Christian Service & Stewardship Newsletter Vol.1, Issue 6 - Aug/Sept. 2014

CRISIS IN THE MIDDLE EAST As conflict worsens in the Middle East, millions of refugees and displaced people need our support.  In Iraq, the deteriorating security situation has caused mass displacement: 200,000 people are living in

collective centers.  In Gaza, hundreds of innocent civilians have been killed, and the rapid escalation of violence has devastated current prospects for building peace between Israelis and Palestinians.  In Syria, more than 2 million people—mostly women and children—have sought refuge in neighboring countries. With Caritas partners, Catholic Relief Services is providing families with essential living supplies, support for safe housing, hygiene kits, medical care and trauma counseling. Please pray for the families affected by the terrifying violence. In the Diocese of Saginaw, a special collection will be taken the weekend of September 6/7 or September 13/14. For more information on this crisis, click on http://emergencies.crs.org/iraq-crs-caritas-reach-displaced-families/

The Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone, D.D., Bishop of Saginaw invites you to participate in a Spanish Mass that will celebrate the rich traditions of the Hispanic Community.

Saturday, September 20, 2014 4:00 p.m. Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption 615 Hoyt Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan For more information about the Misa Hispana, please call Sabrina Costilla at 989-797-6655 The ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge” a note from the Office of Christian Service You may have heard by now that money being raised through the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is going towards research utilizing embryonic stem cells. The Catholic Church supports research that leads to advances in treatment and possible cures for serious medical conditions like ALS, but morally we can never support research that utilizes embryonic stem cells. The destruction of human embryos is a direct attack on human life and is absolutely contrary to our Catholic teaching. We do support research efforts which utilize adult stem cells and therefore, encourage Catholics to direct their support to organizations such as the Field Neurosciences Institute in Saginaw or the John Paul II Medical Research Institute in Iowa City, Iowa. The Field Neurosciences Institute is a charitable, scientific, education, not-for-profit corporation under the sponsorship of the Daughters of Charity Health System. FNI works closely with St. Mary’s of Michigan “to provide a full continuum of care to neurological patients—from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and care after treatment.” And, it's right in our local community! To learn more about their research and educational efforts, visit http://www.fni.org/ or call 989-497-3117. For more information on the John Paul II Medical Research Institute, visit http://jp2mri.org/ Together, may we hold in prayer, our brothers and sisters who are living with ALS and other serious diseases.

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Christian Service & Stewardship Newsletter From the Office of Christian Service Third in a series: S3 Leadership – Leading as Jesus Led Why Would Anyone Want to Lead Like Jesus? By Owen Phelps, Ph.D. When it comes to following Jesus’ teaching and example, most of us are of two minds about it. We’d like to do it. But we’re pretty sure it’s not always practical. For example, who can argue what Jesus said when someone asked him what the greatest commandment was? St. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that Jesus replied: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” It all sounds so good on paper. Who wouldn’t like to have a world where everyone loved their neighbors as much as they love themselves? But then a little voice in us says: “Life isn’t like that. It’s tough. And there are a lot of mean, cruel and indifferent people out there. Some have been mean to me. So I’ll try doing what Jesus said. But it’s not practical to love everyone like that.” When we’re presented with the opportunity to “lead like Jesus,” that same voice can be saying: “Okay, it sounds good. Jesus was really nice, and I’d like to be nice, too. But I’m out there swimming with the sharks. It’s either eat or be eaten. Maybe I would be better off learning to lead like Attila the Hun.” If you’re hearing that voice, we’ve got some good news for you: 

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Jesus was not a people pleaser. He led with a vision and a mission – when his disciples drifted off the path, he was not shy about giving them direction. Leading like Jesus is not about letting people do whatever they want. Modern research confirms that the leadership approach Jesus taught and modeled really is the most effective way to lead. The principles I teach in Lead Like Jesus programs are the same principles I teach in MBA programs.

Jesus really was the most effective leadership and teacher and role model of all time. Dr. Owen Phelps, Director of the Catholic International Leadership Institute, will be presenting a Leading Like Jesus Workshop at the Center for Ministry in Saginaw from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2014. To register, please contact Veronica Strudgeon at [email protected] or call 989797-6646 by Friday, October 17, 2014. For additional details, please see attached flyer at the end of the newsletter.

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Christian Service & Stewardship Newsletter IN LATEST INTERVIEW, POPE FRANCIS REVEALS TOP 10 SECRETS TO HAPPINESS VATICAN CITY (CNS) –In an interview published in the Argentine weekly “Viva” July 27, the pope listed his Top 10 tips for bringing greater joy to one’s life: 1. Live and let live. Everyone should be guided by this principle, he said, which has a similar expression in Rome with the saying, “Move forward and let others do the same.” 2. Be giving of yourself to others. People need to be open and generous toward others, he said, because “if you withdraw into yourself, you run the risk of becoming egocentric. And stagnant water becomes putrid.” 3. Proceed calmly in life. The pope, who used to teach high school literature, used an image from an Argentine novel by Ricardo Guiraldes, in which the protagonist – gaucho Don Segundo Sombra – looks back on how he lived his life. “He says that in his youth he was a stream full of rocks that he carried with him; as an adult, a rushing river; and in old age, he was still moving, but slowly, like a pool of water” the pope said. He said he likes this later image of the pool of water – to have “the ability to move with kindness and humility, a calmness in life.” 4. A healthy sense of leisure. The pleasures of art, literature, and playing together with children have been lost, he said. “Consumerism has brought us anxiety” and stress, causing people to lose a “healthy culture of leisure.” Their time is “swallowed up” so people can’t share it with anyone. Even though many parents work long hours, they must set aside time to play with their children; work schedules make it “complicated, but you must do it,” he said. Families must also turn off the TV when they sit down to eat because, even though the television is useful for keeping up with the news, having it on during meal time “doesn’t let you communicate” with each other, the pope said. 5. Sundays should be holidays. Workers should have Sundays off because “Sunday is for family.” 6. Find innovative ways to create dignified jobs for young people. “We need to be creative with young people. If they have no opportunities they will get into drugs” and be more vulnerable to suicide, he said. “It’s not enough to give them food,” he said. “Dignity is given to you when you can bring food home” from one’s own labor. 7. Respect and take care of nature. Environmental degradation “is one of the biggest challenges we have,” he said. “I think a question that we’re not asking ourselves is: ‘Isn’t humanity committing suicide with this indiscriminate and tyrannical use of nature?’” 8. Stop being negative. “Needing to talk badly about others indicates low self-esteem. That means, “I feel so low that instead of picking myself up, I have to cut others down,” the pope said. “Letting go of negative things quickly is healthy.” 9. Don’t proselytize; respect others’ beliefs. “We can inspire others through witness so that one grows together in communicating. But the worst thing of all is religious proselytism, which paralyses: ‘I am talking with you in order to persuade you.’ No! Each person dialogues, starting with his and her own identity. The church grows by attraction, not proselytizing,” the pope said. 10. Work for peace. “We are living in a time of many wars,” he said, and “the call for peace must be shouted. Peace sometimes gives the impression of being quiet, but it is never quiet, peace is always proactive” and dynamic. Article reprinted with permission; copyright © 2014 Catholic News Service.

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Christian Service & Stewardship Newsletter From the Office of Development & Stewardship

August brings us face to face with one of life’s realities: summer vacation has to end. Children may groan and parents may breathe a sigh of relief, but one thing is certain. The beginning of school brings a return to routine, and this translates into less eating on the run and more scheduled meals around the family dinner table. It’s not always possible for the whole family to eat together, but making it a priority at least some nights of the week can pay big dividends for the Christian steward trying to raise a family of faith. Here are a few dinner table tips: Set the rule that everyone remains seated until all are finished. Then the meal is complete.  But the work’s not done. Divide the duties of setting the table, clearing, washing, even cooking so that everyone has a role to play and the work goes quickly.  Bring back the custom of an “after dinner” prayer, brief and blessed.  

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Everyone should know certain nights are family dinner nights. Look closely at everyone’s schedule, make a plan, and then hold family nights sacred. Whether frozen pizza or prime rib, set the table nicely and sit down. Maybe light a dinner candle or pull out the cloth napkins now and then. Pick up a special dessert once in a while. Parents and kids often hit the dinner hour fatigued. Make an effort to relax. Start off with a smile and laughter, even when you’d rather hit the couch. If you haven’t already, begin the family custom of praying before meals in a spontaneous way. What was I most thankful for today? Where did I see a situation that calls for prayer? Let everyone take a brief turn. It may lead to a great conversation after the “amen.” Resist scolding or criticizing a child at dinner. Never demand to know why the math paper wasn’t turned in, or why the kids will not get out of bed on time. Save it for a private discussion later. Allow the dinner table to be a place of welcome and support. Share the ups and downs of your own day. Listen respectfully to their exploits and complaints. As you review the day’s events, don’t forget God. Just as you are interested in what your children are reading in literature class or library hour, express an interest in what’s being taught in religion class or in weekly faith formation

Courtesy of the International Catholic Stewardship Council’s August Newsletter.

Quote from Rick Warren’s The Purpose-Driven Life: I suggest that when you wake up every morning, you kneel by your bed, or sit at the edge of it, and pray this: “God, whether I get anything else done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving other people – because that’s what life is all about. I don’t want to waste this day.” Why should God give me another if I waste it?

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Christian Service & Stewardship Newsletter From the Office of Development & Stewardship A Stewardship Prayer As we prepare for the transition of August; of routines becoming regular, signs of schools beginning to emerge, and traffic patterns getting heavier, help us to appreciate the sacred rhythms in our lives. Give us the wisdom to make our hearts be still, much as the August wind is still, so that we listen to the gentle words you speak to us. Help us understand that you are the source of every good gift, of the vast array of our universe, and the mystery of each human life. And help us see that we are called to be good stewards of all that you have entrusted to us; tending them faithfully and responsibly so that they may ultimately be returned to you with increase. In this month of August while a measure of summer’s stillness remains, speak to our hearts, guide us in your Son’s ways, and through your Spirit, give us the strength to proclaim your justice and peace in our everyday words and deeds. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. AMEN.

Does Your Parish Have An Evangelization Plan for Young Adults? Few issues resonate more with Catholics today than the evangelization of the young Church. How is your parish prepared to reach out to young adults and respond to their pastoral needs? Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), captured the importance of the young in sharing the Good News: “How beautiful it is to see that young people are ‘street preachers,’ joyfully bringing Jesus to every street, every town square and every corner of the earth! ... Young people call us to renewed and expansive hope.” Yet, as Christian stewards, we are concerned about how to engage young adults, who often see the Church with cynicism and disappointment. How can we bring forth from them the enthusiasm and devotion of which Pope Francis speaks? How do we involve them and support them pastorally so that our pews – and our street corners – are filled with young adults committed to Jesus? History shows us that young adults are inspired by Catholic leaders who step forward in social justice causes and in service to the poor. Some parishes are finding that an effective way to reach un-churched young adults is to give them the opportunity to work with young Catholics who are committed to work in service and justice projects. Relationship building is key to evangelizing young adults. There is a renewed interest in Scripture studies among young adults both inside and outside of the Church. How can a parish committed to studying Scripture in an engaging and transformative way help to demonstrate to young adults the relevance of the Gospel to modern life? To explore these important questions, join us in October at the annual ICSC Conference in Orlando. NOTE: If you are interested in more information about the conference, please contact Annette O’Brien at (989) 7976679 or e-mail at [email protected]. Article courtesy of the International Catholic Stewardship Council’s August Newsletter.

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Christian Service & Stewardship Newsletter From the Respect Life Office 40 DAYS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN Wednesday, September 24 through Sunday, November 2, 2014 7:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Women’s Health Clinic 3141 S. Cabaret Trail, Saginaw 40 Days for Life is an ecumenical, faith-based effort to bring an end to abortion by leading people to a deeper understanding of the sacredness of life. Through prayer and fasting we take a stand for life through our public witness. Why 40 Days for Life? 

After 40 years of legalized abortion over 55 million unborn children have been aborted; millions of women have been wounded by abortion, some physically, and many more emotionally and spiritually; men who have lost children to abortion have been shoved to the sidelines, abandoned to lives of regret.

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Since 2004, 2,786 40 Days for Life campaigns have been conducted in 522 communities across all 50 states and in 20 other countries, creating a track record of extraordinary lifesaving results. 

More than 600,000 people of faith have joined together in an historic display of unity to pray and fast for an end to abortion.

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More than 16,500 church congregations have participated in the 40 Days for Life Campaigns.

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Reports document 8,245 children whose lives have been spared from abortion and those are just the ones we know about. Thousands of women and men have been spared from the tragic effects of abortion, including a lifetime of regrets.

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Many people with past abortion experiences have stepped forward to begin post-abortion healing and recovery.

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Abortion facilities have experienced sharp setbacks, reducing hours and closing down for days at a time.

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88 abortion workers have quit their jobs, including three Planned Parenthood Center managers who now participate in the 40 Days for Life Campaigns. 

43 abortion facilities have closed and gone out of business following 40 Days for Life Campaigns outside their doors. To join our Campaign please call Sandy Buza at 989-754-0091.

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Christian Service & Stewardship Newsletter Parish Note Respect Life Packets containing information in regard to 40 Days for Life and other respect life events will be mailed to the parishes in August. Abortion Alternatives Information, Inc. Abortion Alternatives is located at 705 Hoyt, Saginaw next to the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in the Bishop Murphy Ministry Center. AAI serves over 2,000 families per year providing support that encourages families to choose life over abortion, as well as formula, baby food, diapers, clothing size birth to 4T, maternity clothing , chastity education and referral services. We are in URGENT need of clothing sizes Newborn to 4T, both girls and boys, new and gently used clothing.

JOIN THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS WITH A CALL TO PRAYER Visit them at https://www.facebook.com/CallToPrayer Text FAST to 99000 and FREEDOM to 377377 for updates!

Christian Service Funding Blessed Sacrament Parish provides grants through its Christian Service Funding process to groups or organizations which offer service, charity or advocacy/social change opportunities, and to those who cannot obtain sufficient funding through established channels (United Way or foundations). Grant applications are available by contacting Pat Lautner at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 3109 Swede Ave., Midland, MI 48642. Phone: (989) 8356777 ext 254. E-mail: [email protected] Deadline for applications is October 1, 2014.

EVENSONG A biblical journey as told through Scripture, Song and Visual Arts

Friday, September 12, 2014 Holy Spirit Catholic Church 1035 N. River Road Saginaw, Michigan 7:30 p.m.

For more information contact Laura Bush at [email protected].

All Are Welcome!

Featuring priests from our Diocese: Rev. James Bessert, Rev. Robert Byrne, Rev. Andrew Booms, Rev. José María Cabrera, Rev. John Ederer, Rev. Pete Gaspeny, Rev. David Jenuwine, Rev. Richard Jozwiak, Rev. Andrew LaFramboise, Rev. John Mancini, Rev. Robert Meissner, Rev. David Parsch, Rev. John Sarge, and Fr. Duane Wachoviak.

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Christian Service & Stewardship Newsletter From the Marriage & Family Office Marriage Preparation Workshop The next Marriage Preparation Workshop offered by the Diocese of Saginaw is coming up soon! It will be held on October 3-4, 2014 at the Center for Ministry. Among the topics discussed are: communication and conflict resolution, forgiveness, money matters, sex and sexuality, NFP, and the sacrament of marriage. All presentations are done by married couples, professionals or trained individuals. Call Veronica Strudgeon in the Office of Christian Service at 989 797-6646 to register or contact her via email at [email protected]. Future dates for the Marriage Preparation Weekend are March 21-21, 2015 and October 2-3, 2015. GRIEF RECOVERY SERIES Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Midland A Catholic Grief Recovery Series will be held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Midland beginning Tuesday, September 16, 2014 and running through October 21, 2014, from 6:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. This series is for any adult who is grieving a loss due to death. The series will help individuals better understand grief, learn coping skills and develop the ability to move forward. For more information please contact Cathy Converse at 989-631-4447. This series is presented free of charge.

Marriage Moment A trip down memory lane: Can you remember when you first said “I love you” to your beloved? The place? The time? Recollect the feelings that welled up in you as a result.

Parenting Pointer Dana Hall McCain offers 10 Life Skills Your Teen Needs Before Leaving Home. The first 3 are: Basic cooking skills, budgeting and money management, and personal healthcare knowledge. Even if your child isn't close to being sprung, start to teach these life skills. See her website at www.imom.com.

Please let us know how we can help! We are available to speak at parish meetings and events on a variety of topics related to Stewardship and Christian Service. We can assist with developing or strengthening your commissions; help identify resources for use in the parish; or simply serve as a sounding board for new initiatives you might be considering. Annette O’Brien, Office of Stewardship 989-797-6679, [email protected]

Terri Grierson, Office of Christian Service 989-797-6650, [email protected]

Sandy Buza, Respect Life Coordinator 989-754-0091, [email protected]

*Fr. José María Cabrera, Vicar of Hispanic Ministry 989-797-6604, [email protected]

*Sabrina Costilla, Associate Office of Hispanic Ministry & Christian Service 989-797-6655, [email protected]

Sr. Margo Tafoya, Mssp, Mission Office 989-797-6633, [email protected]

Linda Milco, Coordinator of Marriage & Family Ministry 989-797-6660, [email protected]

*Veronica Strudgeon, Office Assistant Office of Christian Service & Hispanic Ministry 989-797-6646, [email protected]

*Se habla Español If you know someone who would like to receive the Christian Service & Stewardship Newsletter, please send an email to [email protected] to have their name added to our email list!

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Christian Service & Stewardship Newsletter From the Office of Hispanic Ministry

~~THANK YOU~~ Your continued generosity allowed us to fully stock our Migrant Food & Clothing Pantry for another season. More than fifty families were assisted with meals, household goods, clothing and personal items. God Bless You! Dios los bendiga!

From the Mission Office Mission Coop 2014 We continue to receive checks from parishes that have already had the Mission COOP for this year. Thank you! As a reminder to parishes, we ask that you please send in all donations within four weeks of your Mission Coop's visit.

World Mission Sunday This year the World Mission Sunday collection will take place the weekend of October 18-19, 2014. This worldwide collection is taken up for the support of the missionary ministries in the most remote and poor areas of our world, like Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Latin America. Every parish throughout the world takes up a collection which is eventually sent on to the Propagation of Faith in Rome. We celebrate our unity as one human family prayer and financial giving to help bring the presence of Christ to all, especially the poor and vulnerable.

These two collections through the Mission Office help us to remember that:

No Church is so rich it has nothing to receive. No Church is so poor it has nothing to give.

RICE BOWL GRANT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Applications for funding through Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl will be available beginning August 11, 2014. Grants will be awarded to local nonprofit groups or organizations that support the poor with food and shelter, or with projects that assist the individual with their own development. Please contact Terri Grierson, at [email protected]. or by calling 989-797-6646. Application deadline is Monday, September 8, 2014.

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Where Can You Find a Leadership Model That Can Transform Your Life? The Catholic Vision for Leading Like Jesus S Leadership Workshop: Servant, Steward, Shepherd Wednesday, October 22, 2014 8:30 am-4:30 pm Center for Ministry 3

Each of us is called to be a leader. How effective are you at making a tive impact on the people around you?

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Discover the power of Christ’s personal and practical example, and make a measurable difference in the lives around you:  at home  in the parish  at work  in the community Transform your leadership style in light of Jesus’ compelling combination of servant, steward, and shepherd. Owen Phelps, Ph.D., Director of the Catholic International Institute will provide participants with an intimate, intense and inspiring understanding of how to be a “Jesus-like” Leader. Pastors, parish staff, parish leadership, ministers and volunteers, and anyone interested in becoming a Jesus-like leader, are encouraged to attend this workshop. To register, please contact Veronica Strudgeon at [email protected] by October 17, 2014. D I OCE S E O F S A GI N A W 5800 Weiss Street Saginaw MI 48603 989 799-7910

The workshop, materials, and lunch are provided at no cost through the generosity of the Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan (CCFMM).

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Misa Hispana - Hispanic Mass Saturday, September 20, 2014 The Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone, D.D., Bishop of Saginaw, invites you to participate in a Spanish Mass that will celebrate the rich traditions of the Hispanic Community. Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption 615 Hoyt Avenue Saginaw, Michigan El Reverendísimo Joseph R. Cistone, D.D., Saturday, September 20, 2014 Obispo de Saginaw los invita a participar en 4:00 p.m. una Misa Hispana en que celebrará las ricas tradiciones de nuestra comunidad. Catedral de Santa María de la Asunción 615 Hoyt Avenue Saginaw, Michigan 48607 Sábado, 20 de septiembre de 2014 a las 4:00 p.m.

All are welcome! ¡Todos son bienvenidos! Refreshments to follow Mass. For more information, call Sabrina Costilla 989-797-6655 Para más información, llame a Sabrina Costilla a 989-797-6655 12