. Paul Campus Parish, Big Rapids, is his home parish. He graduated from Ferris State University in 1982 with a bachelor of science degree in social work. He also earned an associate's degree in criminal justice from Kellogg Community College. Father Cilibraise received his master's degree in divinity from St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois in May 2008. He has been assigned to St. Thomas and Our Lady of Grace in Muskegon, and when school is in session, he will be spending one day a week with students at Muskegon Catholic Central High School.
Reverend Mister Michael Burt was born in Petoskey, Michigan to Anne and the late Edward Burt. He has one sister, Catherine, and one brother, David. St. Paul Campus Parish and St. Mary Parish, Big Rapids, are his home parishes. Deacon Burt graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor of science degree in health science in 1993 while serving in the U. S. Navy. After serving 22 years, he retired from the U. S. Navy with an honorable discharge in 1996. He will be entering his final year of seminary at St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois this fall and is a candidate to receive his master's degree in divinity in May 2009.
Reverend Mister Aaron R. Ferris is the youngest child of Brian and Pauline Ferris of Newaygo. Deacon Ferris has a brother, Jacob, and a sister, Danielle. All Saints Parish, Fremont, is his home parish. He graduated from Seton Hall University in 2004 with a bachelor of arts degree in classical studies. Deacon Ferris will be entering his final year of seminary at St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois this fall and is a candidate to receive his master's degree in divinity in May 2009. Source: Diocese of Grand Rapids.
Congratulations...to all of our priests who celebrated ordination anniversaries in June:
Rev. Michael J. Alber, Rev. Msgr. Gasper Ancona, Rev. Matthew Barnum, Rev. Mark Bauer, Rev. M. Thomas Bolster, Rev. Charles Brown, Rev. Thomas Brown, Rev. Patrick Cawley, Rev. James Chelich, Rev. Michael Danner, Rev. Thomas DeYoung, Rev. George Fekete, Rev. Joseph Fix, Rev. Edward Hankiewicz, Rev. Victor Kynam, Rev. Donald Lomasiewicz, Rev. Paul Milanowski, Rev. Troy Nevins, Rev. Phillip Nguyen, Rev. Thomas Page, Rev. Mark Peacock, Rev. Anthony Pelak, Rev. Phong Pham, Rev. Anthony Russo, Rev. R. Luis Quintana, Rev. Leo Rosloniec, Rev. Chris Rouech, Rev. Ronald Schneider, Rev. R. Louis Stasker, Rev. John Thome, Rev. Dung Anton Tran, Rev. John Tuller, Rev. John Vallier, Rev. Peter Vu, Rev. Thomas Vesbit, Rev. Joseph Wiekerak, Rev. John Wisniski , and Rev. William Zink. Please pray for them. Please pray also for those who reside at St. Ann's Home: Rev. Edward Bielskas, Rev. Lionel Harnish, Rev. Thomas McKinney, and Rev. Kenneth Wing.
At the June 23 meeting our club congratulated our Moderator, Fr. Ed Hankiewicz, who celebrated 29 years on that day.
Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for us.
News from the Serra All-American Conference, Notre Dame, Indiana, June 19-22.
The theme of the conference was "Vision of the Church in 2025."
All four Michigan District 15 Serra Clubs were represented at the conference. Attendees included Judge Tom Linck, Muskegon (please pray for Tom's brother, who is very ill); incoming District Governor Louis Rapin, Saginaw Serra; Robert O'Roark and wife Pat, Tom Berringer, from Detroit/Oakland; and from Grand Rapids outgoing District Governor Nate McKenzie, Grand Rapids Serra President Pam McKenzie, and John and Ellen Osterhart.
Our club was presented the Outstanding USAC Newsletter of Region 6 Award.
Resolution of USA Council restructuring issues have been largely resolved, with special thanks to Serra USA Council Episcopal Advisor Bishop Blase Cupich, Serra International Episcopal Advisor Justin Cardinal Rigali, and Consultant "Jim the Baptist" Jones.
A Vocations presentation led by Judy Cozzens of Southwest Denver Serra included the following:
1. School Vocations Awareness Program (Santa Clara Serra)
2. College Connection Program.
3. Parish Vocations Committee Programs were highlighted with materials and presentations from multiple Serra clubs. Judy Cozzens may be reached by e-mail at jcozzens@msn.com
or by phone at 303-795-0050.
Other Friday presentations included "A Vision of the Church in 2025," by Serra USA Council Episcopal Advisor Bishop Cupich, of Rapid City, SD, "The Changing Face of the Catholic Church," by Timothy Matovina, Director of the Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism at the University of Notre Dame, and one given by Donald Herman, North San Diego County Serra, mailto:conherm@juno.com or 760-749-2321), who made an appeal for clubs to volunteer to adopt a newly formed sister Serra Club in a developing or third world country. Don's club is helping a Serra Club in South Africa. Greg Lynch, Serra USAC Membership VP and member of the Serra Club of Santa Clara, led a presentation with emphasis on MEMBERSHIP, MEMBERSHIP, MEMBERSHIP. Our club will have an opportunity to participate in a Membership presentation at the Region 6 Conference scheduled for October in Wheeling, WV. We will present further information as the time comes, and we thank Vice President, Membership Chairman Tim Hile for his role in adding new members to our club.
A number of the Saturday presentations addressed changes in the Church directly related to the question of vocations: Mark Plaiss spoke about the increasing role of deacons in the Church. Sister Amy Hoey addressed the preparation and integration of the currently over 30,000 lay ecclesial ministers into parishes and their role in the future. Brother Paul Bednarczyk discussed the trends, opportunities, and challenges in vocations to the avowed religious life in the United States.
On Friday evening Bishop Cupich presided over the liturgy at Little Flower Church. Father David T. Link celebrated mass at Christ the King Church in South Bend on Saturday. Fr. Link, 71, decided to become a priest after the death of his wife and he was just recently ordained. On Sunday Serrans attended mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. On a personal note, Serrans witnessed quiet courage as a blind student walked to mass with her seeing eye dog. After entering the Basilica she took Ellen's arm for assistance in finding a seat.
Submitted by John Osterhart, who writes, "My recapitulation does not do justice to (our weekend). I just hope that all of our members will take advantage of the wonderful experience of attending a Regional, National, and/or International Serra Conference when the opportunity is available." Thank you, John for this information.
About the Budget. Dan Grady submitted a treasurer's report for 7/1/07 to 5/19/08.
We have forwarded a copy of this budget by e-mail to those who receive the electronic newsletter. For those receiving a paper newsletter, we plan to include a copy of the budget in the July mailing.
Msgr. Ancona, Mark Kubik and Ralph Hauenstein are writing a history of our club, and the Board approved the application of the Cavera Fund, amounting to approximately $400, to this project and possibly to developing a tri-fold informational brochure about our club. A subcommittee headed by Dan Grady is working on a donation policy. We will publish the policy as soon as the details have been worked out and the board has formally adopted it.
Reflections on a June Scripture Reading. The scriptures of June 15 employ mixed metaphors--images of sheep and shepards, priests and people, harvest and laborers--all of which intermingle to create a web of meaning on which we have based our understanding of Christian vocations. Above all, these images help us see Christian vocations as an extension and expression of Jesus' own ministry in the world. They lend themselves especially well to a reflection on the vocation to ordained priesthood. The scriptures for that day help us to understand the role of the ordained in the life of the Church. They also encourage us to pray for an increase in the number of candidates for priestly ordination, for "the harvest is abundant but the laborers are few" (Matthew 9:37). Source: Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Bulletin, June 15.
Pray especially for these Serrans and Friends: Deacon Dale Hollern, Abe Rossi, and Paula Mulligan. Pray also for the brother of Len Gross, who has returned to the United States from missionary work in Ghana and who is recovering from an illness, and for Franciscan Sister Colleen Sue Nagel.
St. Paul's Year Begins. Sunday, June 29 was the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul (Liturgical Year A, Cycle II). At 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI solemnly opened the year of St. Paul, marking two millenia since his birth. At 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, he gave the pallium to metropolitan archbishops at St. Peter's. The pallium is a wool liturgical garment.
The Vatican has granted a plenary indulgence during the Pauline Year for those who fulfill the requirements of confession, Communin, and prayers for the Holy Father's intentions "in total detachment from sin," and also:
1. Make a pilgrimage to St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome and pray for the Holy Father's intentions at the altar of confession, invoking the Blessed Mother and St. Paul.
2. The Catholic faithful in any local church can obtain indulgence by participating with devotion in a liturgy or other public event dedicated to St. Paul--in any sacred place on the opening and closing days of the jubilee year, and on other days in places designated by the local bishop. The sick must intend to as soon as they're able...
Pope Benedict XVI, in announcing the year of St. Paul last year, gave some lessons we can learn from St. Paul.
1. Evangelization is necessary to Christians...
2. Disagreements are human nature, but charity is eternal. The Pope also pointed out that the year opens on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. They were very different figures with different roles in the Church, and there was tension between them, the Pope said, but together they helped build the Church and showed the world "a new way of being brothers." Paul also had a famously sharp disagreement with St. Barnabas, so acrimonious that they split. When the Church seems polarized, we can take comfort that there have always been big disagreements in the Church--and even greater charity.
3. Our Church is built on the sacrifice of the apostles. It was only a few decades ago that Peter's tomb was found to be buried deep beneath the center altar of St. Peter's Basilica. Now Vatican experts have discovered a roughly cut marble sarcophagus deep beneath St. Paul Outside the Walls, which, said Pope Benedict: "according to the common opinion of the experts and unopposed tradition holds the remains of the apostle Paul." It should strengthen our faith to know that our Church was built on the martyrdom of the apostles.
4. Be ready for martyrdom. These are scary times, with new legal challenges making it criminal to be a believing Catholic on some issues in Canada and elsewhere. Don't worry, said the Pope. The Church's actions are credible and effective only to the extent that Christians are willing to "pay personally for their faith in Christ, in every situation," said Pope Benedict. Where this commitment is lacking, the appeal of the Gospel will b weaker, he said.
Paul "lived and worked for Christ; he suffered and died for him. How current is his example today!" By Tom and April Hoopes. Source: National Catholic Register, June 22, 2008.
A Message from our President.
Dear Grand Rapids Serrans:
I am writing this message after attending weekend celebrations at both churches I serve. What a great gift to celebrate the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul at weekend mass and hear stories about their lack of faith, and how they were transformed. Of course I am partial to the Psalm responses, and this week's, "The angel of the Lord will rescue those who hear him," rang so meaningful and so true.
The angel of the Lord was watching over John and Ellen Osterhart and Nate and me as we traveled to Notre Dame for the Regional Conference last week. It is always nice to be with old friends and make new ones. I had the opportunity to visit with both Louis Rapin, our new District Governor from Saginaw and Joe Dietrich, ournew Regional Director from Ohio. Both man are excited to be working with the clubs of our region and district. In the coming months, I know we will be hearing from both of them. Many thanks to Nate McKenzie for serving as District Governor for the past two years. I also learned that one of our past regional directors, Doug McRoy, is now president elect for the U. S. Council. It was also a great pleasure to accept the award for outstanding newsletter for our region on behalf of Nancy King. She works very hard to keep us informed and is very deserving of this award. Congratulations, Nancy.
I understand that many of the differences that had been troubling both the USA Council of Serra and Serra International have been ironed out. There is still some work to finalize before their plan can be presented to the membership. Because of the timing, nothing will be happening until next summer at the International Convention in Omaha, Nebraska.The presentations were all exciting, informative, and interesting. We want to keep the newly ordained Father Zinck in our prayers. At age 71, he is on his sixth career. We are never too old to begin anew, and I know the angel of the Lord will keep watch over him.
Our club's committees are moving ahead with planning for the coming months. If you have not notified one or more of them to join a committee, please do so. Our club has many repeat projects, and we are brainstorming and starting new ones. Don't be left out, and please find the committee you find most interesting. Committee chairmen are as follows: Vocations, Len Gross; Programs, Joseph Scoville; Communications, Nancy King; and Membership, Tim Hile. They will welcome your participation, and the angel of the Lord will be watching, too!
There are some pending opportunities for July and August. Watch your e-mails as we finalize our plans. We will look forward to hearing from our students attending Notre Dame Weekend and from Dennis Leiber, our delegate to the International Convention in Brazil. An Adoration schedule is being prepared for the year. For July we invite you to participate in Adoration at Holy Spirit Parish on Monday, July 7. Mass starts at 8:00 a.m., followed by Rosary. Adoration will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. If possible, set aside some quiet time for the Lord that day, praying for vocations either at Holy Spirit, at home, or at work.
We are have prepared a financial statement for your review. Those taking the electronic newsletter should have received it under separate cover. Those receiving the paper newsletter may view it as part of this mailing. I will listen to any comments. Thank you to Pat Leikert and Dan Grady for compiling this information.
This week we celebrate Independence Day. Many blessings for a safe holiday weekend, and the angel of the Lord rescues those who fear him.
Peaceful blessings,
Pam McKenzie
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter, June, 2008
Calendar of Events.
June 6, 2008. Adoration, First Friday, June 6 at IHM, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
June 7, 2008. Ordination of one priest and two deacons, St. Andrew's Cathedral. Mass begins at 10:00 a.m. Those Serrans serving on the hospitality team may report at 8:40 in the chapel for prayer time. These times are different from the ones previously published. The prayer time is optional. Hospitality duties begin at 9:00 a.m. All Serrans are invited to attend the mass, even though only 10 Serrans will be serving on the hospitality team.
June 9, 2008. Luncheon meeting, 12:00 noon at Louis Benton Steak House. Fr. Ed will be the speaker. Catholic Lawyers of Grand Rapids will join us on this day as special guests.
June 16, 2008. Board Meeting, 12:00 noon at Louis Benton Steak House.
June 20-22, 2008. USAC Super Weekend with Regional Conference, Notre Dame, Indiana.
June 23, 2008. Prayer service and luncheon meeting, 12:00 noon at Sacred Heart. Investiture of new members is tentatively scheduled on this day.
Additional June Dates. Pledge your prayers for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City, June 15-22. Whether or not they attend, all the faithful are encouraged to make the International Eucharistic Congress Pledge:
Jesus, I pledge to respond to your invitation to take part in the Sunday Eucharist with my brothers and sisters gathered together.
For where two or three meet in my name, I am gathered there among them (Mt. 18:20).
I pledge to listen carefully to your Word. I will meditate and pray on your Word. I will put your Word into practice and do what you say, day after day.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us (Jn 1:14).
I pledge to support priests in their mnistry and recognize that You arte acting through them in the Eucharist and in other sacraments.
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat: this is my body" (Mt. 26:26).
I pledge to welcome your love by partaking of your Body and to take the time to prolong our encounter in prayer and adoration.
I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never be thirsty (Jn 6:35).
I pledge to recognize you in all people, especially those who are most difficult to love, seeing in everyone a brother, a sister, because God's spirit dwells in everyone.
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's spirit dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:16).
I pledge to stand by you, Jesus crucified, along with your mother, the Virgin Mary, helping my brothers and sisters who suffer in body, mind, and spirit.
Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me (Mt. 25:40).
Through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus, Canada's Salt and Light Television Network (http://www.saltandlighttv.org/), in conjunction with EWTN (http://www.ewtn.org/), will telecast these events. For more information visit the International Eucharistic Congress Web site: http://www.cei2008.ca/.
Source: http://www.catholicweb.com/. Secondary source: Our Lady of Sorrows Bulletin, June 1, 2008.
Recommended related reading: The Seven Secrets of the Eucharist, available at Catholic bookstores.
Mark your calendars for the following other important dates:
August 12-17. Serra International Convention, Aguas de Lindoia, Sao Paulo State, Brazil.
Among the speakers will be His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali, who will complete his third three-year term at this year's International Convention; His Eminence Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, who was appointed Prefect of the SacredCongregation for Catholic Education in November, 1999 and was elevated to the College of Cardinals in February, 2001; and His Eminence Odilo Caradinal Scherer, named by Pope Benedict XVI Archbishop of Sao Paulo in March, 2007 and elevated to theCollege of Cardinals in the Public Consistory at St. Peter's Basilica.
Friday, August 22, 2008. Muskegon Club's Annual Shrimp Dinner, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Muskegon Catholic Central High School. Approximate cost $15 per person, with soft drinks and adult beverages available.
October, 2008. Fall Regional Conference, Oglebay, West Virginia. More information to come.
News from Asia: Bangalore Vocation Camp. We thank Serra International President Emeritus Dennis Leiber for the following note from Chainarong Monthienvichienchai regarding the Bangalore Vocation Camp:
May 1, 2008. Dear Salena: It's always a joy to receive news from the Serra Club of Bangalore in India. Not only are you alive and well, but also you promote vocations with dedication. Indeed, what your club under the leadership of Jeanette has done is truly a role model and (provides) an inspiration for all of us to follow your beautiful example of the Bangalore Vocation Camp. It clearly reflects your strong faith in the Lord.
As Pope Benedict XVI said early this year, we can only serve the Lord energetically if our faith thrives and is present in abundance in us. The Holy Father also quoted the Lord, who said over and over again to those He healed that it was not the physical touch, it was not the external gesture that was operative, but...that those sick people believed.
The Holy Father added that future priests and preachers of the faith must receive good theological training. We need good major seminaries and qualified theology teachers who not only impart knowledge but inculcate in students an intelligent faith so that faith becomes intelligence.
Again, I sincerely commend the Serra Club of Bangalore for the wonderful deeds. Congratulations on the success, and I look forward to hearing more news from you...
Thank you for sharing this most delightful news with us. Praise the Lord! Mary, mother of vocations, pray for us.
Yours in Serra,
Chainarong
P. S. Please note that the next Serra Asian Convention will be held in Singapore in April, 2010. The Serra Club of Singapore has kindly agreed to be the host, and the preparation has already begun. Please plan to bring as many members as possible to this event, which promises to be a great convention for Serra in Asia. Meanwhile, the upcoming Serra International Convention will be held in Brazil in August of this year. More details at http://www.serraconvention.org/
Congratulations to Father Ted Kozlowski, who celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination on June 1, 2008, at Our Lady of Sorrows. Congratulations are also in order for Fr. Zink of St. Mary's Parish, Marne, 50 years; Fr. Lou Anderson of Carson City, 45 years; and Fr. Troy Nevins, IHM, 11 years.
We extend our best wishes to Serran Past President Mark Kubik, who recently completed the MBA program at the University of Michigan School of Business.
Pray for the continued recovery of these Serrans: Deacon Dale Hollern, Fred Platte, Abe Rossi, and Paula Mulligan.
Catholic Central grad Joe VanderZee writes of his discernment: Over the last few years many of you...have asked me one seemingly innocuous question: "What did you do after high school?" I often replied that I was unsure. My story moved from architecture to engineering to "maybe psychology," to no idea whatsoever. They were all lies. While I knew the honest answer to your question more firmly and longer than even I realized, I refused to acknowledge it. Now I would like to share what I previously lacked the courage to reveal.
My discernment began when my new third grade teacher seemed to fly into the room on our first day as he catapulted himself toward the ceiling. I do not remember if Mr. Fochtman reached it that day, but he would try periodically throughout the year. It was a very high ceiling, often just out of reach. He was a remarkable teacher who expected my classmates and me to take ownership of every assignment: our own high ceiling to grasp. I became a motivated and hardworking student, and I joined the Boy Scouts. I learned much about teamwork and the importance of service. I gained enough experience as a leader to realize that only with personal sacrifices could I really make the troop a better place and help others reach their potential.
However, my reflections on serving and perhaps leading others were driving me down a very uncomfortable path. I found myself entertaining thoughts of becoming a priest. This, my psyche clearly informed me, was not socially acceptable; it would mean sacrificing too much. I happily let the world's ideas of wealth, power, and happiness bury this humbled aspiration one sophisticated shovelful at a time...
Editor's Note: As Joe describes his numerous experiences at Catholic Central, he goes on to describe his participation in CORE:
I was given the privilege of participating on the CORE team where all important decisions were made by consensus. The system forced us to acknowledge each other's perspectives and synthesize forty visions into one. I forged inspiring new friendships that sprang from letting go of my personal wishes to find what was best for our whole class.
When I saw my future bearing down quickly, at the end of my junior year, I realized what a mistake it would be to base my life's most significant decisions on an aspiration motivated by the world's ideas of success and not my honest talents, passions, or faith. I wondered how I could build a life around moments like those that had inspired me: when I left my own wishes behind to share in the growth of others. Before long the replacement dream of a career in arthitecture was no longer adequate to silence the now very loud voice in the back of my head that hinted at a life dedicated to spiritual leadership.
When I reached COREX, I opened a letter I had written during freshman year. My jaw dropped when I read the confident words of my younger self: "You are going to become a priest." It went on to explain the truths about myself I thought I had only then discovered. I realized that priesthood had been my real dream all along; I had simply refused to admit it, even to myself. Though I unearthed the old dream, I kept it closely guarded.
I have spent the vast majority of this year avoiding the question or lying outright when asked to specify to what heights I aspire. I mistakenly felt convinced that if (people) knew, they would never treat me the same way, share the same jokes, or speak with the same candor. I worried that everyone would stereotype me as weird, or as much holier than I am, or worse yet, as someone who thinks he's better than everyone else. Furthermore, telling anyone with conviction that I intend to become a priest would give away not only career ambitions but exactly how I will live my life: a psychological nakedness for which I did not feel prepared. However, should I successfully construct my life to imitate that of a man who offered himself up to death, I suspect it will often be uncomfortable.
The time has long passed to own up to the truth, even if I find it awkward or politically incorrect. I hope a new commitment to honesty might make up for the missed opportunities for conversation that my lying caused. Perhaps it is too late. Yet I know what I have learned at Catholic Central will inspire me in the future to do a much better job living out one certain reality. One ceiling hangs above any skyscraper, free of all limits, and beyond the sky. I want to use my life to support the dreams and hopes of the people around me as we lead each other to God. After all, it is lowly church rafters that hold up our familiar cathedral spires as they ring out noisy calls to prayer, elevate the cross for all to see, and point directly toward heaven.
Source: Senior Issue, Blue and White, May 20, 2008. About this article Serran Tim Hile writes: "The real reason I am forwarding this article is that I hope it will give us more insight as to how to reach young people like Joe. I think it points to all the little touches we can have with younger children to help them understand it is all right to feel called to be closer to God. As a club, how do we take this and aid more young people in nurturing their journey? How can we create more awareness within the Catholic schools and the Faith Formation (CCD) programs throughout the diocese?"
www.serraus.org provides a link to the College Connection Program, the purpose of which is to help high school graduates locate the "Catholic Presence" when they arrive on campus. We especially thank Serrans Nate McKenzie and Paul Nelson for their work with local colleges and universities.
A Message from our President:
Dear Grand Rapids Serrans: May was certainly a rich, liturgy-filled month, starting with the Ascension of our Lord, Pentecost, Holy Trinity Sunday, and Corpus Christi. When we add in First Holy Communions, Mother's Day, May crownings with devotions to Mary--how did we find at date for the 60th Anniversary Charter Night Celebration?
Many thanks to Hon. Joseph Scoville and his committee for a greatly successful evening. The Mass of Thanksgiving was inspiring, giving praise and thanks to our God for the past 60 years and asking for continued guidance in the years to come. We thank His Excellency Bishop Hurley for joining us, and we thank the Lord for the presence of the Honorable Chair and Charter Member Ralph Hauenstein. We also thank Joe and Kathy Westdorp, along with the Diocesean Choir, under the direction of Dennis Rybicki, for the outstanding music. We thank Patty Hughes for coordinating all of the details at the cathedral. The St. George banquet facility was very accommodating. (And then there was that description of a drill sergeant from District Governor Nate McKenzie...I was a little confused, as I thought I was attending the Serra Charter Night Dinner, not entering boot camp)...
Mark Kubik has been an ambitious president, and we thank him for all of his hard work. I especially look for his continued guidance as me remains on the board as Past President.
Again, my appreciation to everyone who helped make the evening a time to restate who we are and what we do as Grand Rapids Serrans.
We have already held our first board meeting of the new term. I shared my focus ideas for the coming months: to continue what has been happening in recent years of growth in membership; to provide informative programs to help us promote, foster, and pray for priestly and religious vocations while enriching our own Catholic journey; to keep communications open; to develop a working budget; and to spend more energy on vocation-related projects, activities, and events. Focusing on vocations, our club urges all members to become involved with a committee or a subcommittee. The vice-presidents will be asking for your help and involvement. If you have a particular area of interest, let them know.
Pentecost Sunday always reminds us of the great story of how the Holy Spirit appeared to the Twelve and how this same Holy Spirit is present to us in the world today. May we continue with our whole hearts, minds, and souls to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, continuing His work as we foster, promote,and pray for priestly and religious vocations.
I look forward to seeing you on Monday, June 9 as we gather with a group of Catholic Lawyers to share a meal and listen to our Moderator, Fr. Ed Hankiewicz. The peace of the Lord be with you. Pam McKenzie
June 6, 2008. Adoration, First Friday, June 6 at IHM, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
June 7, 2008. Ordination of one priest and two deacons, St. Andrew's Cathedral. Mass begins at 10:00 a.m. Those Serrans serving on the hospitality team may report at 8:40 in the chapel for prayer time. These times are different from the ones previously published. The prayer time is optional. Hospitality duties begin at 9:00 a.m. All Serrans are invited to attend the mass, even though only 10 Serrans will be serving on the hospitality team.
June 9, 2008. Luncheon meeting, 12:00 noon at Louis Benton Steak House. Fr. Ed will be the speaker. Catholic Lawyers of Grand Rapids will join us on this day as special guests.
June 16, 2008. Board Meeting, 12:00 noon at Louis Benton Steak House.
June 20-22, 2008. USAC Super Weekend with Regional Conference, Notre Dame, Indiana.
June 23, 2008. Prayer service and luncheon meeting, 12:00 noon at Sacred Heart. Investiture of new members is tentatively scheduled on this day.
Additional June Dates. Pledge your prayers for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City, June 15-22. Whether or not they attend, all the faithful are encouraged to make the International Eucharistic Congress Pledge:
Jesus, I pledge to respond to your invitation to take part in the Sunday Eucharist with my brothers and sisters gathered together.
For where two or three meet in my name, I am gathered there among them (Mt. 18:20).
I pledge to listen carefully to your Word. I will meditate and pray on your Word. I will put your Word into practice and do what you say, day after day.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us (Jn 1:14).
I pledge to support priests in their mnistry and recognize that You arte acting through them in the Eucharist and in other sacraments.
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat: this is my body" (Mt. 26:26).
I pledge to welcome your love by partaking of your Body and to take the time to prolong our encounter in prayer and adoration.
I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never be thirsty (Jn 6:35).
I pledge to recognize you in all people, especially those who are most difficult to love, seeing in everyone a brother, a sister, because God's spirit dwells in everyone.
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's spirit dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:16).
I pledge to stand by you, Jesus crucified, along with your mother, the Virgin Mary, helping my brothers and sisters who suffer in body, mind, and spirit.
Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me (Mt. 25:40).
Through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus, Canada's Salt and Light Television Network (http://www.saltandlighttv.org/), in conjunction with EWTN (http://www.ewtn.org/), will telecast these events. For more information visit the International Eucharistic Congress Web site: http://www.cei2008.ca/.
Source: http://www.catholicweb.com/. Secondary source: Our Lady of Sorrows Bulletin, June 1, 2008.
Recommended related reading: The Seven Secrets of the Eucharist, available at Catholic bookstores.
Mark your calendars for the following other important dates:
August 12-17. Serra International Convention, Aguas de Lindoia, Sao Paulo State, Brazil.
Among the speakers will be His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali, who will complete his third three-year term at this year's International Convention; His Eminence Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, who was appointed Prefect of the SacredCongregation for Catholic Education in November, 1999 and was elevated to the College of Cardinals in February, 2001; and His Eminence Odilo Caradinal Scherer, named by Pope Benedict XVI Archbishop of Sao Paulo in March, 2007 and elevated to theCollege of Cardinals in the Public Consistory at St. Peter's Basilica.
Friday, August 22, 2008. Muskegon Club's Annual Shrimp Dinner, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Muskegon Catholic Central High School. Approximate cost $15 per person, with soft drinks and adult beverages available.
October, 2008. Fall Regional Conference, Oglebay, West Virginia. More information to come.
News from Asia: Bangalore Vocation Camp. We thank Serra International President Emeritus Dennis Leiber for the following note from Chainarong Monthienvichienchai regarding the Bangalore Vocation Camp:
May 1, 2008. Dear Salena: It's always a joy to receive news from the Serra Club of Bangalore in India. Not only are you alive and well, but also you promote vocations with dedication. Indeed, what your club under the leadership of Jeanette has done is truly a role model and (provides) an inspiration for all of us to follow your beautiful example of the Bangalore Vocation Camp. It clearly reflects your strong faith in the Lord.
As Pope Benedict XVI said early this year, we can only serve the Lord energetically if our faith thrives and is present in abundance in us. The Holy Father also quoted the Lord, who said over and over again to those He healed that it was not the physical touch, it was not the external gesture that was operative, but...that those sick people believed.
The Holy Father added that future priests and preachers of the faith must receive good theological training. We need good major seminaries and qualified theology teachers who not only impart knowledge but inculcate in students an intelligent faith so that faith becomes intelligence.
Again, I sincerely commend the Serra Club of Bangalore for the wonderful deeds. Congratulations on the success, and I look forward to hearing more news from you...
Thank you for sharing this most delightful news with us. Praise the Lord! Mary, mother of vocations, pray for us.
Yours in Serra,
Chainarong
P. S. Please note that the next Serra Asian Convention will be held in Singapore in April, 2010. The Serra Club of Singapore has kindly agreed to be the host, and the preparation has already begun. Please plan to bring as many members as possible to this event, which promises to be a great convention for Serra in Asia. Meanwhile, the upcoming Serra International Convention will be held in Brazil in August of this year. More details at http://www.serraconvention.org/
Congratulations to Father Ted Kozlowski, who celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination on June 1, 2008, at Our Lady of Sorrows. Congratulations are also in order for Fr. Zink of St. Mary's Parish, Marne, 50 years; Fr. Lou Anderson of Carson City, 45 years; and Fr. Troy Nevins, IHM, 11 years.
We extend our best wishes to Serran Past President Mark Kubik, who recently completed the MBA program at the University of Michigan School of Business.
Pray for the continued recovery of these Serrans: Deacon Dale Hollern, Fred Platte, Abe Rossi, and Paula Mulligan.
Catholic Central grad Joe VanderZee writes of his discernment: Over the last few years many of you...have asked me one seemingly innocuous question: "What did you do after high school?" I often replied that I was unsure. My story moved from architecture to engineering to "maybe psychology," to no idea whatsoever. They were all lies. While I knew the honest answer to your question more firmly and longer than even I realized, I refused to acknowledge it. Now I would like to share what I previously lacked the courage to reveal.
My discernment began when my new third grade teacher seemed to fly into the room on our first day as he catapulted himself toward the ceiling. I do not remember if Mr. Fochtman reached it that day, but he would try periodically throughout the year. It was a very high ceiling, often just out of reach. He was a remarkable teacher who expected my classmates and me to take ownership of every assignment: our own high ceiling to grasp. I became a motivated and hardworking student, and I joined the Boy Scouts. I learned much about teamwork and the importance of service. I gained enough experience as a leader to realize that only with personal sacrifices could I really make the troop a better place and help others reach their potential.
However, my reflections on serving and perhaps leading others were driving me down a very uncomfortable path. I found myself entertaining thoughts of becoming a priest. This, my psyche clearly informed me, was not socially acceptable; it would mean sacrificing too much. I happily let the world's ideas of wealth, power, and happiness bury this humbled aspiration one sophisticated shovelful at a time...
Editor's Note: As Joe describes his numerous experiences at Catholic Central, he goes on to describe his participation in CORE:
I was given the privilege of participating on the CORE team where all important decisions were made by consensus. The system forced us to acknowledge each other's perspectives and synthesize forty visions into one. I forged inspiring new friendships that sprang from letting go of my personal wishes to find what was best for our whole class.
When I saw my future bearing down quickly, at the end of my junior year, I realized what a mistake it would be to base my life's most significant decisions on an aspiration motivated by the world's ideas of success and not my honest talents, passions, or faith. I wondered how I could build a life around moments like those that had inspired me: when I left my own wishes behind to share in the growth of others. Before long the replacement dream of a career in arthitecture was no longer adequate to silence the now very loud voice in the back of my head that hinted at a life dedicated to spiritual leadership.
When I reached COREX, I opened a letter I had written during freshman year. My jaw dropped when I read the confident words of my younger self: "You are going to become a priest." It went on to explain the truths about myself I thought I had only then discovered. I realized that priesthood had been my real dream all along; I had simply refused to admit it, even to myself. Though I unearthed the old dream, I kept it closely guarded.
I have spent the vast majority of this year avoiding the question or lying outright when asked to specify to what heights I aspire. I mistakenly felt convinced that if (people) knew, they would never treat me the same way, share the same jokes, or speak with the same candor. I worried that everyone would stereotype me as weird, or as much holier than I am, or worse yet, as someone who thinks he's better than everyone else. Furthermore, telling anyone with conviction that I intend to become a priest would give away not only career ambitions but exactly how I will live my life: a psychological nakedness for which I did not feel prepared. However, should I successfully construct my life to imitate that of a man who offered himself up to death, I suspect it will often be uncomfortable.
The time has long passed to own up to the truth, even if I find it awkward or politically incorrect. I hope a new commitment to honesty might make up for the missed opportunities for conversation that my lying caused. Perhaps it is too late. Yet I know what I have learned at Catholic Central will inspire me in the future to do a much better job living out one certain reality. One ceiling hangs above any skyscraper, free of all limits, and beyond the sky. I want to use my life to support the dreams and hopes of the people around me as we lead each other to God. After all, it is lowly church rafters that hold up our familiar cathedral spires as they ring out noisy calls to prayer, elevate the cross for all to see, and point directly toward heaven.
Source: Senior Issue, Blue and White, May 20, 2008. About this article Serran Tim Hile writes: "The real reason I am forwarding this article is that I hope it will give us more insight as to how to reach young people like Joe. I think it points to all the little touches we can have with younger children to help them understand it is all right to feel called to be closer to God. As a club, how do we take this and aid more young people in nurturing their journey? How can we create more awareness within the Catholic schools and the Faith Formation (CCD) programs throughout the diocese?"
www.serraus.org provides a link to the College Connection Program, the purpose of which is to help high school graduates locate the "Catholic Presence" when they arrive on campus. We especially thank Serrans Nate McKenzie and Paul Nelson for their work with local colleges and universities.
A Message from our President:
Dear Grand Rapids Serrans: May was certainly a rich, liturgy-filled month, starting with the Ascension of our Lord, Pentecost, Holy Trinity Sunday, and Corpus Christi. When we add in First Holy Communions, Mother's Day, May crownings with devotions to Mary--how did we find at date for the 60th Anniversary Charter Night Celebration?
Many thanks to Hon. Joseph Scoville and his committee for a greatly successful evening. The Mass of Thanksgiving was inspiring, giving praise and thanks to our God for the past 60 years and asking for continued guidance in the years to come. We thank His Excellency Bishop Hurley for joining us, and we thank the Lord for the presence of the Honorable Chair and Charter Member Ralph Hauenstein. We also thank Joe and Kathy Westdorp, along with the Diocesean Choir, under the direction of Dennis Rybicki, for the outstanding music. We thank Patty Hughes for coordinating all of the details at the cathedral. The St. George banquet facility was very accommodating. (And then there was that description of a drill sergeant from District Governor Nate McKenzie...I was a little confused, as I thought I was attending the Serra Charter Night Dinner, not entering boot camp)...
Mark Kubik has been an ambitious president, and we thank him for all of his hard work. I especially look for his continued guidance as me remains on the board as Past President.
Again, my appreciation to everyone who helped make the evening a time to restate who we are and what we do as Grand Rapids Serrans.
We have already held our first board meeting of the new term. I shared my focus ideas for the coming months: to continue what has been happening in recent years of growth in membership; to provide informative programs to help us promote, foster, and pray for priestly and religious vocations while enriching our own Catholic journey; to keep communications open; to develop a working budget; and to spend more energy on vocation-related projects, activities, and events. Focusing on vocations, our club urges all members to become involved with a committee or a subcommittee. The vice-presidents will be asking for your help and involvement. If you have a particular area of interest, let them know.
Pentecost Sunday always reminds us of the great story of how the Holy Spirit appeared to the Twelve and how this same Holy Spirit is present to us in the world today. May we continue with our whole hearts, minds, and souls to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, continuing His work as we foster, promote,and pray for priestly and religious vocations.
I look forward to seeing you on Monday, June 9 as we gather with a group of Catholic Lawyers to share a meal and listen to our Moderator, Fr. Ed Hankiewicz. The peace of the Lord be with you. Pam McKenzie
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