News
- Cathedral Social Action Team Blog Page
Stay Up-To-Date on current happenings - Martin Luther King, Jr. 50th Anniversary Prayer Service, April 9, 2018
Bishop David Walkowiak, presiding, Reverend Mika Edmonson, PhD will be preaching, Fr. William T. Cunningham Memorial Choir - The Dating Project Movie: Single life and relationships, April 17, 2018
Singles of all ages wonder why it’s so hard to meet, date and marry today - Guy Consolmagno: Astronomy, God and the Search for Elegance, March 15, 2018
The link between "elegance" and rational truth has profound theological implications - Religious Persecution of Christians in Pakistan, July 6, 2017
Please come and hear what our fellow Christian's in Pakistan are facing every day - Do Good Well: Support our local refugee community, February 20, 2017
Come learn what you can do locally to make West Michigan a welcoming environment for all - Michigan Abolitionist Project / Women At Risk, February 15, 2017
Please join the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish community for this important discussion about human trafficking - CCWM Social Justice Gathering - Lenten Speaker, March 2, 2017
Learn how CRS and the Catholic Church is working to strengthen communities around the world - From Darkness To Light: Conference on Human Trafficking, February 11th, 2017
Human trafficking violates the rights and dignity of women, children, and men - USCCB: Promoting Peace In Our Communities
The USCCB Special Task Force to Promote Peace in Our Communities released a written report on November 10, 2016. - Soups On For All! Monday, January 30th, 2017
Held at the B.O.B in downtown, the event raises more than $100,000 annually for the food and pantry programs of God’s Kitchen - Michigan Abolitionist Project "Chosen" Film Screening, January 18th, 2017
Learn the shocking true story of two teen girls tricked by traffickers - In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A Discussion on Racial Integration
A look back at the 2015 panel discussion, including our own Fr. John Geaney, on the book "Some of My Best Friends Are Black" - Clothing Drive, January 14th-15th, 2017
Bring in your new and gently used clothing items - Until All Are Free: A Look at Slavery Today and the Church's Invitation to End It
Gary Haugen, CEO and Founder of International Justice Mission, spoke at Calvin College's 2017 January series - Renters Struggle to Find Affordable Housing
Average wage-earners are being squeezed out of older neighborhoods that were once the affordable - Can Grand Rapids End Homelessness?
We should be capable of ending homelessness, but we aren’t - Story of Hope: Education and Food Insecurity
For 1 in 5 children their primary concern is where they will find their next meal - Story of Hope: School Supplies
Did you see them piling up at the back of the cathedral the last few weekends? - Story of Hope: Vivian's Story
Vivian was homeless when God led her to take that important step towards life in the Church, and begin the RCIA process.
A Love that Drives Out Hate: MLK Jr. 50th Anniversary Prayer Service
From The Cathedral of Saint Andrew:
An Ecumenical Prayer Service, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. will be held on Monday, April 9th, 2018 at 6pm at The Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 215 Sheldon SE
Additional resources available at The Diocese of Grand Rapids website.
Read more HERE
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From The Cathedral of Saint Andrew:
An Ecumenical Prayer Service, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. will be held on Monday, April 9th, 2018 at 6pm at The Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 215 Sheldon SE
Additional resources available at The Diocese of Grand Rapids website.
Read more HERE
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Wege Speaker Series: Coloring the Conservation Conversation
From Aquinas College:
Dr. J. Drew Lanham’s presentation will provide insights into assuring equitable access to nature and outdoors experiences.
The Wege Foundation will host the 22nd Wege Speaker Series on Thursday, April 12 at 4pm at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center.
Reservations are Requested: REGISTER HERE
Read more HERE
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From Aquinas College:
Dr. J. Drew Lanham’s presentation will provide insights into assuring equitable access to nature and outdoors experiences.
The Wege Foundation will host the 22nd Wege Speaker Series on Thursday, April 12 at 4pm at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center.
Reservations are Requested: REGISTER HERE
Read more HERE
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The Dating Project: A Fresh New Documentary For Every Single Person
Location: Celebration Cinema:
The way people find love has radically changed in an age of swiping left or right. The Dating Project follows five single people, as they search for meaningful relationships. This is the perfect event for every single person!
Presented by Pure Flix and Paulist Productions. Event Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2018.
Read more HERE
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Location: Celebration Cinema:
The way people find love has radically changed in an age of swiping left or right. The Dating Project follows five single people, as they search for meaningful relationships. This is the perfect event for every single person!
Presented by Pure Flix and Paulist Productions. Event Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2018.
Read more HERE
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Guy Consolmagno: Astronomy, God and the Search for Elegance
From Aquinas College:
An emotional appreciation of the beauty of the stars and planets leads to a deeper understanding that satisfies both reason and emotion. This link between "elegance" and rational truth has profound theological implications.
Event Date: Thursday, March 15, 2018. Recording of this event is available here: youtu.be/2WQ1R8nxW9I
Read more HERE
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From Aquinas College:
An emotional appreciation of the beauty of the stars and planets leads to a deeper understanding that satisfies both reason and emotion. This link between "elegance" and rational truth has profound theological implications.
Event Date: Thursday, March 15, 2018. Recording of this event is available here: youtu.be/2WQ1R8nxW9I
Read more HERE
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Religious persecution of Christians in Pakistan
From St. Mary's. Marne, MI:
Please join the parish of St. Mary, Marne on Thursday, July 6 at 7PM with Bishop Joseph Arshad from the Diocese of Faisalabad, Pakistan. He will discuss issues of religious persecution in Pakistan that our fellow Christians are facing.
Contact Info: 616.677.3934 or Facebook Post: St. Mary's Catholic Church - Marne
Read more HERE
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From St. Mary's. Marne, MI:
Please join the parish of St. Mary, Marne on Thursday, July 6 at 7PM with Bishop Joseph Arshad from the Diocese of Faisalabad, Pakistan. He will discuss issues of religious persecution in Pakistan that our fellow Christians are facing.
Contact Info: 616.677.3934 or Facebook Post: St. Mary's Catholic Church - Marne
Read more HERE
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Do Good Well: Support our local refugee community
From West Michigan Refugee Education Center:
Come learn about how global and national refugee policy impacts your neighbors, and what you can do locally to make West Michigan a welcoming environment for all. Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 from 6-8pm at the Catholic Information Center.
Contact Info: 616.247.9611 or email [email protected].
Read more HERE
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From West Michigan Refugee Education Center:
Come learn about how global and national refugee policy impacts your neighbors, and what you can do locally to make West Michigan a welcoming environment for all. Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 from 6-8pm at the Catholic Information Center.
Contact Info: 616.247.9611 or email [email protected].
Read more HERE
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Michigan Abolitionist Project / Women At Risk
From St. Thomas the Apostle Parish:
Wednesday, February 15th, 2017, 7pm, the Michigan Abolitionist Project and Women At Risk will be presenting at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish's Ministry Center, 1449 Wilcox Park Drive SE. The focus will be: How to identify and talk about human trafficking.
Read more HERE
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From St. Thomas the Apostle Parish:
Wednesday, February 15th, 2017, 7pm, the Michigan Abolitionist Project and Women At Risk will be presenting at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish's Ministry Center, 1449 Wilcox Park Drive SE. The focus will be: How to identify and talk about human trafficking.
Read more HERE
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CCWM Social Justice Gathering: Lenten Speaker
From CCWM/Social Justice:
Kirtimayi Mishra, Head of Office, CRS India, will share her personal background and what it is like to live in their country. Come be inspired March 2, 2017 as we enter Lent and build solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world.
Read more HERE
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From CCWM/Social Justice:
Kirtimayi Mishra, Head of Office, CRS India, will share her personal background and what it is like to live in their country. Come be inspired March 2, 2017 as we enter Lent and build solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world.
Read more HERE
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From Darkness To Light: Human Trafficking and Our Response
From MICatholic.org/Advocacy:
This day-long conference, Saturday, February 11, 2017, sheds light on the issue of human trafficking, highlights organizations that work to combat the crime, and provides ways for individuals to get involved in awareness efforts.
Read more HERE
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From MICatholic.org/Advocacy:
This day-long conference, Saturday, February 11, 2017, sheds light on the issue of human trafficking, highlights organizations that work to combat the crime, and provides ways for individuals to get involved in awareness efforts.
Read more HERE
Back to Top
USCCB Special Task Force: Promoting Peace In Our Communities
From USCCB/Racism:
The USCCB released a Report which includes findings and recommendations fostering healing and lasting peace in communities through action, dialogue and encounter.
Read more HERE
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From USCCB/Racism:
The USCCB released a Report which includes findings and recommendations fostering healing and lasting peace in communities through action, dialogue and encounter.
Read more HERE
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CCWMI Soups On For All!: Supporting God's Kitchen Food Programs
From CCWM/Events:
A fun night of sampling more than 30 soups donated by area restaurants, held at the B.O.B in downtown Grand Rapids. The event benefits the food and pantry programs of God’s Kitchen, a program of Catholic Charities West Michigan.
Read more HERE
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From CCWM/Events:
A fun night of sampling more than 30 soups donated by area restaurants, held at the B.O.B in downtown Grand Rapids. The event benefits the food and pantry programs of God’s Kitchen, a program of Catholic Charities West Michigan.
Read more HERE
Back to Top
Michigan Abolitionist Project Meeting / Film Screening
From St. Thomas the Apostle Parish:
The Michigan Abolitionist Project will meet Wednesday, January 18th, 2017, 7pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish's Ministry Center, 1449 Wilcox Park Drive SE. The Group will be showing the movie, CHOSEN. Adults 18+ recommended.
Read more HERE
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From St. Thomas the Apostle Parish:
The Michigan Abolitionist Project will meet Wednesday, January 18th, 2017, 7pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish's Ministry Center, 1449 Wilcox Park Drive SE. The Group will be showing the movie, CHOSEN. Adults 18+ recommended.
Read more HERE
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"Some of My Best Friends Are Black", A Discussion on Racial Integration
From Warner Norcross & Judd's - Diversity News:
A 2015 panel discussion, including our own Fr. John Geaney, on Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange History of Integration in America, by Tanner Colby. The book was a One Book, One Firm Selection for Warner Norcross & Judd.
Read more HERE
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From Warner Norcross & Judd's - Diversity News:
A 2015 panel discussion, including our own Fr. John Geaney, on Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange History of Integration in America, by Tanner Colby. The book was a One Book, One Firm Selection for Warner Norcross & Judd.
Read more HERE
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Until All Are Free: Slavery Today and the Church's Invitation to End it
From Calvin.edu/January-Series:
Gary Haugen, CEO and Founder of International Justice Mission, spoke at Calvin College's January 2017 series.
Listen to a recording of his talk titled "Until All Are Free: A Look at Slavery Today and the Church's Invitation to End It"
Read more HERE
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From Calvin.edu/January-Series:
Gary Haugen, CEO and Founder of International Justice Mission, spoke at Calvin College's January 2017 series.
Listen to a recording of his talk titled "Until All Are Free: A Look at Slavery Today and the Church's Invitation to End It"
Read more HERE
Back to Top
Renters Struggle to Find Affordable Housing
From Mlive.com:
New housing is being built for low and moderate income families and well-to-do young professionals. But average wage-earners are being squeezed out of older neighborhoods that were once the affordable bedrock of city life.
Read more HERE
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From Mlive.com:
New housing is being built for low and moderate income families and well-to-do young professionals. But average wage-earners are being squeezed out of older neighborhoods that were once the affordable bedrock of city life.
Read more HERE
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Can Grand Rapids End Homelessness?
From The Rapidian:
By the numbers, we should be capable of ending homelessness. But we aren’t, and our progress in that direction is too slow to keep up with our city’s breakneck growth.
Read more HERE
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From The Rapidian:
By the numbers, we should be capable of ending homelessness. But we aren’t, and our progress in that direction is too slow to keep up with our city’s breakneck growth.
Read more HERE
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Story of Hope: Education and Food Insecurity
For many children, their biggest concerns are finding their locker, doing well in class and making new friends. For 1 in 5 children however, their primary concern is where they will find their next meal. This is food insecurity.
Read more HERE
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For many children, their biggest concerns are finding their locker, doing well in class and making new friends. For 1 in 5 children however, their primary concern is where they will find their next meal. This is food insecurity.
Read more HERE
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Story of Hope: School Supplies
Backpacks. . . . pencils. . . . spiral notebooks. . . . rulers. . . . . highlighters : Did you see them piling up at the back of the cathedral the last few weekends?
Read more HERE
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Backpacks. . . . pencils. . . . spiral notebooks. . . . rulers. . . . . highlighters : Did you see them piling up at the back of the cathedral the last few weekends?
Read more HERE
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Story of Hope: Vivian's Story
About three weeks ago, I sat down with two other Saint Andrew parishioners over coffee and iced tea at the Biggby’s just up the street on Wealthy. The focus of our conversation was Vivian, her journey over the last few years that led her to her Catholic life today and to where she lives now and makes community.
Read more HERE
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About three weeks ago, I sat down with two other Saint Andrew parishioners over coffee and iced tea at the Biggby’s just up the street on Wealthy. The focus of our conversation was Vivian, her journey over the last few years that led her to her Catholic life today and to where she lives now and makes community.
Read more HERE
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Laudato Si
By Kate Villaire
On June 23 at the CIC Dr. Robert Marko, Fulbright scholar and Chair of Theology at Aquinas College, presented an excellent overview of recent encyclicals and writings from Popes Paul VI, St. John Paul, Benedict, and Francis about the environment. Bob examined their growing concern for the welfare of the planet and how environmental crises are deeply connected to the well being of humans, especially the poor and marginalized. Pope Francis mentions the responsibility that people of this generation have to protect the earth for future generations. In Laudato Si, Francis addresses all the Earth's people and Catholics in particular.
Joy, awe, and gratitude are mentioned by Pope Francis as appropriate responses to God for creation. Christians should have no problem in praising our Creator for this sublime universe. Other world religions can agree on this as well. Some critics might dispute the urgency evident in Laudato Si as well as the acceptance of the findings of the majority of world scientists. Some commentators indicate that Christians have been somewhat slow to talk about environmental concerns because of a fear of pantheism in environmental discussions, as well as a traditional view of hierarchy of creation with humans at the top in charge of the natural world.
Although Pope Francis does not mention sin frequently in Laudato Si, he identifies several causes for environmental degradation including pollution, waste, carbon overload, and biological kills which result in dirty air, lack of clean water, and extreme weather. He believes that consumerism, waste, and lack of adequate governmental action are responsible. Since the poor are primarily impacted by these changes, he condemns the neglect of the poor. He mentions the middle class and rich in both poor and rich countries who have the means to avoid the effects of degradation and climate change. He blames those who use the great majority of the world's resources to enhance their lifestyle at the expense of the poor.
Pope Francis clearly says that we must all work together, rich and poor, to change our lifestyles if we are wasteful and insensitive, and that governments must act quickly to promote alternatives to the use of fossil fuels and promote conservation of crucial resources like water, soil, and food distribution. Pope Francis suggests a policy of community cooperation and self denial which we Catholics are familiar with. The earth and its resources must be protected with new ethics of knowledge, conservation, and generosity. There are good commentaries available online. Robert Marko suggests going directly to Vatican sources for information.
By Kate Villaire
On June 23 at the CIC Dr. Robert Marko, Fulbright scholar and Chair of Theology at Aquinas College, presented an excellent overview of recent encyclicals and writings from Popes Paul VI, St. John Paul, Benedict, and Francis about the environment. Bob examined their growing concern for the welfare of the planet and how environmental crises are deeply connected to the well being of humans, especially the poor and marginalized. Pope Francis mentions the responsibility that people of this generation have to protect the earth for future generations. In Laudato Si, Francis addresses all the Earth's people and Catholics in particular.
Joy, awe, and gratitude are mentioned by Pope Francis as appropriate responses to God for creation. Christians should have no problem in praising our Creator for this sublime universe. Other world religions can agree on this as well. Some critics might dispute the urgency evident in Laudato Si as well as the acceptance of the findings of the majority of world scientists. Some commentators indicate that Christians have been somewhat slow to talk about environmental concerns because of a fear of pantheism in environmental discussions, as well as a traditional view of hierarchy of creation with humans at the top in charge of the natural world.
Although Pope Francis does not mention sin frequently in Laudato Si, he identifies several causes for environmental degradation including pollution, waste, carbon overload, and biological kills which result in dirty air, lack of clean water, and extreme weather. He believes that consumerism, waste, and lack of adequate governmental action are responsible. Since the poor are primarily impacted by these changes, he condemns the neglect of the poor. He mentions the middle class and rich in both poor and rich countries who have the means to avoid the effects of degradation and climate change. He blames those who use the great majority of the world's resources to enhance their lifestyle at the expense of the poor.
Pope Francis clearly says that we must all work together, rich and poor, to change our lifestyles if we are wasteful and insensitive, and that governments must act quickly to promote alternatives to the use of fossil fuels and promote conservation of crucial resources like water, soil, and food distribution. Pope Francis suggests a policy of community cooperation and self denial which we Catholics are familiar with. The earth and its resources must be protected with new ethics of knowledge, conservation, and generosity. There are good commentaries available online. Robert Marko suggests going directly to Vatican sources for information.
Seeking to Live Deeply with a True Sense of Purpose?
JustFaith is Coming to the Cathedral!
The Cathedral will offer a JustFaith group beginning in mid-September. The JustFaith program is a process that offers an opportunity for people of faith to experience a spiritual journey that leads to compassionate commitment. Offered in nearly 2,000 parishes, Catholic organizations, and communities across the country, the JustFaith program provides a lively and challenging format of engagement with and formation in the Catholic social teaching tradition through videos, books, small group discussion, and speakers. JustFaith changes lives, inspires compassionate witness, and transforms the world through compassion. To learn more visit http://justfaith.org/
One Cathedral parishioner who went through the program put it this way:
Just Faith literally gave me the guts to live The Gospel. Taking this journey connected the ivory tower of Doctrine to the real world and daily grind for me. I am better able to “see” and discern opportunities to tweak and make a difference in my life and others' based on the Gospel. I am more aware of the Holy Spirit at work and of nudges to act to actually do something in situations. I now “dare” to reach out and dialogue with others where previously I was passive. Just Faith has changed my life.
Another parishioner commented:
It has been quite a while since I was in [the program]. As I think back, I remember we all made the time commitment to the Just Faith program because we wanted to deepen, change, or somehow improve our spirituality. Although we all had had different experiences which we brought to the group, the excellent reading materials provided us with a common base experience that we could discuss and share our concerns and beliefs.
Do you find yourself wondering how to live your faith in today’s complex world? Responding to the world’s needs takes reflection, study, prayer, and community. The JustFaith program offers all of these. Consider joining the Cathedral group.
For more information, contact Annika Chante` at 616-456-1454 x1912 or [email protected]
JustFaith is Coming to the Cathedral!
The Cathedral will offer a JustFaith group beginning in mid-September. The JustFaith program is a process that offers an opportunity for people of faith to experience a spiritual journey that leads to compassionate commitment. Offered in nearly 2,000 parishes, Catholic organizations, and communities across the country, the JustFaith program provides a lively and challenging format of engagement with and formation in the Catholic social teaching tradition through videos, books, small group discussion, and speakers. JustFaith changes lives, inspires compassionate witness, and transforms the world through compassion. To learn more visit http://justfaith.org/
One Cathedral parishioner who went through the program put it this way:
Just Faith literally gave me the guts to live The Gospel. Taking this journey connected the ivory tower of Doctrine to the real world and daily grind for me. I am better able to “see” and discern opportunities to tweak and make a difference in my life and others' based on the Gospel. I am more aware of the Holy Spirit at work and of nudges to act to actually do something in situations. I now “dare” to reach out and dialogue with others where previously I was passive. Just Faith has changed my life.
Another parishioner commented:
It has been quite a while since I was in [the program]. As I think back, I remember we all made the time commitment to the Just Faith program because we wanted to deepen, change, or somehow improve our spirituality. Although we all had had different experiences which we brought to the group, the excellent reading materials provided us with a common base experience that we could discuss and share our concerns and beliefs.
Do you find yourself wondering how to live your faith in today’s complex world? Responding to the world’s needs takes reflection, study, prayer, and community. The JustFaith program offers all of these. Consider joining the Cathedral group.
For more information, contact Annika Chante` at 616-456-1454 x1912 or [email protected]
Monthly Devotional
By Stefanie Snyder
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
As some of you may know, my husband and I celebrated the baptism of our baby girl on July 18th. It was joyous occasion, and I was filled with awe by the love and support I felt from our family, friends, and the whole faith community at Saint Andrew's. At the same time, I was struck by the awesome responsibility before us. How can we as flawed humans successfully raise our little girl to always follow in Christ's footsteps? How will she know what to do when faced with difficult situations? In fact, how will she know what to do with her life?
In reading this verse, I am reminded that we don't need to do this alone; in fact, we can't! God has a plan for each and every one of us before we're born. As parents, (and as aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends of these little ones) we're called to invite God to help us see their gifts and talents. We're also called to ask Him for the strength and wisdom to help them discover that plan and to use their God-given gifts to further His Kingdom here on Earth. What an amazing gift! How blessed we are to have a God who loves us so much and who will guide these precious little ones toward an ever deeper relationship with Him.
Prayer for Life: O God, our Creator, all life is in your hands from conception until death. Help us to cherish our children and to reverence the awesome privilege of our share in creation. May all people live and die in dignity and love. Bless all those who defend the rights of the unborn, the handicapped and the aged. Enlighten and be merciful toward those who fail to love, and give them peace. Let freedom be tempered by responsibility, integrity and morality. Amen.
By Stefanie Snyder
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
As some of you may know, my husband and I celebrated the baptism of our baby girl on July 18th. It was joyous occasion, and I was filled with awe by the love and support I felt from our family, friends, and the whole faith community at Saint Andrew's. At the same time, I was struck by the awesome responsibility before us. How can we as flawed humans successfully raise our little girl to always follow in Christ's footsteps? How will she know what to do when faced with difficult situations? In fact, how will she know what to do with her life?
In reading this verse, I am reminded that we don't need to do this alone; in fact, we can't! God has a plan for each and every one of us before we're born. As parents, (and as aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends of these little ones) we're called to invite God to help us see their gifts and talents. We're also called to ask Him for the strength and wisdom to help them discover that plan and to use their God-given gifts to further His Kingdom here on Earth. What an amazing gift! How blessed we are to have a God who loves us so much and who will guide these precious little ones toward an ever deeper relationship with Him.
Prayer for Life: O God, our Creator, all life is in your hands from conception until death. Help us to cherish our children and to reverence the awesome privilege of our share in creation. May all people live and die in dignity and love. Bless all those who defend the rights of the unborn, the handicapped and the aged. Enlighten and be merciful toward those who fail to love, and give them peace. Let freedom be tempered by responsibility, integrity and morality. Amen.
Habitat for Humanity Update
Eli Woodbeck shares updates on Habitat for Humanity, including how you can get involved
As a member of the Social Justice Committee who strives to speak, advocate, and act on housing issues in our city, I would like to share a few updates that pertain specifically to the parish partnership with Habitat for Humanity. In this piece, I will offer a recap of the recent Habitat project, a rundown of some official Habitat numbers from the past year, and an exciting, upcoming volunteer opportunity in honor of the pope's North American visit this fall.
Back in May, our bi-annual Habitat for Humanity Project took place at a new home on Grandville Avenue in the city's southwest side. Our crew was set to work outside, and the rainy, cold weather made the day seem dismal for landscape work.
But, no complaints came from the trusty volunteers present. With buckets, shovels, wheelbarrows, and rakes, the small crew took to the yard. From removing large stones by hand from the dirt to spreading black soil in the front and back property in preparation for seeding, the tasks were not pretty. Falling rain made for damp clothing and slippery terrain. Typically light, dry soil was heavy and turning into mud as we shoveled. Muddy boots made walking and maneuvering a wheelbarrow especially trying. These conditions, though, were not deterrent enough for our determined group.
Of course, homemade cookies delivered by a parishioner mid-morning and the presence of the homeowners themselves certainly helped the effort. This boost to morale even allowed fence posts to be set before the day was done. All items on the lunch list were completed--an accomplishment even a larger group may not have made under those working conditions. The site supervisor from Habitat was thoroughly impressed. Many thanks to our volunteers!
It is this service that helps those in our community afford owning a home. God's gifts to us are used for others when we allow Christ's love to stir us to service. In terms of what wonderful work those gifts can produce, have a look at this data from the 2014-2015 fiscal year for our local Habitat:
+ 9,800 volunteers were able to work 54,800 hours to further the mission
+ 20 families (with 58 children) now have homes and a brighter future
+ 105 home repairs were made for low-income families in targeted neighborhoods
+ 780 tons of material were diverted from local landfills and sold at Habitat ReStores
I hope these numbers will inspire you and offer a numeric narrative to the work your faith can fuel in our city.
Lastly, if you'd like to become more involved with Habitat in your city, there is an exciting opportunity. This fall, Habitat affiliates around the country are naming a Pope Francis Build to honor the papal visit to North America. In our very city, a new home will be built, uniting the efforts of Catholics nationwide in serving the Lord by serving others. The date will be Saturday, October 31. If you are interested, please email Eli Woodbeck at [email protected] to reserve a spot.
Thank you for your prayers, support, advocacy, and action.
Eli Woodbeck shares updates on Habitat for Humanity, including how you can get involved
As a member of the Social Justice Committee who strives to speak, advocate, and act on housing issues in our city, I would like to share a few updates that pertain specifically to the parish partnership with Habitat for Humanity. In this piece, I will offer a recap of the recent Habitat project, a rundown of some official Habitat numbers from the past year, and an exciting, upcoming volunteer opportunity in honor of the pope's North American visit this fall.
Back in May, our bi-annual Habitat for Humanity Project took place at a new home on Grandville Avenue in the city's southwest side. Our crew was set to work outside, and the rainy, cold weather made the day seem dismal for landscape work.
But, no complaints came from the trusty volunteers present. With buckets, shovels, wheelbarrows, and rakes, the small crew took to the yard. From removing large stones by hand from the dirt to spreading black soil in the front and back property in preparation for seeding, the tasks were not pretty. Falling rain made for damp clothing and slippery terrain. Typically light, dry soil was heavy and turning into mud as we shoveled. Muddy boots made walking and maneuvering a wheelbarrow especially trying. These conditions, though, were not deterrent enough for our determined group.
Of course, homemade cookies delivered by a parishioner mid-morning and the presence of the homeowners themselves certainly helped the effort. This boost to morale even allowed fence posts to be set before the day was done. All items on the lunch list were completed--an accomplishment even a larger group may not have made under those working conditions. The site supervisor from Habitat was thoroughly impressed. Many thanks to our volunteers!
It is this service that helps those in our community afford owning a home. God's gifts to us are used for others when we allow Christ's love to stir us to service. In terms of what wonderful work those gifts can produce, have a look at this data from the 2014-2015 fiscal year for our local Habitat:
+ 9,800 volunteers were able to work 54,800 hours to further the mission
+ 20 families (with 58 children) now have homes and a brighter future
+ 105 home repairs were made for low-income families in targeted neighborhoods
+ 780 tons of material were diverted from local landfills and sold at Habitat ReStores
I hope these numbers will inspire you and offer a numeric narrative to the work your faith can fuel in our city.
Lastly, if you'd like to become more involved with Habitat in your city, there is an exciting opportunity. This fall, Habitat affiliates around the country are naming a Pope Francis Build to honor the papal visit to North America. In our very city, a new home will be built, uniting the efforts of Catholics nationwide in serving the Lord by serving others. The date will be Saturday, October 31. If you are interested, please email Eli Woodbeck at [email protected] to reserve a spot.
Thank you for your prayers, support, advocacy, and action.
Community Corner: Mel Trotter Ministries and Homelessness in Grand Rapids
By Leonard McElveen, Director of Spiritual Life, Mel Trotter Ministries
What is homelessness?
Homelessness is a single man, single woman, a man with children, a mother with children or an intact family. We serve all these categories of Homeless people here at Mel Trotter Ministries. How do we serve them?
Mel Trotter Quick Facts 2014
This is what we do to meet the vast needs of homeless people. We provide shelter for those that come through our doors. We have a job training program for those seeking employment. We provide Transitional housing for those that have employment, are attending school or on disability but do not have housing yet.
We do much more than this and I would love to share with you and your group the great work of Mel Trotter Ministries.
What can members of the church do to support this work? We offer opportunities to volunteer. These are posted on our website: www.meltrotter.org
If you don't have the time to volunteer, you can donate. Information on how at the web site. Be an Ambassador by raising awareness of the needs of the homeless. Educate and raise awareness in your church and community through partnering with Mel Trotter. Have me come to your group, church or community to educate on homelessness.
By Leonard McElveen, Director of Spiritual Life, Mel Trotter Ministries
What is homelessness?
Homelessness is a single man, single woman, a man with children, a mother with children or an intact family. We serve all these categories of Homeless people here at Mel Trotter Ministries. How do we serve them?
Mel Trotter Quick Facts 2014
- -Provided 87,916 bed nights for men, women and children; an average of 241 people every night
- Served 158,651 hot meals; an average of 450 per day
- Our food pantry served 9,511 families and individuals (for low income families that could become homeless without our assistance)
- Assisted 169 families in finding permanent housing.
- There were 2, 977 visits to our Vision, Chiropractic, and Dental Clinics; service valued at $369,464
- Provided 67 visits to Legal Clinic
- Provided care for 1,861 public inebriates, keeping them out of hospital emergency rooms.
- Provided low cost transportation for 345 people through our vehicle donation and resale program.
- Over 4,345 volunteers completed 31, 450 hours of service; saving the mission approximately $500,000 a year
This is what we do to meet the vast needs of homeless people. We provide shelter for those that come through our doors. We have a job training program for those seeking employment. We provide Transitional housing for those that have employment, are attending school or on disability but do not have housing yet.
We do much more than this and I would love to share with you and your group the great work of Mel Trotter Ministries.
What can members of the church do to support this work? We offer opportunities to volunteer. These are posted on our website: www.meltrotter.org
If you don't have the time to volunteer, you can donate. Information on how at the web site. Be an Ambassador by raising awareness of the needs of the homeless. Educate and raise awareness in your church and community through partnering with Mel Trotter. Have me come to your group, church or community to educate on homelessness.
Circles of Care
Lisa McManus shares her experience of helping refugee families who are active members of our faith community at the Cathedral.
Every week, refugees move into our neighborhoods. We pass them at the bus stop, and see them in the grocery store. They rarely speak our language but if you look into their eyes you know they all have stories to tell. Four years ago I met one of these families; a family of Rwandan women and girls who were living in a run down four flat near the Cathedral and just blocks from my house.
They had been here just a few weeks and all they knew about America was the violence they’d seen on TV. I knocked on their door but they were too afraid to open it. With the help of other African refugees living in the building, after several visits they shyly let me in. I was shocked by what they were living in. They had nothing. The apartment had dirty shag carpeting, and the walls and windows were filthy and bare. There was almost no furniture. Their cloths sat in boxes on the floor. There was nothing for the kids to do all day long; no books, no toys, no TV, nothing. They didn’t have winter clothes. I could only imagine what it must have been like for them to spend their days and nights isolated in that apartment, in the middle of February, not speaking the language, and thousands of miles from home.
Over time I learned that the family consisted of a grandmother, her daughter, and three granddaughters. They came from a refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the border with Rwanda, in a war torn area known for its extreme violence against women. Their men were all dead and they were desperate. So they left everything and everyone they knew to come here. They arrived in the dead of winter and it must have seemed like they landed on the moon.
At this time in my life I was retired, still raising teenagers, and had been asking God to show me what He wanted me to do with the rest of my life. “Let me be your instrument Lord, help me see what you want me to do”, I prayed. I wanted to do something authentic and meaningful; something exciting and significant. I selfishly hoped to join the ranks of people recognized for making a big difference. But when I met this family I knew that the calling was going to a humble, not newsworthy or even great. There are times in life when you just know that God is speaking to you. This was one of those times for me. I knew that just a few blocks from this dingy apartment, my kids were playing video games. My husband was cooking dinner. And I had a house full of stuff that could make a difference to this family. The contrast was too vivid to ignore. So I went home and started gathering coats and blankets and returned to start my journey.
Over time I learned that Lutheran Social Services and Bethany Christian Services held the government grants to help settle refugees in our area. Case workers burn out very quickly when they try to do all that’s really needed for these people. Agencies are underfunded and under resourced. They do the basics but to make a successful and speedy transition to independence, these families needed much more help and it’s not for a few months. It takes years.
With garbage bags full of warm cloths and blankets I began a behind the scenes, grass roots mission. I asked friends and neighbors for help and they jumped right in. One woman made curtains from old sheets. Several others donated money or shopped for clothing and furniture at the second hand stores. Two teachers helped the family negotiate the school system. An insurance agent taught the Mom to drive and found her a policy that cut her costs. We taught them how to stretch their money by shopping the used clothing stores and by freezing and canning food. We gleaned together. We found a used washer and dryer to help cut costs of doing laundry at the laundromat. We’ve physically moved them to better housing twice and have driven them to many doctors’ appointments and several surgeries. My husband became their regular driver. Two of us are God Mothers to the younger girls. With one minimum wage earner in the family, money is still a big issue but the majority of our work has to do with using our time, our talents, our skills, and our connections to get them the advice and support they need.
Our circle is not an organization. We don’t hold meetings, though we communicate a lot by email and phone. We are held together by our desire to help this family in the spirit of love that God has asked us to have toward our fellow man. As people express an interest in helping, we welcome them into our circle and sometimes seek out people with special skills to help us address specific issues. The circle continues to evolve as the family’s needs change. Somebody told me recently that we’re a “circle of care”. And in a way it’s like that, but it’s more than that. We’re really the aunts and uncles they left behind.
This is not unselfish work. We’ve been enriched by the experience. We reap the benefits of knowing that we’re making a big difference in someone else’s life and that we don’t have to buy a plane ticket to do it. We expand our knowledge and understanding of the world through these refugees by now having a reason to want to learn about places we could barely find on a map in the past. I used to wonder “what’s wrong with those people over there? Why all the violence? Can’t they get their act together“? Now, after much reading and research, I have some insights. Before meeting our family I wouldn’t have had a reason to care much.
I grew up seven miles from the nearest town and sometimes when my Mom drove us home from town we would see an old woman hitch-hiking along the road. She lived further out than we did in a shack in the woods. Everyone called her Sanitary Kate. All I remember about Kate was that she wore dirty old clothes and she reeked. We’d all moan and cover our noses when she got into the car and I didn’t understand why my mother would subject us to her. Now when I think of Kate, I think of how my mother taught us to take care of our neighbors. I hope that my children are paying attention to the example I’m trying to set for them because it’s the best way I know of to teach them what our faith is all about.
There are two new Rwandan families attending Mass at the Cathedral now. They need our support. Mary May and her family have started to build a relationship with one family by agreeing to drive them to church twice a month. Upon meeting them, Mary immediately called me to find out how to do more for them. She’s starting to organize another circle in much the same way I did and is looking for people to join her. A third family could also use a circle. All it takes is a little patience and the desire to live out our faith in our everyday lives. It’s a once a month or once in a while kind of service by a group of people that adds up to mean so much to the family being cared for. If this is something that you might like to learn more about contact me at [email protected]. We are always looking for interested people who want to expand in their faith experience. And we have plenty of wonderful stories to tell.
Lisa McManus shares her experience of helping refugee families who are active members of our faith community at the Cathedral.
Every week, refugees move into our neighborhoods. We pass them at the bus stop, and see them in the grocery store. They rarely speak our language but if you look into their eyes you know they all have stories to tell. Four years ago I met one of these families; a family of Rwandan women and girls who were living in a run down four flat near the Cathedral and just blocks from my house.
They had been here just a few weeks and all they knew about America was the violence they’d seen on TV. I knocked on their door but they were too afraid to open it. With the help of other African refugees living in the building, after several visits they shyly let me in. I was shocked by what they were living in. They had nothing. The apartment had dirty shag carpeting, and the walls and windows were filthy and bare. There was almost no furniture. Their cloths sat in boxes on the floor. There was nothing for the kids to do all day long; no books, no toys, no TV, nothing. They didn’t have winter clothes. I could only imagine what it must have been like for them to spend their days and nights isolated in that apartment, in the middle of February, not speaking the language, and thousands of miles from home.
Over time I learned that the family consisted of a grandmother, her daughter, and three granddaughters. They came from a refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the border with Rwanda, in a war torn area known for its extreme violence against women. Their men were all dead and they were desperate. So they left everything and everyone they knew to come here. They arrived in the dead of winter and it must have seemed like they landed on the moon.
At this time in my life I was retired, still raising teenagers, and had been asking God to show me what He wanted me to do with the rest of my life. “Let me be your instrument Lord, help me see what you want me to do”, I prayed. I wanted to do something authentic and meaningful; something exciting and significant. I selfishly hoped to join the ranks of people recognized for making a big difference. But when I met this family I knew that the calling was going to a humble, not newsworthy or even great. There are times in life when you just know that God is speaking to you. This was one of those times for me. I knew that just a few blocks from this dingy apartment, my kids were playing video games. My husband was cooking dinner. And I had a house full of stuff that could make a difference to this family. The contrast was too vivid to ignore. So I went home and started gathering coats and blankets and returned to start my journey.
Over time I learned that Lutheran Social Services and Bethany Christian Services held the government grants to help settle refugees in our area. Case workers burn out very quickly when they try to do all that’s really needed for these people. Agencies are underfunded and under resourced. They do the basics but to make a successful and speedy transition to independence, these families needed much more help and it’s not for a few months. It takes years.
With garbage bags full of warm cloths and blankets I began a behind the scenes, grass roots mission. I asked friends and neighbors for help and they jumped right in. One woman made curtains from old sheets. Several others donated money or shopped for clothing and furniture at the second hand stores. Two teachers helped the family negotiate the school system. An insurance agent taught the Mom to drive and found her a policy that cut her costs. We taught them how to stretch their money by shopping the used clothing stores and by freezing and canning food. We gleaned together. We found a used washer and dryer to help cut costs of doing laundry at the laundromat. We’ve physically moved them to better housing twice and have driven them to many doctors’ appointments and several surgeries. My husband became their regular driver. Two of us are God Mothers to the younger girls. With one minimum wage earner in the family, money is still a big issue but the majority of our work has to do with using our time, our talents, our skills, and our connections to get them the advice and support they need.
Our circle is not an organization. We don’t hold meetings, though we communicate a lot by email and phone. We are held together by our desire to help this family in the spirit of love that God has asked us to have toward our fellow man. As people express an interest in helping, we welcome them into our circle and sometimes seek out people with special skills to help us address specific issues. The circle continues to evolve as the family’s needs change. Somebody told me recently that we’re a “circle of care”. And in a way it’s like that, but it’s more than that. We’re really the aunts and uncles they left behind.
This is not unselfish work. We’ve been enriched by the experience. We reap the benefits of knowing that we’re making a big difference in someone else’s life and that we don’t have to buy a plane ticket to do it. We expand our knowledge and understanding of the world through these refugees by now having a reason to want to learn about places we could barely find on a map in the past. I used to wonder “what’s wrong with those people over there? Why all the violence? Can’t they get their act together“? Now, after much reading and research, I have some insights. Before meeting our family I wouldn’t have had a reason to care much.
I grew up seven miles from the nearest town and sometimes when my Mom drove us home from town we would see an old woman hitch-hiking along the road. She lived further out than we did in a shack in the woods. Everyone called her Sanitary Kate. All I remember about Kate was that she wore dirty old clothes and she reeked. We’d all moan and cover our noses when she got into the car and I didn’t understand why my mother would subject us to her. Now when I think of Kate, I think of how my mother taught us to take care of our neighbors. I hope that my children are paying attention to the example I’m trying to set for them because it’s the best way I know of to teach them what our faith is all about.
There are two new Rwandan families attending Mass at the Cathedral now. They need our support. Mary May and her family have started to build a relationship with one family by agreeing to drive them to church twice a month. Upon meeting them, Mary immediately called me to find out how to do more for them. She’s starting to organize another circle in much the same way I did and is looking for people to join her. A third family could also use a circle. All it takes is a little patience and the desire to live out our faith in our everyday lives. It’s a once a month or once in a while kind of service by a group of people that adds up to mean so much to the family being cared for. If this is something that you might like to learn more about contact me at [email protected]. We are always looking for interested people who want to expand in their faith experience. And we have plenty of wonderful stories to tell.
April Devotional
By Eli Woodbeck
How fitting that we celebrate the Easter season and Christ's Resurrection during the blooming and blossoming of Spring! We are blessed with a wonderful opportunity to share our faith in an effort to match the outward expression of new life in the natural, physical world around us. Although our church celebrations culminate on Easter Sunday, it is truly a commencement for our work and our service to others to bring about the new humanity.
Still, we know we will face adversity and confront indifference. We are readily reminded of the cost of discipleship through the events of Holy Week. But, with glory of the Resurrection in our hearts and minds, we are emboldened to live our lives out of joy--spreading kindness, forgiving others, practicing nonviolence, and offering peace. As Christians, we are called to embody these qualities at all times. Yet, we know we fall victim to our daily routines. So, may this message serve as a special invitation to wholeheartedly assume this role with the onset of a new season and in our new life in Christ.
We needn't wait until Christ comes again. He is risen! Let us be intentional with our actions and words in this life before death, so that we may be certain of our life after death where we will truly be one with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen!
Prayer After Easter: God of Everlasting life, the peace of your presence embraces all in the joy of the Resurrection. To you be the glory forever! Alleluia!
Prayer of Praise: God of Creation, open our eyes, our ears, our minds, our hearts, our bodies, our bones to the beauty that is within and without. Help us not to be blind to the goodness that surrounds us or deaf to the sounds that resonate inside us. You reveal yourself daily through the radiant splendor of your creation and the design of your heart. May we be mindful of our responsibility to not only appreciate magnificence but to co-create it as well. May a more beautiful world be the challenge of our peace-making and the desireof our hearts. --Charlotte Zalot, OSB
By Eli Woodbeck
How fitting that we celebrate the Easter season and Christ's Resurrection during the blooming and blossoming of Spring! We are blessed with a wonderful opportunity to share our faith in an effort to match the outward expression of new life in the natural, physical world around us. Although our church celebrations culminate on Easter Sunday, it is truly a commencement for our work and our service to others to bring about the new humanity.
Still, we know we will face adversity and confront indifference. We are readily reminded of the cost of discipleship through the events of Holy Week. But, with glory of the Resurrection in our hearts and minds, we are emboldened to live our lives out of joy--spreading kindness, forgiving others, practicing nonviolence, and offering peace. As Christians, we are called to embody these qualities at all times. Yet, we know we fall victim to our daily routines. So, may this message serve as a special invitation to wholeheartedly assume this role with the onset of a new season and in our new life in Christ.
We needn't wait until Christ comes again. He is risen! Let us be intentional with our actions and words in this life before death, so that we may be certain of our life after death where we will truly be one with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen!
Prayer After Easter: God of Everlasting life, the peace of your presence embraces all in the joy of the Resurrection. To you be the glory forever! Alleluia!
Prayer of Praise: God of Creation, open our eyes, our ears, our minds, our hearts, our bodies, our bones to the beauty that is within and without. Help us not to be blind to the goodness that surrounds us or deaf to the sounds that resonate inside us. You reveal yourself daily through the radiant splendor of your creation and the design of your heart. May we be mindful of our responsibility to not only appreciate magnificence but to co-create it as well. May a more beautiful world be the challenge of our peace-making and the desireof our hearts. --Charlotte Zalot, OSB
Spirituality of Earth Day
Kate Villaire shares thoughts on Earth Day as part of the Catholic commitment to care for God's creation
Last week we celebrated two civic holidays, Earth Day, April 22nd and Arbor Day, April
24. Earth Day is 35 years old, the largest civic holiday in the world. It is held in 192 countries, which indicates the value and concern people have for this beautiful planet as a creation of God. This Earth Day Pope Francis said “the earth is an environment to be safeguarded, a garden to be cultivated.” His prayer for the month of April is “that people may learn to respect creation and care for it as a gift from God.”
There are many activities that can show our thanksgiving for and joy in our world. Arbor Day is an American holiday which recognizes the importance of trees and advocates planting trees to replace the many that were harvested to help build our country. It was started in 1884 by J. Sterling Morton when he moved from Detroit to Nebraska. Most states still celebrate this holiday and it is a good way to “cultivate the garden” of God
which is our country and our Earth.
Living more simply, recycling, and advocating for clean alternative energy will help preserve this garden and enhance the quality of life, particularly the spiritual part. We can also cultivate the sense of awe that nature inspires as well as the community of others who wish to experience a deeper awareness of Godʼs presence.
Kate Villaire shares thoughts on Earth Day as part of the Catholic commitment to care for God's creation
Last week we celebrated two civic holidays, Earth Day, April 22nd and Arbor Day, April
24. Earth Day is 35 years old, the largest civic holiday in the world. It is held in 192 countries, which indicates the value and concern people have for this beautiful planet as a creation of God. This Earth Day Pope Francis said “the earth is an environment to be safeguarded, a garden to be cultivated.” His prayer for the month of April is “that people may learn to respect creation and care for it as a gift from God.”
There are many activities that can show our thanksgiving for and joy in our world. Arbor Day is an American holiday which recognizes the importance of trees and advocates planting trees to replace the many that were harvested to help build our country. It was started in 1884 by J. Sterling Morton when he moved from Detroit to Nebraska. Most states still celebrate this holiday and it is a good way to “cultivate the garden” of God
which is our country and our Earth.
Living more simply, recycling, and advocating for clean alternative energy will help preserve this garden and enhance the quality of life, particularly the spiritual part. We can also cultivate the sense of awe that nature inspires as well as the community of others who wish to experience a deeper awareness of Godʼs presence.
Serving at Degage: Two Reflections
Laurie Larson-Doornbos and Kristy O'Dell share about their experience serving as part of the Cathedral Degage Ministries Outreach team.
Laurie's Story:
Nine years ago I was looking for a way to give back. I had just been welcomed into the Church and serving was one of the first things on my “Catholic To-Do list”. One of the Catholic Information Center’s Degage teams was looking to add a few people, so my husband and I jumped on board. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous. I had never worked in food service and the dining room was crowded and noisy, the kitchen busy. But the Degage team made the transition smooth by sharing their stories and making sure I felt comfortable.
What have I learned from working at Degage? I’ve learned that there but for the grace of God. I already knew from having been a single mom at one point in my life, that there were no guarantees to what life might throw our way--we could all be a personal disaster away from pretty hard times. So what would I want should I find myself in that position? I’d want someone to see me, not my condition. I’d want someone to look me in the eye, not turn away in disgust. I’d want someone to respect my dignity as a Child of God. Because that’s where all of us should find our worth, right?
So my perspective went from doing for others, to simply touching someone’s heart as Christ had touched mine. Looking a patron in the eye and offering up a “Sir” or a “Ma’am” with that plate of food. Taking back a meal for a ‘do-over’ with a smile and an “I’m sorry”, knowing that demanding warmer French fries might be the one thing this woman had control over for the day. Struggling with whatever grace I could muster to parse my way through a request made in broken English. Listening without judgment to the struggle of an ex-con and addict who traveled from the U.P. to Grand Rapids because he heard the city had good mental health services.
Jesus walks the earth through us now—and at Degage I learned I could be His smile and His hands and His feet. I went to give, and, as so often happens, ended up receiving much more.
Kristy's Story:
My husband Doug turned Catholic 2 years ago. Through the RCIA process here at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, he had the opportunity to volunteer at Degage. I remember being so happy for him that he was embracing this opportunity to serve our sisters and brothers in Christ. At that time, I recall telling him that I wanted to volunteer one evening but wasn’t sure if I could emotionally do it. He reassured me that everything would be alright. And so the following month, I went with him for what would be the best experience of my life.
Degage’s mission is very apparent from the moment you walk in the door: “to reflect the love of Christ to all who come through our doors by building relationships and offering programs that foster dignity and respect”. Within those 4 walls I have experienced God in ways I never thought I would. People care about one another. They are happy and thankful. They have taught me to never take for granted a shower, basic necessities or a meal.
My husband and I look forward to each day we volunteer. To see the look on the patrons faces, to be able to be the face of Christ for them when we are there is something I am grateful for. If you have ever considered volunteering, I encourage you to look into Degage Ministries. As soon as you walk in the door, you will be reminded that we are all here to serve our sisters and brothers in Christ and to offer a glimpse of hope to all that enter the door.
Laurie Larson-Doornbos and Kristy O'Dell share about their experience serving as part of the Cathedral Degage Ministries Outreach team.
Laurie's Story:
Nine years ago I was looking for a way to give back. I had just been welcomed into the Church and serving was one of the first things on my “Catholic To-Do list”. One of the Catholic Information Center’s Degage teams was looking to add a few people, so my husband and I jumped on board. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous. I had never worked in food service and the dining room was crowded and noisy, the kitchen busy. But the Degage team made the transition smooth by sharing their stories and making sure I felt comfortable.
What have I learned from working at Degage? I’ve learned that there but for the grace of God. I already knew from having been a single mom at one point in my life, that there were no guarantees to what life might throw our way--we could all be a personal disaster away from pretty hard times. So what would I want should I find myself in that position? I’d want someone to see me, not my condition. I’d want someone to look me in the eye, not turn away in disgust. I’d want someone to respect my dignity as a Child of God. Because that’s where all of us should find our worth, right?
So my perspective went from doing for others, to simply touching someone’s heart as Christ had touched mine. Looking a patron in the eye and offering up a “Sir” or a “Ma’am” with that plate of food. Taking back a meal for a ‘do-over’ with a smile and an “I’m sorry”, knowing that demanding warmer French fries might be the one thing this woman had control over for the day. Struggling with whatever grace I could muster to parse my way through a request made in broken English. Listening without judgment to the struggle of an ex-con and addict who traveled from the U.P. to Grand Rapids because he heard the city had good mental health services.
Jesus walks the earth through us now—and at Degage I learned I could be His smile and His hands and His feet. I went to give, and, as so often happens, ended up receiving much more.
Kristy's Story:
My husband Doug turned Catholic 2 years ago. Through the RCIA process here at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, he had the opportunity to volunteer at Degage. I remember being so happy for him that he was embracing this opportunity to serve our sisters and brothers in Christ. At that time, I recall telling him that I wanted to volunteer one evening but wasn’t sure if I could emotionally do it. He reassured me that everything would be alright. And so the following month, I went with him for what would be the best experience of my life.
Degage’s mission is very apparent from the moment you walk in the door: “to reflect the love of Christ to all who come through our doors by building relationships and offering programs that foster dignity and respect”. Within those 4 walls I have experienced God in ways I never thought I would. People care about one another. They are happy and thankful. They have taught me to never take for granted a shower, basic necessities or a meal.
My husband and I look forward to each day we volunteer. To see the look on the patrons faces, to be able to be the face of Christ for them when we are there is something I am grateful for. If you have ever considered volunteering, I encourage you to look into Degage Ministries. As soon as you walk in the door, you will be reminded that we are all here to serve our sisters and brothers in Christ and to offer a glimpse of hope to all that enter the door.
Living in a Post-Racial Society: Truth or Myth?
Stefanie Snyder reflects on her participation in the two day Institute for Healing Racism
It can be easy to think that we live in a post-racial society. As I learned through my participation in the Institute for Healing Racism, nothing could be further from the truth.
During my two day experience participating in the Institute, I learned how the basic structures of our society such as housing, transportation, and education were designed to exclude our non-white brothers and sisters, and how those decisions continue to have an impact today. Most importantly, I witnessed it through a powerful activity called the Privilege Walk. During this activity the twelve participants started as one, holding hands in a straight line across the room. As the facilitators read statements such as “I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me” and “I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed,” I found myself stepping forward each time, since the statements were true for me. At the end, I found myself on the opposite end of the room from where I started along with 8 of my co-participants. We were all white. Three of our co-participants were located at the far side of the room where we had started. They were African American and Latina.
We left the Institute that day thoughtful, tired, and nearly defeated. How could we, a country that had elected an African American president in 2008 still be so racist at its core? Was all the progress made in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s for naught?
By the end of the Institute, we all had an expanded understanding of racial issues in our nation today. By insisting we are a post-racial society, we often make racism a taboo word. We try to pretend that these issues don’t exist anymore while the news explodes with stories of racial violence. This simply puts a band aid on the issue, and dishonors those who fought for civil liberty.
The key is intentionality. At the end of the Institute, each participant created an Ant-Racism Action Plan that included both a personal and a professional objective. Plans included items as simple as participating in more cultural events, and as complex as joining a coalition to help better understand and start to address issues of structural racism here in Grand Rapids. While the specific objectives may have differed, the core purpose was the same: to acknowledge how far we still have to go and to each to our part to begin bridging the divide that still exists between racial and ethnic groups in our society today. By taking an active role the anti-racism movement rather than simply denying that racism is alive and well in our world today, we can begin the healing process and perhaps, one day, we truly will become a post racial society.
Stefanie Snyder reflects on her participation in the two day Institute for Healing Racism
It can be easy to think that we live in a post-racial society. As I learned through my participation in the Institute for Healing Racism, nothing could be further from the truth.
During my two day experience participating in the Institute, I learned how the basic structures of our society such as housing, transportation, and education were designed to exclude our non-white brothers and sisters, and how those decisions continue to have an impact today. Most importantly, I witnessed it through a powerful activity called the Privilege Walk. During this activity the twelve participants started as one, holding hands in a straight line across the room. As the facilitators read statements such as “I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me” and “I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed,” I found myself stepping forward each time, since the statements were true for me. At the end, I found myself on the opposite end of the room from where I started along with 8 of my co-participants. We were all white. Three of our co-participants were located at the far side of the room where we had started. They were African American and Latina.
We left the Institute that day thoughtful, tired, and nearly defeated. How could we, a country that had elected an African American president in 2008 still be so racist at its core? Was all the progress made in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s for naught?
By the end of the Institute, we all had an expanded understanding of racial issues in our nation today. By insisting we are a post-racial society, we often make racism a taboo word. We try to pretend that these issues don’t exist anymore while the news explodes with stories of racial violence. This simply puts a band aid on the issue, and dishonors those who fought for civil liberty.
The key is intentionality. At the end of the Institute, each participant created an Ant-Racism Action Plan that included both a personal and a professional objective. Plans included items as simple as participating in more cultural events, and as complex as joining a coalition to help better understand and start to address issues of structural racism here in Grand Rapids. While the specific objectives may have differed, the core purpose was the same: to acknowledge how far we still have to go and to each to our part to begin bridging the divide that still exists between racial and ethnic groups in our society today. By taking an active role the anti-racism movement rather than simply denying that racism is alive and well in our world today, we can begin the healing process and perhaps, one day, we truly will become a post racial society.
Catholic Bishops Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
In a landmark pastoral letter issued by the bishops of Mexico and the United States called “Strangers No Longer. A Journey of Hope”, the bishops acknowledge the the current immigration system is badly in need of reform and that a comprehensive approach in fixing it is required.
In advocating on behalf of immigrants and refugees, it is important to understand that the Catholic position is based on Catholic social teaching, which is derived from the Gospel and the words of Christ; statements and encyclicals of the Popes, and statements and pastoral letters of bishops from around the world including the U.S. bishops.
There are five elements of Catholic social teaching that pertain to the Bishops’ position on immigrants and refugees:
1. Persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland. This principle sates that a person has the right not to migrate. In other words, economic, social and political conditions in their homeland should provide an opportunity for a person to work and support his or her family in dignity and safety.
In public policy terms, efforts should be made to address global economic inequities through just trade practices, economic development, and debt relief. Peacemaking efforts should be advanced to end conflict which forces person to flee their homes.
2. Persons have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families.
When persons are unable to find work and support themselves and their families, they have a right to migrate to other counties and work. This right is not absolute, as stated by Pope John XXIII, when he said this right to emigrate applies when “there are just reasons for it.” In the current condition of the world, in which global poverty is rampant and political unrest has resulted in wards and persecution, migrants who are forced to leave their homes out of necessity and seek only to survive and support their families must be given special consideration.
3. Sovereign nations have a right to control their borders.
The Church recognizes the right of the sovereign nation to protect and control its borders in the service of the common good of its citizens. However, this is not am absolute right. Nations also have an obligation to the universal common good, as articulated by Pope John XXIII in Pacem Terris, and thus should seek to accommodate migration to the greatest extent possible. Powerful economic nations, such as the United States, have a higher obligations to serve the universal common good, according to Catholic social teachings, in the current global economic environment, in which labor demands in the United States attract foreign laborers. The United States should establish an immigration system that provides legal avenues for persons to enter the nation legally in a safe, orderly, and dignified manner to obtain jobs and reunite with family members.
4. Refugees and asylum seekers should be afforded protection.
Persons who flee their home countries because they fear persecution should be afforded safe haven and protection in another country. Conflict and political unrest in many parts of the world force persons to leave their homes for fear of death or harm. The United States should employ a refugee and asylum system that protects asylum seekers, refugees, and other forced migrants and offers them a haven from persecution.
5. The Human rights and the human dignity of undocumented migrants should be respected.
Persons who enter a nation without proper authorization or who over-stay their visas should be treated with respect and dignity. They should not be detained in deplorable conditions for lengthy periods of time, shackled by their feet and hands, or abused in any manner. They should be afforded due process of the law and, if applicable allowed to articulate a fear of return to their home before a qualified adjudicator. They should not be blamed for the social ills of a nation.
In a landmark pastoral letter issued by the bishops of Mexico and the United States called “Strangers No Longer. A Journey of Hope”, the bishops acknowledge the the current immigration system is badly in need of reform and that a comprehensive approach in fixing it is required.
In advocating on behalf of immigrants and refugees, it is important to understand that the Catholic position is based on Catholic social teaching, which is derived from the Gospel and the words of Christ; statements and encyclicals of the Popes, and statements and pastoral letters of bishops from around the world including the U.S. bishops.
There are five elements of Catholic social teaching that pertain to the Bishops’ position on immigrants and refugees:
1. Persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland. This principle sates that a person has the right not to migrate. In other words, economic, social and political conditions in their homeland should provide an opportunity for a person to work and support his or her family in dignity and safety.
In public policy terms, efforts should be made to address global economic inequities through just trade practices, economic development, and debt relief. Peacemaking efforts should be advanced to end conflict which forces person to flee their homes.
2. Persons have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families.
When persons are unable to find work and support themselves and their families, they have a right to migrate to other counties and work. This right is not absolute, as stated by Pope John XXIII, when he said this right to emigrate applies when “there are just reasons for it.” In the current condition of the world, in which global poverty is rampant and political unrest has resulted in wards and persecution, migrants who are forced to leave their homes out of necessity and seek only to survive and support their families must be given special consideration.
3. Sovereign nations have a right to control their borders.
The Church recognizes the right of the sovereign nation to protect and control its borders in the service of the common good of its citizens. However, this is not am absolute right. Nations also have an obligation to the universal common good, as articulated by Pope John XXIII in Pacem Terris, and thus should seek to accommodate migration to the greatest extent possible. Powerful economic nations, such as the United States, have a higher obligations to serve the universal common good, according to Catholic social teachings, in the current global economic environment, in which labor demands in the United States attract foreign laborers. The United States should establish an immigration system that provides legal avenues for persons to enter the nation legally in a safe, orderly, and dignified manner to obtain jobs and reunite with family members.
4. Refugees and asylum seekers should be afforded protection.
Persons who flee their home countries because they fear persecution should be afforded safe haven and protection in another country. Conflict and political unrest in many parts of the world force persons to leave their homes for fear of death or harm. The United States should employ a refugee and asylum system that protects asylum seekers, refugees, and other forced migrants and offers them a haven from persecution.
5. The Human rights and the human dignity of undocumented migrants should be respected.
Persons who enter a nation without proper authorization or who over-stay their visas should be treated with respect and dignity. They should not be detained in deplorable conditions for lengthy periods of time, shackled by their feet and hands, or abused in any manner. They should be afforded due process of the law and, if applicable allowed to articulate a fear of return to their home before a qualified adjudicator. They should not be blamed for the social ills of a nation.
Story of Hope
By Annika Chante
I would like to share with you the story of a young woman and her child. It is a story of hard work, forgiveness and of healing. I will call her Susan.
I first met Susan a little over a year ago. She was homeless, but staying with friends of hers who are parishioners at Saint Andrew. Not too long before I met her, Susan had had a good job in another state. She was a single mom, but had been able to provide for herself and her child.
Three or four years before that, Susan, with good intentions, had become involved in an environmental activist group in her home state. She had become involved enough to be one of the leading advocates in getting a piece of legislation passed to curb aspects of “fracking” in her home state. Her activism had drawn the attention of political opponents, but also the resentment of family members who mistrusted what she was doing, going so far as to claim that certain negative events in the extended family were God’s retribution for Susan’s actions.
Events in Susan’s life plummeted when she lost her job in the political crossfire, and lost custody of her child in the family infighting. She had decided to try to make a clean start here in Michigan.
Saint Andrew’s Good Samaritan Fund bought her a 30 day bus pass. Susan soon found part time work at a Pizza Hut. This was not exactly the job or income she was used to, but it was a place to start. She continued to stay with her Saint Andrew’s friends, and also tried out the Inquiry classes for RCIA. Later, she found a lower-than-usual-rent place to stay through the help of friends she developed here at the Cathedral. She was able to move out on her own again.
Susan really struggled with forgiving the family members who had lied to gain custody of her child. But over Christmas, 2013, she began to reconnect with them anyway, and worked hard to find it inside herself to be thankful for the safe place with them that her child did have. As the family realized that she was not attacking them, they seemed to soften.
The week after Christmas, 2014, thanks to a court hearing without rancor in her home state, Susan was able to bring her child to Michigan permanently. Susan has also found full time work that is much more in her field. She did not go beyond Inquiry in the RCIA, but she knows that she has friends at Saint Andrew who love her and pray for her.
A $40 bus pass, a few good people willing to build relationships and go an extra mile or two, and the work of the Holy Spirit to bring about forgiveness and healing: The kingdom of God is at hand. May we all continue to be used by God for his good purposes, for the healing of relationships and the coming of God’s kingdom.
By Annika Chante
I would like to share with you the story of a young woman and her child. It is a story of hard work, forgiveness and of healing. I will call her Susan.
I first met Susan a little over a year ago. She was homeless, but staying with friends of hers who are parishioners at Saint Andrew. Not too long before I met her, Susan had had a good job in another state. She was a single mom, but had been able to provide for herself and her child.
Three or four years before that, Susan, with good intentions, had become involved in an environmental activist group in her home state. She had become involved enough to be one of the leading advocates in getting a piece of legislation passed to curb aspects of “fracking” in her home state. Her activism had drawn the attention of political opponents, but also the resentment of family members who mistrusted what she was doing, going so far as to claim that certain negative events in the extended family were God’s retribution for Susan’s actions.
Events in Susan’s life plummeted when she lost her job in the political crossfire, and lost custody of her child in the family infighting. She had decided to try to make a clean start here in Michigan.
Saint Andrew’s Good Samaritan Fund bought her a 30 day bus pass. Susan soon found part time work at a Pizza Hut. This was not exactly the job or income she was used to, but it was a place to start. She continued to stay with her Saint Andrew’s friends, and also tried out the Inquiry classes for RCIA. Later, she found a lower-than-usual-rent place to stay through the help of friends she developed here at the Cathedral. She was able to move out on her own again.
Susan really struggled with forgiving the family members who had lied to gain custody of her child. But over Christmas, 2013, she began to reconnect with them anyway, and worked hard to find it inside herself to be thankful for the safe place with them that her child did have. As the family realized that she was not attacking them, they seemed to soften.
The week after Christmas, 2014, thanks to a court hearing without rancor in her home state, Susan was able to bring her child to Michigan permanently. Susan has also found full time work that is much more in her field. She did not go beyond Inquiry in the RCIA, but she knows that she has friends at Saint Andrew who love her and pray for her.
A $40 bus pass, a few good people willing to build relationships and go an extra mile or two, and the work of the Holy Spirit to bring about forgiveness and healing: The kingdom of God is at hand. May we all continue to be used by God for his good purposes, for the healing of relationships and the coming of God’s kingdom.
Cathedral Youth Serve in Heartside, Local Humane Society
For Cathedral youth preparing for confirmation this spring, Saturday service projects are an opportunity to put their Catholic faith in action by practicing spiritual and corporal works of mercy, learn more about their community, and build community with one another.
In January, the youth served at Heartside Ministry right here in our neighborhood. After learning more about all the services Heartside had to offer, they gleefully scraped paint from the tables in order to help clean up the art gallery so it was more inviting for both the neighbors who use the gallery and guests who come to purchase the artwork, and also had the opportunity to hear from Jennifer, a Heartside Neighbor who spoke about her experiences of being homeless and making bad choices and shared how Heartside Ministries was making a difference in her life.
In February, the youth volunteered at the local Humane Society. After learning about what the Humane Society does they helped decorate the animal's cages for Valentine's Day, and talked about what it meant to minister to the animals who essentially are in prison.
"Today I really put myself in their shoes and felt the pain of what they feel," Cathedral youth Sofia said. Sofia and the other students were moved to compassion, because the animals were homeless, imprisoned, and didn't understand why they didn't have a family to care for them. By visiting the animals and decorating their cages, the youth were able to provide comfort and encourage visitors to consider adopting a pet and providing a forever home.
"The purpose of these Saturday service projects is to help prepare their hearts for confirmation. As part of our Catholic faith, it's important not just to serve and minister to others; how we do it is as important as what we do. By cultivating compassion through these experiences, the youth are building a strong foundation and developing skills that will help them continue to serve with love and build the kingdom of God right here in our community for years to come.
For Cathedral youth preparing for confirmation this spring, Saturday service projects are an opportunity to put their Catholic faith in action by practicing spiritual and corporal works of mercy, learn more about their community, and build community with one another.
In January, the youth served at Heartside Ministry right here in our neighborhood. After learning more about all the services Heartside had to offer, they gleefully scraped paint from the tables in order to help clean up the art gallery so it was more inviting for both the neighbors who use the gallery and guests who come to purchase the artwork, and also had the opportunity to hear from Jennifer, a Heartside Neighbor who spoke about her experiences of being homeless and making bad choices and shared how Heartside Ministries was making a difference in her life.
In February, the youth volunteered at the local Humane Society. After learning about what the Humane Society does they helped decorate the animal's cages for Valentine's Day, and talked about what it meant to minister to the animals who essentially are in prison.
"Today I really put myself in their shoes and felt the pain of what they feel," Cathedral youth Sofia said. Sofia and the other students were moved to compassion, because the animals were homeless, imprisoned, and didn't understand why they didn't have a family to care for them. By visiting the animals and decorating their cages, the youth were able to provide comfort and encourage visitors to consider adopting a pet and providing a forever home.
"The purpose of these Saturday service projects is to help prepare their hearts for confirmation. As part of our Catholic faith, it's important not just to serve and minister to others; how we do it is as important as what we do. By cultivating compassion through these experiences, the youth are building a strong foundation and developing skills that will help them continue to serve with love and build the kingdom of God right here in our community for years to come.
Story of Hope
During the 2014 Holiday Season, Cathedral Parishioners Liz and Tom Moore had an opportunity to help 3 people and one family who couldn't be served by the Giving Tree project. What follows is their story of hope.
Christmas was fast approaching and my husband and I found ourselves stuck in a familiar conversation – what did we want for Christmas…… Neither of us had a “true need” so we decided to do something different and help the community instead of buying gifts for one another. Luckily we have a friend, Annika, whom was able to make the necessary connections to fulfill our quest.
For the two weeks preceding Christmas our family delivered food and necessities to various community members. In a short amount of time I noticed big changes in the members of my family. The excitement for helping others began to triumph over our own Christmas “wants”. We were blessed with a sense of fulfillment serving others.
Our family set off to help others in need but along the way we were helped as well. We experienced spiritual growth as a whole and as individuals. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to experience such a gift.
During the 2014 Holiday Season, Cathedral Parishioners Liz and Tom Moore had an opportunity to help 3 people and one family who couldn't be served by the Giving Tree project. What follows is their story of hope.
Christmas was fast approaching and my husband and I found ourselves stuck in a familiar conversation – what did we want for Christmas…… Neither of us had a “true need” so we decided to do something different and help the community instead of buying gifts for one another. Luckily we have a friend, Annika, whom was able to make the necessary connections to fulfill our quest.
For the two weeks preceding Christmas our family delivered food and necessities to various community members. In a short amount of time I noticed big changes in the members of my family. The excitement for helping others began to triumph over our own Christmas “wants”. We were blessed with a sense of fulfillment serving others.
Our family set off to help others in need but along the way we were helped as well. We experienced spiritual growth as a whole and as individuals. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to experience such a gift.
Giving Tree 2014
It’s difficult to believe that the Advent season has already come and gone; however, the kind and charitable hearts of so many in our parish show us otherwise. The 2014 Advent season yet again prompted the Giving Tree Project, which is a partnership between a small committee of Cathedral volunteers and Catholic Central High School, working together to assist families within and outside of our parish in brightening their families’ Christmas season.
The Project has been in existence since the 1980s and has helped to serve hundreds if not thousands of families since then. This year alone the Project served 64 families, including three refugee families that had left their countries due to violence with nothing but the clothes on their back. The majority of the request gifts were practical items like shoes, boots, coats and clothes; however, many families with young children were able to also receive a few toys as well. Each family also received a $35 gift card to assist with groceries and other crucial household items.
The Committee is also ecstatic and very appreciative of the fact that the amount of returned donation envelopes for the project increased by 15% this year, which is such a vital role of this Project’s goals and mission.
Projects like the Giving Tree cannot be accomplished without a supportive, generous family like we have here at the Cathedral. This year more than 80 volunteers assisted in purchasing gifts and donating funds, wrapping gifts after the 10 am Masses, completing last minute shopping and wrapping, and assuring delivery to nearly half of the families’ homes. Both the Social Justice and Giving Tree Project Committees thank everyone who took part in this year’s project – your role, thoughts and prayers are vital and we appreciate you!
It’s difficult to believe that the Advent season has already come and gone; however, the kind and charitable hearts of so many in our parish show us otherwise. The 2014 Advent season yet again prompted the Giving Tree Project, which is a partnership between a small committee of Cathedral volunteers and Catholic Central High School, working together to assist families within and outside of our parish in brightening their families’ Christmas season.
The Project has been in existence since the 1980s and has helped to serve hundreds if not thousands of families since then. This year alone the Project served 64 families, including three refugee families that had left their countries due to violence with nothing but the clothes on their back. The majority of the request gifts were practical items like shoes, boots, coats and clothes; however, many families with young children were able to also receive a few toys as well. Each family also received a $35 gift card to assist with groceries and other crucial household items.
The Committee is also ecstatic and very appreciative of the fact that the amount of returned donation envelopes for the project increased by 15% this year, which is such a vital role of this Project’s goals and mission.
Projects like the Giving Tree cannot be accomplished without a supportive, generous family like we have here at the Cathedral. This year more than 80 volunteers assisted in purchasing gifts and donating funds, wrapping gifts after the 10 am Masses, completing last minute shopping and wrapping, and assuring delivery to nearly half of the families’ homes. Both the Social Justice and Giving Tree Project Committees thank everyone who took part in this year’s project – your role, thoughts and prayers are vital and we appreciate you!
Christian Unity in Practice in Our Heartside Neighborhood
Tonight I had the privilege of serving supper at Degage` Ministries with our Cathedral Team and three brand new volunteers. I receive tremendous joy watching our Team do their thing. One of our team members has been volunteering at the Degage` for ~25 years now! Three people just tried it out for the first time tonight, but have already decided that they want to come back for more. Four of us on the team came to the Cathedral through the RCIA. Four are cradle Catholics. All have a heart of compassion for our Heartside neighbors. This shines through whether we are flipping burgers, running meals out to customers, or talking with them over the salad bar. Degage` Ministries is an ecumenical ministry that recruits volunteers from many churches, and seeks to give all clients and volunteers the dignity and respect they deserve as children of God, whatever their circumstances or beliefs. We are grateful to be part of that ministry.
This morning, I had the privilege of attending the Heartside Neighborhood Collaboration Project monthly meeting at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Also in attendance were approximately 40 other people representing 30 neighborhood churches and nonprofit agencies. Catholic Charities representatives were there along with representatives from Mel Trotter, the Dwelling Place, Degage`, Park Congregational Church, First United Methodist Church, Heartside Clinic, Calvin College, and the Salvation Army. All of us are given two minutes to share updates on what our ministries and organizations are doing. It is a monthly inspiration to hear of the efforts and successes of our neighborhood agencies and churches. If you want to catch just a small glimpse of some of what is going on, check out the articles at http://www.hncp.net/ .
The week of January 18th to 25th, the Saint Andrew Community will join with churches around the city and the nation in prayer for Christian Unity Week. Father G will be preaching at First United Methodist Church on the 18th as part of that week of prayer. I wish that all of you could travel with me to the Degage` and to the Heartside Collaboration meetings so you, too, could be inspired by the Christian unity of practice that goes on every day for the sake of our Heartside poor. We do not just talk together in the monthly meetings. We work together in the daily journeys. Just today, Park Congregational Church, First United Methodist Church, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, Immanuel Lutheran Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church pooled benevolence monies to provide the deposit for a young Vietnamese mother and 3 children to move from homelessness to tenant. We will join our monies and our prayers for this struggling family. Each week, 3 men work for two to four hours on the grounds or in the office here at Saint Andrew through the First United Methodist Work Program, granting them a small hand up rather than just a hand out. Your contributions to the Good Samaritan Fund help to make all of this possible. If you would like to go beyond financial donations, please contact myself or one of the other members of our Social Justice Committee, or email us at [email protected] . We would like to help you find ways to donate your time and talent, and we would like to hear your ideas for how to expand our ministry, education, advocacy and outreach here at Saint Andrew.
Thank you for all that you already do through prayer, financial donations, and those who volunteer their time and talent. Let us know if you are interested in something more.
Tonight I had the privilege of serving supper at Degage` Ministries with our Cathedral Team and three brand new volunteers. I receive tremendous joy watching our Team do their thing. One of our team members has been volunteering at the Degage` for ~25 years now! Three people just tried it out for the first time tonight, but have already decided that they want to come back for more. Four of us on the team came to the Cathedral through the RCIA. Four are cradle Catholics. All have a heart of compassion for our Heartside neighbors. This shines through whether we are flipping burgers, running meals out to customers, or talking with them over the salad bar. Degage` Ministries is an ecumenical ministry that recruits volunteers from many churches, and seeks to give all clients and volunteers the dignity and respect they deserve as children of God, whatever their circumstances or beliefs. We are grateful to be part of that ministry.
This morning, I had the privilege of attending the Heartside Neighborhood Collaboration Project monthly meeting at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Also in attendance were approximately 40 other people representing 30 neighborhood churches and nonprofit agencies. Catholic Charities representatives were there along with representatives from Mel Trotter, the Dwelling Place, Degage`, Park Congregational Church, First United Methodist Church, Heartside Clinic, Calvin College, and the Salvation Army. All of us are given two minutes to share updates on what our ministries and organizations are doing. It is a monthly inspiration to hear of the efforts and successes of our neighborhood agencies and churches. If you want to catch just a small glimpse of some of what is going on, check out the articles at http://www.hncp.net/ .
The week of January 18th to 25th, the Saint Andrew Community will join with churches around the city and the nation in prayer for Christian Unity Week. Father G will be preaching at First United Methodist Church on the 18th as part of that week of prayer. I wish that all of you could travel with me to the Degage` and to the Heartside Collaboration meetings so you, too, could be inspired by the Christian unity of practice that goes on every day for the sake of our Heartside poor. We do not just talk together in the monthly meetings. We work together in the daily journeys. Just today, Park Congregational Church, First United Methodist Church, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, Immanuel Lutheran Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church pooled benevolence monies to provide the deposit for a young Vietnamese mother and 3 children to move from homelessness to tenant. We will join our monies and our prayers for this struggling family. Each week, 3 men work for two to four hours on the grounds or in the office here at Saint Andrew through the First United Methodist Work Program, granting them a small hand up rather than just a hand out. Your contributions to the Good Samaritan Fund help to make all of this possible. If you would like to go beyond financial donations, please contact myself or one of the other members of our Social Justice Committee, or email us at [email protected] . We would like to help you find ways to donate your time and talent, and we would like to hear your ideas for how to expand our ministry, education, advocacy and outreach here at Saint Andrew.
Thank you for all that you already do through prayer, financial donations, and those who volunteer their time and talent. Let us know if you are interested in something more.
CPP Ending Homelessness Campaign: Follow Up
Rachael at Salvation Army's Congregational Partnership Program sent this message in response to the parish efforts:
"WOW! St. Andrew's really pulled through with so many donations!"
"One participant specifically stated how excited he was to have new pots, pans, and cookware so that he could have his grandchildren over for dinner and reconnect with his daughters."
A heart-felt "Thank You" to St. Andrew's parishioners for their generous donations to the CPP/Ending Homelessness effort to gather household items and supplies.
Several families/individuals, some without housing for many years, are being helped by your many gifts.
Rachael at Salvation Army's Congregational Partnership Program sent this message in response to the parish efforts:
"WOW! St. Andrew's really pulled through with so many donations!"
"One participant specifically stated how excited he was to have new pots, pans, and cookware so that he could have his grandchildren over for dinner and reconnect with his daughters."
A heart-felt "Thank You" to St. Andrew's parishioners for their generous donations to the CPP/Ending Homelessness effort to gather household items and supplies.
Several families/individuals, some without housing for many years, are being helped by your many gifts.
REAL CHANGE, NOT SPARE CHANGE / www.realchangegr.org
FROM our friends at Bethlehem Church: In response to an increase in panhandling throughout Grand Rapids, a collaboration of social service agencies, businesses, churches and city officials have teamed up to address the issue in positive ways. “Real Change, Not Spare Change” is an educational campaign that provides education on how to respectfully interact with panhandlers.
“Panhandling is a community issue that requires a community response,” Kate O’Keefe, program coordinator at the Heartside Neighborhood Collaboration Project, told Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. for a press release this week. “It is important for people to understand that rather than giving directly to a panhandler, a stronger, more effective impact can be made when donations are given to the many resources available for those in need.”
The Real Change Not Spare Change campaign gives people the opportunity to help without hurting, and the peace of mind to know where their money is going. O’Keefe says most residents of Grand Rapids are charitably minded. “We want to help people give without enabling unhealthy behavior.”
One can redirect their giving by supporting the Heartside Fund, a community resource that is administered by the Heart of West Michigan United Way to help those in need with items such as prescription co-pays, work boots, bus tickets, and more. People can donate through realchangegr.org or at donation boxes at participating local businesses. Every donation helps — no matter how large or small.
FROM our friends at Bethlehem Church: In response to an increase in panhandling throughout Grand Rapids, a collaboration of social service agencies, businesses, churches and city officials have teamed up to address the issue in positive ways. “Real Change, Not Spare Change” is an educational campaign that provides education on how to respectfully interact with panhandlers.
“Panhandling is a community issue that requires a community response,” Kate O’Keefe, program coordinator at the Heartside Neighborhood Collaboration Project, told Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. for a press release this week. “It is important for people to understand that rather than giving directly to a panhandler, a stronger, more effective impact can be made when donations are given to the many resources available for those in need.”
The Real Change Not Spare Change campaign gives people the opportunity to help without hurting, and the peace of mind to know where their money is going. O’Keefe says most residents of Grand Rapids are charitably minded. “We want to help people give without enabling unhealthy behavior.”
One can redirect their giving by supporting the Heartside Fund, a community resource that is administered by the Heart of West Michigan United Way to help those in need with items such as prescription co-pays, work boots, bus tickets, and more. People can donate through realchangegr.org or at donation boxes at participating local businesses. Every donation helps — no matter how large or small.
SPOTLIGHT on Degage MinistriesYou may not know that the Cathedral has a team of nine folks who serve supper at Degage Ministries. To learn more about this helpful group and the work at Degage Ministries, click HERE.
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Do You Know About the YMCA Veggie Van?YMCA Veggie Van
The YMCA Veggie Van is West Michigan’s first and only mobile farmers market. The Veggie Van runs year round, making daily stops in urban neighborhoods throughout Grand Rapids, assuring that fruits and vegetables are available to people who otherwise have limited access to fresh produce. They sell locally grown, top-quality fruits and vegetables at reduced prices. Additionally, they accept SNAP, WIC, and Senior Project Fresh/Market FRESH benefits. The Veggie Van stops at the Main Library from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm every Tuesday. Sign up to receive weekly emails with the week's Veggie Van products. |
Sign Up for the Catholic Advocacy Network
Through the Catholic Advocacy Network (CAN), the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) in Lansing provides an opportunity for Michigan Catholics to stay updated on public policy issues and easily contact their lawmakers. Each legislative session, thousands of bills are introduced into the Michigan House and Senate. MCC staff monitor and evaluate the daily flow of legislation based on Catholic Social Teaching, and work with legislators to support or oppose specific bills by providing research and testimony on behalf of the common good. Join Catholics across Michigan who are advocating for the core principles that guide our faith. Join to be updated with important legislative issues. Join to helps strengthen our Catholic advocacy voice. Visit the Catholic Advocacy Network to SUBSCRIBE.
Earth's Fresh Water: Bad News and Good News
First, the bad news: The United Nations is reporting that in eleven years, starting in the year 2025, two thirds of the world's population will no longer have a secure water supply.
Now the good news: Vast reserves of freshwater have been discovered beneath the seabed of the continental shelves off Australia, China, North America, and South Africa. For more information, see this article in Science Daily.
Now the good news: Vast reserves of freshwater have been discovered beneath the seabed of the continental shelves off Australia, China, North America, and South Africa. For more information, see this article in Science Daily.