1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

Volume 6 Issue 2
March/April 2015
Envision
Bimonthly Faith Formation Newsletter ~ Diocese of Grand Rapids
Preparing for Reception of the Holy Eucharist
Highlights
Women’s
Conference
7
Pastoral Ministers’ 2
Gathering
Inside this Issue:
Catechetical
Ministry
3
New Pathways,
New Partnerships
4
The Catechesis of 5
the Good Shepherd
Online Learning
Opportunities
6
Family &
7
Marriage Ministry
Youth & Young
Adult Ministry
8
On a personal note 9
Events Around the 10
Diocese
Staff Contact
Information
14
Children’s first reception of the Holy Eucharist usually comes in the spring of the year.
This is a good time for all of us to look at what our belief is in the Eucharist. Our
contemporary world seems to have no place for a religion that says they consume the body
and blood of their God. Yet that is exactly what happens at every Mass. People will say,
how can you prove this? Mysteries of God and mysteries of God’s love cannot be
explained by our limited human words and understanding. We think that because we
cannot prove it scientifically it can’t be true. Some of the truest things cannot be proven
by man’s rational mind, he can only bow down and adore.
In the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John we read about the multiplication of the loaves
where Jesus took five barley loaves and two fish and was able to feed 5000 people. The
next day people are looking for Jesus. They then want Jesus to give more of a sign so they
can believe in him. They ask Jesus to give them bread. When Jesus says he is this bread
they are confused. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this
bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”
The people begin to quarrel, how can he give us his flesh to eat? They then begin to leave
Him, saying this is too difficult. Jesus turns to his disciples and asks if they too will leave?
Peter answers him saying, “Lord to whom shall we go?”
If Jesus thought the people were misunderstanding him why didn’t he say something to
them like, “Oh, no, no you are misunderstanding me, really it’s only a symbol of my flesh
and blood.” But Jesus didn’t say that and we find him at the Last Supper going all the way
and actually changing bread and wine into his body and blood which he promised long
before.
The belief of the Church, given us by Jesus is that the Eucharist is the true body and blood
of the Lord. It is no symbol; it is no clever speech. Jesus, as the Son of God and the
second Person of the Blessed Trinity cannot deceive. He can only speak the truth, because
there is no duplicity in him. What is our faith response to Jesus? “Lord I believe. Help my
unbelief.”
What is our belief? Is the reception of the Eucharist the most important thing we can do?
Do I believe that with the reception of the Eucharist I receive the very Body, the very
Blood of the Lord? Do we look at the Mass as the greatest gift God gave to us in the
reception of himself? How are we teaching our children about the Eucharist? Are we really
getting down into the very substance of the Eucharist and opening to our children the
greatest gift they will ever receive? Or do we spend our time making pretty crafts that have
very little to do with understanding the Eucharist. Is the day of their First Holy
Communion a day for a big party, inviting relatives and friends and eclipsing the miracle
that the child participated in? Is a big party good? Of course it is, but it is better later,
maybe a week later, after the child has had the chance to really experience the presence of
the Lord within him. Also, after his/her First Communion would be a great time to make
a banner showing the joy of the day and perhaps design a plate that gives a concrete
expression to the very special day.
How do we teach our children about the wonder, majesty and mystery of the Eucharist?
It helps to begin with our own belief. We can hardly pass on to children something we
don’t have or participate in. Children know when we don’t quite believe what we’re saying.
It is empty and lacks the beauty of the Truth. (continued on next page)
1
The Inside Page
Calendar
of Events
March 2015
8 Daylight Saving Time
Starts
14 Building a Legacy
Catholic Men’s
Conference, WCHS
buildingalegacy.org
20-21 Michigan Catholic
Young Adult
Conference, Lansing
micyac2.org
21 Diocesan Women’s
Conference, CSC. See
page 8 for more
information.
22 LifeFest 2015 Youth
Rally sponsored by
Grand Rapids Right to
Life
28 Shine Rally, WCHS.
shinerally.wordpress.com
April 2015
5 EASTER
14 - May 23 Encounter A
Massively Open Online
Course nacyml.org/
moocRegister.htm
May 2015
1-3 Beginning Experience
Retreat, Camp Geneva
17-21 National Conference
for Catechetical
Leadership, Buffalo
NY. Register at nccl.us
Note: Calendar items in bold text
denote diocesan sponsorship.
CSC denotes Cathedral Square
Center as the venue.
Preparing for Eucharist, continued from front page
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program has one of the most beautiful, faithful and
true processes of bringing children to the understanding and experience necessary to ready
them for receiving the Eucharist. For many years children have been learning about the Good
Shepherd and the love and care he has for his sheep; how he will go to any means to save a
lost or hurt lamb. As children identify with being one of Jesus’ sheep they come to learn how
they can deeply love him too. Along with learning about the Good Shepherd, they are also
learning about the altar at church and the articles that are used for Mass. Slowly the sheep
leave the sheep pen and move over to the altar where Jesus, the Good Shepherd is standing.
As they move they become themselves, girls and boys who want to be where Jesus is. One of
the sheep becomes the priest who will be acting in the name of Jesus and now the Good
Shepherd becomes one with the bread and wine consecrated by the priest. They are ready to
receive Jesus as food into their inner being. What a prayer of thanksgiving arises from each
child’s heart as they now receive Jesus for the first time.
How do we teach ourselves as well as our children about the Eucharist? Perhaps we need to
stand back and spend some time in prayer in order to find that as we deepen our own prayer
life that we will grow in our faith and are able to hand it on to our children in a meaningful
way.
Spring Pastoral Ministers’ Gathering
Thursday, April 23 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The office of faith formation is hosting the Spring Pastoral Minister’s Gathering:
Helping Marriages Thrive at Your Parish: A Vision and Strategies for All Pastoral Ministers
In our various ministries as parish leaders, we encounter folks everyday whose marriages are
healthy, those who are struggling because of current challenges impacting their marriage, and
those whose marriages are broken and/or dissolved. What makes the Catholic vision of
Matrimony good news for everyone? What resources are available to provide pastoral care so
that we are supporting and strengthening marriages? How do we put into practice the
“ministry of accompaniment” called for by Pope Francis?
The Spring Gathering will be held on Thursday, April 23, at Cathedral Square Center,
10 a.m.- 3 p.m. and will feature Dr. Jim Healy as the presenter.
James Healy, PhD is the Director of the Center for Family Ministries of the Diocese of Joliet. Dr.
Healy has spoken on marriage in over 70 dioceses across the country. His marriage preparation
and enrichment booklets and CDs (most notably “How to Get Married and Stay Engaged”,
“Living Together” and “Christian Commitment”) are used by dioceses, parishes, and couples
throughout the United States and beyond.
He received his M.A. in the Social Sciences from the University of Chicago in 1978 and his Ph.D.
in Counseling Psychology from the University of Illinois in 1985. Having written for such
magazines as Family Perspectives, Marriage, Liguorian, Catholic World, and Deacon Digest, Dr.
Healy is also an online contributor to the popular Catholic Bishops’ marriage website:
www.ForYourMarriage.com
Dr. Healy was the founding president of Illinois Catholic Family Ministries, and has served as an
advisor to the National Council of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Marriage and the Family. He
was honored with the 2000 Family Ministry Award by the National Association of Catholic
Family Life Ministers. He and his wife Madonna have four children.
The gathering is open to all catechetical leaders, youth ministry leaders, music ministry
leaders, pastoral associates, deacons, and priests. Cost is $30 to attend and includes lunch.
Please contact Jean Kastenholz to register.
2
Catechetical Ministry
Sacrament of Reconciliation: FAQs for formation
This is the second in a series of articles intended for teachers, catechists and parents of children in grades 1-8.
What bible stories can I use to explain what Jesus taught about forgiveness and
reconciliation?
Here are some of the many stories that can be used:






The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15: 1-7)
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32)
Jesus Forgives a Sinful Woman (Luke 7: 36-50)
Zacchaeus is Forgiven (Luke 19: 1-10)
The Woman at the Well (John 4: 4-42)
Jesus Gives His Disciples the Authority to Forgive Sins (John 20: 21-23)
I thought that only those with “mortal sins” were required to go to Confession. Has
that rule changed? Many people think that children are not capable of mortal sin. If
that is true, why do children have to go?
No, that rule has not changed. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “after having
attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to
confess serious sins at least once a year.” Furthermore, “anyone who is aware of having
committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep
contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason
for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession” (CCC, n. 1457).
Calendar
of Events
May 2015
29-31 Encounter
Conference - a
Steubenville Young
Adult Conference
encounterstl.com
June 2015
13 “Today and All
Days” PreCana
Retreat for Engaged
Couples, CSC.
Contact Mark Mann for
more information.
14-20 DYMO Camp
www.dymo.org
July 2015
You are correct in asserting that many people question if children are capable of “serious” or
“mortal” sin. According to the National Directory for Catechesis, “the formation of conscience is
influenced by many human factors, such as the person’s age, intellectual capacity,
psychological capacity, emotional maturity, family experience, and cultural and social
conditions” (National Directory for Catechesis, pg. 165).
24 New Pastoral
Ministers’
Orientation, CSC
However, this does not mean that children should not participate in the sacrament of
reconciliation. Instead, it is important to return to the Catechism for direction. “Without
being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly
recommended by the church. Indeed, the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form
our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in
the life of the Spirit” (CCC, n. 1458).
September 2015
The Church believes that “the example of Christ’s life and his teachings are the norm in the
formation of conscience. The person’s relationship with Christ, expressed by frequent
participation in the sacramental and prayer life of the Church, is the basis for the formation of
the Christian moral conscience” (National Directory for Catechesis, pg. 165).
2015 Parish Ministry & Catechetical Conference | September 19
Call for Workshop Proposals: The office of faith formation invites clergy, parish staff,
and master catechists to submit proposals for workshops to be held in conjunction with
the conference. The overall purpose of a workshop is to provide attendees a formative
experience of learning about a particular topic within a field of ministry, including
skill-based training or methodology.
To submit a proposal for a workshop, please contact Sister Barbara Cline, FSE, to receive
an application form. All proposals must be received on or before April 15, 2015.
3
11-13 Retrouvaille, Grand
Rapids
helpourmariage.org
19 Parish Ministry &
Catechetical
Conference, WCHS
22-27 World Meeting of
Families,
Philadelphia
worldmeeting2015.org
22 - Oct. 11 ArtPrize
Exhibition at CSC
Note: Calendar items in bold text
denote diocesan sponsorship.
CSC denotes Cathedral Square
Center as the venue.
N ew Pa t h way s, N ew Par t ne r s h i p s
New Pathways, New Partnerships is a diocesan initiative for persons of all abilities.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation for Persons with Disabilities
This is the second in a series of articles intended for teachers, catechists and parents of children with disabilities.
In the sacrament of reconciliation, the Christian faithful obtain from the mercy of God
pardon for their sins. At the same time, they are reconciled with Church, which they have
wounded by their sins and which works for their conversion by charity, example and prayer
(Lumen Gentium, n. 11).
Only those who have the use of reason are capable of committing serious sin. Nevertheless,
even young children and persons with mental disabilities often are conscious of committing
acts that are sinful to some degree and may experience a sense of guilt and sorrow. As long
as the individual is capable of having a sense of contrition for having committed sin, even if
he or she cannot describe the sin precisely in words, the person may receive sacramental
absolution. Those with profound mental disabilities, who cannot experience even minimal
contrition, may be invited to participate in penitential services with the rest of the
community to the extent of their ability.
Catholics who are deaf should have the opportunity to confess to a priest able to
communicate with them in sign language, if sign language is their primary means of
communication. They may also confess through an approved sing language interpreter of
their choice (Canon 990). The interpreter is strictly bound to respect the seal of confession
(Canon 983, sect. 2 and 1388, sect. 2). When no priest with signing skills is available, nor sign
language interpreter requested, Catholics who are deaf should be permitted to make their
confession in writing. The written materials are to be returned to the penitent or otherwise
properly destroyed.
In the case of individuals with poor communication skills, sorrow for sin is to be accepted
even if this repentance is expressed through some gesture rather than verbally.
In posing questions and in the assignment of penances the confessor is to proceed with
prudence and discretion, mindful that he is at once judge and healer, minister of justice as
well as of mercy (Cannons 978, sect. 1; 979; 981).
4
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Celebrating Easter with Great Joy!
Preparation in Lent
Our orientation of faith with the 3-6 year old is always done in the context of Jesus as the
Good Shepherd as he calls each one of us by name to enjoy the Kingdom of God. We reflect
on his teaching about this kingdom through five parables: the Mustard Seed, the Precious
Pearl, the Hidden Treasure, the Yeast, and the Growing Seed. During Lent when we explore
how this total gift of the Good Shepherd’s life and love are given to us in a most particular
way in the bread and wine at Mass.
The Last Supper
We begin by focusing on this particular moment in Jesus’
life - the night before he died. What did he do? What new
words did he say to his friends when he broke the bread
and shared the chalice of wine?
Did you know that we
currently have two Level I
Formation Courses? One at
Prince of Peace in North
Muskegon led by Mary
Wernet and another at
St. Thomas the Apostle in
Grand Rapids led by
Annette Witte.
After Jesus and his friends left the upper room and went to
the Mount of Olives, we solemnly proclaim that the very
next day Jesus was crucified and place a small crucifix on
the table, but we immediately say that on the third day, on
Easter morning, Jesus rose from the dead. We light the
candles stating that the Jesus’ light can never be
extinguished. We ask, “Where does Jesus’ light shine now?”
Many children have responded, “In our hearts.” The
children are usually very quiet. We say very little but listen
for their responses which are often profoundly moving.
The Liturgy of the Light
The Resurrection is the foundation of our faith and a great mystery. In the atrium we have
developed our own Liturgy of Light, modeled after the Easter Vigil that begins the Easter
Season. It includes The Blessing of the Paschal Candle. We place the symbols of the cross and the
alpha and omega on the candle, light the flame, and read the Gospel account of the
Resurrection. We may sing or listen to a few verses of the Exultet. With careful preparation,
each child is called by name to receive a small candle which is placed around the Paschal
candle to show how we create a beautiful light together. We enjoy the light with more singing
and prayer.
Presentation on The Empty Tomb
For the oldest children, we look more closely at the Gospel account
of the Resurrection and offer this material for their own meditation.
Our regional organization CGS West Michigan offers
workshops throughout the
year. Although each event is
led by CGS catechists and
include materials and
presentations that are used
in CGS, they are open to all
who want to deepen their
own faith and those who
share their faith with
children.
To be included on our
emailing list: please contact
any one of us:
[email protected],
[email protected] or
[email protected].
You can find more
information about CGS
online at: www.cgsusa.org
Article by Barbara Gilbert and Annette Witte. Photographs of Sofia Cavalletti’s Atrium in Rome by
Douglas R. Gilbert, 2005.
5
Online Lear ning Opportunities in Faith For mation
2015 Seminars @ Catholic Distance University
Conscience Formation and the Sacrament of Penance | March 2-23, 2015
Instructor: David Bonagura
This three week interactive online seminar will address the formation of a moral conscience,
sin and conscience, and the relationship of a person’s moral conscience to the sacrament of
Penance. Participants who complete this seminar should be able to penetrate more deeply into
how each person is called to think and judge correctly in moral matters so as to become more
fully the persons and disciples God wants them to be. (Professional Theology)
Catholic Distance
University
Through our partnership
as a diocese, CDU
seminars and Catechism
courses are offered at a
discounted tuition rate of
$30 per seminar or course
for anyone in our diocese.
To learn more about the
CDU-Grand Rapids
partnership and these
upcoming seminars, visit
www.cdu.edu/
The Psalms: Israel’s Prayer and Ours | March 2-23, 2015
Instructor: Pete Brown, PhD
This online interactive seminar course will examine the Book of Psalms as religious poetry and
prayer of both Jews and Christians. The Psalms will also be explored as models of
communication with God using the whole range of human emotions. In addition, students
will be introduced to critical methods for reading and studying the Psalter, and, interpreting
and appropriating the story of the Psalter for contemporary prayer. (Spirituality)
The Gospel of St. Luke | May 4-25, 2015
Instructor: Fr. Lane, SSL, STD
This course is an introduction to the Gospel of Luke. Participants who complete this seminar
should be able to identify and explain Luke’s distinctive theology by making reference to
particular passages of the Gospel. (Professional Theology)
Registration open at University of Dayton VLCFF
University of Dayton
VLCFF
The Virtual Learning
Community for Faith
Formation (VLCFF) is an
internet distance-learning
program administered by
the Institute for Pastoral
Initiatives at the University
of Dayton. Anyone in our
diocese can take a VLCFF
course. Through our
partnership as a diocese,
cost is $40/five-week
course and $30/three-week
seminar.
For more information, go
to: vlc.udayton.edu.
Registration closes on March 4 for the following three-week seminars, running March 8 - 28:
 Designing a Parish Catechetical Plan
 Marianist Studies: Three Offices
 Marianist Studies: Virtues for Mission
 On Bended Knee
 Our Hearts Were Burning
 Overview of the GDC & NDC
 Theological Reflection: Key to Connecting Faith and Life
The full list and course descriptions are available at https://vlc.udayton.edu/calendar/
#cycle_2_2015_English
Cycle 3 Five Week Courses
Registration for Cycle 3 opens March 11and closes April 8 for five-week course offerings in
the third cycle of the 2015 calendar year. The full list of 35 courses is available at
https://vlc.udayton.edu/calendar/#cycle_3_2015_English.
For the list of courses in Spanish for either cycle above, click in the upper right hand corner,
“en Español”.
6
Fa m i l y a n d M a r r i a g e M i n i s t r y
Marriage: Unique for a Reason
The Supreme Court is expected to again hear arguments in June concerning marriage and
Michigan’s constitution.
The website – www.marriageuniqueforareason.org – is part of the Bishops’ ongoing efforts of
advocacy and catechesis about the authentic meaning of marriage.




Short videos “Made for Each Other” and “Made for Life,” along with their companion
materials.
Extensive FAQs about marriage, sexual difference, children, etc.
Regularly updated blog with ongoing catechesis and engagement with common questions
Multiple resources available in Spanish
We invite you to make use of this resource in your ministry. A variety of web banners are
available to download for use on your parish website. Updates are available by subscribing to
the blog and by connecting with Marriage: Unique for a Reason on Facebook and Twitter.
Diocesan Women’s Conference: When’s God Gonna Show Up?
Spotting the Divine in Daily Life | Saturday, March 21, 2015
All women, ages 18 and up, are invited to attend the sixth annual Diocesan Women’s
Conference – a day of vibrant prayer, an inspiring speaker, and a welcoming community. The
conference will be held on Saturday, March 21 at Cathedral Square, 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The conference will feature Marge Fenelon, Catholic wife, mother, author, columnist, and
speaker. Cost is $25 per person on or before March 13, 2015; this includes morning
hospitality and lunch. Registration is available online at www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org.
Building a Legacy Catholic Men's Conference
Saturday, March 14, 2015 | West Catholic High School
This is the tenth annual men’s conference sponsored by KEPHA. The event will take place
on March 14, 2015 at West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids and will feature
presentations by San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, Fr. Leo Patalinghug the
founder of Grace before Meals, and Trent Horn of Catholic Answers. Bishop Walkowiak will
preside at the Mass for the day.
More information can be found online at http://www.buildingalegacy.org/
Beginning Experience
The purpose of the Beginning Experience (B.E.) ministry is to help divorced, separated and
widowed men and women heal the grief of their losses and free them once again to love
themselves, others and God. These individuals, in turn, offer a better quality of life to all those
with whom they come in contact.
The peer ministers in the B.E. ministry are “wounded healers” - specially trained and certified
men and women who are themselves widowed, separated or divorced, but further along in the
grieving process.
The Beginning Experience Weekend is a Friday evening to Sunday afternoon program for
adults grieving the loss of a love relationship who are ready to come to terms with their losses
and begin to move forward with their lives. This is the core program and the foundation of
the B.E. ministry.
The next B.E. Weekend to be offered in the Diocese of Grand Rapids is May 1-3, 2015.
Please assist those who could benefit from this ministry. Learn more at
www.beginningexperience.org.
7
Yo u t h a n d Yo u n g A d u l t M i n i s t r y
Just Beginning in Youth Ministry...or Are You a Veteran?
Imagine a gathering where nationally recognized youth ministry practitioners identify what
they wished they knew when they began as youth ministers. Imagine a space where youth
ministers can take time to evaluate their current youth ministry practices, engage one-on-one
with leading experts, and plan for growth. Picture a conference that addresses the common
trouble spots, and the real, but often hidden issues that can make or break a youth ministry.
Consider a gathering that helps you focus or re-focus on the essential elements that lead to a
fruitful, disciple-making youth ministry.
This four-day conference is co-sponsored by Cultivation Ministries and the National
Association for Catholic Youth Ministry Leadership (NACYML). So, it is designed by youth
ministers for youth ministers!
Register for the Institute for Catholic Youth Ministry - August 10-13, 2015 in Chicago.
This year the institute will offer two separate tracks for two unique audiences: for new youth
ministers and for those who have been in ministry for more than five years.
For more information, view/download brochure at http://www.nacyml.org/icym2015.htm
NCYC 2015 | Here I Am Lord
Now is the time to begin registering for the next National Catholic Youth Conference happening in Indianapolis, November 19-21, 2015.
Over 25,000 young people are expected to attend. WHY? Youth attend the NCYC because
they want to learn more about themselves and their relationship to the Church, celebrate their
Catholic faith, and meet thousands of other Catholic youth. Pre-registration forms and
information packets have been sent to each parish via email. The cost is $475 per participant.
The registration fee covers participation at the conference, meal plan, hotel stay, and motor
coach transportation.
A $50 per participant non-refundable deposit is due May 1, 2015 along with a completed
parish registration form. All registrations are coordinated through the diocesan office.
For more information and promotional videos to share with parishioners, check out
www.ncyc.info
Statewide Catholic Young Adult Conference | March 20-21, 2015
The 9th annual statewide Michigan Catholic Young Adult Conference, March 20-21, is for all
young adults, ages 18-39 - married, single, or in religious life. The conference begins with a
Friday evening of reflection, ending with Eucharistic Adoration and social gathering. It
continues on Saturday with insightful and inspiring keynotes and small workshops to help
deepen your knowledge of and relationship with Christ and the Catholic Church. We conclude
the Conference with the Saturday evening vigil Mass of that Sunday.
Instantaneous translation of general sessions is offered in Spanish, and a track of workshops
will be presented in Spanish.
More information on the theme of this year's conference and workshops offered is available at
www.micyac2.org. Registration is open.
Please assist the diocesan office in promoting this opportunity to young adults in your parish.
8
Yo u t h a n d Yo u n g A d u l t s
Free Online Youth Ministry Training Opportunity | April 14 - May 23, 2015
The National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders will present “Fostering a
Culture of Encounter with Young Disciples” from April 12 to May 23, 2015. This is a free
online learning experience for all those interested in helping young people encounter Christ
and the Church including parents, youth ministers, pastors, DREs, Campus Ministers,
Catholic School Teachers, adult volunteers, and catechists.
Join hundreds for this five-week Massively Open Online Course (MOOC) with a variety of
national speakers including Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, Dr. Ansel Augustine, Dr. Carol Eipers,
Fr. Joe Espalliat, Dr. Carolyn Woo, and many more! Registration is now open at http://
nacyml.org/moocRegister.htm
DYMO Camp | His Hands, His Feet | June 14-20, 2015
Awakening teens to the love, power and mercy of God.
At Camp, high school teens experience Catholic Christian discipleship through prayer and the
sacraments, leadership formation, group discussions, creative expressions of the arts,
swimming, sports activities, hiking and forming lasting friendships.
The volunteer staff represent a variety of parishes throughout west Michigan. DYMO Camp
is overseen by a board of directors and works in cooperation with the Diocese of Grand
Rapids. DYMO Camp is fully licensed by the State of Michigan.
Online registration for DYMO Camp is open. Please assist the Camp Staff by extending the
invitation to the high school age youth in your community. Go to www.dymo.org for more
information.
Catholics on Call is now accepting applications for the
2015 Young Adult Summer Conference
Catholics on Call invites young people, ages 18-30, who are considering a life of
service in the Church to join them for their 2015 young adult summer conference.
Participants will have the opportunity to connect and pray with other like-minded
young adults, to hear nationally-known speakers discuss how to listen to God’s call,
and to learn valuable skills that will help them to discern their vocation, whether it be
to lay ecclesial ministry, priesthood or religious life.
This five-day conference will take place from August 4-8, 2015 at Catholic Theological
Union in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Registration fee is $100 and
includes room and board. For an application please visit www.catholicsoncall.org or
for more information contact Catholics on Call at [email protected] or
(773)371-5431.
2015 Parish Ministry & Catechetical Conference | September 19
Call for Workshop Proposals: The office of faith formation invites clergy, parish staff,
parish youth ministry leaders, and master catechists to submit proposals for workshops to
be held in conjunction with the conference. The overall purpose of a workshop is to
provide attendees a formative experience of learning about a particular topic within a field
of ministry, including skill-based training or methodology.
To submit a proposal for a workshop, please contact Sister Barbara Cline, FSE, to receive
an application form. All proposals must be received on or before April 15, 2015.
9
ON A
PERSONAL NOTE
Congratulations!
Bernadette Poirier, who
has been hired as the
coordinator of youth
ministry for Holy
Redeemer, Jenison.
Barb Scott, who has been
hired as the campus
minister and theology
teacher for Grand Rapids
Catholic Central High
School.
Marty Best, who has been
hired as the director of
faith formation for St.
John Vianney, Wyoming.
E ve n t s A r o u n d t h e D i o c e s e
EXPLORING THE INNER JOURNEY OF MALE SPIRITUALITY
A Retreat for Men
Saturday, March 7, 2015
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by lunch
at the Franciscan Life Process Center, Lowell
Paulist Fr. Joachim Lally will direct this half-day retreat.
All men ages 18+ of St Robert’s Parish, their friends,
and men from surrounding parishes are invited to attend.
Attendees are asked to make a free will offering.
Sponsored by St. Robert of Newminster | 6477 Ada Dr SE Ada MI 49301.
For more information, contact
Teri Burns, pastoral associate for faith formation at (616) 676-9111 ext. 115.
Lent Spirituality Series at St. Robert
Thursdays through March 26
6:30 p.m. Mass in the Marian Chapel
with presentation immediately following
March 5
Pursuing a Spirituality of Work with Bill Weitzel
March 12 Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation , no 6:30 p.m. Mass
March 19 Practical Prayer for Saints & Sinners with Deacon Mike Dordan
March 26 The Spirituality of Russian Icons with Edward & Christine Cole
RSVP to the Faith Formation Office by contacting
[email protected] | (616) 676-9111 ext. 114
Shine Next Level
Shine Next Level is coming: a gathering for high school age teens on March 29, 3:30-7:30
p.m. @ 3-Mile Project in Walker. We've got Jackie Francois and The Thirsting.
We made it real simple for you...$20 per participant (payment prior appreciated or day of the
event...send to St. Patrick in Grand Haven; checks made payable to “Shine”)...simply estimate
the amount of teens coming from your parish by filling in the online form one week before.
We will accept attendees right up until the day of the event at no extra charge.
Other quick reminders:
Pizza dinner will be served and parishes are requested to bring snacks to share.
Use your parish field trip form and keep it with you.
The contact person for SNL is Chris Epplett. You can email him at [email protected]
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E ve n t s A r o u n d t h e D i o c e s e
Coming to Holy Family Parish, Caledonia:
an exhibit on the
Shroud of Turin
April 2 - 4, 2015
Come see a full length photographic image of the
Shroud made by the Eastman Kodak Co., as well as a
nearly life-size crucified corpus showing the wounds of
Christ corresponding to the passion narrative in the
Gospel accounts and the wounds shown on the
Shroud.
The exhibit will feature the presentation - Shroud
Encounter - by Russ Breault on Friday, April 2,
6:30 - 8 p.m.
RUSS BREAULT has been researching and lecturing
on The Shroud of Turin for over 30 years. His highly
acclaimed presentation known as Shroud Encounter
makes use of over 200 superb images and unfolds like a
CSI investigation. The audience is intrigued as each clue is
revealed and becomes another piece of a grand puzzle
as the mystery of the Shroud is explored. Carefully
designed to be educational and entertaining, he delivers
a dynamic, fast-paced experience.
Exhibit Times:
Thursday April 2:
Friday April 3:
12:30 - 3 p.m.
Saturday April 4:
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
5-7 p.m.
9-11 p.m.
4-6:30 p.m.
8-9 p.m.
Shroud Encounter Presentation:
Friday April 3:
6:30-8 p.m.
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E ve n t s A r o u n d t h e D i o c e s e
Franciscan Life Process Center
11650 Downes Street, NE Lowell, MI 49331
654 Davis St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49500
(616) 897-7842 or [email protected]
www.lifeprocesscenter.org
Lenten Lunches and Prayer Experience
Wednesdays, 12 - 1 p.m. at the Lowell Campus
Lunches include soups donated by area restaurants, bread baked by our Franciscan
volunteers and applesauce made from apples grown on our farm. A Lenten prayer will be
offered at 12:45 pm. Donations appreciated.
Menu
March 4
Schnitz Ada Grill
Mexican Chicken Chili
Cinnamon Bread
March 11
Kitchen Sage
Chicken Vegetable
Oatmeal Bread
March 18
Tommy Fitzgerald Catering
Potato Soup, Corned Beef
Irish Soda Bread
& Cabbage
March 25
Vitale’s Ada
Minestrone Soup
Garlic Bread
St. Patrick Lenten Lunch at the Grand Rapids Campus
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us on March 19: Tommy Fitzgerald Catering will be
providing Potato Soup, Corned Beef & Cabbage, and Irish Soda Bread
Classes at Lowell Campus
March 25 - Polish Egg Decorating with Sister Mary Margaret Delaski, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Watch a demonstration and practice making your own Polish egg with symbols that represent
the Easter Mystery. Bring a dozen hard boiled eggs. Cost: $10
Go to http://www.lifeprocesscenter.org/events.htm to register.
Participants are welcome to attend the Lenten Lunch following the class.
New FertilityCare Services
The Creighton Model FertilityCare System is an international network of morally and
professionally acceptable reproductive health services providing a means through which
a couple may either achieve or avoid a pregnancy. FertilityCare System can be used
throughout the woman's entire reproductive years and is a natural system that cooperates
with her body, not against it.
To learn more about FertilityCare, go to our website, www.lifeprocesscenter.org. To
schedule an appointment with Tennille Benedict, our FertilityCare Practitioner Intern,
please call 616-481-2823 or email [email protected].
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Join the Fun!
Your Local Catholic Radio Station Needs YOU!
Teams are forming now for Holy Family Radio’s “A Light in the Darkness” Spring Pledge
Drive May 5-8. Do you have a desire to evangelize and share how God is working in your
life, parish or ministry? Want to do this on air while helping raise operating funds for Holy
Family Radio?
Many enthusiastic people who have a great love for their Catholic faith and appreciation for
Catholic radio are needed to help fill the 36 hours of the Spring Pledge Drive. Who can
participate? A group of 3-5 people from any parish, Catholic organization, school, ministry,
Knights of Columbus Council, evangelization or other apostolate, prayer group, Bible study,
youth ministry, underwriters, family, friends, etc. are invited. Be creative and challenge your
friends to make a pledge to Holy Family Radio during your hour. Pledge drives are great fun
especially when many people get involved. Please step up, get involved and help make each
pledge drive a fun event for the whole community of listeners! Get your team together and
contact Lisa Brown at toll free 844-337-2346.
The theme for the Spring Pledge Drive is “A Light In the Darkness”. People are so hungry
for God and many have no idea where to turn. Holy Family Radio reaches the spiritually
hungry and nourishes them with the truths of the Catholic faith. That is truly Light in the
Darkness. With so much disturbing news these days, you can count on Holy Family Radio to
uplift you and provide the truth of what’s happening in our world and in our Church.
Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Holy Family Radio is bringing hope to people,
drawing people back to Mass, and changing hearts and lives. We invite you to be a part of
this life-changing ministry where you can know the satisfaction – the joy – of making a real
difference in the lives of others.
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OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION
Diocese of Grand Rapids
360 Division Avenue S
Grand Rapids MI 49503-4501
Sister Barbara Cline, FSE, director
faith formation
Phone: (616) 551-4742
Fax:
(616) 551-4744
Email: [email protected]
Mark Mann, director
family, youth and young adult ministry
Phone: (616) 475-1243
Fax:
(616) 551-5638
Email: [email protected]
Jean Kastenholz, administrative assistant
faith formation and family, youth and young
adult ministry
Phone: (616) 246-0588
Fax:
(616) 551-5647
Email: [email protected]
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