THE MAGAZINE OF THE DIOCESE OF KALAMAZOO SUMMER 2019 DIOKZOO.ORG Mentors support teen moms Parents share about raising a priest How Jesús is walking a path to FROM THE EDITOR SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN EXPLORE YOUR FAITH this summer CATHOLIC The magazine of the I LOVE A GOOD ROAD TRIP. It all began from the time I was growing Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo up and my folks, with six children in tow, made cross-country Copyright 2019 treks to visit extended family — my paternal grandmother in New VICTORIA CESSNA WWW.SWMCATHOLIC.ORG Mexico and my mother’s aunts and uncles in Massachusetts. It is the Executive Director Also find us on the was always an adventure. of Communications and Diocese of Kalamazoo’s Public Affairs for the Facebook, Twitter And no matter what our des- A “journey” is an often-used Diocese of Kalamazoo and Pinterest tination was, my mom always analogy when describing our 269.903.0163 made sure to scout out the clos- faith life. For good reason. It’s [email protected] SUMMER 2019 est Catholic church and figure ripe with adventure, surprises VOLUME 1: ISSUE 3 PUBLISHER out when Mass was. Quite a feat and an understanding only pos- Barry County. Stop by St. Rose Bishop Paul J. Bradley considering this was before the sible when we push ourselves to of Lima in Hastings, which cel- EXECUTIVE EDITOR/ DIRECTOR OF digital age when such informa- places unknown. ebrated an impressive 150 years COMMUNICATIONS tion is now just a click away. It’s both inspiring and heart- last year, and marvel at the Victoria Cessna Those times celebrating Mass warming to experience being church’s unique stone structure. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS in places unknown are en- able to walk into a Catholic You’ll also find this same Bishop Paul J. Bradley Douglas Culp sconced fondly in my brain. Like church in any part of the world theme of journey and discovery Sarah DeMott the time my brothers and sisters and recognize the sacred art and, throughout our featured sto- Father John Fleckenstein and I sat on wooden benches even if you don’t understand the ries this issue. Bishop Bradley Veronica Rodriguez Socorro Truchan in the woods in the middle of a language, participate in Mass. reminds us of those early days CIRCULATION campground or happened upon And you don’t need to go far of the Church leading up to Jeannette Mattheis a Mass being celebrated in Polish to experience this. What’s great Pentecost (pg. 4); our resident [email protected] and fielded stern looks from my about being a part of the diocesan marriage columnist, Socorro mom trying to stifle our giggles. Church in Southwest Michigan is Truchan, offers some advice to Finding new Catholic church- the opportunity to visit any one couples on how to get the most PRESIDENT/ es is something I’ve carried into of the 59 parishes throughout of the “summer season” of your CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER my own travels as an adult. Some the nine counties of our diocese relationship; and Father John Patrick M. O’Brien VICE PRESIDENT/ of my favorites include the Our and know you are connected. offers some gentle reminders on EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Lady of La Leche Shrine in St. Headed to the lakeshore? Why why it’s important to get to Mass Elizabeth Martin Solsburg Augustine, Fla., and the Cathe- not stop by St. Joseph Parish in on Sundays. GRAPHIC DESIGN dral of Our Lady Assumed into St. Joseph, thought to be the very We also have the joy to bring Jennifer Pomicter Heaven and St. Nicholas in Gal- first Catholic parish in our dio- you some of those faith journey ILLUSTRATOR Matt Watters way, Ireland. Each time I enter cese dating back to when French stories from our two Caring Net- PRINT MANAGEMENT a new Catholic church I make a fur traders still wandered about work Mom Mentors (pg. 12) to InnerWorkings point to light a candle for a spe- hundreds of years ago. Or may- Jesus Hernandez, our featured To advertise in Southwest Michigan Catholic, cial intention. be you’re taking a drive through cover story, a young adult work- contact Terry Hageman at 269.903.0173 or ing to deepen his faith. [email protected]. Southwest Michigan May your summer be filled with Catholic is published quarterly by Diocese of new discoveries and blessings. Kalamazoo, 215 N. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, Ml 49007-3718. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Kalamazoo, Ml. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southwest Michigan Catholic, 215 N. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, Ml 49007-3718. 2 Southwest Michigan Catholic • SUMMER 2019 INSIDE SUMMER 2019 4 FROM THE BISHOP Compelled by the spirit 6 6 MARRIAGE MATTERS MARRIAGE How the seasons of your MATTERS marriage can help you grow in holiness 8 DEAR FATHER Summer Mass 8 DEAR 9 SAINT OF THE MONTH FATHER St. Kateri Tekakwitha 10 FOCUS ON FAITH Keep building your faith this summer 12 MENTOR Mother Friend Mentors support moms during pregnancy and beyond 12 14 17 MOM FAITH PARENT 14 JOURNEY MENTORS JOURNEY PROFILE At the intersection of faith and family, the Lahs found community 17 PARENT PROFILE Our son, a priest 20 20 COVER STORY How Jesús is walking COVER a path to sainthood 24 STORY SPECIAL REPORT 24 SPECIAL REPORT Pope Francis’ latest apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit 26 ENCUENTRO V National Encuentro inspires new priorities and plan for Hispanic Ministry 28 MARY GARDEN 26 Flowers of faith V ENCUENTRO 30 YOUR COMMUNITY Things to do and local news This symbol indicates that a ministry or program is supported by generous gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Southwest Michigan Catholic is supported entirely through this 28 MARY GARDEN annual appeal. COVER PHOTO BY ANTHONY DUGAL DIOKZOO.ORG 3 THE BISHOP’S PERSPECTIVE COMPELLED by the spirit s we reflect on our lives, many of us can see caused by many different factors. But what a difference a point in time or event that might be we could make if all of us would not just embrace the described as a watershed moment, a moment joy of the Gospel we feel in our own hearts, but also share that joy, that Good News of the Risen Jesus, with that transformed us. Speaking for myself, and those in our lives who are in need of what they are miss- I’m sure all my brother priests and deacons, that ing: the Holy Spirit. moment for us is the day of our ordination when, As you reflect on your own life, ask yourself these through the sacrament of holy orders, we questions: “How enthusiastic am I about my faith?”; become a priest of Jesus Christ or a deacon of “How joyful am I about the fact that Jesus Christ is the Church. For those of you who are parents, alive?”; “How filled with awe am I, knowing that I am a temple, a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit of God?” that moment might be the birth of your first Over the course of time, it’s possible that we may child. Others may see it in the beginning of a lose some of the fervor of our faith; maybe we get in a new profession or career. Those moments are rut and feel as though our weekly efforts of coming to ones that are forever life-changing. Church are a waste of time or that our time at Mass is boring. We might be suffering from what Pope Francis The watershed moment for the apostles took place calls “a spiritual anemia.” Our Holy Father tells us that on the feast of Pentecost. As is recorded in the Acts of longing for God is an essential part of who we are. the Apostles: The apostles had seen the Risen Jesus and accompanied him for 40 days after Easter, but then he “We were made to be God’s children,” says Pope left them, ascending into heaven, leaving them with a Francis. “It is in our DNA. But this filial rela- mission. So, they decided to return to that same Upper tionship was ruined and required the sacrifice of Room where they had huddled in fear from Good God’s only-begotten Son in order to be restored. Friday until Easter Sunday, trying to figure out how From the immense gift of love which is Jesus’ death they could fulfill the mission Jesus gave to them. The on the cross, the Holy Spirit has been poured out “answer” came in “strong driving winds and tongues of upon humanity like a vast torrent of grace. Those flame which came upon each of them” as they experienced who by faith are immersed into this mystery of re- the descent of the Holy Spirit upon them. generation are reborn to the fullness of filial life.”* This was Pentecost, the transforming “moment” which can also be seen as the “birthday of the Church”. Before we can reach out to others, and before we can After that defining moment, they were being com- be effective witnesses of the Risen Jesus to others, we pelled by the Holy Spirit to leave that Upper Room and must first have a strong and vibrant relationship with go forth to become joyful witnesses of the Risen Jesus. Jesus. We must be convinced that Jesus loves us, and Just like those same apostles, we are called to be dis- every person in the world. We must be willing to ciples, joyful witnesses of Jesus; we are called to em- keep growing in our faith.