Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Transcription

1 Spring 2015 V+J Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Toledo-Detroit Province Zacarias da Christ is risen! Alleluia!

2 BONDINGS The Quarterly Oblate Magazine 2 Rise In Glory! This issue contains the obituaries of three beloved Oblates. In a time of great loss, Oblates turn to the truth of the Lord s Resurrection as do all Christians. Pope Francis, in his Exhortation The Joy of the Gospel, wrote this: Christ s Resurrection is not an event of the past. It contains a real power which has permeated the world. Francis says the Resurrection is an irresistible force that can change the world. In the Spiritual Directory, the religious rule for Oblates, we are encouraged to think of the Resurrection each morning upon rising. One of the suggested thoughts is Job saying, I know that my Redeemer lives and on the last day I shall rise again. As beauty and color and new life return to the earth after a hard winter, let us remember what Jesus has promised all of us: a share in his risen glory and the guarantee of eternal life. For Oblate Fathers Louie Komorowski, Jim Roth and Brother John Beetle Bailey, we pray they are with God and in the arms of our Risen Savior. May they rest in peace and rise in glory! Editorial Staff Resurrection of Christ, Bergamo Accademia Carrara, 1520 Mission Statement The mission of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales of the Toledo- Detroit Province is to Live Jesus according to Salesian spirituality in our personal and communal lives, and to share this spirituality with the People of God. Bondings Bondings is published regularly for the members and friends of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Toledo-Detroit Province. Its purpose is to enhance and develop the bond we have through our common faith in Jesus Christ and Salesian spirituality. Bondings is free of charge to anyone on request. Send your name and address (or that of a friend) to the Provincial Office or call Provincial Office 2043 Parkside Blvd. Toledo, OH Editorial Staff Father Roland Calvert, OSFS Father Tom Helfrich, OSFS FAITH Catholic 1500 E. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI Chairman Rev. Dwight Ezop President and CEO Patrick O Brien Editorial Director Elizabeth Martin Solsburg Graphic Designer Janna Stellwag

3 Salesian Spirituality by Jim Mello My understanding of St. Francis de Sales has come mostly through my association, working relationships, and friendships that I have with you, the Oblates, many of whom are seated in this church. I have learned more about Salesian spirituality through your actions than by your words. Truthfully, I was attracted to the Oblate spirit from the beginning. It was the first time I had met priests who were normal. You guys sailed, rode horses, played guitar and racquetball (I don t think I ever won a game with Paul Grehl). But mostly, it was because you laughed. I was drawn to the spirit because of how much you enjoyed one another and life. And I still see that joyfulness in the young men who have recently been ordained. And I have been fortunate Oblates have been involved in just about every facet of my life since I first came to know you 35 years ago. You have been part of my discernment when I was considering religious life, you helped me finish school, you hired me at St. Francis de Sales H.S., you counseled Michelle and me in our relationship (did a good job we ve been married 26 years), you married us, you baptized our children, you have buried family members. I have served on mission trips with many of you, have worked with you at St. Francis de Sales High School and here at Light of Christ Church. The last 15 years here have proven to be my most fulfilling and enriching parish experience, in large part because of Father Jack Loughran, who I feel fortunate to call a good friend. By knowing you, I have come to know Oblate spirituality. When my prayer life was not what it should be, I knew it by comparison because Father John Ebenhoeh and others were willing to share their prayer life with me and to teach me about the power of prayer. When I struggle at school with a student or a co-worker, I know by example how I should respond because I ve seen it modeled a thousand times by the Oblate teachers and administrators at St. Francis. When I am struggling with my own children, I have relied on the concept of suaviter et fortiter (gently and firmly), and I recognize when I have it just right because I have been able to hold them accountable but at the same time convey to them just how much I love them. Spring

4 BONDINGS The Quarterly Oblate Magazine I did want to make sure that I thanked you for sharing your spirituality with me the Oblate spirit and charism have had a huge impact on my life. And I wanted to testify that the Salesian spirit is alive and well. You may know that it is alive and well in your own communities, in schools and parishes and in other ministries, and in the young men who have been recently ordained. But know, also, that Salesian spirituality is alive and well in my heart and home and in the homes of many like me who have been blessed and privileged to know you. You are the living spirit of St. Francis de Sales. Jim delivered these remarks Jan. 25, 2015 to the assembled Oblates during the De Sales Feast Day Celebration at Light of Christ Church in Deerfield, Mich. Changes at St. Francis de Sales High School By Father Ken McKenna, OSFS, Provincial of the Toledo-Detroit Oblates B lessed Louis Brisson, the co-founder of the Oblates, opened the first Oblate Catholic high school at the request of the Bishop of Troyes (France) in In 1955, at the request of Bishop Rehring in Toledo, Ohio, the Oblates opened St. Francis de Sales H.S. Sixty years and nearly nine thousand graduates later, the impact of a St Francis Salesian education can be felt across the country and throughout the world. 4 Father Ron Olszewski, OSFS has generously and competently led the school for forty of these sixty years. During his tenure, St. Francis adopted many changes, both curricular and extracurricular, to meet the needs of the times. Father O oversaw these changes while making sure the important things did not change: the school s founding beliefs, values,

5 Father Ron Olszewski, OSFS mission and traditions which originated in St. Francis de Sales and Blessed Louis Brisson himself. Moreover, Father O has positively impacted thousands of young men and families. Whether it was celebrating the joyous moments of their lives, comforting them in times of grief, or being there for guidance, he is a spiritual support for many. Fortunately for the school, the Toledo community and the Oblates, Father O is not retiring but transitioning into full-time development as Chairman of the St. Francis de Sales Foundation. His job will be to keep the high school affordable even as it excels in its mission to educate Christian youth. So if his phone number appears on your caller ID, please answer! Father Geoff Rose, OSFS enthusiastically embraced the ministry of Catholic education immediately after his ordination in He came to St. Francis from Lumen Christi High School in Jackson, Mich. two years ago to serve as Vice-President. This summer he will become the school s third president. Father Geoff Rose, OSFS Father Geoff is a dynamic person well-grounded in the principles of Salesian education. He brings fresh ideas and new energy to St. Francis mission of successfully navigating students through the transformative journey from young adolescent boys to outstanding Christian gentlemen. A follow-up article on changes at St. Francis will appear in the next issue. Oblate Fathers Chris Hudgin, Joe Newman and Rudi Schwarzkopf will continue on the faculty, and Father Alan Zobler will return as a fulltime math teacher. Other Oblates are part-time faculty members. A strong continuing Oblate presence is important to the school s mission. Oblate Fathers (l to r) John Extejt, Chris Hudgin, Rudi Schwarzkopf, Geoff Rose, Ron Olszewski, Alan Zobler, Joe Newman and John Lehner Spring

6 BONDINGS The Quarterly Oblate Magazine Father Louis Komorowski, OSFS ( ) My first encounter with Louie was in high school. He celebrated Mass for the charismatic prayer group. I thought it was so cool to meet a provincial and was so impressed by his friendliness and approachability. Louie served in leadership from , early in our existence as a province and during the exciting and turbulent years following the Second Vatican Council. It was not an easy time to lead. After his term ended, Louie became pastor of St. Mary of Good Counsel in Adrian, Mich. He had been helping there on weekends since His ministry to the Church of Adrian lasted more than 55 years: He was still celebrating Masses for the residents of Grand Court right up to the time of his passing. And he stayed in touch with St Mary s: He was just there Christmas Eve greeting people after Mass. Louie embodied well the motto suaviter et fortiter (gently and firmly). He faced Parkinson s Disease with tremendous inner strength. He was determined to be as self-sufficient as possible. Yet gentleness was the key to his success. He was so kind to people that they wanted him to succeed. The T-D Province has lost a founding pillar and the Church a holy and dedicated pastor. Father Ken McKenna, OSFS, Oblate Community Newsletter Louie was a great teacher in and out of the classroom; an empowering pastor; a champion for the rights of the powerless, the oppressed and the victimized; a dedicated fisherman and fisher of men and women; an exceptional gardener (Oh, those dahlias!); a passionate golfer; a scientist; a priest who loved God; loved all God s people; loved the Oblates; loved the Church; and Oh, he loved a good meal. He was hospitable to a fault, always ready to welcome another guest at the table or even to stay the night in the spare room. 6

7 Louie was faithful to saying Thank you to those who blessed him with kindness and had a beautiful way of saying grace before meals: We thank you, Lord, for the wonderful gifts on this table and the even more wonderful gifts around it! He frequently used a wonderful word in a most wonderful way. Be-yoo-tee-ful. Louie certainly was! Talk given at the prayer service in St. Mary s Church the night before the funeral by Father Tom Helfrich, OSFS I believe Louie didn t want a eulogy with lots of stories about him (although I could give some good ones). He wanted us to focus on God, and then on ourselves instead of focusing on him. We can do it, we have to do it, to love every one. You don t need a collar or a title to do that. Louie was clear about that. When he was first named provincial, Louie insisted, Call me Louie. People fought him; we fought him, but we became brothers who listened to one another, who hopefully loved one another. It wasn t just titles that Louie was concerned about. Louie understood that God s message of love includes equality of women and gays and immigrants every issue that involved poor people, marginalized people. We cannot continue the divisions that exist among us. More than anyone, Louie taught us that love includes a smile, love is joyful. Gracias, gracias, gracious and loving God, for giving us this man who helped us understand what love is all about and what kind of people we can be, we need to be Gracias! From the Funeral Homily delivered at St. Mary s Church, Adrian, Mich., Jan. 5, 2015, by Father Bill Auth, OSFS I will always remember the kindness, compassion and gentle humor that marked any encounter with Louie. Bless you, Louie. Jan Vern, Palmetto, Fla. Thank you, Louie, for your time with us. We will never forget you. Jim and Mary Doll, Columbus, N.C. One of the greatest leaders and inspirations of my lifetime. I learned much from him! Jim Hartley, Adrian, Mich. Father Louie, your ready smile and soul-salving compassion will be long remembered. Rest in peace in God s loving arms. Kathryn Perez, Adrian, Mich. Spring

8 BONDINGS The Quarterly Oblate Magazine Brother John Bailey, OSFS ( ) Brother John died on Jan. 3 at Ebeid Hospice Residence in Sylvania, Ohio, from diabetes and other medical complications. John professed his first vows as an Oblate on March 12, He was an excellent cook serving his fellow Oblates, students, campers and the poor. He spent twenty summers at Camp De Sales in Brooklyn, Mich., preparing three meals a day for up to 200 campers and staff. John acquired the nickname Beetle (or Beets for short) from the comic strip character. He was a man of service, simplicity, gentleness, prayer and concern for others, especially the disadvantaged. From the Funeral Homily delivered by Fr. Ken McKenna on Jan. 8 at Lumen Christi H.S. Chapel: 8 Jesus, of course, taught that true discipleship is denying oneself and taking up one s cross daily. He invites us to get rid of our oversized egos and purify our motives. True disciples do many good things, but rarely for divine favor or human praise. They do them to say to God: I love you. There is something in all of this that touches on what made Beetle so attractive. He was a man with very little ego, very little self-preoccupation or self-importance, hardly any false self. I loved when he moved from place to place. Wherever he ministered became the best. Lewiston, Brooklyn, Salt Lake City, Jackson. People well along in the spiritual life do not hold on to the past or live in the future. The present moment is the moment of grace; the current assignment is the venue for loving God. At De Chantal Hall, when I was in college, Beetle would ask me to type up his annual Christmas letter. Every year he wrote, This has been the best year of my life. I used to think to myself: How can he say that? I was still accustomed to evaluating a good year on things like success, grades, popularity, diversion, and fun. Beetle didn t care

9 about any of that. He simply decided to make this year the best year of his life by accepting whatever happened as coming from the hand of a loving God. Beets wrote for his advance medical directives: Nothing special ; and on his funeral planning form: Nothing special. I think he saw himself as the nothing special servant who simply did what he was obliged to do. And in all of that, and because of all of that, we know in fact how special he was. Thank you, Lord, for the gift and example of Beetle to our Church, our family, our schools and our Oblate community. Brother John represented Christ with great devotion. A very humble, hardworking, prayerful, beautiful man. Godspeed, Beets! RIP. The famous Beetle Buns will be even sweeter in Heaven! Greg and Sue Sottek, Mason, MI Beets was a tremendously generous person. He had the greatest work ethic I have ever experienced. His unconditional love was infectious! The Lord blessed us with a living testament to His goodness in Brother John. Dennis Kelsch, Salt Lake City, UT Everyone was regular folks to John, one of the most non-judgmental people I have ever met. His innate kindness was obvious to all who met him. RIP. Tony Meloche, Hartford, MI We are very sorry to hear of Brother John s passing. He cared for so many: his beloved students, a deep concern for the poor, and the little brothers he helped in the Big Brother program. We have fond memories of his scrumptious baking. Richard and Merrilee Skrocki, Jackson, MI I touched the hand of a humble, living saint. RIP. Goodbye, Beets! Paul Dinan, Tillamook, OR I remember Beetle at Camp De Sales when I was a camper there in the 1970s. He was kind and always took care of us. May he rest in peace. John Hogan, Ft. Wayne, IN Spring

10 BONDINGS The Quarterly Oblate Magazine 10 Father James Roth, OSFS ( ) F ather Jim died at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on Feb. 11, He had struggled for many years with the disease of diabetes. Jim served for more than two decades at St. Francis de Sales H.S. in Toledo, Ohio, both as teacher and guidance counselor. His obituary stated that he will be remembered for his love of people, education, sacramental ministry and classroom antics. Jim also served the Oblates as superior of the formation community in Toronto and worked at the Canadian Dufferin-Peel School Board as Priest-in-Residence in his final years. His funeral Mass took place on Feb. 16 at Gesu Church in Toledo with Father Ken McKenna as homilist and principal celebrant. A large congregation gathered to bid him farewell including his family, his fellow Oblates, his co-workers and friends (many of whom traveled long distances to be present). From Father McKenna s funeral homily: Over the past few weeks, as this terrible tragedy has unfolded, people have been remembering Father Jim s kindness and ministry as a teacher and priest. And these things are, of course, what we observe in one another and in ourselves: personality, behavior, mannerisms and appearance. But what does God see when he looks at Jim? What does he see when he looks at us? Recently, I ve been captivated by something Father Thomas Keating wrote: We are more God than we are ourselves. Father Keating is picking up on a theme of the desert fathers and mothers: When the Word became flesh, not only did God become human but humanity became God. We are more God than we are ourselves. Certainly our personality, our individuality, is a gift from God, as well as a gift to God, but it is not the most important thing. It s not what makes us different from one another or different from God that makes us special but rather, as we heard in the first reading today, it s that we are made in the image of God. We are God s children, St. Paul says, destined to be like him, for we shall see him as he is. What does God see when he looks at us? He sees Himself. This is how Jesus could say with such conviction Everything that the Father gives me will come to

11 me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me... and I shall raise them up on the last day. St. Francis de Sales High School next door (and most of our schools) love the Salesian quote: Be who you are and be that well. We use it to motivate students to appreciate their unique gifts and abilities and then to develop them. Certainly Father Jim did that in many ways both personally and professionally. But at a time like this, it is important to remember the deeper meaning of this popular quote. We are made in the divine image. We are temples of the Holy Spirit. We are destined to be like God. We are more God than we are ourselves. Let us be that and be that well. It was a delight to come home after the 4:30 p.m. Mass on January 24, the feast of St. Francis de Sales, to gather for dinner with five fellow Oblates and Jim Roth among us. Afterwards, he stayed around for a game of Scrabble, and as usual, humbled us all with his expertise with words. Who would have known this would be the last time we would enjoy his company? Jim brought vitality to that evening as he did to so many settings and situations over the years. In appearance and attitude, there was something ageless about Jim. His passing is a great loss, of course. We move on, bolstered by faith in the Resurrection, praying we might all bring the same ageless vitality to our lives and ministries. Father Tom Helfrich, OSFS, Clarklake, Mich. I lived in community with Jim at Shugrue House in Toledo, Ohio for six years in the 1980s. One thing you noticed immediately about Jim was his quirky sense of humor. I encountered it a number of times when I suggested he should consider becoming a priest (he was Brother Jim at that point). He gave the same answer over and over: I like to sleep on Sunday mornings! I would tell him it was a terrible answer and hear it again as our dialog became a déjà vu experience. Eventually he did decide to become Father Jim and I like to think my nudging helped. Another notable thing about Jim was his love of bicycling. I think he sought strenuous exercise as therapy for the disease of diabetes that he struggled with. Jim thought nothing of taking a hundred mile trip on his bike. On one occasion I mentioned that I was driving from Toledo to Dayton to visit a Marianist friend. Jim asked to come along and put his bike in the trunk. The following morning he must have gotten up around 4 a.m. and taken off on his bike. He didn t get home until that night! It s more than 150 miles and takes well over two hours by car. I thought it was an accomplishment to drive there. Jim thought nothing of cycling it though he did admit he was sore the next day. One of Jim s friends once remarked that his energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and I think that s a pretty accurate description. Father Roland Calvert, OSFS, Adrian, Mich. Spring

12 V+J Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Toledo-Detroit Province 2043 Parkside Blvd. Toledo, OH NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID LANSING, MI PERMIT NO. 689