Chairman , Board of Trustees The Most Rev . Allen H . Vigneron Archbishop of Detroit
Rector / President Rev . Msgr . Todd J . Lajiness
Vice Rector / Dean of Seminarian Formation Rev . Stephen Burr
FROM THE RECTOR
“ I am the vine , you are the branches . Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit , because without me you can do nothing ” ( Jn . 15 : 5 ). These words are part of an expansive teaching by Jesus on the importance of coming to new life in him , abiding in him , and being sustained by him sacramentally . We know that to live in communion with Jesus is to share in the divine life of God . To live in communion with Jesus is to truly live , to be alive , and to live with an orientation toward eternal life .
In recent years , the challenges presented by technology , which seems to invade every aspect of our lives , often create digital barriers that quietly but significantly cut us off from one another . I say “ quietly ” because the technology is often accompanied by the ubiquitous headphones or earbuds that say : “ I ’ m in my own space , don ’ t bother me right now .”
Upon these challenges , we have been navigating a global pandemic that has further isolated us from one other and from God . Our relationships with one another are so much more than texts and emojis , and our relationship with God is so much more than just an intellectual hobby . These relationships are real . And God invites us into the most amazing relationship we could ever imagine , one that we do not merit , but
Our relationship with God is so much more than just an intellectual hobby .”
one that changes us forever and places us on a pathway to eternal life . We are called to communion and to be part of the body of Christ .
As Jesus continues his teaching in John , he says : “ If you remain in me and my words remain in you , ask whatever you want and it will be done for you ” ( Jn . 15 : 7 ). Here Jesus asks us to allow his word to find rich soil in our hearts so that the truth he shares with us can take root and transform our lives . In doing so , our lives radiate the love , mercy , and compassion of the living God . We
are drawn into a life of conversion and express a real desire to give witness to the one who has given us new life .
As you read the feature articles of this issue of Mosaic , I pray that you find renewed hope in the call that Jesus gives for us to be a people called to holiness , a people called to abide in him , a people called to be in communion with him sacramentally , and a people called to give witness to a world that communion in the Lord brings life !
May God bless you for your continued support of Sacred Heart Major Seminary !
Sincerely In Christ ,
Rev . Msgr . Todd J . Lajiness Rector / President
Dean of Studies Rev . Timothy Laboe
Dean , Institute for Lay Ministry Dr . Matthew Gerlach
Director of Finance , Treasurer Ann Marie Connolly
Director of Facilities Management John Duncan
Director of Alumni Relations & Special Events Emily Berschback
Executive Editors Rev . Msgr . Todd J . Lajiness Edmundo Reyes
Editor in Chief Christine Warner
Managing Editor Casey McCorry
Creative Director Paul Duda
Contributing Writers Bishop Gerard Battersby Maggie Bickerstaff Dr . Patricia Cooney-Hathway Dr . Janet Diaz Deacon Michael Houghton Casey McCorry
Contributing Photographers Valaurian Waller Marek Dziekonski
Cover Image Birmingham Museums Trust , Unsplash
Mosaic is published two times per year by Sacred Heart Major Seminary 2701 Chicago Boulevard Detroit , Michigan 48206 313-883-8500 mosaic @ shms . edu
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Sacred Heart Major Seminary | Mosaic | Spring 2021