2019
Chapter 2: Dis-Grace
What strikes me the most about this chapter is reflecting on how often we likely miss out on significant human connection. Father Gregory Boyle writes about the monotony of his schedule.
“Now I have seven minutes until my baptism.”
“The family will arrive for the baptism in five minutes.”
It is important to consider that even someone as socially aware as Boyle can fall into the trap of routine, so much so that he nearly misses such an important opportunity as connecting with a woman who so obviously needed to witness human compassion.
I often consider the danger of routine. I have been fortunate enough to have participated in three Alternative Spring Break trips in the past and am currently at the start of my fourth. Going into these trips it always encourages me to consider how so many college students set aside the time for service. But, I often wonder how holistically effective this “setting-aside” can be, if it isn’t supplemented with daily action. I certainly have found service opportunities to offer tremendous growth for the person participating and for the communities that the individual works with. But, no matter how many service opportunities we take advantage of, how can we fully support others if we do not make the time to help those in our daily routine?
This chapter is titled “dis-grace.” We all certainly experience disgrace for whatever reason, it can be anything from drug addiction (as this chapter illuminates) or something as minor as a poor exam grade. Or, for Father Boyle, a dis-grace can be nearly missing an incredibly important conversation. These “dis-graces” are exactly that: division from the power of God’s grace. In striving to fully experience and be witness to God’s grace, I think that it is important to consider Boyle’s story on when he started teaching. He was told that with teaching, “It’s more important that they know you than that they know what ya know.” This chapter is a call to action that we may allow others to know us. It is through knowing each other and making others feel known that we can grow past our mutual “dis-graces” into a state of greater grace. Let us pray for the intervention of the Holy Spirit that we may be guided by an abundance of grace.
Sarah LaSata is a senior at the University of Michigan studying English. Her favorite places in Ann Arbor are the Kerrytown area and the UMMA.
2019
Chapter 1: Perception
“God’s unwieldy love, which cannot be contained by our words, wants to accept all that we are and sees our humanity as the privileged place to encounter this magnanimous love. No part of our hardwiring or our messy selves is to be disparaged. Where we stand, in all our mistakes and imperfection, is holy ground. It is where God has chosen to be intimate with us not in any way but this” (Tattoos on the Heart, 35)
One of the turning points in my faith was when I discovered that I didn’t have to prove myself to earn God’s love. Up until my sophomore year at college, I had a narrow view of who God was. When I would mess up, make mistakes, or go against my faith, I thought God was up there shaking His head at me, saying “Really Ally? I’m disappointed.” With every wrong move, I thought God took a step away from me. Only when I did well (i.e. was up to date on my Catholic obligations, served others, etc.) was when I felt worthy enough for God to take a step towards me.
Two instances during my sophomore year changed this “tiny” perception of God that I held. (1) I had a spiritual mentor in college and at the end of one of our conversations he questioned “Ally, do you want to believe in a God who punishes and judges? Do you want a faith where you have to constantly be proving yourself to God? Or, do you want to believe in a God who loves you unconditionally and only ever wants to step closer and closer to you?” (2) I read Henri Nouwen’s “Return of the Prodigal Son” which depicted God as a compassionate and forgiving father.
These two experiences opened me up to a completely new way of looking at God. Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, I finally understood that God doesn’t walk away; He holds His arms wide open, always waiting for me to come home. There is nothing I have to do to earn God’s love. It’s there. Always. Fr. Boyle puts it well in the passage above: “where we stand, in all our mistakes and imperfection, is holy ground.” Our relationship with God, no matter where that relationship may be, is sacred.
In chapter 1, Fr. Boyle teaches us that our perception of God is going to continue to grow as we encounter new experiences, places, and people. Although we will never truly understand the vastness of God’s love for us, the more we open ourselves up to new encounters, the more we will learn. Let us “marinate” on this knowledge and be open to a shifting and evolving faith.
Ally Liedtke is a Campus Ministry Associate at St. Mary Student Parish. She revived a bachelor’s degree in theology from University of Portland
2019
Welcome to the Big Read 2019!
Hello, and thank you for choosing to participate in the third annual Big Read at St. Mary Student Parish. Three years ago, St. Mary Student Parish implemented the Big Read in order to provide the parish with an opportunity to build community while reflecting on what it means to live out a faith that does justice.
On this blog, you’ll be hearing from students and resident parishioners alike as they reflect on Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J. The blog will be updated twice a week, so check back frequently!
It will be a wonderful way to engage with the profound stories and challenging ideas Fr. Boyle will present to us in the next 5 weeks.
With the book sharing stories from somewhere as far away as Los Angeles, it can be tempting to think that the lessons that lie under them don’t apply to us here in Ann Arbor. That simply is false; the concepts of radical kinship and being in solidarity with the vulnerable are at the crux of our Catholic faith and our pursuit to be women and men for others. Over the course of the Big Read, let’s challenge ourselves to dig deeply into the lessons Fr. Boyle shares with us, but, most importantly, let’s ask ourselves what radical kinship looks like at St. Mary and how we can be a better part of it.
If you are unable to join us for the kickoff event on February 26, take a look at Fr. Greg’s talk:
Here are some reflection questions about the talk:
- How can our parish help students integrate the intellectual, social, and spiritual dimensions of their lives, “as men and women for others… who cannot even conceive of love of God which does not include love for the least of their neighbors”?
- Greg writes, “Kinship [is] not serving the other, but being one with the other. Jesus was not a ‘man for others’; he was one with them. How are the two different and how should this impact our mission as Christians?
- How does your understanding of God color the way that you view disparities in privilege and opportunity? What are some false ideas about God that you have encountered in yourself, others, or the wider culture?
If you still need a book (in English or in Spanish) please stop by the parish office anytime!
Thanks for coming along with us!
Renae is a senior at the University of Michigan and the intern for faith doing justice at St. Mary Student Parish.
2019
Campus Connection – Fall 2018
Our Fall 2018 edition of the Campus Connection newsletter features our response to Pope Francis’ call to everyday holiness. Our students, alumni, and staff weigh in on their call along with finding time for prayer.
2019
January 2019 Warming Center Gift Registry
Our warming center registry is back for its fourth year! We are collecting gently used (or new if you wish) items for those guests with us for the month of January. We would like to provide guests with at least one of their two requested items before they move on to the February Warming Center.
CLICK HERE to visit our registry sign-up to view requested items and for more information.
2018
Midwest Jesuits Release Names of those with Established Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors Since 1955
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I write this letter today with a contrite, sorrowful heart, but also confident that God’s Spirit is leading us forward into the light. This is promised to us with the birth of Christ our Savior, who came to heal and redeem our fallen world. With this letter, the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus is releasing a list (click here) of the names of those Jesuits with an established allegation of sexual abuse of a minor in this region since 1955. This list will be updated as necessary.
An established allegation is based on the facts and circumstances where there is a reasonable certainty that the accusation is true.
In making these determinations, I have been aided by our Province Review Board, which provides recommendations to me regarding specific allegations or policies. The majority of the members on this board are lay professionals. In addition, I am deeply grateful for the assistance of Ms. Marjorie O’Dea, the Province Director of the Office of Safe Environment and Director of Victim Advocacy, who has been working with the Jesuits since 2008. Previous to this position, Ms. O’Dea had a long career in law enforcement with both the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department where she served as Chief of Police. In the end, the decisions regarding the names disclosed today are mine.
An additional review of our records will be made in 2019 by Hillard Heintze, an independent investigative services firm based in Chicago. Based upon the results of the review, the list will be updated.
The Midwest Jesuits take this step in the spirit of transparency and reconciliation. As we look back at our history, the failures of the Society of Jesus and the Church to protect those entrusted to its care fill our hearts with outrage, sorrow and shame. On behalf of the Midwest Jesuits, I apologize to victim-survivors and their families for the harm and suffering you have endured. Many of you have suffered in silence for decades. Our concern and prayers are with you and we hope and pray that this step will strengthen the trust of those we serve. We recognize that our feelings on this day are nothing compared to the depth of suffering endured by those who have been abused, especially by one as trusted as a priest or vowed religious.
We are painfully aware that in earlier decades, some Midwest Jesuits were not removed from ministry quickly enough once an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was established. For our failures to act, which avoided the demands of justice and failed to protect the people we serve, we are deeply sorrowful. We have learned from these tragic failures.
Today, with the Bishop’s 2002 Dallas Charter, an established allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor leads to the Jesuit’s permanent removal from public ministry and possible criminal prosecution. These Jesuits lead lives of prayer and penance, and are placed on restriction, under close supervision to insure the safety of the people of God.
Most of the Jesuits on our list entered religious life from the 1930’s through the early 1960’s. In retrospect, our evaluation of candidates, as well as the training, formation, and supervision of Jesuits was not adequate. We have learned from this painful history and our formation today strives to promote the healthy affective and psychological development of Jesuits. We now have regular life-long training in safe ministry and ethical conduct for all Jesuits. We are committed to the consistent application of these policies and procedures.
When the Province receives an allegation of abuse of someone who is currently a minor, it ensures that the relevant civil authorities have been notified. All Jesuits of the Midwest Province are required by Province policy and by civil law to immediately report any suspected abuse of a current minor to the relevant child protective service agency. In cases where the victim of abuse is now an adult, but was a minor at the time of the abuse, the Province makes appropriate notifications to authorities.
Anyone who has been abused by a Jesuit should contact the appropriate civil authorities. Contact information for law enforcement and child protection agencies is posted on the Province web site at www.jesuitsmidwest.org. In addition, victims may contact Ms. Marjorie O’Dea at 773 975 6876 or by mail at the USA Midwest Province, 1010 North Hooker Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642.
Let us continue to pray for healing graces for all victims of abuse in our church, for atonement by all of us collectively for what we have done, and what we have failed to do, and for God’s grace to guide us forward as a church, the body of Christ in our world.
Sincerely in Christ,
V. Rev. Brian G. Paulson, SJ
Provincial, USA Midwest Province Jesuits
2018
Sign-up for the Christmas Eve Children’s Pageant
The Children’s Christmas Pageant gives our children a wonderful opportunity to tell the Biblical story of Christmas to the parishioners of St. Mary’s with drama and song. St. Mary’s will have our traditional Christmas Pageant at 3:00pm on Christmas Eve before the 3:30pm Family Mass. All children are welcome to participate as actors (ages 3-9), readers, singers or musicians (ages 7-17) and a variety of other roles.
Rehearsal is the morning of Saturday, December 15th, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM. You must attend the Rehearsal to participate. Information about the specific time you need to be at rehearsal will be emailed to you after the sign up has closed on Dec 11th.
To sign-up click on the following link:
St. Mary’s 2018 X-MAS PAGEANT SIGN-UP
If you have any problems with the sign-up or have general questions, please contact Diane at 810-964-4551 or dbmukkala@gmail.com
The deadline to sign up is December 11th at 6:00 PM.
2018
Study Snacks Needed
Undergrads will be studying for finals here at the parish beginning December 9th. We are asking for donations of snacks to keep them fed during this time. Please click here to view the list of requested snacks, such as cheese sticks, yogurt, fruit, granola bars, and what dates they are needed:
http://bit.ly/2018-study-snacks
Thank you for your generosity and please keep our undergraduates and their exams, projects, and papers in your prayers!
2018
Summary from the Afternoon of Listening and Conversation
On Sunday, November 4, 2018, St. Mary parishioners were invited to participate in an afternoon of listening and conversation regarding the sexual abuse crisis within the Catholic Church. This event sought to give parishioners an opportunity to reflect on how the crisis has impacted their faith lives and to express what hopes they have for St. Mary, the Diocese of Lansing and for the global Church moving forward.
Please click here to read a summary of those hopes which our fellow parishioners expressed.
2018
All Saints Day Masses
Join us for one of three (3) masses this Thursday, November 1st. Masses are offered at 12:10 PM, 5:10 PM, and bilingual at 7:00 PM.