2016 - Year of Mercy - Immaculate Heart of Mary

A Publication of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
www.ihmparish.com
Winter 2016
by Divine Cenacle Members LeAnne Miron
and Sue Jakubowski
2016 - Year of Mercy
The Sacrament of Reconciliation and forgiveness
also will be an integral part of the Holy Year. During Lent
there will be a focus on opportunities to participate in the
sacrament. Also, our diocese will participate by celebrating
24 Hours for the Lord, which is designed to widen access to
the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Pilgrimage is also encouraged to gain additional
indulgences. The Cathedral of St. Andrew has been
designated as a site in our diocese for an indulgence and
also for the Holy Doors which opened December 13. All of
us, as sinners, are invited to pass through these doors and
be welcomed into Christ’s mercy.
Additionally, reading and meditation on scripture
are encouraged. During Ordinary Time, the readings will be
taken from the Gospel of Luke, which is often referred to as
the Gospel of Mercy. Our Adoration Chapel offers a
peaceful opportunity to reflect and meditate on the weekly
readings.
Through prayer, reflection, the sacraments, works
of mercy, and pilgrimage, we are given many opportunities
to deepen our faith. Let the Jubilee Year of Mercy be a time
for you to strengthen your commitment to faith and bring
those on the margins in through the doors. Beginning December 8, 2015, on the Solemnity of the
Immaculate Conception, and concluding on November 20,
2016, the Solemnity of Christ the King, our church
celebrates the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. There
have only been four times in the history of the church
when a Pope has declared an extraordinary Jubilee Year.
The Holy Year is an opportunity to bring everyone closer to
the Father's mercy through Jesus Christ. Pope Francis has
chosen the motto, “Merciful Like the Father” for the year.
It comes from Luke 6:36, “Be merciful just as your Father
is merciful.”
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will be
supporting many opportunities for parish participation
throughout the year. Beginning in January, we will have a
focus on a devotion known as Marian Consecration. A
new book, 33 Days to Morning Glory, makes this devotion
to Mary accessible in everyday language and provides brief
daily meditations. Through Mary we are brought to a
closer relationship with Jesus and the true meaning of
mercy. After all, it is Mary's whole purpose and mission to
bring souls into union with her divine Son, Jesus. Another parish opportunity available is a free
event with speaker Ralph Martin. He will present a talk
entitled “Mercy and Truth Shall Meet.” This event will be
held at 7:00 PM, January 15. He is a nationally recognized
speaker; his presentation will be made available through a
generous benefactor. Parishioners will also be able to access materials
through electronic media on the site http://formed.org, a
parish program with a library of resources to support
additional study and reflection. Please see the faith
formation kiosk in the narthex for our parish code for full
access.
Bulletin announcements for the Year of Mercy will
provide inspirations on the corporal and spiritual works of
mercy. Pope Francis stated, “It is my desire that during
this Jubilee, the Christian people may reflect on the
corporal and spiritual works of mercy.” (Please also see
story on p. 6.) By increasing our awareness, we will be
able to add activities to our daily routine that will bring
the works of mercy into our actions. 1
ihm’s papal pilgrims
by Terry Moore
This past year will long be remembered for Pope Francis’ visit to the United States. His itinerary included stops in
Washington D.C., New York City and Philadelphia where Pope Francis presided over the World Meeting of Families, a
triennial gathering aimed at strengthening the sacred bonds of family across the globe. Several IHM parishioners
participated in these historic and uplifting visits. Dan and Cheryl Heintz traveled to New York with Paul and Mary
Oleniczak while John and Michelle David and family were in Philadelphia as part of the diocesan bus tour.
We asked them to share a special memory.
Cheryl Heintz—“When we first arrived in New York, we went to Ground Zero and the 9/11 Museum. It was a powerful
and emotional experience and it set a fitting framework for the papal visit. In the days and weeks after 9/11, we
remembered how everyone’s ethnic background, political party and walk of life didn’t matter in the big picture.
Everyone helped one another in community. It just hit me that this is what Pope Francis is now telling us: let’s not
polarize people, let’s bring them together.”
Dan Heintz—“On Friday morning, we all went to Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 7:00 A.M. After Mass, a woman
parishioner overheard us inquiring about tickets to any of the Pope’s appearances. She came up and kindly gave us two
tickets to Central Park where Pope Francis travelled via motorcade to greet New Yorkers. So Mary Oleniczak and Cheryl
were part of that momentous occasion, along with 80,000 others. It was Cheryl’s and my first time in New York and we’ll
never forget it.”
Mary Oleniczak—“We went to New York City for the papal visit without any tickets. With my sons, I attended World
Youth Day twice, in Denver (1993) and Toronto (2002), where millions of young people saw Pope John Paul II. So I had
been hooked on this incredible atmosphere surrounding the Pope as the leader of our Church. It was very humbling and
exciting to be in New York even though we only saw a glimpse of Pope Francis. But as we waited four hours to get into
Central Park, we met such wonderful people from all over the world. It was truly inspiring.”
Paul Oleniczak—“It was an international gathering of people to see the Pope. We met people from Central and South
America, from Guatemala to Argentina. On our first evening there, we were on Fifth Avenue waiting for the Pope’s
motorcade and the crowds were twenty deep on the sidewalks, people singing songs and being so patient. Despite
waiting for over three hours, we then learned the motorcade took a detour and wouldn’t pass by. Amazingly, everyone
was fine and understanding about it and treated it with such good spirits. Pope Francis has that effect on people.”
Michelle David—“The Mass on Sunday in downtown Philadelphia among a sea of people was amazing. At one point, we
were told by security that we were too far away to receive Communion. So we were doing a spiritual Communion with
those around us when suddenly we saw the Papal umbrellas nearing us on the street. These colorful umbrellas marked
with the Papal seal signify Eucharistic ministers. Immediately we became part of a huge gathering of people with their
hands extended for Communion. It was an incredible and surreal sight: all these hands reaching out for Christ.”
John David—“One of the most rewarding aspects of
the journey was watching our daughters Ashley,
Katelyn and Lauren being excited about their faith.
Experiencing the vitality and diversity of the Church
was phenomenal for them. We got back to the bus at
10:00 P.M. on Sunday and then drove through the
night and the next day to get back to Grand Rapids at
noon. We were all sleep-deprived but it was worth it
beyond words.”
Yellow and white umbrellas with the Papal seal
marked the Eucharistic Minister stations in
Philadelphia.
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PARISHIONERS JOURNEY TO
THE HOLY LAND
by Deb Moore
More than fifty parishioners and friends, including this writer, made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in November,
shepherded by Fr. Troy Nevins in his first return since leading a similar group in 2010. Included this time were ten
young people, ages 11-18, who were a blessed addition to the mix. All told, we spent five nights and four days in
Jerusalem (with side trips to Nazareth and Bethlehem), and three days in Galilee.
Highlights of the pilgrimage included the celebration of daily Mass by Fr. Troy, twice at the Church of the
Holy Sepulchre (at the site of Calvary and at Jesus’s tomb), at the Church of the Nativity, at the St. John Paul II
Franciscan Center, at the Stella Maris Carmelite Convent, in Cana, and at the Mount of Beatitudes. We walked the
places Jesus walked, including numerous holy sites such as Gesthemane and the Via Dolorosa, where we took turns
carrying the cross and Fr. Troy recited the Stations of the Cross. We waded in the River Jordan, floated in the Dead
Sea, renewed wedding vows in Cana and toured Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We explored the
archaeological ruins at Caesarea and we walked in the 4th C. synagogue in Capernaum built on the foundation of the
1st C. synagogue where Jesus preached, which is located just a stone’s throw from Peter’s mother-in-law’s home,
where Jesus often stayed during his three years of ministry. We traveled across the Sea of Galilee where Jesus calmed
the wind and walked on water. Along the way, our tour guide Anis, a Palestinian Catholic and Israeli citizen, imparted
insightful commentary about the history, politics, customs and religions of the holy sites and area.
At each holy site, the reading of the corresponding gospel verses enhanced our understanding and made the
Word come alive. Pilgrim Colleen Lowe’s voice rang out beautifully at the Church of the Annunciation, the
amphitheater in Caesarea and at every Mass, glorifying the Lord. Most importantly, members of our group were
spiritually uplifted.
“During Mass at the Holy Sepulchre, I received a consolation of my entire being immersed with that of Jesus,”
said pilgrim Nancy Ingram Nienhuis. “It was the ultimate communion.”
Eleven year old Patrick Hamilton said, “The most impactful part of
the pilgrimage for me was the Via Dolorosa, which means ‘The Way of
the Cross.’ I was very moved to be the first in our group to carry the
cross and experienced many different emotions watching the others do
the same. It made me think of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus paid for
us.” Patrick’s older sister Mary Clare Hamilton said, “Throughout the
pilgrimage I was able to see where saints and holy people lived their
lives. Now I reread the Gospels, reliving my experience.”
Joey Hamilton, 16, reflected, “It was truly miraculous to touch the
place Jesus was crucified and where he conquered the grave.”
Fr. Troy summed up his experience: “There is NOTHING like praying
Mass at such sacred places, especially Calvary and the Tomb of the
Resurrection, places where Jesus and Mary were physically present. As
a priest, my deepest joy and blessing is being with people who become
more alive spiritually as they make this journey, which is why I
continue to set up this pilgrimage every so many years. I am one
blessed priest!”
IHM pilgrims on the step outside of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
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BREAKING BORDERS
by Ann Williams
Fellow parishioner and deaf-blind adventurer Bill
Barkeley (www.billbarkeley.com) has not allowed
Usher’s Syndrome, a disease that is destroying both his
hearing and sight, to keep him from experiences that
most of us with perfect vision and hearing would never
attempt, such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and
Mount Quandary, leading expeditions to the Amazon,
Machu Picchu and the Grand Canyon, and running the
Boston Marathon—twice.
Bill is an adventurer in the true sense of the
word. Perhaps his more important calling, however, is
challenging and inspiring others—disabled or not—to
embrace a pioneering, adventuring spirit and to
overcome personal challenges, whatever they may be.
In Bill’s own words, “Barriers are real. One can
realize that a rich and fulfilling life is possible if we
adopt a mindset to transcend and overcome them. By
inspiring and aspiring to new heights, skills or
experiences, those with physical challenges can set high
bars and define themselves rather than the other way
around.”
Over the past seven years, Bill has chosen
adventures that allow him to start global conversations
around being deaf and blind and the impact of sight
and hearing loss on people. In addition, he started No
Barriers USA organization (http://
www.nobarriersusa.org).
In August 2015 Bill led an expedition to Peru
that included our own Hannah Cluley, daughter of
Dave and Nancy. Hannah was one of a group of
student adventurers, all of whom have some degree of
hearing loss. Their travels took them to Lima and
Cuzco where they visited an orphanage for girls, a coed
day school for deaf children, and a remote culture high
in the mountains above Machu Picchu.
Holly, an American adventure guide, accompanied
the group and brought along her newly adopted son Dante,
12, who had lived in a remote Peruvian mountain village.
Dante was born deaf and lost his mother shortly after his
birth. He failed to thrive and did not walk or speak until he
was seven. Then he met Holly who arranged with his father
and grandfather to adopt him and bring him to the United
States to access resources to help him overcome the
challenge of living with deafness. Holly and Dante now live
in Texas where Dante has started learning American Sign
Language, beginning his education and pursuing his version
of the American dream with Holly.
Hannah said she and the other students were
shocked at Dante’s total inability to communicate during
the early years of his life and the lack of help for him and
other people with hearing impairments.
All of the
students had benefitted from resources available to them
in America to help them live with their disabilities,
including cochlear implants, schooling for the hearing
impaired, and being able to learn American Sign
Language. As a result of the trip, the students’
appreciation for such resources grew exponentially
and likely never will be taken for granted. And Dante
was amazed at the resources NOT available to
Peruvians.
As for Hannah, she came home fired up to start
an organization to help the hearing impaired in Peru.
After the initial adrenaline rush passed however, she
acknowledged that a more personal response would
be more practical and fruitful. She is determined to
push forward through any struggles she experiences
and to help others do the same–just as Bill intended.
Hannah Cluley and Bill Barkeley
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Parishoner Profile:
Finding Peace at Immaculate Heart of Mary
by Khue Dinh
Oftentimes it seems today’s news reels read in a pattern-like way: the upcoming presidential race, the war
on terrorism, the refugee debate and so on. The latter of these news stories, in particular, is one that Immaculate
Heart of Mary parishioners have firsthand exposure to.
A refugee is “one that flees, especially: a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or
persecution” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In 2014, the top countries of origin for refugees to Michigan were Iraq,
Burma and Somalia. In addition to the many Burmese families who have joined our parish in recent years, we also
have a family who hails from Iran. Our most recent refugee arrival is a family of four from the Congo.
After escaping their homeland and spending six years in Uganda under international protection, Ngalula
Chantal Kaleta and her children, Christian Sambu Kaleta and Jemima Sambu Ndandu, along with her niece
Mangabu Rose Kamuleta were sponsored by Bethany Christian Services to come to Grand Rapids. A close family
friend, Fr. Jean Ikanga, also from the Congo but studying in the U.S, recognized Grand Rapids as the home of his
University of Detroit Mercy colleague and IHM graduate and parishioner, Jacklyn Grabow. Fr. Jean reached out to
Jacklyn to be a connection for Chantal and her family during their transition. Little did he know that behind
Jacklyn was a parish overflowing with love and support. A quick email to the friends of the Grabow family
produced monetary donations, furniture and clothing. Father Troy accepted 14-year-old Jemima as a student at
IHM School and Amy and Joe Hamilton helped secure a spot at Catholic Central High School (CC) for 17-year-old
Christian with financial support from Amy’s prayer group. Dan Bowen established employment at SunMed Medical
Systems for Chantal and 19-year-old Rose. Transportation was arranged with fellow parishioner and Burmese
refugee Andrew Dim. Paul Madison, Maria Weber, Christine Stamper, Christy Brown, Mary Jo VanderPoel and
Alison Lyons provided the family with groceries, towels, blankets, clocks, furniture and a television to help the
family learn English.
Through their support, Chantal’s family has settled in and adjusted quite readily to life in the United States.
According to Christian, his family’s short-term goals are “to gain U.S. citizenship and survive Michigan’s infamous
winter season,” he said with a smile. He hopes to join the CC soccer team next year and dreams of becoming an
engineer. Eighth grader Jemima has made new friends and said she would like to enroll at CC and play on the
volleyball team next year; she hopes to study law one day. Rose may look into college courses in the future, hoping
to one day become a journalist.
Although the past holds traumatic and
heartbreaking memories for the family, there is a
palpable calming presence about Chantal. She
no longer feels alone. “IHM feels like family. I
don’t worry anymore and I feel safe,” Chantal
said. She wishes that she could express how
appreciative and grateful she is for IHM receiving
her family so wholeheartedly. “‘Thank you’ is not
enough…there are no words big enough.”
When you see Chantal, Christian,
Jemima, and Rose, be sure to extend your own
welcome to them.
Left to Right; Christian, Rose, Jemima, Chantal
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Blessed Bartolo Longo
by Phil May
There is no doubt that Jesus’s loving mercy is limitless and God’s children are never too far from the reach of His
mercy. Blessed Bartolo Longo testifies to that.
Born on February 10, 1841, Bartolo came from a wealthy and devout Catholic family in Italy. In addition to
never missing Mass, they prayed a daily Rosary. When he was ten years old, Bartolo’s mother died, which triggered
the family’s falling away from the faith. In high school, he and some classmates went to a fortune teller, which
increased disordered desires within him.
When Bartolo entered the University of Naples, he had become a prime target for spiritual growth, not
toward Christ, but toward evil. The school taught courses that undermined Catholicism, including one course
taught by a fallen-away priest who questioned whether Jesus was God. Bartolo frequented fortune tellers. He
thirsted for occult knowledge and progressively adopted a satanic belief system, culminating in his becoming a
satanic priest.
Over time, Bartolo experienced both mental and physical problems, including diabolical visions and
depression. He would say that his life was guided by his “spirit angels” who led him to blaspheme the Catholic
Church. A professor at the University helped Bartolo realize that Satan was the cause of his physical and mental
problems and guided him to a Catholic priest who guided a protracted, month-long confession. On the Feast of the
Sacred Heart in 1865, after receiving absolution in the sacrament of confession, Bartolo received Holy Communion.
After that glorious moment where God’s grace and mercy were made tangible in those two sacraments, Bartolo
dedicated his life to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Despite his conversion to Jesus, many people who
knew Bartolo’s past life scorned or shunned him. He found healing in this loneliness by dedicating himself to
praying the Rosary.
Then Bartolo found his opportunity to reciprocate God’s mercy. After visiting Pompeii on business, he saw
that Mass attendance at the local church was extremely low and that the community was confused by superstitions
and skewed ideas. Bartolo took the initiative to stay in Pompeii and build a new church. With a devotion to Our
Lady of the Rosary, he taught and catechized the people. He published a magazine promoting good works that
became the most widely read periodical in Italy. Pilgrims came to Pompeii and a larger church was built to
accommodate them. Bartolo wrote: “We only wanted to provide for a religious life of poor peasants. We succeeded
instead in producing a truly universal movement of faith, a Catholic movement, Catholic just as the church is.” He
built orphanages, trade schools, and schools and nurseries for the poor. Bartolo Longo died in 1926. He was
beatified October 26, 1980, by Pope John Paul II.
When Pope Francis announced that our current liturgical year would be a Jubilee Year of Mercy, he called
us to reacquaint ourselves to mercy. How might it be defined for you this year?
Spiritual Works of Mercy
1. Counseling the Doubtful
2. Instructing the Ignorant
3. Admonishing the Sinner
4. Comforting the Sorrowful
5. Forgiving Injuries
6. Bearing Wrongs Patiently
7. Praying for the Living and the Dead
Corporal Works of Mercy
1. Feed the Hungry
2. Give Drink to theThirsty
3. Shelter the Homeless
4. Visit the sick
5. Visit the Prisoners
6. Bury the Dead
7. Give Alms to the Poor
Blessed Bartolo Longo
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Parish Bulletin Board
VOCATIONS UPDATE
Matthew Berrios (IHM 2002) is currently a
seminarian with the Paulist Fathers, attending
Catholic University of America in
Washington, D.C. He is on schedule to
graduate in the spring of 2017 with a Master
of Divinity and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology
along with a certificate of endorsement in
Greek. Matthew will be ordained a
Transitional Deacon in September 2016 and
ordained a Priest in May 2017.
SPECIAL COURT APPOINTMENT
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder
recently named T.J. Ackert as a judge
for the Kent County Circuit Court
Family Division. T.J. joins another
parishioner, Patrick Hillary, in
adjudicating cases involving domestic
relations, abuse, neglect and juvenile
delinquency. Look for T.J.’s name on
the election ballot in November 2016,
when he will be running for a full sixyear term.
Left: Seminarian Matthew Berrios
Dominic Couturier is a Pre
Theologian seminarian studying
Philosophy at Saint Mary’s of the
Lake Seminary in Mundelein,
Illinois. Next year he will enter
theological studies as a first year
Theology student. By the way,
Dom is Fr. Troy’s second cousin.
2015 PICTORIAL DIRECTORIES HAVE ARRIVED
Be sure to stop by the parish office to pick up your
complimentary pictorial directory if your family
had their photo taken. If you haven’t yet picked up
your free 8 x 10, that is available as well. Those
who didn’t participate but would like to have a
copy of the directory may purchase one for $10.
Thank you to all the families and volunteers who
participated in the directory over the course of last
summer; a special shout out goes to Betsy
Pangle for her photography skills and talent in
putting together the activity pages. We hope you
enjoy and use this directory to get to know your
fellow parishioners better. 6
Stephen Jakubowski (IHM
2009) is in the undergraduate
seminary with the congregation
of Holy Cross at the University of
Notre Dame.
1935 Plymouth Ave SE
Grand Rapids MI 49506
Newsletter Staff
Contributors
Phil May
LeAnne Miron
Khue Dinh
Deb Moore
Terry Moore
Ann Williams
Proofreader
Ann Williams
January
15
16
25-29
February
6
March
Stuffing Team Coordinator
Ann Williams
Graphic Design
Lauren Murphy
April
UPCOMING EVENTS
Divine Mercy Cenacle presents “Mercy and Truth
Shall Meet” : speaker Ralph Martin @ 7:00 PM
Couples Date Night
Catholic Schools Week
10
12-15
20
26-27
Parish Winter Social, sponsored by the Kilgoar
Foundation
Ash Wednesday
School Midwinter Break
Couples Date Night
Pre Cana
5
12
19
24
25
26
27
Lenten Retreat
St. Vincent de Paul Pasta Dinner
Couples Date Night
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday
2-10
School Spring Break
LOOKING FOR WRITERS- If you want to write for The Heartbeat or have a story suggestion for the
Spring 2016 issue, please contact Deb Moore djbmoore@comcast.net before March 10th.
Did you know IHM has a Facebook page? Please “like us” on Immaculate Heart of Mary Grand Rapids and follow all of our updates, postings and communications. We are just a click
away!
Download the MyParish app at no cost to your IOS or mobile device by going to the App
Store or iTunes. Keep in touch all week with IHM updates, news, events and more. It’s a great
faith-building resource.
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