Beginning this spring the annual diocesan appeal, formerly known as KDSA, will have a new name, a new look and a new structure. The annual diocesan appeal is the yearly fundraising vehicle seeking financial support from parishioners to fund the work of the Bishop and the Diocesan Pastoral Center ministries. Each of the 59 parishes within the Diocese of Kalamazoo is assigned a goal amount to raise.
Beginning this year the appeal will be renamed Bishop’s Annual Appeal to better reflect the goal and the purpose of this appeal.

One of the most significant changes in the appeal structure is a shift in the overall diocesan budgeting process including the creation of parish goals. “The diocese is only as healthy as its parishes,” states Bishop Bradley. “I am well aware of the financial challenges at all our parishes as our faithful in Southwest Michigan weather high unemployment rates and changing demographics.

“Our starting point [with the diocesan budget] begins with the strengths and abilities of the parishes to contribute,” explains Bishop Bradley. “The diocese, in solidarity with its parishes, will be operating within the means given to us and through the support of our Catholic community.” 

Parish goals for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal will be based on a percentage of the parishes’ annual offertory with a credit for students from the parishes attending diocesan Catholic elementary and high schools. The percentage will remain stable from year to year while the parish goal will change in relation to the shifting amount of a parish’s offertory. Stabilizing the percentage is designed to benefit parishes in its annual planning and budgeting.

Additional changes to the budget include the process for supporting national and international ministries. Monies raised through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal will no longer be designated for a number of national and international appeals as it has in the past. Instead a select number of those appeals will now become “second collections” at the parish level and only a few will remain a part of the diocesan expense budget.

“The reinstatement of several second collections executed at the parish level, including the collection for Retired Religious and for Peter’s Pence, allows us the opportunity not only to ask people to give from their hearts but also gives us the opportunity to educate our faithful about the very important needs and ministries of the larger Church in the United States and throughout the world,” explained Bishop Bradley.

Since shortly after his installation Bishop Bradley began the process of examining the components of the annual appeal. Consultation was begun with the clergy and two ad-hoc committees were formed to explore and offer recommendations on two key areas: how the parish targets are created and how the annual appeal is communicated to our parishioners. The work of those two committees is reflected in this year’s changes. The Bishop’s Annual Appeal will launch this year beginning in April.

Parishes set record for generosity in supporting Haiti Relief efforts

By Sr. Susan Ridley

In an outpouring of exceptional and heartfelt generosity the people of the Diocese of Kalamazoo produced the largest collection on record in responding to a natural disaster. More than $300,000 was collected representing 52 Parishes, two Catholic schools, and seven individuals.

Despite weathering its own challenging times of high unemployment and financial crisis, parishioners around the diocese reached deep to help those in need. In addition to the lump sum collected some parishes also supported additional efforts. St. Margaret Parish, Otsego raised more than $2,000 to aid a priest in Haiti who has taken in 31 seminarians. St. Catherine of Siena, Portage also sent close to $8,000 to St. Vincent de Paul Society in Haiti.

Other Catholics in our diocese sent donations directly to CRS (Catholic Relief Services) which is not included in these totals. “My heartfelt gratitude is extended to all people who gave so generously during these tough economic times to aid our brothers and sisters in Haiti,” said Bishop Paul J. Bradley.

RCIA: A Sponsor’s Perspective

By Madeleine Socia

“There are as many different ways for people to come to God as there are people,” says Guy Ebenhoeh, 57, a purchasing manager from Kalamazoo.

As someone who has twice volunteered to act as a sponsor for virtual strangers traveling through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Kalamazoo, he knows of what he speaks.

Along with his wife and two children, the St. Claire Shores, Mich., native, and lifelong Catholic, has been very active in his parish. So when the RCIA Team recruited him to be a sponsor for the second time to Candidate Bob Servoss, he did not hesitate to agree. 

“I like to find ways to build bridges,” says Ebenhoeh in telling how he initiates what must become a very deep, personal relationship. “I don’t emphasize differences, I emphasize commonalities.”

Penetrating this Candidate’s naturally reserved personality took a special effort.
“I had to go 90 yards and he would go 10 yards in the beginning.” notes Ebenhoeh. “But, as time went by, it became much more balanced. There are meetings once a week and a new topic every week and that gives you a framework to hang your hat on and start talking about.”

Ebenhoeh feels that acceptance, enthusiasm and openness are the keys to being a successful Sponsor.
He explains, “It’s not about smarts. That is what the RCIA team is for. They lay the philosophical foundation. I was trying to invite him in and incorporate him into the faith community. You are there to model faith struggles and faith triumphs, not the facts and figures of faith. It’s just got to do with being human and letting him understand that you interact with God and its okay for them to do it. Then, helping him figure out how to do it.

“There is a lot of trusting, that is the foundation of the whole thing. You are not there to shake them up you are there to stroke them and help them open up to what God is doing in their life. You do that by example, through building trust and openness.”

Tapping into the power of prayer is also essential. “You come to a point where you say, ‘God, what do you want me to say to this?’ And, all of the sudden, he tells you.” Ultimately, Ebenhoeh describes the sponsor’s role this way, “The candidate does the changing in the face of God. But you help to make it safer, to make it a little more real.”

By Rev. Richard Hilgartner

Father Richard Hilgartner, assistant director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship at the United States Conference on Catholic Bishops, offers  ten things Catholics can do to welcome new members into the Church.

10 Things to Consider for the RCIA

1.   Pray
Parishioners can commit to pray for a particular member of the elect and let them know of this gift of prayer as they prepare for Baptism.

2.   Listen
The journey of those in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) can be an example for all, as the Elect listen intently to the Word of God and take concrete steps to follow Him. Their steps can inspire, especially during Lent as Christians strive to follow the Lord more closely. Time spent hearing their stories and experiences can move listeners’ hearts. 

3.   Participate
The RCIA process includes a number of public rituals in Lent: the Rite of Election, the Scrutinies, and the Preparation Rites. Many of these take place at Sunday Masses in parishes. Attending those Masses is a way to show support for the Elect.

4.   Attend the Easter Vigil
The Great Vigil of Easter is the “night of nights,” the liturgy for Holy Saturday declares. It is the night during which the Church keeps vigil for the resurrection of Jesus.  It is during the Easter Vigil that the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are celebrated and new members are welcomed into the Church.  This “most blessed of all nights,” as the Exsultet on Holy Saturday proclaims, celebrates in ancient rituals the central mysteries of the faith. This celebration is long, but it is the heart of the Church’s worship and speaks clearly to fill participants with the joy of the Resurrection.

5.   Have a welcoming spirit
In the weeks after their initiation, the newly baptized, now called “neophytes,” look for their place in the Church community. Parishioners can make them feel welcome by encouraging them to be part of an activity, a group, or a ministry.

6.   Witness
The RCIA reminds people that God is present and active, that He continues to speak to all. It is a reminder that how you act, what you say, and what you do can reflect the presence of Christ. Being “witnesses” of what Christ is doing in one’s life speaks to others.

7.   Invite
As witnesses, Christians are called to share their faith. Sometimes it means noticing others who are searching, who might benefit from encouragement or an invitation to learn more about the Catholic faith. Just inviting a friend or neighbor to Mass can be a powerful statement that allows the Lord to reach out through this gesture.

8.   Get Involved
The RCIA has many facets. Each depends on dedicated parishioners (along with the clergy, catechists, and other staff members) to facilitate, teach, lead, and serve as sponsors. There are many ways to shares one’s faith and gifts to become involved. 

9.   Ongoing Conversion
The RCIA also includes those already baptized Christians who are preparing for reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Those preparing for reception (and Confirmation and first reception the Eucharist) remind Christians that all are called to follow the Lord, who is always speaking  and calling people to repentance— ongoing conversion and a change of heart— resulting in more authentic disciples.

10.  Know Mystagogy is for all
After celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, the newly initiated continue their formation in the faith in the period called Mystagogy (which means “interpretation of mystery”), when they reflect on their encounter with Christ in the sacraments and learn more about their faith. This period is ongoing and essentially what all members of the Church do throughout our lives: grow deeper in faith and relationship with Christ, constantly discerning his will.

By Madeleine Socia

“One of the most fascinating aspects of working with those who wish to be Catholic is that, when asked, ‘Why now?’ most answer, ‘It’s the right time,’ explained D. J. Florian, director of the Office of Evangelization, Catechesis and Initiation for the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo.

“Although there may be a certain life event that prompts a person to become a Catholic — contemplating marriage, the birth of their first child, the loss of someone close to them — the reality is that all are responding to the work of the Holy Spirit in their own life.”

When the time is right, individuals around the world embark on a very personal journey of discovery and faith, becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church through the Right of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA.

For centuries, converts to Catholicism received private instruction from a priest. The Second Vatican Council moved away from this practice by calling for a renewal of the early church’s communal Catechumenate process. This stage-by-stage introduction to the Catholic faith and way of life was promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1972 and became mandatory in the U.S. in 1988. 

A parish RCIA Team oversees this cost-free exploration of Catholic faith and teachings. Though the timeframe depends of each individual’s progress, RCIA may run about one year and end at Pentecost.   
Each participant may select, or be assigned, a sponsor who acts as a spiritual companion and a liaison with the parish. This person must be a baptized Catholic, at least 16 years-of-age, who has received the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. They cannot be in an irregular marriage. Those planning to be baptized may also choose godparents.

Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
RCIA begins with a Period of Inquiry, which includes an overview of the fundamentals of the faith offered through local parishes. There is no obligation and inquirers are encouraged to examine their intentions and seek answers to basic questions.

The Period of the Catechumenate
This period, is devoted to providing caechesis background in Catholic doctrine, moral life, prayer and parish life.

Unbaptized inquirers participate in the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. They take this first formal step by publically declaring their intention to become a Christian before the assembly at Mass. These new Catechumens are dismissed after the Liturgy of the Word each Sunday.
Inquirers who have already been baptized in another Christian Denomination or baptized but un-confirmed Catholics are formally accepted by the assembly at Mass through the Rite of Welcoming the Candidate. Candidates are welcome to stay during the liturgies of the Word and the Holy Eucharist, but so not yet recieve Holy Communion.

In parishes where there are both baptized and unbaptized inquirers, a Combined Rite may be used.
On the first Sunday of Lent, Catechumens from each parish, along with their sponsors and god parents, celebrate the Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names by publically declaring their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. This ceremony usually takes place at the diocesan cathedral and is lead by the local bishop. The Church formally recognizes that they are ready to receive the Sacraments of Initiation by writing their names are recorded in a book. These Catechumens are now called the Elect.

By the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion, which may take place during a parish Mass, or in a combined form during the Catechuman’s Electoral Rite, the church formally acknowledges that the baptized are prepared to be received into full Communion with the Church.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment
During the Lenten season, candidates and the elect engage in intense introspective meditation to eliminate weak, sinful behaviors and affirm what is holy.
The Elect attend Mass on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent where they engage in a ritual of repentance and self-searching known as the Scrutinies. The assembly offers special prayers in their honor for grace, virtue, purification from past evil and freedom from bonds that hinder them from experiencing Christ’s love. They also participate in the Presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer.
An optional Penitential Rite Scrutiny is open to Candidates as they prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
During the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, Catechumens and Candidates may engage in the celebration of the Combine Rite of Initiation, bringing them into full Communion with the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist.

Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
This 50-day period between Easter and Pentecost is devoted to reflection on the Mass and the sacraments.
At the conclusion of the RCIA process, the Lives of these new Chaolics have been redefined. They are now, first and foremost, Catholics at one with all other members of the Church in a lifelong commitment to Christian formation and discipleship.

Celebrate Life Awardees Honored at Third Annual Event

More than 100 people gathered for The Celebrate Women annual banquet benefitting The Caring Network, a service of Catholic Family Services. The event raised more than $9,000 for the agency which serves more than 400 women a year providing pregnancy and parenting services and support.

The evening also honored the 2010 Celebrate Life Award recipients which include:  Thomas M. Powers, a local attorney and member of St. Monica Parish, Kalamazoo, who achieved the Sr. Edna Ternes Lifetime Achievement Award; Professional photographer Geri Tomshack received the Katherine Van Domelen Caring Network Volunteer Award; and the Familia group received the St. Agnes Outstanding Group Award for their service to Caring Network.

Bishop Paul J. Bradley, in his opening remarks, congratulated the heroism of all those fighting to preserve the sanctity of life.“I am grateful to God for the generous and faithful people of the Diocese of Kalamazoo who have fostered and supported these services in the defense of human life — saving the lives of precious babies and giving  alternatives to young mothers, helping them to choose life.”
For more information on Caring Network visit: www.catholicfamilyservices.org

Diocesan Pastoral Council to be commissioned on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11.

Bishop Paul J. Bradley has finalized the structure for the Diocese of Kalamazoo Pastoral Council which he officially reactivated last December [see The Good News, December 2009]. The Pastoral Council will consist of 26 persons representing various parishes and groups around the diocese. Ex-officio members will include clergy and Diocesan Pastoral staff.

Nominations for council members were accepted from the pastors. Those selected will be invited to an afternoon of prayer and in-service on March 27th. The Diocesan Pastoral Council will be officially convened and commissioned on Divine Mercy Sunday at St. Augustine Cathedral, April 11th.

The Diocesan Pastoral Council will normally meet four times a year. According to Canon Law the pastoral council is the consultative body organized to offer advice to the bishop concerning pastoral issues occurring within the boundaries of the diocese.