MOSAIC Spring 2014 | Page 2

Surprised by Joy L iving a joyful life is something to which most of us aspire. It is uplifting to encounter other people who are so filled with joy that we want to remain in their presence. And when we experience genuine joy ourselves, it is something we hope persists for as long as possible. Simply put, joy is attractive and contagious. In November 2013, Pope Francis presented the Universal Church with the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel. In the exhortation, he reminds us from the very start that genuine joy comes from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Joy is not something that we manufacture on our own or something superficial. Genuine joy emerges when we unite our will with the will of God; when we receive from God in silent prayer the outpouring of his grace. However, when our society thinks of joy, far too often it is linked with personal satisfaction or some form of physical pleasure that we seek to maintain or perhaps a transitory giddiness. Here the Holy Father notes that because of the pervasive consumerism and never-ending search for entertainment, our senses are dulled. In that dulled state, “God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades” (no. 2). The “quiet joy” about which the Holy Father speaks comes directly from contemplative time spent with Jesus in prayer. But after a long, cold, and bitter winter, some might find joy impossible or rarely attainable. How can I live a sustained life of joy? What keeps me from entering more deeply into the encounter with Jesus, who is the true giver of joy? What do I withhold? As you read this edition of the Mosaic, hopefully you will be moved to encounter the Lord in quiet prayer, and there perhaps, as C.S. Lewis would say, be “surprised by joy.” Be assured of the continued prayers of the Sacred Heart community as we enter the joy of the Easter season. “Joy is not something that we manufacture on our own.” Sincerely yours in Christ, Rev. Msgr. Todd J. Lajiness Rector/President Enter into a “Year of Prayer” calling the Church of of prayer for a "I ambreak out,” announcedDetroit to a seasonVigneron to thenew Pentecost to Archbishop Allen people of the Archdiocese of Detroit in a letter on January 28. This “Year of Prayer” began on Ash Wednesday, March 5, and will end on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015. The archbishop is inviting all Catholics to be open to a fresh experience of the Holy Spirit. Through prayer and willingness, by example and by action, we can be bolder proclaimers of the Christian message. “Evangelization” is the “first of our mission priorities,” writes the archbishop. Learn more about the Year of Prayer at aod.org/yearoffaith, including personal and parish resources. See the back cover for the Year of Faith prayer. SPRING 2014 SACRED HEART MAJOR SEMINARY Chairman, Board of Trustees The Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron Archbishop of Detroit Rector/President Rev. Msgr. Todd J. Lajiness Vice Rector/Dean of Formation Rev. Gerard Battersby Dean of Studies Rev. Timothy Laboe Dean, Institute for Ministry Dr. Janet Diaz Director of Finance, Treasurer Ann Marie Connolly Director of Facilities Management John Duncan Director of Educational Technology Chad Hughes Director of Development and Stewardship David Kelley Director of Institutional Advancement Edmundo Reyes MOSAIC Executive Editor Rev. Msgr. Todd J. Lajiness Editor Daniel Gallio Director of Alumni Relations Rev. Richard Perfetto Contributing Writers Stephen Brunner Fr. Charles Canoy Fr. Patrick Collins, CM Dr. Janet Diaz Martha Demerly Dr. Eduardo Echeverria Fr. Robert Fastiggi Fr. Charles Fox Tamra Fromm Kerri Lenartowick Mark Livingston Alberto Nickerson Karolyn Surmont Mosaic is published two times per year by Sacred Heart Major Seminary 2701 Chicago Boulevard Detroit, Michigan 48206 313-883-8500 www.shms.edu [email protected] © 2014, Sacred Heart Major Seminary Designed by Allegra of Plymouth www.allegra-printing.com