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Fr. Dennis

10/30/2017

Why do Catholic Christians commemorate the those who have died and gone before us during the month of November? The Solemnity of All Saints commemorates all the deceased who whether canonized or not, are in heaven with Our Lord. And the Feast of All Souls recalls the faithful who need our prayers so that they may move through their purgatory and into the blessed life of Heaven.

These two feasts give us a reason to hope, to believe, to struggle and to live. The feast of All Souls and the month of November is a source of consolation for each of us. The consoling doctrine of the Communion of Saints allows us to feel ever close to those who have died and gives us much hope in moments of despair and sadness. The holy souls in purgatory see ever more clearly what we intuit from afar. They are already within reach of eternal life, the loving arms of Jesus; but they are not yet closely within his embrace. The sting of death has been removed, but they are still sensing the pain of love which only complete union with Jesus can heal. The healing process is accomplished by the same love which makes the separation momentarily very painful. Our prayers for the faithful departed increase faith and love within us; they draw us to look upon the Son with ever greater longing.

In a very moving, personal reflection on his imminent death in 1996, the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago wrote the book “The Gift of Peace” several weeks before going to God. At the end of his personal testament he wrote:

"One young man asked me if I looked forward to being united with God and all those who have gone before me. I said yes, and in my mind made a connection. The first time I traveled with my mother and sister to my parents’ homeland of Tonadico di Primiero, in northern Italy, I felt as if I had been there before. After years of looking through my mother’s photo albums, I knew the mountains, the land, the houses, the people. As soon as we entered into the valley, I said, “My God, I know this place. I am home.” Somehow I think crossing from this life into eternal life will be similar. I will be home."

These two feasts help us to fill our minds with thoughts of Heaven, and to set our hearts more steadfast unto the reality of eternity.

I am reminded of Blessed Cardinal Henry Newman, who wrote a prayer reflecting on our eternal destiny:

O Lord, support us all the day long,
Until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes,
And the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over,
and our work is done. Then in your mercy,
grant us a safe lodging
and a holy rest, and peace at last. Amen.

During this month of November we will be having several bulletin articles on this topic of saints and the holy souls in Purgatory. One last thought, this time from Archbishop Sheen as we keep our eyes fixed on heaven and remember how important it is to pray for the holy souls and to pass on these sacred traditions to the next generation: “As we enter Heaven, we will see them, so many of them, coming toward us and thanking us. We will ask who they are and they will say: A poor soul you prayed for in purgatory”

May this month of November, the Holy Souls, help us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven, so that because of the way that we have lived, heaven will seem familiar to us, like home.

God bless, Fr. Dennis

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Katie Tarleton

10/23/2017

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When I was younger I always wanted to be a pediatrician. I loved science and I loved working with kids. However, as my mom likes to tell it, "Katie wanted to be a doctor until she realized how much blood was involved." After that realization took effect, I was left with knowing I had a passion for working with children but that was about it. It wasn't until my junior year of high school that I decided to become a teacher. I was never really the best student, best athlete, best friend, best of anything. For the most part, I disliked school and was floundering to understand my place in the world. During my junior year, I had a class taught by Dale Ciciora. Mr. C, as he was known, was a member of our parish, and had coached basketball and taught in my public high school since the late 70's. He was the first person, outside of my family, that showed that he genuinely cared and appreciated the inside me. He taught us to be our authentic selves. He was an advocate for loving yourself and loving others. He taught me many things, but most importantly that each person is unique, valued, and that each of us can spread that love to others. This was the moment when I knew that I wanted to do the same thing. I wanted to be a teacher just like him.
I went on to get my degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University with a minor in reading, kindergarten, and computers. After graduating in 2001, I began teaching Special-Education Pre-School, then Kindergarten until 2008. After getting married and moving to Alabama, I taught Reading Intervention and First Grade. My husband and I moved to Michigan to be near my parents and explore larger job markets in 2012, and I began teaching at MHT in 2013.
Until I graduated from college, I would say I was a mediocre Christian. I went to Mass every Sunday, volunteered with my family, and knew I loved the Lord. Shortly after moving home from Purdue, at Mass one Sunday, I felt called to volunteer in a new youth ministry program at my church. As I look back now, I realize I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I thought this would be a good way for me to give back and help others. What really happened was that God had lead me into a time of conversion and growth in my relationship with Him. Through the next eight years of retreats, adoration, weekly bible studies, Sunday night programs, and mission trips, my personal and faith life were transformed. I found who I truly was and what I was called to be...not primarily a teacher, sister, or a woman, but a daughter of Christ...forever. For me, once I came to understand this, I could never turn back. It's the most important thing about me and my choice is to always love the Lord. He is my strength, my friend, my hope, my joy, and my heart.
Father Dennis asked me to share some of the experiences I’ve had while working at Most Holy Trinity Catholic School. This is my 5th year teaching 3rd and 4th grade at MHT. Initially, I was terrified because I don't like talking about myself and couldn't possibly have much to share. Next, I was nervous that by expressing my thoughts, I may offend someone who teaches in the public school. I taught in public school for 9 years, where I grew, was inspired by, and was taught by amazing mentors and coworkers. I love teachers. I know that wherever you teach, it is amazing and hard, and that most teachers, whether in private or public schools, love their students and give all of themselves every day. Finally, and perhaps what I should have done from the start, I sat down to pray. I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me so I could honestly express how working at MHT has changed my teaching and life. There are many things I could share about the amazing students, parents, staff, and community in Fowler and at Most Holy Trinity, but I am going to focus on just a few.
My first experience came at the first school Mass I attended with students. I kept thinking...I'm at work...praying...with my students...I'm getting paid to go to Mass with my class. THIS...IS...AMAZING! Can you imagine it, if your whole work place went to church together once a week? It took me a while not be moved to tears each time I heard the kids belt out a song with uninhibited joy and faith. Being with children as they encounter Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is breathtaking, to put it mildly. I can tell you this with absolute certainty...the faith of children is pure. When Jesus asks us to have Faith like a child, I now understand what he means. I have far less to teach them than they teach me. Their forgiveness, generosity, and kindness is overwhelming. The Faith of a child is inspiring and I am blessed to witness that every day.
The second experience was a change in my personal goal as a teacher. Throughout my first years of teaching, I worked in areas where many students lived in neglect, poverty, abusive and transient homes. I had one goal that never changed. In Education, everything changes, which can be great and frustrating, as most teachers can tell you. My goal, thanks to Mr. C, was to make sure each child knew that no matter what happened to them in their lives, whoever they became, there would always be at least one person who would always love them. It was what kept me going. However, after a few weeks at MHT I realized this goal had to change. It wasn't enough that my students knew I loved them, I had to make it my goal that they knew, felt, and understood that God loved them in a deeper and more pure way than any human person could. And that they were chosen to share that love with others.
Finally, I began to understand the freedom and responsibility to teach as my whole authentic self. There is nothing I need to hold back from my students about who I am. This is both liberating and challenging because it is my soul that is now accessible. I am free to be a struggling, flawed, mistake-making, imperfect, child of God, but I must also keep learning and growing in my faith. My students and I are on the same journey. We are called to understand why we were created and who we want to be. As in any school, we work together to grow in knowledge, understand how to be our best selves, striving to be a good citizens, and better our world; however, we are also allowed the opportunity to grow in the deepest and most important way. There is no getting around the fact that this allows Faith to permeate everything we do.
I thank Father Dennis and God for giving me this time of reflection. I think He knew I needed it before I did. I ask each of you to consider adding me and all teachers to your prayers. If you could pray especially for new teachers, and for those who feel God nudging them to a career in Catholic Education. I thank my sweet Lord and Savior for leading me to MHT, and for each of the students I have had the pleasure to work with. To each of them: It is you who make my heart full and my faith strong. It is you who inspire me to be better and to have faith like yours. God is calling us to greatness and you will change the world.
Katie Tarleton

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Dan and Tricia Feldpausch

10/16/2017

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After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. Luke 5:4-6

    Jesus tells Simon to put out into deep water. What does he mean?   He means we must be all in and fully committed if we are to evangelize as we are called to do.
    About a year and a half ago we became involved in the parish’s marriage preparation program. It was being revamped and many changes were being made. Paul Fahey sent us an email explaining that they were making changes in the program and were looking for married couples who would consider helping out and our names were mentioned. We agreed to be a sponsor couple and as the meetings regarding this program progressed, there was discussion of holding a retreat for engaged couples, along with a pre-cana day, here at the parish versus sending them to another parish for “Engaged Encounter”. This would be the preferred option because those leading the marriage preparation program at the parish would know exactly what information the couples were receiving. It would also be a way for these couples to not only connect with each other, but to have married couples here at the parish that they could reach out to as well. This retreat seemed like a great way for couples to grow closer to each other and to see the importance their faith life would play in their marriage.
Along with being a sponsor couple we agreed to be part of the planning for this retreat. One thing led to another and we were asked to give a talk on our couple prayer life for the engaged couples. Although we had agreed to give the talk, there was a lot of anxiety about preparing it and then actually presenting it. We had doubts about our qualifications for giving a talk like this. Our life together has not been perfect, but we have learned the importance of keeping God at the forefront of our marriage and felt we were called to share our story in the hope of helping these engaged couples see the necessity of a couple prayer life. We have now helped out with this retreat and given our talk three times. We are part of the parish’s intercessory prayer team and on the marriage prep retreat in September we were given the opportunity to pray with people as well. Each time we have felt so blessed to be a part of this retreat.
We attended the first adult retreat two years ago and had a wonderful experience. We have continued to attend these retreats and are amazed at how the Lord works in everyone in a unique way. Hearts are open to the Lord to receive whatever he has to offer.   It is so inspiring to see the transformation in the attendees from the beginning of the retreat Friday evening to the end of the retreat on Sunday.
Last spring Andrea asked those of us who had attended previous adult retreats if we would be willing to be part of the team for planning the adult retreat that would take place in September. The parish staff wanted to include parishioners in leadership roles for the retreat. This was a little overwhelming at the time since we were already helping out with the marriage prep retreat which was being held the weekend before the adult retreat. Although we had not fully committed to being on the team, we began to attend the planning meetings. The theme that arose was Back to Basics and possible topics were discussed for talks that would be given.   Meetings continued throughout the summer. At the parish festival Dan was talking with Paul and saying that he felt the Holy Spirit was moving him to give a talk about discerning the will of God. The staff was excited about this and pleased that he was open to giving a talk. So much for the question of whether or not we would help out with the adult retreat! Dan prepared the bulk of the discernment talk and we both shared personal stories as part of the talk.   We also had the privilege of being a part of the intercessory prayer teams at this retreat. It is such a gift to see people come forward for prayer and to intercede with the Lord on their behalf. The Lord once again prompted us to work through our fears and be a part of something that would help us grow in faith.
    Matthew Kelly states that one of the greatest gifts we can give anyone is to help them develop a sustainable prayer life. Joining with our parish staff to lead these retreats has been a great blessing for us. We are helping to lead retreats as an act of love toward God and others. Love is truly love when it is self-sacrificing. We are working to turn our fears and lack of confidence over to the Lord and trust him to lead us so we can lead others and follow his will for us. If we fail to listen to the voice of God in our lives, we will not be used in the way he desires to use us. God pours His graces upon those who answer when He calls. God will be with you when you follow his will for you.
Are you willing to say “Yes” to God in all things? If so, you will be amazed at what he does in your life.
Lord, I desire to put out into the deep water and to radically evangelize in the way in which you call me. Help me to say “Yes” to you in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.

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Fr. Dennis

10/9/2017

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Dear friends in Christ,

his coming Friday we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to the three children in Portugal.

Mary was from the early years of Christianity was known as the Panagia: the All-Holy one from whose virginal purity the Son of God took flesh. The Church saw her prefigured in the book of Genesis (3:15) as the woman whose offspring would crush the head of the serpent; whose immaculate purity and intimate unity with Christ would permit her, too, to triumph over Satan. The Fathers of the Church praised Mary in the words of the Psalms and the Prophets as the Enclosed Garden, the Tower of David, and the Temple of God. The Fathers wrote often about her privileges of innocence and sanctity that prepared her to be the dwelling-place of Christ when He was born in the flesh.

Oftentimes, secular culture criticizes the Church for emphasizing the purity and holiness of Mary, as if her perfection made her unapproachable. In fact, the opposite is true. Mary’s sinlessness is precisely what makes her the most approachable, the most understanding of our weakness, the most near to us. There is no barrier in her heart between her and us. She is like Christ – totally accessible. It is sin that creates distances, making us harsh and judgmental towards each other.

One of the things that always strikes me about Mary’s interventions in human history is that she reminds us that anything really important cannot change or come about without prayer.

At Fatima, Mary asked that people turn away from sin, that the faithful pray, use the rosary and do penance and spiritual works for the peace of the world. So often our world and its leaders think that merely legislating will bring about the necessary changes we all desire in our society. Mary asks us to turn our hearts and minds heaven-ward, to pray and join in the spiritual battle that is going on all around us.

I asked some people to share how their relationship to Mary helps them in their daily journey. One of them wrote: “On good days, it helps me to contemplate the life of Jesus through the eyes of His Blessed Mother as I concentrate on the mysteries. On not so good days, when my mind seems to be too preoccupied with worries, fears, and the business of life, I know that our loving Mother Mary is there to intercede for me.”

But my favorite reflections came from the school students in our Catholic school and our Religious education program:

“Mary, the Mother of God, is so important to me. When I am troubled I call to her to pray for me and to bring me closer to her Son Jesus. Also when she suffered through watching the passion of her son I can look at her at that moment and say: This is nothing compared to Mary’s struggle. She keeps me going through the hard times.”

“The rosary deeply connects me with Mary and her son Jesus. In times of anger it soothes me. When I think that I have nothing to be thankful for, she reminds me that all things are a blessing in disguise.”

“Mary is important to me because she is like a second mom for me.”

So many of the children spoke of praying the rosary with their family and how this devotion has helped them. This is very encouraging to me. Mary is our Mother but she is also a disciple. She walked in faith, trusting, in both the joyful and difficult sufferings she endured and remained a faithful follower.

I would like to invite you to our special celebration on Friday, October 13th Come and pray with us. We will process through the neighborhood symbolizing our spiritual journey and give thanks for all that our Lady for leading us closer to her Son Jesus Christ. God bless, Fr. Dennis

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Andrea Schneider

10/2/2017

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So I just wrapped up a busy September with back to back retreat weekends! Why would you schedule retreat back to back you may ask...well I’m not sure. It wasn’t done on purpose, it just sort of happened that way. Our adult retreats get booked out over a year in advance, and the marriage prep retreats are the same weekend each September, so it just so happened that they ended up back to back. Mind you this all happened before finding out I’d be 5 months pregnant.

Its funny how it sounds slightly overwhelming, but it gets better. As the retreats got closer, we soon realized that we would be short staffed for both of the retreats. What could have been a really stressful situation, but instead it was a wonderful opportunity to branch out and share in this ministry with other people.

The first retreat was for marriage prep and after our first meeting, I soon realized how many new people I’d be asking to help out on this retreat. I very well could have freaked out after that first meeting, but I chose to instead trust in God that he would provide the right people to help me. I asked for prayers in helping to find speakers, cooks, etc. Slowly, piece by piece spots started filling up. It wasn’t long and we had everything filled up. I remember after our final meeting and listening to the practice talks how humbled I felt to having everyone be part of the team putting on this retreat. I was filled with so much gratitude to God for answering mine, and so many others prayers. I was beyond grateful for the individuals who stepped outside their comfort zone and said yes to helping out.

The week before the retreat everyone in the house got sick! Sound familiar? How is this happening again. Jesse came home from work sick the day I was suppose to leave for the retreat. Okay, we got this...at least the kids were all healthy. So what’s a mom to do...ask for prayers! I asked for the grace to be fully present on the retreat and that health would be restored to my husband. God answered those prayers, over night Jesse started to feel better and the retreat was a wonderful experienced. We had a great group of helpers on the retreat that was able to share their story and really give witness to the engaged couples.

After a quick turn around, five days, I found myself on retreat again. The adult retreat was the following weekend, and the Lord once again had a hand in all the planning and during the retreat. I was really excited about this retreat because this was the first time we had a team that was made up of staff and parishioners. Being able to invite parishioners to be step into a leadership role was something we had envisioned with the adult retreats, and this was the perfect opportunity to do that.

It was so amazing to see how the group grew from meeting to meeting. We went into the first meeting with no specific agenda on what the talks would be, or who would fill what roles on the weekend. It was amazing to see the progress that was made by the end of the second meeting. I remember leaving with ideas for topics to pray on and a real sense that we were on the right path with things. The details slowly fell into place, and the anticipation for the weekend only grew. The members on the team had a new fresh insight to share with the staff and it was really cool to see how things came together.

When the weekend came around, I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t experience any dread having to leave again. Instead I was excited to see how the weekend would go. To see all of the team’s ideas and hard work be put into action. One of my favorite parts is seeing how the Holy Spirit works. How he takes parts of each talk and make connections you can’t plan for. It’s always amazing to see how God uses people to touch the hearts of others. It’s always a privilege to be able to go on retreat and share a similar experience with other adults from our parish.

As I reflect back on both retreats, I am so amazed at how God really took care of everything. I’m still in awe that through this whole process I never felt overwhelmed by any of it. It’s not easy leaving family for a weekend, but I always feel blessed to have gone on the retreats. I enjoy being able to provide them an opportunity to encounter Christ. To present people with the opportunity to receive healing or freedom in Confession and prayer teams. Being able to see relationships form over the weekend and to feel a strong sense of community. I’m empowered by the witness of others. These retreats are always a nice time for me to self reflect on how I can be a better child of God, a better wife, mother, and friend.

As much as I’ve enjoyed so much need family time over the last week, I can’t help put be excited about the next retreats. Our next adult retreat will be hosted in DeWitt on February 23-25, 2018, hope to see you there!

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