Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter January 2014

You will make known to me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forever.  Psalm 16:11.  Source:  Scripture verse for January, 2014, Silent Reminders, Inspirational Scenic Calendar.

A Good Beginning for 2014.  Good News from Serra International.
From Serra's Council for the U. S.
On the weekend of November 21-24, 2013, the Executive Committee of the United States Council of Serra International met in Carmel, California.  Most of our members stayed for the 300-year celebration of our patron sponsored by Regions 11 and 12.  The Carmel Mission was established by Junipero Serra and is actually his burial site.
At our invitation, we were honored to have John Liston, Executive Director of Serra International, attend and participate in the USAC's meetings on Thursday and Friday.  This was a very positive step toward the Council working together with Serra International with open communication to solve issues that affect all of us.
The Western Regional Conference Committee from Region 11 put together a great event featuring good speakers, beautiful Masses, a wonderful tour of the Mission, and a scenic area to visit.  Supporting this combined regional conference, the USA Council was pleased to have more than 20 Serrans attending from Nebraska, Kansas, Ohio, Michigan, New Jersey, and California.
Finally, let us thank the Lord for all the positive steps that have taken place this year:

• Dismissal of the lawsuit
• Reinstatement of the USA Council of Serra International
• Approval of the Resolution of Unity by both the USA Council and Serra International

Hiring of the new Executive Director of Serra International, John Liston 

Task force appointed by Sean Yeo and myself consisting of Dan Grady, Tim O'Neill, Greg Schweitz, Bob Labat, Cindy Bell, and Greg Lynch, who are diligently working to bring us together into one office and continuing their efforts toward a unified Serra devoted to one worldwide mission of religious vocations.
We have many blessings to be thankful for.
Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for Us!
Dan Jones, President
Serra's Council for the U. S.
Forwarded by Tim Hile on December 6, 2013.
 
With renewed energy and dedication, let us get on with the business of Serra as we continue our ministry and mission.
Calendar of Events.
January 1, 2014.  Mary, the Holy Mother of God.  Holy Day of Obligation.
January 12. 2014.  Luncheon Meeting and Speaker, 12:00 Noon at the University Club.
January 16-19, 2014.  Serra USA Super Weekend and Leadership Training, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Rosemont, IL.    See below for more information on the serraus.org web site.
Keep in mind that all Serrans are invited to attend the Super Weekend and join the important work of Serra within the United States. To obtain registration information, call the Chicago office at 888-777-6681 or check online at www.serraus.org.  This occasion will once again provide a wonderful opportunity for us to begin the new year with our Council focused on moving forward in the spirit of Father Junipero Serra on the 301st anniversary of his birth.  
January 19, 2014.  Serra Board Meeting and Luncheon, 12:00 Noon at Sacred Heart of Jesus.
January 22, 2014.  41st Annual March for Life, Washington, D. C.  Please pray especially for our Michigan Right to Life participants, including West Catholic and Catholic Central students.  Also, check the Grand Rapids Right to Life web site for related local events.
January 26, 2014.  Prayer Service and Luncheon Meeting, 12:00 Noon at Sacred Heart of Jesus.
February 2, 2014.  World Day for Consecrated Life.  See below for more information regarding the National Church Vocations programs.
May 11, 2014.  World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
July 10-13, 2014.  Serra International Convention, Sacramento, CA.
November 2-8, 2014.  National Vocation Awareness Week.

serraus.org web site.  
The mission of the web site is to foster and affirm vocations to the priesthood and vowed religious life.  The USA Council of Serra International invites you to visit often so that you are able to browse all of the valuable information provided in support of your mission and ministry to foster and promote vocations through prayer, awareness, affirmation and support.  This online resource is designed to help you meet your USA Serra club and vocation ministry needs.

National Coalition for Church Vocations Programs.  
If you'd like to get your parish more involved in one or more of the three vocation events (Vocation Awareness Week, World Day for Consecrated Life, and World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the serraus.org web site provides links to all sorts of materials aiding in the planning of these events:  liturgy planning guides, music suggestions, homily guides, general intercessions, prayer services, prayer card masters, bulletin announcements, clip art, and posters.  NVAW:  Item 712, (English) via Adobe PDF download, or Item 713 (Spanish);  WDfCL, 716 (English) or 717(Spanish); or WDoPfV, Item 720 (English) or 721 (Spanish).  Call USA Council of Serra International toll free at 1-888-777 6681 or email serraus@serraus.org for more information and download instructions. 

Priests' Anniversaries for January.  
Father Fred Brucker, January 25, 1976; Father Joseph Kenshol, January 19, 1973; Fr. Mark Mitchell, January 25, 1976, Father Ernest Schneider, January 30, 1977, and Father Thomas Simone, January 30, 1977. Let us pray for these priests as they labor in the vineyards of the Lord.

A Special Kind of Vocation.  During December our diocese conducted a special collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, Washington, D. C.  The Call to Evengelize Active-Duty Young Adults remains a particular focus for the AMS.  Its Office of Evangelization supports priests-chaplains, lay leaders, and ministry co-ordinators in meeting the pastoral needs of this young generation, those who need to hear the Word of God proclaimed boldly and authentically.
Although Priest-Chaplains are in short supply, more seminarians are on the way.  Thanks to the support of our bishops, religious superiors, and increased awareness and discernment opportunities,  more young men are now entering seminaries to become priest-chaplains through the co-sponsored Seminarian Program, which splits the cost of seminarian education between a home diocese and the AMS.
The Archdiocese depends solely on generous donations from the general public, from current and retired priest-chaplains, and from private grants.
If you missed the opportunity to donate or would like more information about the AMS, you may call 202-719-3600.  Above all, let us pray for our troops and for these very special men who serve them as military chaplains.

A Tribute to Sir Ralph W. Hauenstein, Knight Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
A number of Serrans attended the presentation of the Silver Palm of Jerusalem to Sir Ralph at St. Andrew's Cathedral on December 9, our only meeting date in December.  He was assisted by his fellow Knight, Mark Kubik.  The programs provided a brief history of the Knights of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
The origins of the order date back to the First Crusade, when its lealder, Godfrey de Bouillion, liberated Jerusalem.  To secure the newly freed territories, he founded the Order.  In 1103 the Knights became agents of the Catholic bishop of Jerusalem, called the Patriarch.  The knights undertook the ongoing defense of the Holy Sepulchre and other Holy Places in the Holy Land...
After Saladin regained Jerusalem in 1182, the Order ceased to exist in the Holy Land, yet it continued to survive in Europe to keep alive the ideals of the Crusader Knights:  the propagation of the Faith, defense of the weak, and charity toward others.
In 1847 the Patriarchate of Jerusalem was restored under Pope Pius IX, who modernized it and made it subject to the new Bishop of Jerusalem...Members of the order are chosen from among persons of a deep and practical Catholic Faith and of exemplary moral conduct.
Congratulations and prayers to Ralph as he continues to serve the Faith in so many ways.

Venturing Program.
On December 13, 2013, Tim Hile wrote, "West Catholic has decided to renew their Venturing Program and they are looking for our support.  Half of the $665 fee can be reimbursed by the Serra Foundation.  So, the cost to our club is $332.50.  I feel this is a good investment for vocations in general for our community.
Discussions have begun with Catholic Central as well for their Peer Ministry program and a small discernment group..."  This past month the Board agreed to the $332.50 donation to continue our support of this program.
For those new to the club, and as a reminder to all members, we note the following 2007 message from serraus.org:
Gerald  Ford Council Starts a Venturing Program
Congratulations are in order for Dennis Leiber, fhte Serra Club of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Diocesan Catholic Committee Scouting on forming the first Serra Club chartered Catholic Venturing Crew for students at West Catholic High School.  In 2006 the Serra International Foundation provided a $7000 grant to fund the establishment of Serra Club chartered Catholic Venturing Crews or Sea Scouting units in Catholic high schools.  Each Serra Club which charters a venturing crew will receive funding for one half of the expenses...

Receipt for Charitable Gift.   
Information for those who itemize their tax deductions: If you purchased tickets for the Serra Club Dinner on September 28, Joseph Scoville can provide receipts with the Serra International logo for the deductions.

Congratulations.  Andrew Cozzens, son of Serrans Judy and Jack Cozzens, has been installed as Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul-Minneapolis.

A Message from our President.
Dear Serrans:

I ask that you pray for me and our local Serra Club as we work together on our own important mission as the vocation arm of the Catholic Church..
We have just celebrated the birth of Baby Jesus.  What a wonderful display of God's awesome love for us, (that He gave his only begotten Son). That is the best gift of all during the Christmas season.  We are also reminded of the Holly Family at this time of year and of our responsibilities as parents, using Mary and Joseph as our role models to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
There were two wonderful opportunities for Serrans to socialize this December.  The presentation of the Silver :Palm Award to Ralph Hauenstein and cocktail party as well as the Schubert Choir (which has become a wonderful holiday tradition for many of our Serrans).
I would like especially to thank and recognize John Osterhart and Dan Grady for all their work as Grand Rapids Serrans plus all their work for USAC (John) and Serra International (Dan).  We are so lucky to have these two talented gentlemen in our club.
Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for us!
Agnes Kempker-Cloyd

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter December 2013

Calendar of Events.
December 9, 2013.  Bestowing of the Silver Palm Award to Ralph Hauenstein, 6:00 p.m. in the chapel at St. Andrew's Cathedral.  Reception in Ralph's honor will follow in the foyer on the second floor at Cathedral Square.  Wine and appetizers will be served.
The Silver Palm of the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is a very high honor awarded by the Holy Father.  During the ceremony Ralph will give a very important speech that will specifically pertain to his involvement in Serra.
Tim Hile says it is imperative for him to give an accurate count of Serrans attending the reception.  Please RSVP to him via e-mail at thile@okins.com if you wish to attend and mention the number of people in your party.  He would like to receive this information by Thursday, December 5 at 3:00 p.m.  As he suggests. this is the perfect event for anyone sitting on the fence about joining Serra.
December 9, 2013.  The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patronal Feast Day of the United States of America.  Not a Holy Day of Obligation.
December 14, 2013.  Schubert Chorus Concert, 7:30 p.m. at East Grand Rapids High School  Fine Arts Center.  More information about the Schubert Chorus to follow.  Please note that this will be our club's only meeting during December.  Invite friends and family to take part in this most enjoyable holiday experience.   Aggie will bring Schubert tickets to Ralph's award reception to those who have already ordered them.  Otherwise, order through Aggie.   She may be reached at aggcloyd@aol.com
December 16, 2013.  Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon at Sacred Heart of Jesus.
December 25, 2013.  The Nativity of the Lord.   Holy Day of Obligation in the U. S. and Canada.
December 29, 2013.  The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
December 31, 2013.  Feast Day of St. Sylvester.  New Year's Eve.
January 1, 2014.  New Year's Day.  Holy Day of Obligation.
January 16-19, 2014.  Serra USA Super Weekend and Leadership Training, Crowne Plaza Hotel at Rosemont, Illinois.  Visit serraus.org for further information.
July 10-13, 2014.  Save the date.  Serra International Convention,  Sacramento, California.  All convention masses will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, located just two blocks from the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, the official hotel of the Serra International Convention.  All convention events will take place in the Hyatt Regency, Sacramento.  Visit the serraus.org website for information about the city of Sacramento, including exclusive discounts on dining and ground transportation available to convention attendees and room information.  Serra has negotiated a room rate of USD 129.00 per night for convention attendees.

About the Chorus. 
The Schubert Male Chorus is considered the oldest independent continuing male chorus in America.  Founded by Henry C. Post, a talented pianist, teacher and music critic, along with 12 other men on November 19, 1883--and immediately expanded from 13 to 16 "just to be sure"--the Club has presented at least one major concert each year since its first on December 43, 1884.  The organization has never departed from the original intent of furthering the appreciation and performance of good choral music.
The purpose of the Chorus is to foster and develop an interest in a wide variety of music and to encourage men to participate in the pleasure of singing.  They are a group of men who love singing, enjoy camaraderie and strive for excellence in performance to the delight of our audience. 
The Schubert Male Chorus sings a wide variety of music including folk songs, patriotic, spirituals, show tunes, classical, contemporary, love songs, sea chanteys and a large variety of Christmas and seasonal selections.
The Schuberts perform at many civic and corporate functions during the year, including luncheons and dinners, benefit concerts, Immigration and Naturalization Ceremonies for new citizens, the Women's City Club, hospitals, churches and nursing and retirement communities.  We have become a favorite at many retirement communities at Christmas and in the springtime.  The chorus annual performs at the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts in June.
Editor's Note:  The Schubert Chorus is a wonderful community resource.  The Chorus welcomes new members.  Call at 616-752-7470.

Priests' Anniversaries for December.  
Father Julian Reginato, December 9, 1969.
Father Charles Dautremont, December 18, 1960.
Father Robert Gillespie, December 8, 1943.
Father Norbert Leyrita, December 21, 1963.
Father Michael Olson, December 27, 1994.
Msgr. John Porter, December 15, 1950.
Most Reverend Robert Rose, December 21, 1953.  Episcopacy Date December 6.

Liturgical Reflections on the Season.

With this First Sunday of Advent,the Church returns to the first Sunday of the first of three liturgical years.  Following the spirit of the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s, the Church thought it wise to open more of the scriptures to the Catholic faithful.  Thus the three-year cycle of readings was established, a cycle that provides a richer and fuller offering of Biblical texts for God's holy people at Mass.  As that cycle begins again, the first reading for the First Sunday of Advent includes these words:
In the days to come, the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills..."Come, let us climb the Lord's mountain, to the house of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths."
This past year, I had the privilege and blessing of traveling to Chamonix, France, and riding in a tramway
nearly to the top of Mount Blanc, the tallest mountain in the Europen Union.  It was a crystal clear day, not a cloud in the sky.  As I stood over twelve thousand feet above sea level, I was simply in awe at what lay before me.  Hundreds of snow-covered peaks surrounded me.  The jagged edges of the mountains stood in stark contrast to the piercing blue sky.  And right then and there, I thought about "the mountain of the Lord's house, "the highest mountain" toward which God's people stream in order to receive instruction in God's ways.  It was so inspiring to stand on the heights like this and have the vantage point of beholding God's creation with its awesome splendor.  And as I stood there, surrounded by tourists from all over the world, I remembered the instruction that people received on God's holy mountain.
For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem...They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.
As we contemplate God's holy mountain, let us make a special effort to pray for and work for peace in our marriages, in our families, at work, in our parishes, and in the world.  Let whatever "swords" we have tended to use in the past--bigotry, resentment, jealousy--be turned into plowshares and whatever "spears" we have held--grudges, hatred, cynicism--be turned into pruning hooks.  May this Advent and Christmas, as well as the weeks of Ordinary Time in 2014, be a time for us to turn toward a new cultivation of God's garden of peace and justice.
Source:  Jerry Galipeau, World Library Publications, the music and liturgy division of J. S. Paluch Company, Inc.
Editor's Note:  Let us apply this beautiful Advent message to all that we do, and let us pray for peace in all aspects of our lives.

A Message from Shawn Yeo, sent on November 28.
Thanksgiving is the time of year where we get together with our loved ones to celebrate God's love and goodness to us.  On this special occasion, I would like to thank each of you for all the good work you have done in the Serra lay apostolate.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your prayers, support, and encouragement ever since I became President of Serra International.
As we savor the sumptuous meal on our dinner tables and soak in the festivities, let us also remember all the joys and blessings that the Lord has showered on us, giving thanks to God for His abundant blessings, never forgetting that He alone is the source of all joy and goodness.  Let us also remember to pray for those who are in need of our prayers and especially for all priests and religious to persevere in their vocations.
Thank you and on behalf of all of the members of the Serra International Board of Trustees 2013/2014, I wish you a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving!  As the Psalmist says, "Praise the LORD.  Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 106:1).
May the Lord continue to bless,
Sean Yeo
President, Serra International

New from serraus.org. 
The serraus.org website has a new link to Padre Serra, a tribute in verse by Henry Maibusch, OSA.

Serra Status Report, Continued

Support for the USA Council--The Council staff is responsive, professional, and effective.  They answer questions, provide advice and support, and respond to requests on a full time basis.  The USA Council provides essential services to USA Serra clubs.  The Council completes and files IRS 990 forms required by the IRS for each club.  It provides officers and directors insurance and insurance covering events at which alcohol is served.  This insurance solved previous difficulties in assuring that all Serra levels were adequately covered and was substantially less costly for a domestic corporation than for an international corporation.
In addition, the Council provides and presents outstanding professionally developed leadership training for District Governors, Regional Directors, Council Officers and Committee Chairs.  It maintains and makes available, at no charge online, manuals for members, club officers, district governors, and other club positions, and manuals for special purposes such as forming new clubs, forming parish vocations committees, holding regional conferences, and model cub meeting programs, including member instruction and officer installation ceremonies.  The Council provides a forum for Serrans from around the country to come together, work on committees, exchange ideas, and advance our causes of encouraging and supporting priestly vocations, and our own members' call to holiness.
Through such efforts, the Council has developed programs like the College Connection for Catholics and the new parish-centered Five Star Program, both of which have been enthusiastically received by our USA bishops.  Other materials have been developed that support observance of the four annual calendar vocations-related celebration dates.
Serrans who serve on the Council Board and also on the International Board have commented on the outstanding quality of USA Council materials, and the high level of timeliness, organization and service they have experienced during their involvement with the Council.
In closing, I would encourage our members to take opportunities to become involved beyond our club boundaries.  You have much to offer and much to gain.
Respectively submitted,
John Osterhart

Adoration.  IHM 24-5, Code 5412.  St. Isidore 24-7, Code 613.  Spend quiet time with the Lord to pray for vocations.

Pray for Our Seminarians.  Loving God, raise up dedicated leaders who will shepherd your people and guide them to your Son.  Give generous and willing hearts to the seminarians of our diocese who have hard your call to live a life of service to the Church.
Help us to encourage and support them as they strive to become priests who are models of discipleship, possessors of wisdom, and on fire with love for your people.  We ask this through Chris our Lord.  Amen.
Source:  Diocese of Grand Rapids

Vocation Boom.  Don't forget to tune into Vocation Boom on Holy Family Radio, 1140 AM on Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.  If you want to hear past broadcasts, visit focationboom.com/listen/  Our club is a sponsor of this program.

A Message from our President.
Dear Serrans:
I ask that you pray for me and our local Serra Club as we work joyfully on our important mission as the vocation arm of the Catholic Church.  We have just finished a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, where we had an opportunity to rest and relax among our loved ones.  It is a special time to think about all God's blessings and to thank Him for all He does for us.  Most importantly, he has given us his only begotten Son.  We are especially reminded about this wonderful gift as we head into the Christmas season.
The club has two important upcoming functions, and I look forward to seeing you at them:

December 9, 2013:  Ralph's award

December 14, 2013.  Schubert Chorus Concert.

I want to give a special thank you to Nancy Mulvihill for all her work on the Club 31 project.  She does a marvelous job of organizing these parish visits for our local club.
Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for Us!
Agnes Kempker-Cloyd.