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July/August 2008 Issue
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to Feature Articles
Bishop's column
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My
dear friends, It is most gratifying to witness the many
ways in which the people of our diocese respond to Our
Lord's call to serve. On June 7, I was privileged to
ordain Father Michael F. Cilibraise to the presbyterate
of the Diocese of Grand Rapids and Deacon Michael E.
Burt and Deacon Aaron R. Ferris to the transitional
diaconate at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. |
Father
Cilibraise began his appointment as associate pastor of Our
Lady of Grace and St. Thomas the Apostle parishes, Muskegon,
on June 30.
In addition, he will minister to Muskegon Catholic Schools
one day each week. Deacon Burt and Deacon Ferris, who are
working to complete their masters' degrees in divinity, will
continue their journeys toward priestly ordination over the
next year. It is my hope that the commitment of these men
will inspire others to the priesthood and religious life and
encourage all to pray for vocations.
A
story in photos of the ordination ceremony can be found on
page 20 of this issue. I also had the privilege of joining
with and addressing Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM)
staff on June 5, during their first-ever, all agency staff
meeting at St. Patrick Church in Grand Haven. Led by Ms. Deborah
J. McCormack, President and CEO since February 2007, Catholic
Charities West Michigan has two regional offices located in
Grand Rapids and Muskegon and 12 branch locations in cities
including White Cloud, Big Rapids, Hart, Stanton, Holland
and Ionia. Over 180 staff members and service providers, from
the two regional offices and 12 branch locations were present
at the meeting. For over 60 years our diocesan agencies have
faithfully carried out the social mission of the church through
their services and outreach to people in need, regardless
of faith tradition or financial status.
Last
November, Catholic Social Services Grand Rapids, Catholic
Social Services of the Lakeshore and Catholic Human Development
Outreach combined to form Catholic Charities West Michigan,
one of the largest nonprofit service organizations in West
Michigan. More recently, in order to continue to provide services
to its clients, in the best and most efficient manner, Catholic
Charities West Michigan reorganized into three major areas
of service. They are child welfare and family preservation
programs, including foster care, home intervention and other
family support programs; behavioral health, such as mental
health counseling, domestic violence group counseling and
substance abuse treatment; and social supports which encompasses
programs providing food, shelter and support for the elderly,
lonely and others having basic needs. Catholic Charities is
an integral part of the diocese and the church's mission.
Its ministry is grounded in serving others in the way that
Jesus modeled, with humility and love.
During
2007, Catholic Charities West Michigan served over 23,000
children, families and adults through its family support and
behavioral health programs. Together God's Kitchen and Christian
Community Center served 221,000 meals and Casa de la Paz provided
emergency housing for 87 families, including 245 women and
children. Its efforts last year were facilitated by a budget
of $16.6 million. Sources of financial support include: Catholic
Services Appeal, State of Michigan, United Way, donors, community
foundations, insurance, client fees and agency fundraising
efforts such as Soup's On (Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore)
and Let's Go to Bat For Kids. Seeing the many representatives
of this agency gathered in one location was impressive and
magnifies the critical importance of the services which Catholic
Charities West Michigan provides to thousands in the diocese.
It also demonstrates the dedication of the employees and volunteers
who facilitate delivery of those services.
I
am grateful to the staff and volunteers whose commitment and
dedication throughout the years have created a rich legacy
that serves as the hallmark for Catholic Charities West Michigan.
Pope Benedict XVI in his encyclical letter Deus Caritas Est
(God is Love) explains that the Church's charitable activity
does not flow from humanitarianism but rather is rooted in
the love of God, that flows from the heart of Christ, and
expresses itself in service. As the Church has grown, acts
of charity continue to be a core mission. Love of and service
to our neighbors, when based in God's love, result in humility,
which brings us closer to Christ, who placed himself at the
lowest place in the world when he suffered and died on the
cross. Thank you for all you do for Our Lord's Church. May
God's blessings and peace be with you and your families during
these summer months. .
- Bishop Walter A. Hurley is the
11th bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
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