FAITH Saginaw Winter 2008 : Page 2
‘‘ f r o m t h e e d i t o r household in the diocese as a gift. So, if you know your neighbor in the pew isn’t registered, encourage him or her to sign up at your parish to begin receiving this regular dose of FAITH. W This year, FAITH Saginaw will highlight Bishop Carlson’s top five priorities for 2008 elcome to year two of FAITH Saginaw – the magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw! Once again, this quarterly magazine is being distributed to each registered Catholic as themes for each issue – “Evangelization” in the winter, “Catholic Schools” in the spring, “Stewardship” in the summer and “Social Justice/Service to the Poor” in the fall. Bishop’s fifth priority, “Vocations,” will be the topic of this year’s Theology 101 column. The magazine also welcomes, Dr. Ed Hogan, theologian and director of deacon ‘‘ formation for the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, as the author of Theology 101. Ed will offer an intimate glimpse into the vocations highlighted by the series of posters recently distributed to parishes and schools from the diocesan Office of Vocations, inviting those who are still discerning their vocation to “Consider Marriage, ... Religious Life, … the Permanent Diaconate … or the Priesthood.” In this issue, Ed speaks about the permanent deacon as “(the) evangelizer,” proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ through his words and deeds – one who is “specially entrusted with drawing together the mysteries celebrated at the altar and the needs of the secular world.” (See page 12 to learn more.) In addition, you will have the opportunity to discover how two people of strong faith have turned their own struggles of conversion into messages of hope. Catholic radio host Al Kresta shares how he found truth in the church he once left behind; and 21-year-old Kristen Goldsmith tells how her abortion has changed her life forever. You also will meet the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw’s newest priest, Father Bill Spencer, who will offer insight into his own FAITH journey as he embarks on his second vocation. These faithful members of the church are just three examples of bold Christians by FAITH in answering the challenge to spread the Good News of salvation – each in their own way, each using their own story. They are active participants in the mission to which we are all called: to go and “make disciples of the nations …” (Mt 28:19). Still, these stories are but only three examples of the many means and ways in which we might share the story of our FAITH with others. We have many more opportunities to witness Christ to others both by word and by example: parents to children, priest to parishioner, friend to friend, co-worker to co-worker, the list goes on and on. Be encouraged by John Paul II’s words to the world’s youth in 2002: “The world you are inheriting is a world which desperately needs a new sense of brotherhood and human solidarity. It is a world which needs to be touched and healed by the beauty and richness of God’s love.” Be encouraged by the saints. Be encouraged by the faithful of our own local church. Be encouraged to spread your FAITH. - Matt Treadwell is editor-in-chief of FAITH Saginaw and communications director for the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. FAITH Saginaw Winter 2008 Liturgical Calendar: Octave of Christmas: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God Jan. 1 | Sts. Basil the Great and Gre Be encouraged by John Paul II’s words to the world’s youth in 2002: “The world you are inheriting is a world which desperately needs a new sense of brotherhood and human solidarity. It is a world which needs to be touched and healed by the beauty and richness of God’s love.” Be encouraged
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