Westphalia music minister offers CD of original, uniquely Catholic music

By Mark Haney
The Catholic Times

PEWAMO — Some musicians seek fame and fortune in a headlong pursuit of platinum-selling albums and viral videos.

Brian Flynn just wants to get into a hymnal.

The music minister at St. Mary Parish in Westphalia recently released his third CD, “Born Again,” through Chicago’s World Library Publications. While he wouldn’t mind selling lot of the discs, the main purpose is to get people to want one or more of the 12 tunes in their hymnal. (more…)

During his most recent trip to India, Victor Kuchar (left) visited with some residents of a home for physcially and mentally impaired women. Courtesy photo

Owosso man’s trip to India reveals an even greater need for help

By Mark Haney
The Catholic Times

OWOSSO — Vic Kuchar accomplished none of the projects he had planned for his trip to India.

He planned to make repairs to two orphanages run by the Sisters of Charity — starting with a new roof over the 18-by-for-foot single-room girls’ dormitory —  and to determine what other needs the orphanages had.

“As soon as I got there, I saw that there was a lot more and a lot more critical activity was needed,” Kuchar said, “things far more important than putting a roof on a place.”

Instead he bought some fans, some medicine and a motorized rickshaw, and not for the two orphanages. He also spent most of the month-plus traveling through India.

And yet the retired Air Force officer, who stumbled across one of the orphanages during a trip he took while recovering from an injury incurred by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, considered the trip a success. (more…)

By Claire O’Brien
Special to The Catholic Weekly

GAYLORD — “Receiving God’s Text” was the theme of this year’s Advent retreat for youth. This is the first year the Diocese of Gaylord has been directly involved with the retreat. In the past, several parishes have worked together to offer the retreat. Fifty-four teens from across the diocese attended the event hosted at the Lake Louise Camp Friday through Sunday, Dec. 9-11. The camp is located between Gaylord and Boyne Falls.
The retreat was planned and led by the members of Gaylord diocesan youth council (GDYC) which was established last year as a result of youth congress 2010 called for by Bishop Bernard A. Hebda, in an effort to explore a new diocesan direction for youth ministry. The GDYC, comprised of youth representatives from each region of the diocese, serves as a consultative body to the bishop and diocesan faith development director, Dannie Brzezinski, regarding youth concerns. Working with the GDYC on this year’s Advent retreat were adults Deb Harris and Wayne Winter, both of whom are youth leaders in the diocese and members of the diocesan faith development council. Winter is also a diocesan field representative.
The purpose and intention of the weekend was to gather and prepare, as a youth community, for Christmas, and to contemplate the meaning of the Advent season. This was uniquely achieved by incorporating a “social networking” twist. The theme and goal of the weekend was not only to receive God’s text — as in the Bible — but also to connect a teen’s phone texting, and Facebooking life with their spiritual one. During the weekend, we were able to receive God’s text, or word, by listening reflecting on different scripture passages and celebrating Mass with Fr. Joe Muszkiewicz. (Fr. Joe is Pastor of St. Michael in Roscommon, St. Hubert in Higgins Lake, St. James in Houghton Lake and St. Helen in St. Helen.) Teens served various ministry roles during the Mass, and several shared their musical gifts leading the assembly in music under the direction of Tim Harris.
Some of the activities we participated in included playing an Advent knowledge trivia game — where teams had to physically type in their answers on their phones. The answer that was typed the fastest and correct acquired winning points. Another activity that sparked interesting and insightful discussions was when we asked participants to write down on a 3 x 5 card what they would say to God if they could text Him directly.

Magdalina Wasylewski from the Boyne Valley Catholic Community gives a “thumbs up” to the retreat.

As both a member of the GDYC and a participant in the retreat, I can happily say that the three days were a success. It was the perfect balance of laughter, smiles, and prayer. Being a teen myself, I know that we enjoy our smart phones, Facebook accounts, and instant messaging. It has become a significant part of our lives. But, it is retreats and opportunities to gather with other youth, like the weekend this December, that highlight and remind us of the importance of a life with God. In fact, it is those means of communication that we often use to stay connected to our Catholic friends after we leave these types of events.
Facebook and iPhones are limited. They will grow old and their popularity will eventually fade, but God’s love is infinite and will always endure.
Claire O’Brien is a member of GDYC and St. Michael Parish, Roscommon.†

Bishop Bernard A. Hebda, lays hands on Joseph Ortega conferring the Order of Priesthood.

GAYLORD — On Saturday, Dec. 17, Bishop Bernard A. Hebda ordained Deacon Joseph Ortega to the priesthood for the Diocese of Gaylord. More than 800 gathered at St. Mary Cathedral for the celebration, which brought to a close the diocese’s 40th Jubilee Year.
“When we considered how it is that we as a church would celebrate our 40th jubilee, we very much wanted to end our celebration on a high note and we can’t get much higher than the ordination of Deacon Joseph Ortega,” Bishop Hebda said. “It’s a way in which we’re able to be mindful of the 40 years of history but certainly it leaves us looking toward the future for all of the good things that Joseph and all of our priests will accomplish as we go forward in these next 40 years.”
Deacon Peter Wigton chanted the Gospel reading for the day, illuminating the genealogy of Jesus Christ which provided the framework for Bishop Hebda’s homily.
“God the Father has that same kind of attentiveness now that he had at the beginning of time as he prepared the way for Abraham and Isaac and Jacob,” Bishop Hebda said. “In this season of Advent, God continues to make sure that there are suitable links in the chain to carry us forward as we await Jesus to come again.”
“We come together as a Church ready to express our gratitude for God’s great love for us by giving to us a new priest, a new sign of life, someone who’s able to make Jesus present to us so that we might know of God’s closeness to us,” Bishop Hebda said.
On the eve of the ordination, Bishop Hebda celebrated evening vespers in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Deacon Ortega offered a homily sharing his thoughts and reflections on his call and preparation for the priesthood and to the strength we all can draw from the Eucharist.
Deacon Ortega began his preparation at St. Joseph College Seminary of Loyola University in Chicago on Sept. 11, 2001. “That was my first day of official formation,” Deacon Ortega said. “On that day, I learned how to pray the breviary and I learned what fear can do. Fear can do two things in your life: It can disempower you or it can empower you to do great and mighty things.
Deacon Ortega explained it took him 10 years to complete his preparation and that he initially had a plan. “Throughout my journey I thought I knew when and where I was going to be ordained. But what I forgot to ask Jesus and the Holy Spirit was ‘Where do you need me the most in your vineyard?’ It could have been anywhere, but God chose me specifically for the Diocese of Gaylord. I graciously accept this invitation and it’s all because of Jesus.”
During the ordination ceremony, the love of the people for the new priest was demonstrated when Bishop Hebda accepted the testimony of Fr. Don Geyman, director of vocations, as to Deacon Ortega’s readiness for priesthood. The assembly erupted into thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
At the end of the liturgy, Bishop Hebda announced that Fr. Ortega has been assigned as parochial vicar at St. Patrick Parish in Traverse City effective Monday, Jan. 9.
The next priestly ordination is planned for June 2012 for Deacon Peter Wigton.†

By Fr. Richard W. Kropf
Special to The Catholic Times

Theologians have long debated over what is Christianity’s greatest or most central doctrine or mystery.

Many say it is the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. No doubt the idea that the one God is nevertheless a trinity of persons is a mind-bender, but when one remembers that both God’s Holy Spirit and God’s Wisdom are often spoken of in the Old Testament, the latter even personified, then the idea of the trinitarian nature of God does not seem all that new or unique to Christianity. Then one must also recognize that even some “pagan” philosophers, such as Plato three centuries before and Plotinus two centuries after Christ, wrote about the three manifestations of God and that even the Hindus speak of the threefold nature of divinity as being, knowledge and love/bliss (Sat-Chit-Ananda). And if one becomes aware of the fact that the term “person” now means a lot more than what it originally meant when the Church’s theologians first used it, the whole trinitarian concept of God now seems much less unique or even all that mysterious. (more…)

This is the third in a series of Advent reflections.

By Sr. Jean Umlor, R.S.M.
Special to The Catholic Weekly

In mid-November I had the blessed opportunity to travel with my brother, Bob, his wife, Faith, and their children and grandchildren to the north shore of the Island of Oahu for the wedding of their daughter, who lives and works on the island.
It was a remarkable place of beauty of the land, sky and ocean for all the people who gathered to celebrate the marriage of Jason and Marijo.

After five days of family-and-friends togetherness, we were packing to leave the site of the ocean wedding with all our memories. The men were busy gathering the items from the outside; the women were busy packing all the family clothes and shells. I was doing the dishes in one of the cabins. My thoughts were more with the beauty and sound of the ocean that are so inviting.  I was going to leave it and return to winter in Grayling. (more…)

GAYLORD — As the Diocese of Gaylord nears the end of the year-long celebration of our 40th anniversary, a number of special opportunities for prayer and spiritual renewal have been taking place throughout the diocese, including first Friday Devotions and Forty Hour Devotions in each vicariate. The final Forty Hours Devotion during this jubilee year will be held in the west region vicariate Dec. 6-8, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Traverse City. It will begin with an opening Mass celebrated by Bishop Bernard A. Hebda at 1 p.m. on Dec. 6 and close with a 7 p.m. Mass on Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Historically, the Forty Hours Devotion has been a special forty-hour period of continuous prayer in the presence Blessed Sacrament in solemn exposition. The focus of this devotion is, of course, Jesus present in the Holy Eucharist.
Why forty hours? The number 40 relates to a sacred period of time. Consider some of the “40’s” which are recalled in the holy scriptures: For example, in the Old Testament, the Jews wandered through the desert for 40 days, the rains during the time of Noah lasted 40 days and nights, and Moses spent 40 days on the mountain. In the New Testament, Jesus fasted and prayed in the desert for 40 days, he spent 40 hours in the tomb, and He appeared to his disciples throughout the 40 days between his resurrection and the ascension.
Strength, refreshment and peace can be found when we take time away from the busy-ness of our day-to-day lives and just “be” with Jesus.
In an address to priests in Poland in 2006, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI affirmed the richness of adoration in the presence of the blessed sacrament, saying, “In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the host. Be assiduous in the prayer of adoration and teach it to the faithful. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering.”
The forty hours begins with a solemn Mass of exposition. Prayers continue while the blessed sacrament remains on the altar in a monstrance for the 40 hours. Praying the rosary and the liturgy of the hours, listening to scripture, homilies/talks and, of course, quiet time for private prayer, are all included in the practice. Individuals and families may come and go throughout the three days as their personal time and commitments allow. Materials will also be available to assist those who chose to participate in this devotion. A full schedule of the devotion may be downloaded from the diocesan website at www.dioceseofgaylord.org and clicking on 40th anniversary events.
Bishop Hebda invites and encourages the faithful of the diocese to take the time to be enriched by the many graces which may be found through participating in the Forty Hours Devotion. It provides a wonderful opportunity for each of us individually, as well as for our diocese as a whole, to continue to grow and draw closer to our Lord not only during this 40th anniversary year, but throughout our faith journey.†

GAYLORD — The 24th annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious will be Dec. 10-11, in the Diocese of Gaylord. Sponsored by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C., the appeal asks Catholics to share in the care of more than 34,000 women and men religious past age 70.
Last year, the Diocese of Gaylord contributed $171,665.02 to this collection.Women and men religious who serve or have served in the diocese but whose communities are based elsewhere may benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious.
“We are continually humbled by the generosity shown this appeal,” said NRRO Executive Director Sr. Janice Bader, a member of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of O’Fallon, Missouri. “Since the fund was launched in 1988, Catholics have donated $643 million to assist religious communities in caring for their elder members.”
As a result of the 2010 collection, which garnered $26.7 million, the NRRO was able to distribute $23 million to religious communities to help support the day-to-day care of senior members. An additional $2.7 million was allocated toward initiatives targeted for religious communities with the greatest needs. Ninety-three cents of every dollar aids elderly religious.
While the response to the collection is unprecedented, so is the need. In 2010 alone, the total cost of care for women and men religious past age 70 exceeded $1 billion dollars. Nearly 5,000 religious required skilled care. At the same time, however, religious communities strive to minimize costs. In fact, the NRRO reports that the average cost of care for religious past age 70 dropped slightly this year.
“The real challenge for many religious com-munities is a lack of retirement savings,” explained Sr. Bader. “Most senior religious worked for years for small stipends. There were no retirement plans.”
As religious continue to age, fewer members are able to serve in compensated ministry, leading to a sharp decrease in income. By 2019, National Religious Retirement Office data projects that retired religious will outnumber wage-earning religious by nearly four to one.
For this reason, the NRRO implemented a comprehensive initiative to provide education, consultation and financial assistance to communities that are 50 percent or more underfunded for retirement. Since this program began in 2009, 55 communities, representing some 7,000 women and men religious, have initiated targeted strategies to address their funding shortfalls.
“We’re working to ensure religious communities can care for their elder members today and tomorrow,” said Sr. Bader. For more information, visit www.retiredreligious.org.†

Tuesday, Nov. 1, fifth graders from St. Francis Xavier School in Petoskey, escorted by their teachers Kathy Meier and Jeff Silitis and Principal Phyllis Daily, helped at the Sacramentine Monastery and Augustine Center.

CONWAY — On Tuesday, Nov. 1, fifth graders from St. Francis Xavier School in Petoskey, escorted by their teachers Kathy Meier and Jeff Silitis and Principal Phyllis Daily, helped at the Sacramentine Monastery and Augustine Center.
Some of the students worked upstairs cleaning heat registers, some wiped down tables and chairs, others raked the cloister yard, while others worked to uproot massive old plants and weeds.
“The students did a fabulous job,” said one staff member. “Not only were they nice to us and to each other, they worked hard and the work they did was excellent.”
When the students finished, the kitchen provided the students with cupcakes and punch.
The sisters at the monastery and retreat center— Srs. Barbara, Marie and Rosalie — said the fifth graders are loved and their work is appreciated. The staff said the students accomplished many tasks it is hard to find time to get done with everything else there is to do around the center.
When asked if they would be willing to come back in the spring, the fifth graders responded with a resounding “Yes!”†

CONWAY — Bishop Bernard A. Hebda, Lutheran Bishop John Schleicher and several religious leaders and parishioners gathered Tuesday through Thursday, Oct. 25-27, at the Augustine Center in Conway for the annual Lutheran, Anglican and Roman Catholic (LARC) Retreat. LARC is an ecumenical effort established 10 years ago among the faith traditions to continue dialog and strive to bring to fruition Christ’s longing “that they may all be one” (John 17:21-23 NASB).
The Rev. Tom Ferguson, ecumenical and interreligious officer for the Episcopal Church, offered topics for discussion and moderated conversations throughout the weekend. Ferguson also presented a partial history of ecumenism and said today there are some Protestant churches of one denomination being led by a minister of another denomination.
Reflecting on the speaker’s address, Fr. Bob Bissot added that many movements towards unity have been fostered through working side-by-side in efforts to alleviate particular societal ills. Fr. Bissot is pastor of St. Catherine in Ossineke, St. Gabriel in Black River, St. Raphael in Mikado and St. Ann in Harrisville.

Lutheran Bishop John Schleicher (left), Bishop Bernard A. Hebda (center) and the Rev. Tom Ferguson from the Espiscopal Church were among those who gathered in October at the Augustine Center in Conway for the annual LARC Retreat. Courtesy photo

Responsibility for acquiring the main speaker for the LARC retreat rotates among leadership of the three faith traditions. Next year it will be the Catholic Church’s turn and Bishop Hebda indicated he already has begun planning for the event and has sought input regarding potential candidates.
The LARC retreat is offered each year to clergy and laity who are involved or interested in ecumenical efforts. As plans are set for the 2012 retreat, they will be posted at www.dioceseofgaylord.org and on the Augustine Center website at http://home.catholicweb.com/augustinecenter.†