Eucharist drew me back to the Catholic Church - Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Issue 1, 2022
I N T H E K N OW
W I T H FAT H E R J O E
How can I ‘do’
Lent better?
How the F E AT U R E
Eucharist
Father Sikorski
found joy in
serving the poor
F E AT U R E
drew me back Bobbie Davis
lives according
to the Catholic to Acts 20:35
Church
L
A IN
L
1
from the editor
A focus
on the
Eucharist
and
Catholic
Danielle McGrew Tenbusch
INSIDE
schools
12 FAITH MATTERS
I
n late 2021, Bishop Robert Gruss named two of his Uniting to overcome ‘morality
priorities for this year and beyond: Eucharistic revival by geography’
and Catholic schools.
The vision for Eucharistic revival, set forth by the United
States bishops, is intended to be “A movement of Catholics 20 FEATURE
across the United States, healed, converted, formed and
unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist – and sent Young adults share Cause for
out in mission ‘for the life of the world.’” Joy in new podcast
The hope is that our Church, our diocese, will be renewed
through a living relationship with the Lord Jesus in the Holy
Eucharist. Read more about this revival in Bishop Gruss’
column on the next two pages; be inspired as Emma candidly 22 FEATURE
shares how the Eucharist drew her back to the Catholic
Church (cover story, page 16); and check out our new regular Diocesan re-envisioning
offering, Source + Summit, on page 31. process focuses on better
In coming editions of FAITH Saginaw, you also will learn serving parishes
a lot more about the efforts currently underway to breathe
new life and energy into our Catholic schools through a new
and exciting joint effort between the schools and diocese.
The hope is to enhance the great things already happening,
while elevating the priority areas of Catholic identity (faith
28 FEATURE
formation and evangelization), excellence in academics, Novena to Our Lady of
extracurricular activities, accessibility and financial viability.
Guadalupe is rooted in
With a minimum of 180 days of classroom instruction,
equating to more than 1,000 hours during the year, Catholic devotion and tradition
ERIN LOOBY schools remain the optimal setting for partnering with families
CARLSON and parishes to form and equip young people as intentional
is editor of disciples of Jesus Christ.
FAITH Saginaw So look for exciting things to come, particularly in the areas
magazine and highlighted above, and may we continue to join Bishop Gruss
director of in praying for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our
communications diocese. With confidence in the Lord Jesus, may we hope for
for the Catholic the new springtime Bishop Gruss believes God desires for us!
Diocese of Come Holy Spirit!
Saginaw.
2 FAITH Saginaw / Issue 1, 2022 / www.Saginaw.org
COVER STORY
The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw
The Most Rev. Robert D. Gruss
PUBLISHER
Volume 16 • Issue 1 • 2022
Erin Looby Carlson
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Father Andy LaFramboise
Erin Looby Carlson
Emma Geis
Sister Mary Judith O’Brien, RSM
Dr. Dan Osborn
Joan Ramm
Denyse Shannon
Danielle McGrew Tenbusch
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Danielle McGrew Tenbusch
Jeff Schrier
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
FAITH Catholic
Rev. Dwight Ezop
CHAIRMAN
Elizabeth Martin Solsburg
PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Abby Feldpausch
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Rev. Joseph Krupp
Sheri Wohlfert
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
www.FaithCatholic.com
FAITH Saginaw (USPS 024206) is a membership
publication of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, 5800
Weiss St., Saginaw, MI 48603-2762. Published six times
a year in January/February, March/April, May/June, July/
August, September/October, and November/December. For
Subscription information, e-mail subscriptions@faithsaginaw.
org. If you have a change of address, please contact your
parish. Periodicals postage paid at Saginaw, Mich., or
additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
FAITH Saginaw, MI 48603-2762. FAITH Catholic. FAITH
is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.
GIVE THE GIFT OF
16
As a teenager, Emma Geis
left the Catholic Church
and never planned to
Order a subscription today:
return. In her own words, subscriptions@dioceseofsaginaw.org
she shares her journey 989.797.6630
home and how she’s
learned to walk “humbly
with the Lord.”
3
from the bishop
Eucharistic Revival needed across
our country and in our diocese
T
his year, one of my priorities for the Diocese of Saginaw is So far, no parish in the the
diocese has returned to pre-
initiating a movement of Eucharistic Revival. Far more than
pandemic Mass attendance.
a series of events, this Revival aims to be a movement that Recent Mass counts reveal that
renews the Church through our love of Jesus Christ, truly approximately 8,000 people
present, in the Eucharist. have yet to return to active
participation at the Sunday
Eucharist, the central mystery
Why is this needed and to reflect upon their spiritual of the Church. There could be
perhaps necessary in our growth and discipleship, helping many reasons for this. I suspect
current times? In late 2019, pastors and parish leaders to that some of the reasons are
a Pew Study revealed that only have a sense of where to focus not related to the pandemic.
approximately 30 percent of their evangelization efforts. One Therefore, the planning for the
self-described Catholics fully of the questions on that survey Eucharistic Revival is very timely.
believe in the Real Presence of tool was also related to the belief This stark reality has inspired
THE MOST REV. Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. in the Real Presence of Jesus the bishops of the United States
ROBERT D. GRUSS This past summer, through the Christ in the Eucharist. Of those to action. More than an event
is the seventh bishop
assistance of Catholic Leadership who took the survey across the or a program, they envisioned
of the Diocese of
Saginaw Institute, every parish in our diocese, what was revealed was a true Revival to rediscover the
diocese participated in the that 30 percent of the people source and summit of our Faith
Disciple Maker Index, a survey who regularly attend Mass do through a deep commitment to
tool that allowed parishioners not believe in this truth. prayer, pilgrimage and worship
4 FAITH Saginaw / Issue 1, 2022 / www.Saginaw.org
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)
on part of the entire Church in and send forth more than 80,000
the United States. Eucharistic missionaries.
The mission of this three-year As shepherd of the Diocese
grassroots Revival is to renew the of Saginaw, I long to help others
Church by enkindling a living come to know and experience
relationship with the Lord through Jesus in a more personal and life-
devotion and belief in the Real changing way, especially through
Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. the celebration of the Sunday
The vision is to create a movement Mass. The Eucharist, the Church’s
of Catholics across the United greatest treasure, is to our spiritual
States, healed, converted, formed life what food and water are for
and unified by an encounter with our physical life. We must help
Jesus in the Eucharist—and then Christians to encounter once again
sent out in mission “for the life of this Jesus, who is “the living bread Prayer for the Revival
the world.” that came down from heaven.”
When will this Eucharistic The Holy Eucharist brings us into My God, I believe, I adore, I hope
Revival begin? The communion with him, enabling
and I love you! I beg pardon for
implementation will take place us to live with him in the life of
those who do not believe, nor
over a three-year period. The the Trinity, and to not only be
planning process will begin in this transformed by this love, but, adore, nor hope, nor love you.
diocese in the near future. The with him, to transform the world
first half of 2022 allows for time through our lives made holy Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son
to create a vision for the Diocesan by this union. This is why this and Holy Spirit, I adore you
phase of the Eucharistic Revival Eucharistic Revival is important profoundly. I offer you the most
with a formal launch on Corpus for the Church, both nationally
precious Body, Blood, Soul
Christi Sunday, June 19, extending and locally.
for a year at the diocesan level. The United States Conference of and Divinity of Jesus Christ,
This year includes opportunities to Catholic Bishops has published a present in all the tabernacles
host diocesan events centered on recent document on the Eucharist, of the world in reparation
the Eucharistic Revival. the doctrinal source text for the for the outrages, sacrileges
The parish year begins on Eucharistic Revival, “The Mystery and indifference by which
Corpus Christi Sunday, June 11, of the Eucharist in the Life of
he is offended. And, through
2023. During that year, the Revival the Church.” In support of this
will take place at the local parish recent teaching document, Bishop the infinite merits of the
level in order to re-enkindle a Andrew Cozzens has recorded a Sacred Heart of Jesus and the
living relationship with the Lord course based on the Eucharistic Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg
through catechesis and devotion document, which could serve as a of you the conversion of sinners.
regarding the Real Presence of very helpful resource. Please visit
Jesus in the Eucharist. usccb.org/eucharisticrevival to Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
These three years will culminate access these resources and more.
in the first National Eucharistic More information regarding
Congress in the United States what is being planned for our
in almost 50 years. There will diocese will be provided in
be regional or provincial events the future. Until then, please
leading up to the 2024 National pray for the fruitfulness of
Eucharistic Congress. The this Eucharistic Revival, both
National Eucharistic Congress, nationally and here in the
taking place from July 17 to July Diocese of Saginaw. May
21, 2024, with both in-person and Christ’s peace and love be
Background: Ksenia Khmel/iStock/Getty Images Plus
virtual dimensions, aims to form with all of you.
5
in the know
I found this to be one of the most succinct, powerful
summaries of Lent that I have read.
DE A R FATHE R JO E : What’s the first step? Prayer.
I know, I know, I always type this, but it’s so important.
EVERY YEAR, There is nothing that defines the Christian experience like
LENT
prayer. Prayer is how the soul breathes. Prayer is how we
hear the voice of God. Prayer is everything.
So, our first step is to take time and make a simple prayer
to God, asking him to guide our thoughts and reveal to us
where the biggest gap in our coverage is. One of the inter-
esting things that I experienced as I pondered this revolved
around fasting. Fasting is hard for me, as you might be able
to tell by looking at me. I get frustrated with my eating and
COMES AND GOES I get embarrassed about how big I am.
A N D I A LW AY S F E E L As soon as I started thinking about Lent, that’s where my
thoughts took me immediately and so I really didn’t think
LIKE I SOMEHOW MISS more about it until I read Bishop McCaig’s quote. My prior-
I T O R B L O W I T. ities might not be God’s priorities and, as important as it is
for me to reject gluttony, I need to ask God what he wants
me to focus on this Lent.
So, take some time today and offer God this prayer
HOW CAN I or some prayer like it:
M A K E L E N T B E W H AT “God, I love you. Because I love you, I want to be
like you, but that is impossible without your help. As I
IT IS SUPPOSED TO approach this Lenten season, I am asking you to guide
me. Show me where you want to work in me so that I can
BE THIS YEAR? be holy. Let me hear your voice and respond with love.”
Once you sense God leading you, either through circum-
stances or thoughts, follow that lead. Maybe God wants
to work on your temper. Maybe he wants to work on your
gossip. Perhaps he wants you to not be so uptight about
PRAISE GOD FOR YOUR HUNGER. This is the getting everything right — who knows? He will show you
if you let him.
key to the whole thing! Remember Jesus’ words in
When you see where God wants you to go, then prayerfully
Matthew: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for
and consistently pursue the virtue that will tame that beast.
righteousness, they shall have their fill.” I also urge If lust is your struggle, pray for purity and commit to being
you to remember God’s words through the apostle pure in word, thought and deed. If greed is your struggle,
Paul: “He who started this good work in you will see pray for the grace of generosity and sacrifice until it hurts.
it to completion.” (Phil 1:6) This is the way to live Lent well.
A couple of things to keep in mind: There really is no
This is a reminder that the hunger in you for holiness substitute for tenacity. When you and I commit to the fight
came/comes from God, and he will finish this! for holiness, we need to cowboy up because it is going
Even with God’s promises, it is important that we to be a fight. Holiness is not for those who get easily
cooperate. It’s not a matter of simply trusting God will discouraged. When we ask God to help us and we commit
get it done, we need to help God help us! So now, I’d to changing, then we need to be ready for the distinct
like to walk us through some ideas about how to let possibility that we will strike out more times than we get
God transform us in this Lenten season. on base. We need to be absolutely relentless in our pursuit
I’d like to begin with this marvelous quote from a and not focus so much on our performance as the inevita-
holy bishop in Canada, Bishop Scott McCaig. Here is bility of God’s victory in and through us.
what he wrote: Another thing to keep in mind is that the work of holi-
“Don’t just choose. Pray first. Ask the Lord where you ness is about more than us.
are most vulnerable to the enemy - your greatest vice. Too often, we are obsessed with “those people” and what
Then identify the opposing virtue and embrace a discipline they need to change. We are painful, infinitely, minutely
that will strengthen it. God doesn’t want your chocolate aware of the faults and failings of others and how those
… He wants you. He wants your heart. He loves you!” wound us.
6 FAITH Saginaw / Issue 1, 2022 / www.Saginaw.org
habits of the heart
However, we have to re-
Quietness is a grace
member that we have no
control over other people,
we only have control over
ourselves and, if we take
a good, hard, honest look
Say-Cheese iStock / Getty Images Plus
at reality, we see that we
I
hurt others because of n the 19th century, John
our faults and failings.
We are, each individually, Henry Newman was
a significant part of the ordained as an Anglican
problem. priest, and he became well
For our society to heal, known as a poet, scholar
for our Church to heal, When edged with anger, frustration
for our families to heal, and teacher at Oxford University in and retaliation, quietness is a temptation,
for our schools to get England. His studies and prayer led him which perhaps most of us have experi-
better, we each personally to seek reformation within the Anglican enced at one time or another. The silent
and individually need Church. Although the Anglican Church treatment by an unhappy person feeds on
to change. We need to the worst in oneself as the person turns
be radically committed ostracized him, his convictions and away from God and others.
to letting God heal and studies stimulated his own painstaking On the other hand, Newman’s quietness
change us. assessment of God’s path for him. is founded on holy fear of the Lord:
The more of us who In 1845, at the age of 44, he left the “Christ is coming.” He recognizes the con-
commit to personal tinual work of God’s goodness within us,
holiness, the better our Anglican Church, his position at Oxford leading us from faith, through the trials of
Church will be, our soci- University, friends and the familiar life he life which test faith, to love.
ety will be, our families had previously embraced and was soon I have been thinking about the phrase,
will be. ordained a Catholic priest. “first comes diligence, then comes
So, the stakes are the resignation.” A farmer labors long hours.
highest they ever could Will he or she have a successful growing
be, and the beautiful Many in the Catholic Church received this gentle season? Only the diligent farmer – the one
truth is that when we en- intellectual with skepticism and even with rejection. who tries to fulfill his or her responsibility
gage the fight within and His was a path of isolation and purification of intention, – experiences the result of inner peace
decide to be holy, we will seeking the way of God despite human obstacles. Pope and resignation in reliance on God. The
find healing in our hearts, Leo XIII created John Henry Newman a cardinal at the person must work earnestly toward a goal
peace in our minds and age of 78 due to his work for the Catholic Church in in order to be resigned to God’s will.
joy all around us. England. He died at the age of 89, but his writings live The labor of relationships, prayer,
Lent is a season where on. Pope Francis canonized him in 2019. thoughtful decision-making and even
you and I simply must I write the above as a context for the following: anguishing situations bring a certain peace
ask for God’s guidance, of accepting God’s will. This challenging,
commit to the fight for Quietness is a grace, not in itself, but only when often painful, rendering to God is the fruit
holiness and then simply it is grafted on the stem of faith, zeal, self- of sacramental grace.
refuse to give up until abasement, and diligence… Diligence and careful fulfillment of
God breaks down the responsibilities help us mature spiritually
walls of sin in our hearts. The first grace is faith, the last is love; first as we become increasingly aware that
I pray Jesus blesses comes zeal, afterwards comes loving-kindness; we cannot control the results. We turn
your Lent. I pray that, first comes humiliation [or self-abasement], then uncertainty over to God’s providence. We
during these days, each comes peace; first comes diligence, then comes wait on God’s good will. And a kernel
of us double down on our resignation. May we learn to foster maturity of of His love draws us into the quietness
joyful commitment to be all graces in us – fearing and trembling, watching of grace. Resignation isn’t giving up; it is
like God. and repenting, because Christ is coming… placing our efforts within God’s love.
I can’t wait to see what
he does! SISTER MARY JUDITH O’BRIEN, RSM
Enjoy another day in is a member of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma.
God’s presence! She serves as chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw.
7parenting
SHERI WOHLFERT
is a Catholic school teacher, speaker,
writer and founder of Joyful Words Ministries.
Sheri blogs at www.joyfulwords.org.
IN TROVERT Ask the questions. If you are worried that your child
isn’t playing with friends at recess, ask them to tell
you how they feel about that? Very often kids need
OR E XTROV E RT ?
lunch and recess time to clear their head and enjoy
some peace and quiet. Class time is full of thinking,
talking and action. Some kids play alone because
they need to sort, sift and decompress. If they wish
they had friends to play with, try the next strategy.
DITCH THE LABELS FOR Friendship 101. If they wish they had more friendships,
YO U R CHILD R EN
there are things you can do to help. Role-play the
conversations. Kids who are shy or experience some
social anxiety need to practice what it sounds like to
invite someone to play or ask if they can be included in
a game. This is also a great place to ask for the help of
the teacher who observes your child interacting with
Every parent wants their child to be healthy and happy. others all day long and can offer insight.
We want them to have good friends and feel like they
are safe and they belong. We seem to live in a world Think quality. One or two good friends with many
like interests is more powerful than a dozen acquain-
that rewards the outgoing, extroverted kids who make tances. Help your child come up with a list of things
friends easily, demonstrate leadership they like to do, play, learn about and experience. Then
and seem confident. If that doesn’t find out who else in school or their social circle has
a list that’s similar and put them together. Think
describe your child, here are some short-term play date or outing. If you have a
thoughts to help put your mind and quiet child who loves Avengers movies, invite
heart at peace. a classmate or neighbor who shares that in-
terest to a movie and popcorn at your house.
The movie will fill the silence and afterward
give them common ground for conversation
First things first. God created each of
and friendship-building. Don’t interpret their
us in his image and he has designed a
quiet interaction in the beginning as neg-
perfect plan for our life. Pray often with
ative, we communicate in many ways and
and for your child to discover God’s plan
sometimes getting comfortable takes time.
for them, which will perfectly use each and
every gift, talent and personality trait
Send the message: It’s OK to be who
with which they are blessed.
you are! Our Church history is full
of quiet, thoughtful, contempla-
Toss the labels and ditch the
tive, peaceful souls. St. John
comparisons. Words such
Paul II was a former actor
as shy, introverted or
who was full of conversa-
withdrawn don’t paint
tion and powerful charis-
Getty Images/Prostock-Studio/iStock / Getty Images Plus
an accurate picture, and
matic leadership, while
when we use them, they
St. Teresa of Calcutta
can often be interpreted
was quiet, peaceful and
as a second-class version
dreaded being in public.
of cheerful, outgoing or
Both changed the world
extroverted. Be extra
and demonstrated holiness
careful not to use these
in completely different styles.
labels in the presence of
God is inviting each of us to do the
your kids.
same … including our children.
8 FAITH Saginaw / Issue 1, 2022 / www.Saginaw.orgkindling for the fire
Setting the
foundation for a
culture of life
D-Keine / iStock / Getty Images Plus
A
bortion has been front and center in recent months following temptation is to see the child as
the oral arguments before the Supreme Court for Dobbs v. being a burden, leading to more
work, less financial stability and
Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case concerns an inconvenient presence in
the Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. one’s life.
It is therefore a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade and also Planned The second improper way of
Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey. Abortion is a viewing a child is more subtle
and is dominant in our culture.
great evil in the world. Let’s together pray that Roe v. Wade will be It is to view the presence of a
overturned. A decision on the case will come in June or July. child as first and foremost a
product of one’s choice, like
choosing options at a grocery
We are called to build a This is important to building store. But children are not
culture of life and a civilization a culture of life. I pray that Roe commodities; they are precious
of love. This means respecting v. Wade will be overturned. It gifts, and gifts imply the priority
and treasuring life from is an unjust law that has led to of receptivity, that is, of a giver.
conception until natural death. countless deaths and broken lives Rather than thinking “How
In 1994, St. John Paul II for the men and women bearing many children do I want?” it
wrote in his Letter to Families the scars from it. But the culture is better to ask “How many
that the newborn child is a gift of life will never simply be won children do you wish to give me,
who “gives itself to its parents through the courts or legisla- Lord?” This involves discern-
by the very fact of its coming ture. It must be won through ment, requiring prudence and
FATHER ANDY into existence. Its existence is hearts and minds. It requires an generosity in taking account of
LAFRAMBOISE already a gift, the first gift of intellectual and moral conversion. one’s circumstances. I believe
is pastor of St. the Creator to the creature.” To build anything properly, one courage is needed to combat
Agnes Parish, We are accustomed to think needs a firm foundation. So, what the contraceptive mentality that
Freeland and of a newborn as being totally is the foundation for building a has gone unquestioned in the
director of priestly dependent. We tend to think of culture of life? West. We have never been more
vocations. the parents giving themselves Is the child, born or unborn, a materially prosperous, and yet
He holds a licentiate to the child, rather than the gift? There are two improper ways never more afraid that we do
in Sacred Theology child to the parents. How is the of viewing the unborn child. not have enough. The effects of
in Marriage and newborn child a gift? He or she The first is to see the child as this are being played out, as the
Family Studies from can’t do chores or even say “I a threat. Globally, people may United States and a host of other
the Pontifical John love you.” The child is not a gift be afraid of overpopulation and nations experience birth rates
Paul II Institute for because of what he or she can dwindling resources and the below replacement levels.
Studies on Marriage do. The child is the gift. His or negative effect of humanity on May God, the author of this
and Family. her entire existence says to his the health of the environment, beautiful and wonderful life,
parents, “I love you” and “I am so the child is viewed as a threat. help us to see that each child
God’s gift to you.” For individual couples, the is a gift.
9feature
BOBBIE DAVIS LIVES ACCORDING TO ACTS 20:35: ‘IT
Words
to live
by BY ERIN LOOBY
CARLSON
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JEFF SCHRIER
Bobbie Davis, 89,
of Saginaw, has been
making clothes and
other items on the
Sears sewing machine
she bought in 1974.
T he kitchen and dining rooms of Mrs. Bobbie Davis’ Saginaw
home are sacred spaces. These are the rooms where she
gives her heart to baking and creating for others.
“I’ve sewed everything,” Bobbie “It is more blessed to give than to
waking early to heat water for the
tin tub so she could use it before
anyone else in the family.
“Never had a car, never had a
television. We knew no other way,”
said. “I’ve made altar cloths, pants receive,” and those words inspired Bobbie said.
and shirts for people in need, every and filled her heart. They define the Her parents worked hard to
suit I wear to Sunday Mass … way she lives her life. support the family and Bobbie never
Father Moeggenberg still wears the “She’s the most giving, generous felt like they were going without.
robe I made for him 30 years ago.” person I know,” said longtime friend In fact, she recalls neighborhood
Generously sharing her gifts of Patti Bolyard. friends gathering at her family’s
sewing and baking with members Born in Oklahoma City during home because they were more
of her parish and community, the Great Depression, Bobbie grew fortunate than many others.
Bobbie, 89, has offered warmth up in a two-bedroom home with “We lived good.”
and welcome for decades, never her parents, four sisters and two Her father worked in a meat
accepting any money. As a child, her brothers. The “bathroom” was packing plant where his job was
mother taught her the Lord’s words, outdoors and Bobbie remembers slaughtering cows, and her mother
10 FAITH Saginaw / Issue 1, 2022 / www.Saginaw.org5: ‘IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE’
was a “sunshine nurse.” Bobbie said later managing the deli, to provide
the role of a “sunshine nurse” was the Catholic education she and her
to be in the hospital room with husband desired for their children.
members of a family who were On days off, Bobbie volunteered
losing a loved one. at the Catholic schools teaching
Years later, Bobbie too would children to sew, something she
accompany and bring comfort to the herself began doing at age 11. For
grieving by coordinating, cooking years, when her parish operated the
and serving food at countless Christmas Store to provide items
funeral luncheons at the parishes for families in need, she helped stu-
she has belonged to. dents sew hundreds of pairs of pants
“I’ve known her for 18 years and and shirts to stock the shelves.
she likes to get in there and roll up “I loved teaching,” she said.
her sleeves,” said Father John Manci- In addition to clothing and
ni, OSFS, her pastor at St. Francis blankets, school and athletic uni-
de Sales Parish in Bridgeport. “She’s forms, Bobbie has made many other
always been generous with her needed items over the years. Most
cooking and a hard worker in the recently, she has sewed and given Bobbie Davis makes
kitchen; she’s been very generous away more than 5,000 masks since blankets that she
to me personally … I take her all my the spring of 2020. gives away.
sewing problems and she fixes them She’s also shared her gift of sing-
gladly.” ing in her parishes and as a member Bobbie Davis
Singing brought Bobbie to Sag- of the diocesan choir. For years has a display
of some of her
inaw in the 1950s. Between the she helped coordinate her former grandchildren and
ages of 13 and 19, she was one of parish’s annual Dr. Martin Luther great-grandchildren
seven members of her church choir King Jr. community event, and she on the side of her
refrigerator.
who traveled across the country has served on the Bishop’s Black
during the summer months to put Catholic Advisory Board.
on Gospel music concerts in Baptist “I’d like to see more young people Bobbie Davis
displays some of
churches. When the choir was in in the parishes and more involve- the Sunday suits she
Michigan, their 29th state, Bobbie ment in parish life,” Bobbie said. made for herself.
was asked by a mentor and friend “We need to evangelize. There’s not She made them
with the Sears
who was living in Saginaw to remain that many Black Catholics left.” sewing machine
with her during the summer and Acknowledging a great need today she bought in 1974.
help care for her newborn baby. to reach out, Bobbie stays busy gen-
Bobbie agreed and never left. erously giving in every way she can.
In Saginaw, she met her husband Her greatest hope in doing so is to
Lavonne Davis, a Catholic, and they share with others the gift which has
were married for 42 years before he sustained and blessed her entire life.
died. They had two sons and an ad- “Faith. It has meant everything to
opted daughter. When their oldest me. I’m a believer.”
son was young, Bobbie converted to
Catholicism.
Lavonne worked as a barber, but
to afford a Catholic school education
for their children, Bobbie needed “She likes to get in there and roll up her sleeves.”
to work, too. She spent nearly 30
— FATHER JOHN MANCINI, OSFS
years at Kroger, as head cashier and
11faith matters
Uniting to
overcome
‘morality by
“Flight into Egypt” By Eugène Girardet is Licensed with CC0
geography’
T wo encounters have had a significant impact monsoons. The cliché that every human being is our
on my life. One occurred on the crowded brother, our sister stopped being a cliché when I met
the ragpickers of Mumbai. The light I saw in their
streets of India, the other at a parking lot in eyes made the cliché become very real for me – not
my hometown of Buffalo, New York. Together, these just at the head level, but at the level of my heart.
experiences led me to reflect on a phenomenon which
I’ve come to call “morality by geography.” A Rosary in Buffalo
My decade of international lay mission service
in the 1990s would not have happened without a
Ministry in Mumbai turning point in 1989. That year, God mercifully
In the late 1990s, I was involved in lay mission ser- awakened me out of my lukewarm ways with a
vice in Mumbai, India (“Bombay” under British rule) special grace. I was convicted that he wanted me to
with a Catholic group that ministered to a very special serve him and people in need. Some grandmothers
group of people whom locals call “the ragpickers.” at Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna,
These are children who spend most of the day on New York, invited me to adoration of Jesus in the
garbage heaps looking for pieces of cloth to turn in to Eucharist, something I hadn’t known about before.
their “boss” for a little milk and bread. Day after day, I also joined a rosary group. Then some members
often in scorching heat, this is their existence. Our invited me to pray at an abortion clinic near Buffalo
ministry in Mumbai was quite simple. We gave the General, the hospital where I was born.
children more nutritious food to eat and taught them One day, while praying the rosary by myself in
English, hoping this skill might help them rise out of the parking lot of another clinic, I saw a young man
the dire poverty into which they were born. frantically sprinting around the building. He came
DR. DAN OSBORN
When I first met these children, what struck me up to me, breathing heavily, and I noticed the pain
Diocesan
was their eyes. They were not Christian, as far as I and desperation in his gaze. He asked if I knew of
Theologian and
know, but I have never seen the light of God shine any way he could get into the building. “My girl-
Coordinator
as much as it did in these young eyes that looked friend is about to let them take the life of our baby,”
of Permanent
up at mine. Later, I discovered where these children he said. Despite the fact that his child’s life was on
Diaconate
and many other poor habitants of Mumbai live: the line, he was not allowed to enter the clinic. I had
Formation &
along train tracks, in shacks or cardboard shelters to watch as this devastated young dad walked away,
Ministry.
which could never withstand the fierce Indian his head hanging in defeat.
12 FAITH Saginaw / Issue 1, 2022 / www.Saginaw.orgMorality by geography
At the Last Supper, Jesus prayed that his Church “Jesus never boxed himself in with the
would be preserved in unity: “I pray not only for [the
apostles], but also for those who will believe in me labels of ‘liberal’ or ‘conservative’… so as
through their word, so that they may all be one, as his disciples, why would we ever want to do
you, Father, are in me and I in you…” (Jn 17:20-21). that to ourselves or to others – especially
The enemy of God is always looking for ways to attack
this unity that Jesus desires for his Church. (A num- if these labels promote division rather than
ber of linguists believe the word “demon” comes from foster the unity Jesus prayed for?”
the Greek verb daiesthai, “to divide.”)
Recently, there have been noticeable divisions
between some Catholics who are passionate about de- about who enters the country, the Church’s over-
fending the lives and human dignity of children in the arching encouragement is to welcome immigrants
womb and other Catholics who are passionate about and refugees whenever possible. The geographical
defending the lives and human dignity of refugees and location of refugees and immigrants cannot take
immigrants. The Church, of course, rejoices in both away their dignity and their right to the basics of
of these noble causes, and recognizes both as urgent human life such as safety, food, shelter and em-
pro-life ministries. It is therefore tragic that these two ployment. After all, Jesus, Mary and Joseph were
groups can at times fall into a kind of tribalism, failing themselves refugees when they had to emigrate
to appreciate and even looking with disdain at one from Israel to Egypt to escape Herod’s murder-
another. How could this happen, since the missions of ous wrath. In summary, moral decision-making
both groups are authentically Catholic? about the fate of a human being should never be
The culprit, I fear, is frequently one of two things exclusively determined by geographical location,
(or both): an excessive attachment to partisan politi- whether that person is born or unborn.
cal views, or a divisive use of politically-loaded labels
regarding fellow Catholics. I often reflect: Jesus never Two modern saints
boxed himself in with the labels of “liberal” or “con- Two recent saints shed powerful light on these
servative”… so as his disciples, why would we ever issues. The first is St. Josephine Bakhita, whose
want to do that to ourselves or to others – especially canonization I attended on Oct. 1, 2000, just as I
if these labels promote division rather than foster the was starting studies in Rome. Around the age of 8,
unity Jesus prayed for? Josephine was captured by slave traders in Sudan
We are at a dramatic moment when our Supreme and suffered years of horrible abuse. She eventually
Court is weighing the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's ended up finding refuge in Italy where she became
Health Organization case, arguably the most promising Catholic and, in 1896, she made final vows with
challenge yet to the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legal- the Canossian Daughters of Charity. This dark-
ized abortion in our country. This is also a time when skinned immigrant became a beloved saint in a
decisions are being made in various states about accept- country that was not her own.
ing refugees from Afghanistan, including in our own In 2004, St. John Paul II also canonized St.
diocese (in Alma). How can we overcome the divide Gianna Molla, an Italian pediatrician who, in 1961,
between some Catholics passionate about defending became pregnant with her fourth child. Doctors
children in the womb and other Catholics passionate discovered a fibroma in her uterus, and she was
about standing up for refugees and immigrants? faced with a decision to try to save her baby’s life or
In addition to praying for an increase in unity and save her own. She chose to remove only the fibro-
charity, it’s important to recognize that both groups ma – to give her child the best chance to survive.
are seeking what is good and just – and both groups Gianna told her husband and family: "If you must
are trying to overcome the same evil: morality by decide between me and the child, do not hesitate:
geography. The unborn human person behind the choose the child. I insist on it. Save the baby." On
uterine wall is still a human person. Her geographical April 21, 1962, her daughter was born, but Gianna
location within the womb should not take away her died from an infection a week later. She is now a
dignity or right to life. Similarly, the human person patron saint of mothers, physicians and unborn
behind the wall of a border is still a human person, children.
even if his skin and nationality are different from Let’s ask these two saints to intercede for the
ours. (I again see the faces of the ragpicker children Church, so that all those who strive to defend the
as I write these words.) dignity and lives of the unborn, the immigrant and
While Catholic teaching recognizes every nation’s the refugee will be united, and that their efforts
right to have borders with reasonable procedures will be blessed.
13feature
From local taxi driver to foreign missionary,
Father Sikorski found From the Diocese of Saginaw
to the coast of Brazil, Father
Harold (Harry) Sikorski
joy in serving the poor exemplified the Gospel call to
live humbly and charitably.
He appeared in a short documentary
film, “Mission at Recife,”produced by
the Archdiocese of Detroit.
In 2006, Father Harry Sikorski celebrat-
ed the 50th anniversary of his ordina-
tion with a special Mass at Our Lady of
Lourdes Parish in Recife, Brazil.
owned his own vestments. “Every
church has a set of vestments, so he
had two albs, two clerical shirts and
one pair of shoes. He would only
own what he absolutely needed—
except books.”
With an ever-inquisitive mind,
Father Harry spent much of his
free time in the library at Sacred
Heart Major Seminary in Detroit
pouring over books and studying.
“He was always interested
in primary sources,” said
A
BY DENYSE
ccording to his sister, Sister Darlene Sikorski, Father Timothy Laboe, dean of
SHANNON
O.P., Father Harry lived Jesus’ words: “If you admissions at the seminary.
COURTESY Father Harry studied the early
wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and Church Fathers and documents in
PHOTOS
give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. their original language, comparing
Then come, follow me,” (Mt 19:21). the translations over time. He was
especially interested in Church
Father Harry Born in 1929 on Saginaw’s of their lot in life.” history. Not only did he study in
Sikorski, who
attained senior
East Side, Father Harry grew Though Father Harry felt the original languages, he was fluent
priest status in up attending St. Rita Parish. He call to the priesthood at a young in several: he spoke and read
1987, spent years completed theology studies at the age, his love of the poor likely Flemish, Portuguese, Latin, Greek,
as a missionary
priest in Recife,
University of Louvain, Belgium and started through the example of his German and French.
Brazil. was ordained to the priesthood parents. One of seven children born “He could have been an ivory
there in 1956. As a priest, Father to Peter and Antoinette Sikorski, tower theologian, but he had
Harry made it his life’s work to Father Harry saw his parents give this heart for the poor and that’s
serve people in need. generously what they could, and really predominantly where his
“He wanted to be with the poor,” they always had enough. ministry was,” said Father Bert
Sister Darlene said. “When he “Harry lived a very simple Gohm, senior priest of the Diocese
could be with the poor, he was the lifestyle,” his sister said. “He gave of Saginaw. “It’s just a fascinating
happiest person he could be. He everything away and kept very little.” dichotomy in a sense, because
had a real uncanny understanding As a parish priest, she said he never rarely do you find someone with
14 FAITH Saginaw / Issue 1, 2022 / www.Saginaw.orgthat much interest in Church
history and language and all of
that, who is also so passionate
about the poor.”
He had an archive of documents
and books, but never wanted to
be a writer. Sister Darlene said he
wanted to use what he learned from
the early Church Fathers, the saints
and literature to benefit others.
“It had a deeper purpose,” she
said, adding he wanted to use what
he learned to make a difference.
For most of his priesthood,
Father Harry served in the had established a mission in the
Diocese of Saginaw. Throughout 1960s. Named the Our Lady of
his ministry, he served the Lourdes Mission, it was located in
marginalized and needy, even one of the city’s poorest areas.
forgoing life in a parish rectory to “The struggles there are very God,” he said, and despite the Father Harry
live with the people he ministered difficult, but he had a real passion poverty and suffering, “there’s a Sikorski was or-
dained on July
to. He didn’t wait for people to for it. He loved to be with the joy here that you find nowhere 1, 1956 in Lou-
come to him, either; Father Harry people there,” said Father Timothy, else in the world.” vain, Belgium
reached out in unprecedented who first met Father Harry when He gestured around at the and served in
the Diocese of
ways— like being a midnight the Saginaw priest came to the bustling open-air market, filled Saginaw before
cabbie when he was pastor at mission during a two-week leave. with people. spending his
Sacred Heart Parish in Saginaw. Once he retired to senior priest “This is where the church is,” later years as a
mission priest in
“He got a job working for the status in 1987, Father Harry left he told visitors. Recife, Brazil.
Red Ball Cab Company,” Sister for Recife, some 4,700 miles away “He loved to listen to people,”
Darlene said. from his home. He spent the next said Father Timothy. “I think he
He drove during the midnight 17 years there, ministering to and was that way, just very interested
hours because, as a priest, he praying with the people, until in the people living that life – not
wanted to be able to serve at any health issues brought him back to necessarily in the streets, not just
time he was needed, Sister Darlene mid-Michigan. in poverty and the struggles they
explained. Over the last several months of had. He had a heart for the poor.”
“If he could at least listen to Father Harry’s life, Sister Darlene Father Harry strove to spread
them, they would be able to see stayed with her brother. While she the love of God, living simply
that there was a God who loved worried about making sure he had and following Christ. He wanted
them,” she said. his finances in order, he was still to make a difference in the lives
Father Harry also had an old giving his things away. “Darlene, of God’s people around him,
van with “Noah’s Ark” painted on I’m not going to need anything,” especially those in the margins.
the side. Sister Darlene recalled he he told her near the end of his life. “He took the Gospel to heart,”
drove the van full of bicycle parts “He had enough – didn’t have said Sister Darlene. He confided
to Daniels Heights Apartments to too much—only what he needed,” in her that his image of the
repair bikes for local kids, hoping she said. final judgment was the Good
to counter the influence of gangs. Even then, he was asking Shepherd, and he knew the Good
“He didn’t do it for free,” she himself, “Did I squander any Shepherd was going to come and
said— but he wouldn’t take money of what I was given? Did I do carry him home.
either. “He gave them each a trash enough?” Father Harry died Oct. 10,
bag and had them pick up trash as In “Mission at Recife,” a short 2021, at age 91.
payment. He always came up with documentary film produced by Eternal rest grant unto him,
practical ways to help people.” the Archdiocese of Detroit, Father O Lord, and let perpetual light shine
Those practical ways stretched Harry joyfully shared a discovery upon him. May the soul of Father
far beyond the Diocese of Saginaw made while serving the poor. Harry, and the souls of all the faithful
to the coastal city of Recife, Brazil, 2 “The great discovery is the 3 departed, through the mercy of God, 4
where the Archdiocese of Detroit people, who are really people of rest in peace.
15cover story
“The void that I once had
in my heart has been
filled with unending
joy, love and mercy."
Editor’s note: This essay was
written by Emma Geis, Director
of Evangelization, Discipleship
and Youth Ministries for St.
Agnes Parish in Freeland.
16 FAITH Saginaw / Issue 1, 2022 / www.Saginaw.orgBY EMMA GEIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE MCGREW TENBUSCH
L
A IN
L
How the Eucharist drew me
back to the Catholic Church
God, you prove to me that this is real, or I’m done.
I cannot continue on with this inner struggle.
That was my prayer at Mass on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016.
For nearly two years, I had been fighting the ever-stronger
draw of Catholicism, even though I’d vowed not to return
to the faith I’d been raised in. Yet here I was. Restless,
struggling, tired.
God, you prove to me that this is real, or I’m done.
Through God’s goodness, my life would be changed
during that Mass.
17cover story Emma Geis prays before the
tabernacle at St. Agnes Parish,
where she works.
Inset: Emma Geis points out a
verse from the Book of Revela-
tion — “They defeated him by the
blood of the Lamb and by the
word of their testimony” (Rev.
12:11) — that inspired the Cause
for Joy podcast.
But first … ‘She’ll be back … and
It was a long and winding road away on fire for the Catholic
from, then back to, the Catholic Church. Church.’
I grew up in a small village in northeast- My love of Scripture and my faith life Unknown to me at the time, Gregg later
ern Ohio, raised Catholic by my Catholic grew as I continued to attend the United said to Matt, “She’ll be back. You watch.
mother and Protestant father. We went to Methodist Church and pursued degrees She will be back, and she will be on fire
Holy Mass and Confraternity of Christian in health studies and religious studies at for the Catholic Church.”
Doctrine (CCD) class, but otherwise did not the University of Findlay in Ohio in 2012.
have a strong faith life outside of Sunday. One paper I wrote focused on a verse that An invitation that changed
When I was a child, my aunt and uncle, kept appearing through my journey: “He everything
who are also my godparents, bought me has showed you, O man, what is good; After The Alley, my heart started to
the Adventure Bible (NIV translation). I and what does the Lord require of you change. I was active in many ministries,
cherished that Bible with my whole heart. but to do justice, love kindness, and to yet felt an emptiness.
I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to serve walk humbly with your God?” (Micah Over winter break my senior year, I
God— all because of that Bible. 6:8, RSV Second Edition). joined a service program in the Domin-
During my youth, I got involved with I later realized God was using it to ican Republic and became fast friends
the United Methodist Church through speak to the depths of my heart. God with one of the leaders, Jenise. Herself a
friends. There, I was actively engaging wanted surrender and obedience to him. devout Catholic, Jenise knew that I was
with the Bible and growing in my faith. In November 2014, I began preaching a fallen-away Catholic, but she was more
I believed the Catholic Church could at a weekly faith gathering called interested in becoming my friend than
not offer me what I was looking for: a The Alley. Two guys, Gregg and Matt, trying to convince me to come back to the
relationship with Jesus. provided music as well. Church. Slowly, I found myself opening
I no longer wished to continue attending When I learned these two men were up to her about my struggles with the
the Catholic Church, but my mom wanted devout Catholics, I panicked. I tried Catholic Church and my restlessness in
to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. to hide that I’d grown up Catholic, but searching for where God wanted me.
Though I was unhappy about it then, now one night Gregg mentioned eucharistic Micah 6:8 ran through my head.
I am beyond thankful. I didn’t believe that adoration and something within me Jenise encouraged me to attend a young
Jesus was truly present in the Eucharist. churned, even though I didn’t believe in adult Catholic women’s group, and I went
I didn’t understand why Mary was a big the Real Presence. specifically to ask questions. Try as I might
deal. I didn’t feel like I got anything out of Gregg realized I knew what he was to prove the Church wrong, I could not
Mass. I was hurt by a priest’s harsh words talking about. “I know you used to be compete with the richness and depth of
about my desire to preach and be a pastor. Catholic; no one else had that look the answers the group provided. I was just
Between those difficulties and the growing in their eye when I was talking about talking myself in circles, and they were
desire to be with my friends at the United adoration,” he said. talking in a straight path that drew them
Methodist Church, I was happy to leave I was caught. I simply said, “Yes, I was, closer to Jesus.
the Catholic Church. but not anymore. I don’t believe in that As my undergraduate college graduation
So I left. kind of worship.” neared, I spent many hours in prayer,
18 FAITH Saginaw / Issue 1, 2022 / www.Saginaw.org“The very things I studied in the Bible were in the
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass."
expressing my frustrations with God. How told me I needed to do.) The next day, I my dream of serving the Church. I was at
could my life plans to become a Protestant received Holy Communion for the first complete peace with it.
pastor seemingly come to a crashing halt? time in eight or nine years. While I didn’t There were still challenges. Conversion
Jenise invited me to join her for Sunday believe in the Real Presence, the void that is a continual process. No one is ever done.
Mass. Despite great hesitation, I agreed. I had been experiencing within my heart Yet I am convinced of the Catholic
I remember awkwardly sitting in the was finally gone. Church and her strength and truth. I have
pew. I felt uncomfortable, and yet there The summer of 2016, I traveled to found the Food that lasts for all eternity. I
was peace within my heart. Mass began Lima, Peru to serve as a missionary cannot help but lose my breath every time
and I went through the motions. I had intern with a non-denominational I gaze at Jesus in the Eucharist because he
flashbacks to my childhood and the pastor. I frequented the nearby perpetual is so beautiful. Nothing brings my heart
prayers flooded back to my memory. I sat adoration chapel. I ran off to Mass as greater joy than the Eucharist. I have fallen
there in awe – all my studies in Sacred much as I could. I was so attracted to it, in love with the liturgy. It was the Holy
Scripture were unfolding before my eyes. even though my prayer was, “God, please Sacrifice of the Mass, the beauty and tradi-
The very things I studied in the Bible were make this whole Catholic adventure just tion of the liturgy, that brought me back.
in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. a phase.” I remember praying through my
However, I still viewed the Eucharist The desire to be Catholic only grew. journey, asking God why I went on this
as just a symbol. During Communion, Again, Micah 6:8 echoed, “walk humbly path. This is what he said to me in that
I stayed in the pew, but the one thing I with your God.” I started to really see moment (in part):
noticed is that the restlessness in my heart what God was meaning in that verse. My
was subsiding. heart was softening. The Eucharist was My daughter, I allowed you to leave
I saw the musicians Gregg and Matt the one thing that was still a struggle. so that you could study Sacred Scripture
there, too. After the closing hymn, Gregg and bring what you learned back to my
came to me and loudly declared, “Called Seeing with eyes of the Lord Church. I allowed you to leave so that you
it!” (We laugh heartily about it now.) That’s where my heart was when I could learn from your Protestant brothers
In the car, Jenise asked me, “So, what did found myself praying before Mass on and sisters how to reach out to people,
you think of Mass?” I couldn’t even look at Oct. 22, 2016. evangelization efforts and how to lead
her because I was so frustrated that I had And God proved to me that this is real. groups. I allowed you to leave so you could
found what I was looking for in the Catholic During the Eucharistic Prayer, I looked improve your public speaking skills. I know
Church – the very church I promised never up to the altar and it was as if the Last you were not well-educated when it came
to come back to. Through gritted teeth I Supper was painted before my eyes. I sat to picking a Confirmation patron saint.
said, “I cannot tell you what I thought, but it there in shock and awe, wondering what I told St. Clare of Assisi to pick you as a
is everything I’m looking for.” was happening. Then, during the distri- Confirmation saint, because I knew it would
bution of Holy Communion, it looked as be the power of the Eucharist that would
“God, please make this whole if everyone in line was dressed in rags, yet bring you back Home. Hold fast to her
Catholic adventure just a phase.” so eager to eat this “bread.” After they had intercession for you, and she will create in
Over the next few months, I continued consumed the Host, they were dressed in you a warrior heart, never afraid of drawing
both attending Mass periodically and long white robes and radiated light. close to my Eucharistic Heart. Your witness
pursuing my path in Protestant churches. A ray of grace and life pierced my soul. to my Church will inspire many.
I fully believed this was just a phase I began to sob. I knew at that moment
and I still needed to move forward with this was REAL. All of it. The Holy Sacri- I sat there with tears of overwhelming
preparing for seminary to become a United fice of the Mass, the Eucharist, Mary, the joy at the goodness of God. He truly is
Methodist pastor. Yet I couldn’t shake the Catholic Church, everything – it was true, everything. And his Church only helps us
draw of the Catholic Church. The more I real, life-changing. grow closer to Jesus. I am thankful for the
went to Mass, and watched others going I walked out of that Mass changed. journey I have had, and desire nothing
up to Holy Communion, I realized that my There was a new life in my soul, a clarity else than to serve the Church, sharing the
heart was longing to participate. that I had never had before. I enrolled mercy and love of Jesus.
At a friend’s encouragement, I went to in a theology and ministry master’s I can never leave the Eucharist again. The
confession (which I didn’t believe was program at the Franciscan University of void that I once had in my heart has been
necessary, but something in my heart Steubenville. I was still able to pursue filled with unending joy, love and mercy.
19You can also read
