Called By Name
November 1st, 2016

After months and months of preparation, it's hard to believe the Called By Name Assembly is already in the past. It was truly a blessed few days of fellowship with folks from all over our diocese and the power of the Holy Spirit was palpable in our speakers, our community, and our shared prayer. 

The focus of this stage in the Bishop's program for evangelization is, as you know, bringing back home the lost sheep. And it's that word home that sticks out to me today. Isn't this focus of bringing back non-practicing and former Catholics a very family-centered mission? I believe that while some will return because of a neighbor or co-worker, the vast majority of individuals we're focusing on will be family members: fathers, cousins, brothers-in-law, great aunts. 

With that in mind, I'd like to draw your attention to some resources available on the diocesan website. In particular, I'd encourage you to check out the "Prayer for the Return of Non-Practicing Catholics," the "Personal Evangelization Plan," and a summary of the "Four Pillars" we discussed at the Assembly. In addition to all that, don't forget the resources found on the Called by Name website. 

Let's work together to find ways to help family members reach out to their own "lost sheep. "

God Bless.
Upcoming Events
Presentation on Preparing for End of Life Issues 

This is an event you will not want to miss! Young or old! 

Sunday, November 13 from 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. at the Parish Hall of St. Gerard Catholic Church, 7737 W. Willow Hwy., Lansing MI 48917  (517)323-2379   The Health & Wellness Commission is presenting  Have You Had the Conversation?  You are Never Too Young!  What are Your Five Wishes?  Sue Sugden RN, BSN, NP will present the Five Wishes, an Advance Directive for Healthcare, followed by Karla Reilly presenting planning a funeral at the parish level.

Monday, November 14 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Parish Hall, St. Gerard 
The Health & Wellness Commission is hosting  Ethical Issues at the End of Life--A Panel Discussion.  Our speakers are:  Fr. John Klein, Pastor St. Gerard; Trish Powers BA, Master of Divinity, PhD in Philosophy & Theology; Jason Negri, BA, MA, JD, Asst Director of International Task Force on Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide; Michelle Wiseman RN, BSN, MPA, CHPN, Dirctor Sparrow Hospice & Palliative Care.  The audience will be encouraged to ask questions about moral/ethical end of life dilemmas.

Please consider putting this information in your bulletins!
Ministry Training for those working with the divorced. 

This fall, across the diocese, over 50 men and women have been finding healing through the Catholic's Divorce Survival Guide Program at four of our parishes. I have personally encountered some of these individuals and have accompanied them on their journey to healing. This is a truly amazing ministry! 

With all the attention Pope Francis has been getting regarding our brothers and sisters in this difficult situation of divorce we want to capitalize on the publicity and reach out to even more individuals around our diocese. On February 8th, 2017 we will host nationally renowned speaker Rose Sweet for facilitator training so that more parishes would be able to host this amazing program. The next day, we will be hosting Rose again for an afternoon workshop for clergy on ministering to divorced individuals. I would encourage any of our priests, deacons, or annulment advocates to consider attending this important event. For more information click here. 
Retreat for Divorced 

This coming February 10th - 12th, St. Francis Retreat Center will be hosting a retreat titled: "AFTER DIVORCE - An Adventure into the Interior Life": Hope and Healing for the Separated and Divorced. 

The retreat will be led by nationally renowned speaker Rose Sweet who will lead participants on a journey of healing and reconciliation. For more information check out the events page of the Diocesan Marriage and Family Life web page.

Memorial Mass for Families of Miscarriage and Child Loss

Mark your calendars for this coming Sunday, March 26th for a Memorial Mass for Families of Miscarriage and Child Loss with Bishop Boyea. Any family who has experienced the tragedy of miscarriage or the loss of a child are welcome to attend. More information regarding location and details of the event will be available very soon. 

MARCH FOR LIFE

This year's March for Life will take place on January 27th, 2017. 

For information on joining the Diocesan trip to Washington D.C. contact:

Miriam Lynch 
Diocese of Lansing MFL Coordinator 
St. Michael Catholic Church 
345 Edwards Street, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 
(517) 627-8493 
miriamlynch@stmichaelgl.org

To view and download the flier, click here. 
Spotlight: Resource

The website For Your Marriage is sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and is a truly wonderful source for resources, articles, and information about Catholic family life and ministry. You are sure to find a treasure trove at this website!
Richard Budd | Diocese of Lansing | (517) 342-2471 | Email | Website
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