St. Joseph and Nativity of the BVM Catholic Parishes Newsletter — Oct. 2022

St. Joseph Parish

200 Saint Joseph Drive Amherst, OH 44001 (440) 988-2848 stjosephamherst.com

Nativity of the BVM Parish 333 South Lake Street South Amherst, OH 44001 (440) 986-7011

&Joseph st. parish Nativity of the bvm parish

Kailey Baca knows that she wouldn’t be satisfied if she didn’t work every day in a Catholic Church setting. She has a real passion for ministry, and that’s what led her to take her Communications degree and seek out a job at a Catholic parish when she graduated from Kent State. Having previously worked as a videographer at St. Ambrose Catholic Parish in Brunswick, Kailey is excited to take on the role of Youth Director at St. Joseph and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, intending to build a strong youth ministry program.

Kailey started on Sept. 1 and has hit the ground running.

“It’s easy to throw the current generations to the wayside,” she says.

“I think we are seeing a real tension of faith. There are so many young people who don’t believe. It’s so sad — I don’t want them to be hopeless.”

Kailey believes it’s her mission to build relationships and bring young

Kailey Baca started on Sept. 1 as our new Youth Director and has hit the ground running, working to build a youth ministry program that includes theology and a deep dive into relationships.

Welcoming Kailey Baca as Our New Youth Director Ready to Serve Our Community and Build a Strong Youth Ministry Program

Welcoming Kailey Baca as Our New Youth Director from front cover

people to Christ. She is excited to get started and to get to know the youth of our parishes. Kailey lives in Brecksville. Christina Dupré introduced Kailey to this role — Kailey got to know her through “Compassion: the Musical,” in which she participated for several years.

“I am looking forward to speaking to young people about Jesus,” Kailey says. “I want to be a light in a dark world.”

Kailey hopes to build a youth ministry program that includes theology and a deep dive into relationships. She wants to be there for young people to walk with them through ups and downs while also serving as a resource. She also plans to have fun activities, outings, and games as part of the program.

Kailey enjoyed her work at St. Ambrose but was looking for something more ministry-based, and she is excited to tackle a new challenge. She hopes to reach as many young people as possible in her new role.

“I want to meet them where they are at,” she says.

In addition, Kailey has a background in graphic design and advertising. She was involved at the Newman Center at Kent State for her first two years of school and subsequently found a community of faith there.

“I had a great community and friends who were devoted to their faith and living a Christ-centered life,” Kailey says. “The church is not just a building — it’s a body of believers. I look forward to sharing that with them and building that here.”

In her free time, Kailey enjoys the arts. In high school, she was very active in theatre, choir, and band. She taught herself guitar and still enjoys playing and writing music. Kailey is very close with her family — her parents and her younger brother. They are big Disney fans and enjoy visiting Disney World when they can.

“My parents helped bring me up in the faith,” Kailey says. “They really instilled God in my life. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am.”

Kailey has Tourette’s syndrome, which she admits has been a challenge throughout her life. But she’s tried to stay positive through it all.

“It would have been easy to hate myself,” she says. “God has worked on me and helped me realize it’s not a bad thing. It doesn’t hinder me from living a normal life. I can still do the things that other people can. I have purpose and meaning in life.”

Kailey encourages all parishioners to stay tuned for the youth programming she will be introducing in the upcoming months.

“I want the youth to know that there is someone there for them to walk with them through life,” she says. “They don’t have to be alone in this. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.” that there is someone there for them to walk with them through life. They don’t have to be alone in this. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.”

— Kailey Baca

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OCTOBER

The Month of the Rosary Members of our St. Joseph and Nativity Parish Families,

Throughout the centuries, the Church has developed and established a theme for the months of the year. Officially, October is “the month of the Rosary,” highlighted by the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on Oct. 7.

The Rosary and its importance to our prayer lives is a fixture of our Catholic devotion. It is satisfying and affirming for me to see people with their rosaries. Praying the Rosary daily has been a part of my prayer life since I was a child, and still is today. I learned this from my parents in our family life at home.

Gratefully yours in Jesus and His Mother, Fr. Timothy J. O’Connor, Pastor Letter from Our Pastor

Since October is “the month of the Rosary,” there is no better time to renew or restore this wonderful prayer practice in our lives.

This month, I invite you to do two things. First, take hold of your Rosary. If you do not have one, this is a great opportunity to obtain one. And second, make a concerted effort to pray the Rosary this month, whether individually or as a family.

Pope Francis consistently emphasizes the importance of the family to our Church. One of his “food for thought” comments was: “People should take Sundays off so they can be with their families.” In the midst of our often busy and complex living patterns, the Pope’s advice is very good and needs to be taken to heart. The Holy Father added: “Turn off the television and put away phones during family meals and set aside time to play with or to talk with your children.” In addition to praying the Rosary, I would recommend that our families make an effort to heed Pope Francis’ words.

Finally, I would like to suggest two words and one phrase that can make our relationships with each other even stronger, whether in our own families or in our parish families. The two words are “please” and “sorry.” The phrase is “thank you.” It is amazing what these words can mean to someone around us. I do not think that we can say them often enough.

As we approach this fall season with all of the beauty and joy that it brings, let us keep in mind how the Lord has blessed us, and respond with the heart of a generous steward. And we ask the prayers of our Mother Mary — the Perfect Disciple and the Perfect Steward — to help us.

Faith Community Gets Ready for TRUNK OR TREAT Favorite Fall Activity to Take Place this Month

The days have grown shorter, the air is crisper, the leaves have been falling, and that means it’s time for Trunk or Treat at St. Joseph Parish for the children of St. Joseph and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parishes.

At least 50 parish volunteers are expected to decorate and stock their vehicle trunks with Halloween goodies or games on the Friday before Halloween, the traditional date. Setup runs from 5:30 p.m. to 6:10 p.m., and the children are set to begin their candy-gathering rounds at 6:15 p.m. More than 100 children take part in this favorite seasonal event.

“It is held in the St. Joseph parking lot between the church and the baseball fields,” says Michelle Crossan,

who has coordinated the event for the past five years. “There usually is a food truck there too, so everyone can come from work and have something to eat.

“The kids will have a parade around the lot to show off their costumes, and they visit each trunk to receive candy or have a fun activity,” she adds. “During the evening we have Best Trunk and Best Costume prizes.”

Another activity Michelle has offered has been a “glow stick hunt” in the baseball fields. The younger children are directed to one field, while the older children go to the other.

“The object is to hunt glow sticks instead of Easter eggs!” Michelle says.

Hospitality, the first pillar of parish stewardship, is a key part of the event that brings our parish children together, whether they attend St. Joseph School or public school.

“It’s safe, and we do keep it non-scary so it’s great for the younger kids to participate,” Michelle says. “Parents bring their children and grandparents can bring their grandchildren, as well. For safety reasons, it’s limited only to children from our school and church.”

No sign-up is required to take part, and the event is free to all.

“We never worry about attendance,” Michelle says.

Aside from the pandemic in 2020, the event has never been canceled for weather.

“It’s been drizzly,” Michelle says. “But we go on, just like trick or treat.”

“It’s safe, and we do keep it nonscary so it’s great for the younger kids to participate. Parents bring their children and grandparents can bring their grandchildren, as well.” — Michelle Crossan you

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Meet Mike and Jennifer Evans

Walking with the Lord Through Life’s Ups and Downs

Mike and Jennifer Evans know from experience that life isn’t always easy. Like all of us, they have had ups and downs, but they both know that our Lord is there to pull them through. Jennifer calls on a relatable quote from St. Teresa of Calcutta — “I know God won’t give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.”

The couple has been members at St. Joseph’s for more than 20 years. With their three children, they’ve always made attending Mass a priority. Jennifer is involved in Wonderful Women, the choir, Compassion: the Musical, the Youth Group, and Meals for the Shelter.

“I love being involved because I feel more connected to our church, which in turn, makes me feel more connected to God,” Jennifer says. “I meet new people, and I feel like I get to know people I already know better. It’s nice to work together with others to serve God and others.”

“I think through being involved in the church, you can maintain bonds and set examples for others to follow who may not have that foundation,” Mike adds.

One of the most important ways Jennifer and Mike have promoted the faith has been through weekly Mass attendance. This is something they hope their children will continue into adulthood. They always plan for Sunday Mass attendance — even when they are on vacation. The

family usually goes out for breakfast after Mass.

“Sunday Mass renews our commitment to each other, and no matter what strife, conflict, or harsh words are exchanged at home before Mass, they get forgiven and forgotten, and it brings us back together as a family,” Jennifer says.

“Attending Mass even when it is the most challenging to schedule has hopefully carved out a commitment made to each other and God that we hope our children will pass down to their children,” Mike adds.

Jennifer and Mike’s children are Anthony, 27 (married to Chloe); Austin, 20; and Abigail, 16. Abigail attends Amherst High School. Anthony and Austin both serve in the Air Force. Jennifer and Mike both work as physical therapist assistants.

“In my job, we often only get spoken to when we aren’t doing it correctly,” Jennifer says. “Our only praise is a paycheck, but in our ministries, you’re surrounded by grateful hearts, praise, and encouragement for just sharing your time, talent, and treasure. There is no greater joy than giving God joy and feeling appreciated.”

Jennifer’s favorite and most helpful saint is St. Anthony. He helps her find lost items! Mike looks to St. Francis and St. Michael the Archangel — both of them help him navigate any challenges he faces.

Jennifer and Mike Evans with their daughter, Abigail, and photos of their sons, Anthony and Austin

MONTHLY ROSARY Opportunity for Prayer and Community-Wide Fellowship

October is the month of the Rosary, and it’s a great time to come to know and reflect upon this powerful way of prayer. In every Marian apparition, Our Lady has asked us to pray the Rosary for the salvation of souls and for peace in our world. At Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we have a special devotion to Our Lady through the Altar and Rosary Society. On the first Friday of each month, parishioners from Nativity and surrounding parishes gather at 11 a.m. to pray the Rosary and afterward enjoy fellowship with a luncheon and social hour.

“We are a very small parish and it’s bringing us together like a family,” says parishioner Kathy Rokasy. “We’re inviting other members to the family from other parishes. People have said they feel comfortable coming here.”

Kathy is one of the facilitators for the monthly event. She remembers attending First Friday services in her childhood. Praying the Rosary on this particular day was, for her, a way to go to Our Lady in the same way a child goes to their mother when they need help.

“To me, you go to your mama first, when you’re a little kid and you need help,” Kathy says. “Mom was home, dad was working all the time. When you have a problem, who’s the first person you go to? The first person my husband and I will go to is Mary, to Jesus through Mary.”

In addition, Kathy organizes our annual October Rosary event, which includes a candle procession around the church,

a litany, and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, along with a homily and readings.

“I’ve been doing that for probably five years now,” Kathy says. “It seems to have been well received.”

The Rosary is an important part of Kathy’s spiritual life. When Kathy and her husband, John, lost their son, Matthew, at age 24, the two turned to the Rosary as a way of dealing with their loss.

“We are a very small parish and it’s bringing us together like a family. We’re inviting other members to the family from other parishes. People have said they feel comfortable coming here.” — Kathy Rokasy

Pictured are Altar and Rosary ladies from left to right; Kathy Rokasy, Marilyn Siekeres, and Cindy Miller.

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MONTHLY ROSARY Opportunity for Prayer and Community-Wide Fellowship page

“I truly do not know what I would have done without my faith, that carried me and John through Matthew’s death,” Kathy says. “Without faith, who do you turn to?”

As she prays through the repetitive prayers of the Rosary, Kathy thinks of each mystery and the fruits that accompany them, such as purity or confidence. For her, it’s about more than simply getting through the prayers.

“I think about the fruit, then go into the prayers,” Kathy says. “I imagine what’s happening like when the angel came to greet Mary, I relate to when I went to the gynecologist and they told me I’m going to be a mom, and those emotions I felt, I’m sure she felt a hundred times more than that. I can also relate to Mary losing her Son and John and I losing ours.”

Similar to Kathy, Carol Brewer has a personal devotion to the Rosary. Carol also helps with the setup of the monthly Rosary event, as well as organizing our annual May Crowning. She has had a lifelong devotion to Our Lady and the Rosary and remembers praying it when she was growing up. Carol believes that the ministry has encouraged and brought attention to the importance of praying the Rosary, and hopes that will continue.

“I am proud and blessed to be a part of this loving ministry,” Carol says. “I feel this is part of my discipleship. I have been devoted to the Rosary from a very young age. I have felt a special closeness to Our Blessed Mother in my life.”

All are welcome to attend the First Friday devotions. The group stops meeting in November for the winter but will resume in the warmer months.

“The ministry is important to the life of the parish,” Carol says. “Prayers, ministries, and organizations are the life of the parish, and the Altar and Rosary Society provides this.”

Carol Brewer has a personal devotion to the Rosary — she helps with the setup of the monthly Rosary event, as well as organizing our annual May Crowning.

STEWARDSHIP

What to do With a Windfall?

Abusinessman sells some property for a nice profit.

A woman retires from a 20-year career at age 43. A high school student discovers he has an exceptional talent for playing the piano. What do they have in common?

Each person has recently received a windfall — an unusually large gain of money, time, or talent. Now each must answer a question — what to do with this newfound gain?

The businessman, already somewhat financially successful, finds that the profit from the sale of rental property is unexpectedly large. For the first time, he feels an urge not to save it, but to share it. The next Sunday, even though he already contributes to his parish, he puts a larger sum in the offertory basket. He also knows of a local charity that supports low-income mothers, and mails them a generous donation.

After her retirement from the Air Force, a woman finds she has a large amount of time during the day. Her husband works full-time and her two children are in high school. She hears a quiet voice asking, “How can you give back for all that you have received?” She calls her pastor and explains that she has the time to play a significant role in a parish ministry. He asks her to

re-invigorate their newcomer’s ministry and visit each new family, to which she happily agrees.

In his high school music class, a 10th-grader discovers an amazing talent to play piano. After encouragement from family and friends, he joins the ensemble at the Sunday morning Mass. He even volunteers to play at special functions at the parish when needed.

In all three cases, the businessman, retiree and student have received something of value, and have made deliberate choices to share it with others, particularly within their parish.

Of course, it could have been different. The businessman could have taken an especially extravagant vacation. The woman could have done any number of things with her free time (couldn’t we all?). The young pianist could have used his talent to form a band or make a recording. And the truth is that they can still do all those things. But having received such wonderful gifts, their gratitude compels them to share a portion of them. After all, what do they lose by sharing what was already a gift to them from God?

We’re all gifted and are called to share on a daily basis. But when the big blessings come, let’s pray for the grace to be even more generous than ever.

st. Joseph

& Nativity

Within Arm’s Reach

By NATHAN FRANKART

Peace of Christ to you! As an ongoing process in our renovation project at the seminary, I am currently staying at a convent nearby. The renovations and Heart of the Shepherd campaign is set to complete this December — stay tuned to hear how the new rooms for the graduate students turn out!

Until then, I get the amazing grace to pray in a very unique way. In this convent, we have converted an old sitting room into our personal chapel, with an altar and everything. This is where my class, the rest of the members of II Theology, sit together for our daily prayers and Liturgy of the Hours.

Here, we are right next to the tabernacle, literally, My seat is within arm’s reach of Jesus’ resting place. Out of all my experiences possible in the seminary, I know that this one is incredibly particular and special. Even if I am feeling tired at 6:45 a.m. or feeling distracted from all the responsibilities and tasks for the day, knowing that Christ resides a few feet away always provides consolation and solace.

How privileged am I? I think of all the people who have ever been Christian for thousands of years who, under persecution or difficult circumstances, have been denied access to the Eucharist. Here I am, practically touching the tabernacle, reflecting on how so many people would yearn to just gaze upon the Body of Christ.

There is a deep mystery here, that even looking at the tabernacle and being in its proximity fills and renews me, that there is nothing required or expected while in His presence. I just receive. So many have deeply desired to be this close, to dwell with Him. It fills me with a passion to be formed, to be changed by this privilege. It makes me think about the true purpose of the Eucharist.

We consume the Eucharist that Jesus may consume us — to be totally for Christ, invigorated by His love, and therefore become His hands, feet, and heart to the whole world. We do it for all those who do not receive the Eucharist, that they may come to know Jesus by encountering us. Hopefully in that encounter, they come to understand the beauty of the Eucharist, and desire it themselves. Fall in love with the Eucharist, that others might come to know the God humbly hidden, and within arm’s reach.

There is a deep mystery here, that even looking at the tabernacle and being in its proximity fills and renews me, that there is nothing required or expected while in His presence. I just receive. So many have deeply desired to be this close, to dwell with Him. It fills me with a passion to be formed, to be changed by this privilege.

AD SPACE

AD SPACE Nativity st. Joseph

Nativity of the bvm parish

200 Saint Joseph Drive, Amherst, OH 44001

Fr. Tim O’Connor Serving Both Parishes

Mass:

Monday, 9:00 a.m. - St. Joseph

Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. - Nativity of the BVM

Thursday, 7:00 p.m. - St. Joseph

Friday, 9:00 a.m. - St. Joseph

Saturday, 4:00 p.m. - St. Joseph 5:30 p.m. - Nativity of the BVM

Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. - St. Joseph

Confession at St. Joseph: Thursday - Individual Reconciliation 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Saturday - Individual Reconciliation 11:00 a.m. - noon

Eucharistic Adoration (Chapel) at Nativity of the BVM: Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Upcoming Activities and Events

First Saturday Rosary Saturday, Oct. 1 — 9 a.m., St. Joseph Church

Hospitality Tuesday

Tuesday, Oct. 4 — Following 8 a.m. Mass, Nativity Parish Hall

Altar and Rosary Society Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 4 — 6:30 p.m., Nativity Parish Hall

Parent Club Meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 4 — 6:30 p.m., School MPR

Stewardship Renewal Weekend

Remember your commitment cards

Saturday, Oct. 8 and Sunday, Oct. 9 — at all Masses, Nativity and St. Joseph

No School

Friday, Oct. 14

Knights of Columbus Clambake

See bulletin to purchase tickets Saturday, Oct. 15 — 5:30 p.m., Amherst Eagles, 1161 Milan Ave.

Candlelight Rosary Service Dessert to follow in the parish hall Wednesday, Oct. 19 — 7 p.m., Nativity Church

Parish Health and Wellness Blood Pressure Checks

Saturday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 23 Following the 4 p.m., 8:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. Masses at St. Joseph Church gathering area hall

First Reconciliation Parent Meeting Sunday, Oct. 23 — following the 11 a.m. Mass, St. Joseph Church

Knights of Columbus Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 25 — 7 p.m., School MPR

Trunk or Treat

See bulletin for details Friday, Oct. 28 — St. Joseph Church parking lot near the baseball fields

Confirmation Parent Meeting Sunday, Oct. 30 — following 11 a.m. Mass, St. Joseph Church

Knights of Columbus Fifth Sunday Rosary Sunday, Oct. 30 — 2:30 p.m., St. Joseph Church

Men’s Group

Tuesdays, Oct. 4 and 18 — 7 p.m., St. Joseph Social Hall

RCIA Meetings

Mondays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 — 7 p.m., Nativity Parish Hall

PSR Classes

Wednesdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 — 5:45 p.m., School

Faithfully Fit Yoga Classes

Tuesdays and Thursdays in October — 9:30 a.m., Nativity Parish Hall

Youth Group Meetings

See bulletin for details Sundays in October, St. Joseph Convent/Hall