Calendar of Events: February is a busy month for our club
February 5, 2009. (Thursday). Adoration at Sacred Heart of Jesus, 6:30 p.m. Benediction at 7:00 p.m. Vocations Chair Len Gross encourages those who cannot attend the regularly scheduled Adoration to spend Quiet Time with the Lord either at their own parishes or at other locations where Adoration is taking place.
February 8, 2009. World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life.
February 9, 2009. Member-Guest Reception, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Louis Benton Steak House. Please forward names of potential members to Tim Hile so that he can send the invitations.
February 15, 2009. Celebration Mass for Boy Scouts, 2:00 p.m. at St. Robert of Newminster Parish, Ada. Father Lou Stasker, Celebrant.
February 16, 2009. Serra Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon at Louis Benton Steak House.
February 18, 2009. (Wednesday). Saginaw Club Vocation Endowment Dinner. Price per ticket $40.00 each or $300 for a table of eight. Fr. William Baer, Rector-President of St. John Vianney College Seminary, St. Paul, MN, will speak. Call Pam McKenzie at 893-5233 if you wish to attend. Ride sharing arrangements tba.
February 21, 2009. Sisters' Appreciation Dinner at Brophy Center, St. Jude's Parish. Mass at 4:00 p.m. Social Hour 5:00-6:00 p.m. Dinner and program to follow. See below for further information.
February 20-22, Serra USA Planning Meeting, Kansas City, MO.
February 23, 2009. Prayer Service and Luncheon, 12:00 Noon at Sacred Heart.
Other Important Dates:
May 3, 2009. World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
June 6, 2009. Ordination of two priests and one deacon, St. Andrew's Cathedral.
August 27-30, 2009. Serra International Convention, Omaha, NE.
Correction: Father John Henry Newman is not yet a saint. He is the Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman. January 5 is not his feast day, as reported in the January newsletter. We celebrate the anniversary of his death, which occurred on January 5, 1836. (Information courtesy of Elizabeth Bjork).
We pay tribute to another great Catholic leader. Less than one month ago we celebrated the life of Cardinal Avery Dulles by marking his departure from our earthly world to the next. Today we again mourn the passing of one of America's great public intellectuals, Catholic Priest, and friend of CatholicVote.com--Father Richard John Neuhaus--who died (on January 8, 2009). When he was hospitalized on December 26, 2008, word spread quickly that Fr. Neuhaus was gravely ill. He had been diagnosed with cancer and suffered from an infection from which he never recovered.
Born in Canada, Neuhaus was ordained as a Lutheran minister in 1960. He converted to Catholicism in 1990 and was ordained a priest one year later.
As with Cardinal Dulles, (who contributed regularly to First Things), we celebrate his rich life and contributions to the role of faith in America. He will certainly be remembered for his compelling defense of the role of religious faith in public life and his fruitful efforts to enliven the theological dialogue between Catholics and Evangelicals.
His books include Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy, and the Splendor of Truth, and Appointment in Rome: The Church in America Awakening.
We join those Catholics, Christians, and all Americans in praying for the repose of the soul of Fr. Richard John Neuhaus. Sources: CatholicVote.com and Newsmax.com.
A Word about the Sisters' Appreciation Dinner. Especially for our new members and for those who have not yet participated in one of these dinners, we wish to supply you with information about the event, and we urge you to get involved. Many Serrans rate the Sisters' Dinner at the top of the list of our club's many enjoyable and rewarding activities. February 21 will mark our Sixth Annual Dinner. If I remember correctly, Nate McKenzie first came up with the idea, and after our experimental first year, Serrans have voted unanimously to continue the custom. Judging by their response, we believe the sisters heartily agree. This year Mark Kubik and Nate will serve as head chefs. The menu will feature Cornish hens, among other dishes. The entertainment is in place, the invitations have been sent, and we are happy to report that we have made contact with several new groups of sisters this year. Nate has been accepting r.s.v.p. messages, and the sisters, especially those who have attended at least once in the past, sound very excited about the event.
Join one of the several teams of helpers:
a) Set-up crew, to report to the Brophy Center on Friday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m.
b) Hors d-oeuvres makers. Social hour starts immediately after Mass on Saturday. The sisters especially enjoy these special treats. Make them at home and get them to the Brophy Center by 5:00 on Saturday.
c) Dessert makers. President Pam has a special idea for desserts this year. She plans to prepare them starting at 10:00 on Saturday morning.
c) If you're attending the Mass, pick up your name tag beforehand at the Brophy Center. Helpers and greeters will report for duty immediately following the Mass.
d) Clean-up Crew: Many hands make light work. We should be finished by 10:00 on Saturday night.
e) Prizes, gifts for the sisters. The sisters appreciate just about anything. We especially recommend stationery, holy cards, books of meditation, small personal items,kitchen linens and kitchen utensils (the fun ones), soaps and lotions. If you have any other ideas, we welcome those as well.
Pam circulated sign-up sheets at the January 26 meeting, but please call her at 893-5233 if you were not there and would like to help. The joy you will feel in helping with the Sisters' Dinner will last for a long time after the event is over. We hope to see you there for at least some of it. We also like to include spouses, friends, children, and grandchildren in our Sisters' Dinner Team.
Venturing Update. At the January 26 meeting Aaron Gach gave a brief report on Venturing.
Not only is the West Catholic group off to a good start, with 26 young people and 6-8 adult advisors, but also several Aquinas students are forming a Venturing Crew as well. He will keep us posted as to the plans and accomplishments of both crews.
Also, as noted above, Fr. Lou Stasker will celebrate a special mass for the Boy Scouts on February 15 at 2:00 p.m.
News from Catholic Radio. Two Grand Rapids Serrans have joined the board of Holy Family Radio. Dan Grady is Treasurer, and John Osterhart is serving as Director of Communications. Broadcasts are now available (beginning February 2) on WTKG, 1230 AM, weekdays from 6:00-8:00 a.m. and on 1680 on Sundays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, and repeated at 7:00-10:00 p.m. We look forward to the opportunity to promote our club through these broadcasts.
2009 March for Life. The 36th Annual 2009 March for Life took place on Thursday, January 22, beginning at noon, in Washington, D. C. Although supporters of the March turned out in record numbers, media coverage of the event was all but non-existent. Please note that a documentary film of the event is scheduled for release in March, 2009. Producer Jack Cashill and actress Jennifer O'Neill were on site to capture an immense amount of footage for the documentary feature, Thine Eyes: A Witness to the March for Life.
The film is slated as an awareness and recruiting tool as well as a fundraising appeal for general support of the prolife cause. Executive producer Steve Sanborn and Production Director Mike Wunsch of Outpost Worldwide were also on site. The film will offer open rights for use upon its release.
Supporters are asked to visit http://www.thineeyes.org/ for more information. Tax-deductible donations for the project are being accepted and pre-ordering of the DVD is also available on the website.
"We're really hoping that people will forward the information to as many others as possible,"Sanborn said.
"This is the right year for the project... After thirty-six years of Roe v. Wade, it's obvious that prolifers have to do their own media and marketing work. No one will do it for us, " Sanborn said.
Visit http://www.thineeyes.org/
Donations may be mailed to:
Thine Eyes Fund: SCCF
706 Lindenwood Drive, Suite 100
Olathe, KS 66062
Editor's Note: I attended my sixth consecutive March this year, along with my daughter Leslie. I have heard only one estimate of the size of this year's March for Life: 300,000 plus, as opposed to 200,000 in recent past years. Undoubtedly the documentary will provide some answers.
Good News for Vocations. Pope Benedict XVI greeted 49 newly ordained priests of the Legionaries of Christ, encouraging them to let the love of Christ invigorate their ministry. After praying the Angelus December 21 with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father addressed the newly ordained.
The priests were ordained on Saturday, December 21, 2008 by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinalsl, in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. More than 3,000 people participated in the ceremony. Thirty-four of the new priests were ordained deacons June 29, the first day of the Pauline Year, convoked by the Pope to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of the Apostle of the Gentiles. The Legionaries of Christ invoke St. Paul as a special protector of their religious congregation.
The new priests range in age from 29-37 and come from 13 countries: 23 from Mexico, six from Spain, four from the United States, three from Germany, three from Brazil, one from Argentina, two from Colombia, two from Italy, and one each from Canada, Chile, France, Ireland, and Venezuela. Source: National Catholic Register, January 11-17, 2009. (Information courtesy of Beverly Shields).
A Message from the President. Dear Serrans: Our newsletter is full of opportunities this month. I hope you will get involved and join in on the fun!
Your Serra Board members have put together a survey, and we need everyone's input. If you did not get a survey yet, it has been forwarded to you by e-mail, or if you receive a paper newsletter, it will be included in this mailing. Remember to fill out both sides. Please notify Nancy King if you have any problems receiving it. Your name doesn't need to be on the survey, but the information you write will be used for future planning. If you enjoy and like something we do--tell us. If something needs improving--tell us. If you have a new idea--tell us. If you know how to transmit the information via the Internet, you are special! Otherwise, please return your completed survey via the US Mail by February 13, 2009. Thank you to Bob Paul for his work on this project.
I have heard from only one Serran interested in going to the Saginaw Dinner. We need to get out our RSVP by February 10. The Dinner is Wednesday, February 18, and the cost is $40 per person. Please call 893-5233 if you are interested.
Our moving Chalice is available for you to take home. At the present time Bob and Beverly Shields are praying for vocations. They will bring it back to the Member-Guest Reception on February 9. For Serrans with children, the Chalice provides a good opportunity to pray for vocations during Lent. This commitment at home is usually a two-week commitment. The plan is to pick up the Chalice at one meeting and bring it back to the next. Occasionally the time runs a bit longer when there are five Mondays in a month.
We know of at least six guests who are interested in hearing more about Serra. If you know of people you think would make good Serrans but have not furnished their names to Tim Hile, invite and bring them anyway. We need all the Serrans we can get to keep Serra's mission of praying, fostering, and promoting vocations active!
Many church bulletins are promoting the Seminarian of the Week, as well as including a vocation prayer or other material about vocations. If you bulletin or church is doing something especially for vocations, please share it at a meeting or in the newsletter. News about vocations is always the best headliner for my eyes to see!
Remember to look over the dates in this newsletter for opportunities over and above regular luncheon meetings to get involved.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter, January 2009
January Dates to Remember.
January 4, 2009. The Epiphany of the Lord.
January 5, 2009. St. John Newman.
January 8-11, 2009. Super Weekend, O'Hare Mariott, Chicago.
January 11, 2009. The Baptism of the Lord.
January 11-16. Vocation Awareness Week.
January 12, 2009. Luncheon Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Louis Benton Steak House. Note our guest speaker, Father Mark David Janus. Please consider inviting a guest.
January 19, 2009. Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Louis Benton Steak House.
January 26, 2009. Prayer Service and Luncheon Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Sacred Heart.
February Dates to Remember.
February 8, 2009. World Day of Prayer for the Consecrated Life.
February 9, 2009. Member-Guest Reception, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Louis Benton Steak House.
There will be no noon meeting on February 9. Please supply Tim Hile with names of prospective members so that he can send invitations.
February 16, 2009. Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Louis Benton Steak House.
February 21, 2009. Sisters' Appreciation Dinner, St. Jude's. More information to come in Februrary newsletter.
February 23, 2009. Prayer Service and Luncheon Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Sacred Heart.
Two Converts, Two Cardinals.
At the Vocations Dinner last December Father Matthew Barnum told us the wonderful story of his conversion and his call to the priesthood. In this January newsletter we honor especially two distinguished converts to the Catholic faith, John Cardinal Newman and Avery Cardinal Dulles, whose great contributions to the Church deserve special note.
John Henry Cardinal Newman, 1801-1890) became a convert to the Roman Catholic Church in 1845, and was made a cardinal in 1879. Before his conversion, he had distinguished himself as a scholar and a preacher of the Church of England at Oxford University. In 1833 he joined the movement within the church to rid it of political domination and to ground it more firmly in traditional belief (The Oxford Movement). The movement helped strengthen the established church, but Newman shocked his fellow reformers when he joined the Roman Catholic Church. In 1846 he became a Catholic priest.
Newman was born in London. For most of his life as a Catholic, he lived in Birmingham as rector of an oratory, a group of men devoted to prayer and studies. He was considered one of the great thinkers of the 1800's.
Cardinal Newman's autobiography, the Apologia pro Vita Sua (1864), was an answer to an attack upon him by Charles Kingsley, an Anglican minister and author. Among his many lectures is "The Idea of a University" (1852). The Grammar of Assent (1870) was his answer to religious skepticism. He alwo wrote the famous hymn, "Lead Kindly Light". We observe his feast day on January 5.
One legacy of Cardinal Newman is the Newman Apostolate, a Roman Catholic organization whose presence was established on a number of college campuses throughout the United States. It was formed to serve students on campuses of universities and colleges not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. In its original form it sponsored lectures, seminars, conferences, and study groups and conducted educational, leadership, religious, and social programs, with a chaplain serving at each center. Today chapters of the Newman Apostolate can be found in a number of dioceses throughout the United States.
Avery Cardinal Dulles died on December 13, 2008. Brian Burch, of Catholic Vote.com, writes of him:
"This morning we were greeted with some difficult news. Cardinal Avery Dulles, S. J., a premier Catholic intellect and champion of the unborn, died this morning at the age of 90 in New York.
Dulles was actually once an agnostic. But after his service in the Navy, Dulles entered the Society of Jesus and was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1956. His father was John Foster Dulles, who served as Secretary of State from 1953 to 1959, after whom Dulles Airport outside Washington D. C. was named.
In 2001, Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal in the Catholic Church because of his renowned scholarship.
The legacy of Cardinal Dulles is impossible to sum up, and his writings will be considered one element of Dulles's prolific life involved in his dedication to the truths taught by the Church on the dignity of all human life.
This past election featured several public disputes over these topics, with some politicians who profess the Christian faith claiming that religious views should be censored from the public square, or that some truths chared by religious believers should not be 'imposed' on others. Cardinal Dulles soundly rejected this falsehood:
'Many politicians, like much of the American public, seem to be unaware that abortion and euthanasia are serious violations of the inalienable right to life. These are not just Church issues, but are governed by the natural law of God, which is binding upon all human beings. The right to life is the most fundamental of all rights, since a person deprived of life has no other rights.'
Cardinal Dulles was right. The truth about human life is not a "Catholic thing" or an exclusively religious doctrine. The priority of protecting all human life is a truth fundamental to all people. We must care because we are human, too.
More than anything, Cardinal Dulles was a model of holiness, living a life of prayer and scholarly service of his Church and country.
We will miss this strong voice for the unborn. May he be welcomed today in the arms of Our Heavenly Father, where we hope one day to join him."
Sincerely, Brian Burch, CatholicVote.com
Let us Remember in our Prayers these two Cardinals, as well as all priests and religious.
As for those in our own diocese who passed away this past week let us pray for Fr. Ed Bielskas, our diocese's oldest priest, and for Consolata Sister Maria Guadalupe. Fr. Bielskas, 93, died on Wednesday, December 31, after a brief illness. Sister Maria Guadallupe Herrara went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 3. Service arrangement is to be announced.
Also, keep in mind the USA Council of Serra International Board's message to encourage Serrans throughout the United States to pray for all Serrans throughout the world who need healing.
One more miracle is needed to submit to the Church body examining Father Serra's cause for canonization. One way to do so is to pray the Father Serra Novena, available online or in PDF. for the healing of ailing Serrans. Pray this novena and any other devotions for sick Serrans as often as possible. Source: Home Page, serraus.org.
Another cause to pray for in January is the March for Life, scheduled for January 22, in Washington, D. C. and in other locations throught the United States. The March for Life is a prayerful observance of the dignity of all human life.
Two further notes regarding the 2009 March for Life.
As the date approaches, colleges are already making plans to travel to Washington for the annual March for Life in January. At Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, N. C., director of campus ministry Jenny Ryan...says more students than ever are signing up for the school's bus ride to the January 22 march. The entire student body of Christendom College, over 400 strong, will fill several buses in a caravan from their Front Royal, Virginia campus to the march. According to Christendom spokesman Niall O'Donnell, the majority of the faculty and staff accompany them. About 300 students from The Catholic University of America officially signed up for last year's march. At the same time, the school opened up their gym as cohost with the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for an overnight stay before the event for 1500 marchers coming from across the country. Even more students are expected this year.
These are prime morning drive hours. Also, WPRR (1680AM) has scheduled three hours of Catholic radio, on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Catholic radio is growing. In 1997 there were only seven Catholic radio stations in the U. S. In 2007 there were 160 stations. In October 2008 the FCC granted 175 more Catholic radio licenses. Within the next two years, there will be 300 Catholic radio stations in the U. S.
What can we do to help the cause?
1) Volunteers from each parish are needed to help promote Holy Family Radio with bulletin announcements, brochures, and the like. Volunteer with Pat Ryan joparyn@comcast.net or 243-7431.
2) Mary Lou Harig, Rita DeFouw, and Jane Wilmer will be organizing a prayer committee for continual prayers for the needs of Holy Family Radio. Reach Mary Lou at micharig@sbcglobal. net or 233-8998.
3) Grant Writing is also needed. The committee will be looking at several avenues of funding.
4) Send donations. Editor's Note: Please check this information before donating: Holy Family Radio's new address is P. O. Box 150154, Grand Rapids, MI 49515 -0154. Make checks payable to Holy Family Radio, Inc.
Our President's Message:
Happy New Year Serrans!
All of my days of late have run together and I've been having a hard time keeping track of the day of the week as well as the date.
This new year offers much hope for our club and vocations for our diocese. By working together as a club, with the Diocese and the Vocations Office, we can make a difference.
January is full of Vocation Awareness opportunities (as noted earlier in the newsletter).
Our first meeting this year will be at noon, Monday, January 12, at Louis Benton Steak House. Our guest speaker is Reverend Father Mark David Janus, Paulist Father and head of the Catholic Information Center, as well as Rector of the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Father Mark David has made quite an impact since moving to the recotry at St. Andrew. He is a dynamic speaker, and this would be a great time to bring a guest.
The board has decided to ask the membership for more input in the form of a survey. Ths survey will be presented at the January 26 meeting at Sacred Heart. Bob Paul has compiled questions and ideas and will make a presentation before handing out the survey. Please plan to attend and give our input for the future of our club. If you cannot attend, you will receive the information via snail mail or e-mail. Please respond as soon as possible; every answer counts and you will get the results in a future newsletter and in future meetings.
We all have friend we want to introduce to Serra, but our plans somehow slip through the cracks. Well, now is the time to get those names and addresses to 'Tim Hile for the Member/Guest Reception scheduled for Monday, February 9 at 5:30 p.m. Again, this event is for the future of our-YOUR-club. New members bring energy and ideas for vocation related endeavors. Your help is needed--please respond with names to Tim Hile.
Have you missed our in participating i the Sisters' Appreciation Dinner? The date is set for February 21 at St. Jude's Brophy Center. This will be our Sixth Annual Appreciation Dinner. Nate McKenzie and Mark Kubik have been busy planning the menu. Invitations have been written and mailed to the various Orders in our diocese: Franciscan, Carmellite, Dominican, Mercy, and Consolata. If you know of any Sister who has not attended or is new to the area, please, please let me know. We do not want to miss anyone. More information will be coming in next month's newsletter for times to work and what is needed. We do need hors d'oeuvres for the social time as well as gifts for the sisters. About 100 ladies typically attend, and the gifts can be anything you think a sister would like.
We have received an invitation from the Saginaw Club as follows:
Saginaw Serra Club
Fourth Annual Dinner for the Bishop Robert J. Carlson Seminarian Endowment Fund
Wednesday, February 18, 2009.
6:00 p.m. Social Hour, 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Swan Valley Banquet Center
Saginaw, Michigan.
Keynote Speaker: Fr. William Baer, Rector-President, St. John Vianney College Seminary, St. Paul, MN. Donation $40 per person. Donation for a table of eight is $300.
The Saginaw Club has supported events here in Grand Rapids many times. It would be very nice if we can have one or more tables at their dinner. R. S. V. P. is needed by February 10, 2009. If you are interested in car-pooling, please call me at 893-5233 and I will co-ordinate the reservations with Saginaw.
As you can see, we are off and running in 2009. Thank you to everyone who helped make our 2008 vocation opportunities successful. Working together, we will make 2009 a GREAT year for vocations.
Respectfully, Pam McKenzie
January 4, 2009. The Epiphany of the Lord.
January 5, 2009. St. John Newman.
January 8-11, 2009. Super Weekend, O'Hare Mariott, Chicago.
January 11, 2009. The Baptism of the Lord.
January 11-16. Vocation Awareness Week.
January 12, 2009. Luncheon Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Louis Benton Steak House. Note our guest speaker, Father Mark David Janus. Please consider inviting a guest.
January 19, 2009. Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Louis Benton Steak House.
January 26, 2009. Prayer Service and Luncheon Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Sacred Heart.
February Dates to Remember.
February 8, 2009. World Day of Prayer for the Consecrated Life.
February 9, 2009. Member-Guest Reception, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Louis Benton Steak House.
There will be no noon meeting on February 9. Please supply Tim Hile with names of prospective members so that he can send invitations.
February 16, 2009. Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Louis Benton Steak House.
February 21, 2009. Sisters' Appreciation Dinner, St. Jude's. More information to come in Februrary newsletter.
February 23, 2009. Prayer Service and Luncheon Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Sacred Heart.
Two Converts, Two Cardinals.
At the Vocations Dinner last December Father Matthew Barnum told us the wonderful story of his conversion and his call to the priesthood. In this January newsletter we honor especially two distinguished converts to the Catholic faith, John Cardinal Newman and Avery Cardinal Dulles, whose great contributions to the Church deserve special note.
John Henry Cardinal Newman, 1801-1890) became a convert to the Roman Catholic Church in 1845, and was made a cardinal in 1879. Before his conversion, he had distinguished himself as a scholar and a preacher of the Church of England at Oxford University. In 1833 he joined the movement within the church to rid it of political domination and to ground it more firmly in traditional belief (The Oxford Movement). The movement helped strengthen the established church, but Newman shocked his fellow reformers when he joined the Roman Catholic Church. In 1846 he became a Catholic priest.
Newman was born in London. For most of his life as a Catholic, he lived in Birmingham as rector of an oratory, a group of men devoted to prayer and studies. He was considered one of the great thinkers of the 1800's.
Cardinal Newman's autobiography, the Apologia pro Vita Sua (1864), was an answer to an attack upon him by Charles Kingsley, an Anglican minister and author. Among his many lectures is "The Idea of a University" (1852). The Grammar of Assent (1870) was his answer to religious skepticism. He alwo wrote the famous hymn, "Lead Kindly Light". We observe his feast day on January 5.
One legacy of Cardinal Newman is the Newman Apostolate, a Roman Catholic organization whose presence was established on a number of college campuses throughout the United States. It was formed to serve students on campuses of universities and colleges not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. In its original form it sponsored lectures, seminars, conferences, and study groups and conducted educational, leadership, religious, and social programs, with a chaplain serving at each center. Today chapters of the Newman Apostolate can be found in a number of dioceses throughout the United States.
Avery Cardinal Dulles died on December 13, 2008. Brian Burch, of Catholic Vote.com, writes of him:
"This morning we were greeted with some difficult news. Cardinal Avery Dulles, S. J., a premier Catholic intellect and champion of the unborn, died this morning at the age of 90 in New York.
Dulles was actually once an agnostic. But after his service in the Navy, Dulles entered the Society of Jesus and was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1956. His father was John Foster Dulles, who served as Secretary of State from 1953 to 1959, after whom Dulles Airport outside Washington D. C. was named.
In 2001, Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal in the Catholic Church because of his renowned scholarship.
The legacy of Cardinal Dulles is impossible to sum up, and his writings will be considered one element of Dulles's prolific life involved in his dedication to the truths taught by the Church on the dignity of all human life.
This past election featured several public disputes over these topics, with some politicians who profess the Christian faith claiming that religious views should be censored from the public square, or that some truths chared by religious believers should not be 'imposed' on others. Cardinal Dulles soundly rejected this falsehood:
'Many politicians, like much of the American public, seem to be unaware that abortion and euthanasia are serious violations of the inalienable right to life. These are not just Church issues, but are governed by the natural law of God, which is binding upon all human beings. The right to life is the most fundamental of all rights, since a person deprived of life has no other rights.'
Cardinal Dulles was right. The truth about human life is not a "Catholic thing" or an exclusively religious doctrine. The priority of protecting all human life is a truth fundamental to all people. We must care because we are human, too.
More than anything, Cardinal Dulles was a model of holiness, living a life of prayer and scholarly service of his Church and country.
We will miss this strong voice for the unborn. May he be welcomed today in the arms of Our Heavenly Father, where we hope one day to join him."
Sincerely, Brian Burch, CatholicVote.com
Let us Remember in our Prayers these two Cardinals, as well as all priests and religious.
As for those in our own diocese who passed away this past week let us pray for Fr. Ed Bielskas, our diocese's oldest priest, and for Consolata Sister Maria Guadalupe. Fr. Bielskas, 93, died on Wednesday, December 31, after a brief illness. Sister Maria Guadallupe Herrara went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 3. Service arrangement is to be announced.
Also, keep in mind the USA Council of Serra International Board's message to encourage Serrans throughout the United States to pray for all Serrans throughout the world who need healing.
One more miracle is needed to submit to the Church body examining Father Serra's cause for canonization. One way to do so is to pray the Father Serra Novena, available online or in PDF. for the healing of ailing Serrans. Pray this novena and any other devotions for sick Serrans as often as possible. Source: Home Page, serraus.org.
Another cause to pray for in January is the March for Life, scheduled for January 22, in Washington, D. C. and in other locations throught the United States. The March for Life is a prayerful observance of the dignity of all human life.
Two further notes regarding the 2009 March for Life.
As the date approaches, colleges are already making plans to travel to Washington for the annual March for Life in January. At Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, N. C., director of campus ministry Jenny Ryan...says more students than ever are signing up for the school's bus ride to the January 22 march. The entire student body of Christendom College, over 400 strong, will fill several buses in a caravan from their Front Royal, Virginia campus to the march. According to Christendom spokesman Niall O'Donnell, the majority of the faculty and staff accompany them. About 300 students from The Catholic University of America officially signed up for last year's march. At the same time, the school opened up their gym as cohost with the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for an overnight stay before the event for 1500 marchers coming from across the country. Even more students are expected this year.
Other campuses with strong support for the march are the 65 students of Magdalen College in Warner, N. H, along with several hundred students from Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH. Vice President of Students for Life says, "We had early sign-ups this year. That included an extra week of sign-ups and plans to fill at least seven or eight buses...(These students) are worried FOCA could hurt the pro-life movement the most," she said of the proposed Freedom of Choice Act, "They want to have a presence in Washington, D. C. Source: National Catholic Register, December 14-20, 2008.
In our diocese, Sister Colleen Nagle, F. S. E., has been working with Parish Pro-Life Ministries and Students for Life groups. She has been interested in organizing a Vespers Service for Human Life before the March in Washington, D. C. She may be reached at cnagle@dioceseofgrandrapids.org or 551-5633.
(Editor's Note: The participation of young people in the March for Life and the pro-life activities of the week serves always as a tremendous source of inspiration, with respect both to their large numbers and their enthusiasm and dedication to the cause).
Tim Hile has supplied the following information regarding a documentary film to be shot this January 22:
The 36th annual March for Life in Washington, D. C. will be filmed for a documentary which will be available in March, 2009. Producer Jack Cahill and Actress Jennifer O'Neill will be on site to capture an immense amount of footage for the documentary feature, Thine Eyes: A Witness to the March for Life. The film is slated to be an awareness and recruiting tool as well as a fund raising appeal for general support of the prolife cause. Executive producer Steve Sanborn and Production Director Mike Wunsch, of Outpost Worldwide, will also be on site. The film will offer open rights for use upon its release. Supporters are asked to visit http://www.thineeyes.org/ for more information. Tax-deductible donations for the project are being accepted, and preordering of the DVD is also available on the website...
"After thirty-six years of Roe v. Wade, it's obvious that prolifers have to do their own media and marketing work. No one else will do it for us," Sanborn said.
Donations may be mailed to: Thine Eyes Fund, SCCF, 706 N. Lindenwood Drive, Ste. 100, Olathe, KS 66062.
Our Vocations Committee, headed by Len Gross, has been arranging for presentations to several elementary schools and the two Catholic high schools. Len has given Paul Nelson a DVD, "The College Connection." DVDs also available are those aimed at Parish Vocations committees and the Parish Contact Program, which focuses on having at least one Serran in every parish. Pam McKenzie has planned three visits to fourth graders. She will be talking about vocations and asking for the students' help in praying for our seminarians. She will leave the Chalice with them for a time after each visit as a reminder to pray for vocations. St. Thomas School will be holding vocation actitivies each day during the week of January 12. Parishes throughout the diocese have received a note to add vocation prayers to their intercessions each week.
News from Mundelein Seminarians. Len and Robbie Gross have informed us that 25 Third Year Theologians, including David Gross, accompanied by three professors, have been studying in the Holy Land since the first week in December. They will spend time in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the Notre Dame Center until mid-February. Len and Robbie will join a group of 40 Mundelein Seminary contributors to take part in a scheduled tour of the region. They will leave Chicago on January 24 and will return February 4. They anticipate seeing David on three different occasions. Let us praya for the safe return of all.
Local Catholic Radio Information. Two local radio stations, WTKG (1230 AM) recently began Catholic programming for two hours a day, 6:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m., Monday through Friday.These are prime morning drive hours. Also, WPRR (1680AM) has scheduled three hours of Catholic radio, on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Catholic radio is growing. In 1997 there were only seven Catholic radio stations in the U. S. In 2007 there were 160 stations. In October 2008 the FCC granted 175 more Catholic radio licenses. Within the next two years, there will be 300 Catholic radio stations in the U. S.
What can we do to help the cause?
1) Volunteers from each parish are needed to help promote Holy Family Radio with bulletin announcements, brochures, and the like. Volunteer with Pat Ryan joparyn@comcast.net or 243-7431.
2) Mary Lou Harig, Rita DeFouw, and Jane Wilmer will be organizing a prayer committee for continual prayers for the needs of Holy Family Radio. Reach Mary Lou at micharig@sbcglobal. net or 233-8998.
3) Grant Writing is also needed. The committee will be looking at several avenues of funding.
4) Send donations. Editor's Note: Please check this information before donating: Holy Family Radio's new address is P. O. Box 150154, Grand Rapids, MI 49515 -0154. Make checks payable to Holy Family Radio, Inc.
Our President's Message:
Happy New Year Serrans!
All of my days of late have run together and I've been having a hard time keeping track of the day of the week as well as the date.
This new year offers much hope for our club and vocations for our diocese. By working together as a club, with the Diocese and the Vocations Office, we can make a difference.
January is full of Vocation Awareness opportunities (as noted earlier in the newsletter).
Our first meeting this year will be at noon, Monday, January 12, at Louis Benton Steak House. Our guest speaker is Reverend Father Mark David Janus, Paulist Father and head of the Catholic Information Center, as well as Rector of the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Father Mark David has made quite an impact since moving to the recotry at St. Andrew. He is a dynamic speaker, and this would be a great time to bring a guest.
The board has decided to ask the membership for more input in the form of a survey. Ths survey will be presented at the January 26 meeting at Sacred Heart. Bob Paul has compiled questions and ideas and will make a presentation before handing out the survey. Please plan to attend and give our input for the future of our club. If you cannot attend, you will receive the information via snail mail or e-mail. Please respond as soon as possible; every answer counts and you will get the results in a future newsletter and in future meetings.
We all have friend we want to introduce to Serra, but our plans somehow slip through the cracks. Well, now is the time to get those names and addresses to 'Tim Hile for the Member/Guest Reception scheduled for Monday, February 9 at 5:30 p.m. Again, this event is for the future of our-YOUR-club. New members bring energy and ideas for vocation related endeavors. Your help is needed--please respond with names to Tim Hile.
Have you missed our in participating i the Sisters' Appreciation Dinner? The date is set for February 21 at St. Jude's Brophy Center. This will be our Sixth Annual Appreciation Dinner. Nate McKenzie and Mark Kubik have been busy planning the menu. Invitations have been written and mailed to the various Orders in our diocese: Franciscan, Carmellite, Dominican, Mercy, and Consolata. If you know of any Sister who has not attended or is new to the area, please, please let me know. We do not want to miss anyone. More information will be coming in next month's newsletter for times to work and what is needed. We do need hors d'oeuvres for the social time as well as gifts for the sisters. About 100 ladies typically attend, and the gifts can be anything you think a sister would like.
We have received an invitation from the Saginaw Club as follows:
Saginaw Serra Club
Fourth Annual Dinner for the Bishop Robert J. Carlson Seminarian Endowment Fund
Wednesday, February 18, 2009.
6:00 p.m. Social Hour, 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Swan Valley Banquet Center
Saginaw, Michigan.
Keynote Speaker: Fr. William Baer, Rector-President, St. John Vianney College Seminary, St. Paul, MN. Donation $40 per person. Donation for a table of eight is $300.
The Saginaw Club has supported events here in Grand Rapids many times. It would be very nice if we can have one or more tables at their dinner. R. S. V. P. is needed by February 10, 2009. If you are interested in car-pooling, please call me at 893-5233 and I will co-ordinate the reservations with Saginaw.
As you can see, we are off and running in 2009. Thank you to everyone who helped make our 2008 vocation opportunities successful. Working together, we will make 2009 a GREAT year for vocations.
Respectfully, Pam McKenzie
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