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Inside This Issue: 2 Just Imagine By JEANNINE WYATT, Stewardship Committee Member 3
Lenten Reflection for A Catholics in Our Time
4 Catholic Community Students Embrace Stewardship Sharing Gifts through Service Projects and Prayer 6
Lenten Practices: Penance and Abstinence
7 Family Faith Formation Cultivating the Rich Soil for God’s Word to Take Root
JAN/FEB/MAR 2022
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The Liturgical Cycles of the Catholic Church
Living Out Salvation History U
nderstanding the liturgical cycle of the Church enables one to draw more deeply into the story of salvation history, and the life of our Savior. As the seasons of the liturgical year are celebrated, the Church experiences a spiritual renewal based on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Elements of the Mass, such as the adornments of the Church, the colors used, the omission of certain words or instruments, and, most importantly, the readings, all help to celebrate this cycle, and to draw members of the Church more deeply into this mystery. The Church observes a three-year cycle of readings for Sunday Mass and a two-year cycle for daily Mass. The Church calendar has evolved since its beginning. The early calendar was closely linked to the Jewish calendar — Jesus was a Jew, and major events in His life happened around certain Jewish holidays. However, whereas the holiest day of the Jewish week is on Saturday, the Sabbath, for Christians every Sunday commemorates the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. The most current liturgical calendar was adapted and changes made in 1969 by Pope Paul VI. The sequence of seasons within the liturgical year is Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, the Paschal Triduum, Easter, Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time, whose name stems from the Latin word ordinalis, is so named because it consists of numbered weeks. It is broken up into two parts: Epiphany to Ash Wednesday, and the day after Pentecost until the start of Advent. Advent begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas and, like Lent, is marked by purple adornments. The use of the same color for both seasons
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c at h o l i c pa r i s h
Just Imagine
By JEANNINE WYATT, Stewardship Committee Member
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an you imagine the last time you wanted something? What did you do about it? If the answer is that you satisfied yourself and purchased it, then imagine a child wanting a bike for Christmas… REALLY wanting one and dreaming of it, but it was out of reach for the child. The girl living in a safe shelter wishing to find the gift of a new pair of shoes for Christmas; a young mother in a disruptive family situation with a toddler and baby needing diapers for her two children; the man who is about to have his family separated due to behavioral issues of two of his children, needed something as simple as new underwear and a new shirt to wear because his shirt had worn so thin you could almost see through it. These are all things we would have simply gone downtown and purchased for ourselves without thinking much about it. When I saw the beautiful red bike at the Gifts From the Heart ministry table, I could not help but wonder who the recipient would be. What joy and excitement would fill that child! As a member of the parish’s new Stewardship Committee, I had the opportunity to get closer to that situation and experience it from afar. The child who received the beautiful red bike had no bike and had dreamed and hoped for a bike. There was fear of disappointment, but a generous-hearted parishioner made that dream come true! The child now sees the red bike as their most prized possession and enjoys riding it. That child takes excellent care of that bright red bike! Thanks to all Corpus Christi parishioners who so generously participated in the Gifts From the Heart effort in 2021. You may have thought it was simply a gesture of goodwill during the Christmas season; however, you have no idea how your faithful stewardship touched a life and made a difference. During the upcoming year, I will bring you information about Gifts From the Heart, which began in 1997 by Pat Shultz who, at that time, was the church secretary. Since 2014, Angela Loch has faithfully led Gifts From the Heart. We are grateful for Angela’s devotion to this ministry. There are many stories to be told from the
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recipients, both individuals and families, who have benefited from the generosity and love of Corpus Christi parishioners. As you read each article during the year and learn about their stories and if you have never participated, you may want to pick up your first heart this year. If you are a regular participant, perhaps it will let your mind wonder about the impact of your gift to another. Jesus tells us if we love and follow Him as His disciples, we will follow in His ways of love and give of ourselves to others. “We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19 “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” — Proverbs 19:17
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A Lenten Reflection for Catholics in Our Time
t seems like the phrase “in the midst” is everywhere. In the midst of a pandemic… In the midst of a global crisis… In the midst of these uncertain times. I write this on Dec. 30, knowing very well that by the time you read this things could be very different, but I also know we will still be dealing with what kinds of precautions to take, how to help those who have lost jobs, and how to help those who don’t have enough food to eat. And the list goes on — it’s extremely difficult “in the midst.” Yet, there is good news: we are never alone. At Christmas, we are reminded that God understands us, and at Easter and Pentecost, He reminds us that He is always present. God’s purpose from the very beginning was to be with His people — to be in the midst. That is why we might need this Lenten season even more greatly — because in the midst of life, we need to be reminded that it will all end physically for us, but not spiritually. Lent reminds us to practice three disciplines that will help us to know that God is present in the midst. The first discipline is prayer, and I would encourage you to try something new. Go to FORMED.org from our website to look at some new possibilities, or try a new ritual like the Rosary or
Divine Mercy or a 30-day consecration. Spending more time with the Lord in prayer obviously reminds us of His presence. Fasting is another important discipline, and it might have nothing to do with food. Simplify or get rid of something tangible in your daily life such as your closet or your schedule. Fast from social media: if not totally, then fast on certain days or certain times every day. Finally, being more attentive to those in need and supporting more charitable needs close to you. There are many who struggle and need to know by your words and actions that God is present through you in the midst. Stewardship reminds us to be thankful — to give to the One who gave everything for us and not to count the cost. Above all, no matter what the situation is in your life right now and in our world, know that God is in the midst. Sincerely Yours in Christ, Fr. Jerry Pastor
Eucharistic Adoration during Lent: Tuesdays with Jesus — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 4 and April 1 — 6-8 p.m. 3
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Catholic Community Stude
Sharing Gifts through Se
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s adults, we recognize stewardship as giving our time, talent, and treasure. But when we explain that to children, we may have to break it down a bit. This school year, the students at Corpus Christi Catholic Community are receiving real-life lessons in giving of their time, talent, and treasure through service projects that benefit Catholic Charities and other local organizations. “Our primary mission as a ministry of the church is to create disciples of Jesus,” says Principal Kirsten Wondra. “We are actively in the business of helping children develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Fr. Jerry Volz first had the idea to connect with Catholic Charities and see what support the school could offer. An August 2021 meeting with Mrs. Wondra, Fr. Jerry, Vice Principal Brian McCaffrey, and Catholic Charities led to a project for each grade level. Annette Bentzinger, Catholic Charities outreach coordinator, had many ideas to fulfill the organization’s needs. The school tied each project back to a virtue. This is the first time the school has worked with Catholic
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First-grade students packed 560 sack lunches for Corita’s Corner Sandwich Ministry in Topeka.
Charities to identify needs and fill them, thanks to the support of the students and their families. To fulfill the virtue of kindness, first-grade students collected items for sack lunches and packaged everything for distribution to Corita’s Corner Sandwich Ministry. In all, they packaged 560 lunches. The seventh-grade students focused on self-control by participating in a November poverty simulation. Kindergarten students learned gentleness and dignity by collecting
toilet paper and plastic grocery sacks, and they packaged the toilet paper into bags of three rolls. The other grades are working on projects as the school year continues. “We talk about stewardship a lot,” Mrs. Wondra says. “We are a stewardship school, which means we are actively supported by every member of the parish. That level of support is inspiring for the staff, parents, and students. The teachers do a wonderful job of teaching and reinforcing the
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“Students learn about their faith, they learn through the faith, and they practice their faith every day. The fellowship and faith they nurture here at Corpus Christi, even if they stray from the path as they grow into adults, will stand as that foundation from which they can draw strength.” — Kirsten Wondra, Principal
ents Embrace Stewardship
ervice Projects and Prayer
truth that God has blessed them with gifts.” Watching the students learn how to give back has been so rewarding for Mrs. Wondra and all the school staff. They all hope these projects will lay the groundwork for a lifetime of stewardship. “We are teaching our students that a large part of their life’s work should be spent discerning how God is calling them to use their gifts and talents to build the body of Christ,” Mrs. Wondra says. “Just like Samuel, we want our children to answer the call of the Lord, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” These projects are just one small taste of how students can give of their gifts. It’s beautiful that the work is supporting those most in need. After these projects, students may be able to recognize the needs of those around them more easily. These projects are also just one small part of the work being done at the school to raise disciples of Jesus. “Students learn about their faith, they learn through the faith, and they practice their faith every day,” Mrs. Wondra says. “The fellowship and faith they nurture here at Corpus Christi, even if they stray from the path as they grow into adults, will stand as that foundation from which they can draw strength.” The stewardship projects have gotten the kids talking. The 560 sack lunches were stored in the cafeteria area until they were delivered. The other grades were in awe of the work and how small donations pooled together for something so big. The seventh-grade students realized that those living in poverty often have to make tough decisions. “Their prayers after their participation had a new depth as they petitioned for those in need,” Mrs. Wondra says. Mrs. Wondra and all the school staff want to thank parishioners for their support of Corpus Christi Catholic Community. They commit to continuing their work to fulfill our school’s mission: “With Christ as our teacher, the Corpus Christi Catholic Community will prepare students academically, socially, and spiritually to become life-long learners in a faith-filled environment.”
Kindergartners collected and packaged toilet paper and paper towels.
First-grade students packed sack lunches for donation.
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Lenten Practices: F
P enance
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or many Catholics, the practice of fasting and abstinence during Lent is as much a part of our faith as is our sacred liturgy. Catholics know that when Lent arrives, it’s time to say “goodbye” to meat on Fridays and “hello” to fish sticks and bean burritos. It’s almost as if our Lenten obligations were hardwired into our biological clock at the moment we were baptized. If there is one thing that Catholics definitely understand, it’s adhering to the laws of tradition. Indeed, the tradition of fasting and abstaining from meat during Lent draws its lineage from the early days of the faith. But why, exactly, do we fast and abstain from meat during Lent? And what are the Church’s guidelines for this tradition? In November 1966, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a pastoral statement on penance and abstinence. The statement outlines the Scriptural significance behind fasting and abstinence and directs the faithful on when it is encouraged and appropriate to do so. According to the statement, there are four main points the Church wants to make about the tradition of penance and abstinence. First, all humans are sinners. Second, penance and abstinence are ways to turn away from sin and back to God. Third, the Church is constantly in a stage of ongoing renewal and penance. And finally, Advent, Lent, and the vigils of certain feasts are the primary penitential seasons of the Church. The statement makes clear that the practices of penance and abstinence are tools created to help lead us to Christ — they are not stringent laws designed to cause discomfort and pain. Fasting, abstinence, and penance help us to reflect on, and
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A bstinence
in some way understand, the suffering and selflessness our Lord experienced during His passion and death. Traditionally, Catholics must abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, which falls on March 2 this year, and Good Friday, falling this year on April 15. And, because Christ died on a Friday, the Church asks us to also abstain from meat on all Fridays during the season of Lent. Lent is also a time of penance. In preparation for Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Church encourages all Catholics to seek forgiveness from sins and to renew their spirits in accordance with the Father’s spirit. The overarching goal of all Christians is to become “one with the Father,” and penance and abstinence help us attempt to do that. But Lent isn’t just about what we aren’t “allowed” to do. The Church encourages us all to seek ways to alleviate the pain and suffering of others — just as Christ lifted the burden of sin from the spirit of humankind — “by special solicitude for the sick, the poor, the underprivileged, the imprisoned, the bedridden, the discouraged, the stranger, the lonely, and persons of other color, nationalities, or backgrounds than our own” (Pastoral Statement on Penance and Abstinence, 15). This Lent, as the world prepares for the anniversary of Christ’s death and resurrection, take on a few Lenten practices of your own. In addition to abstaining from meat on Fridays and Ash Wednesday, find a way to share the love of Christ with others through gifts of time, talent, and treasure. The life of a disciple, as outlined in the Gospels, requires a renewed heart and a penitent soul. Seek to understand this Lent, in some small way, the magnitude of our Lord’s suffering and love.
Family Faith Formation
Cultivating the Rich Soil for God’sWord to Take Root
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he family, often called the Domestic Church, is where children are first introduced to God — it’s where they learn who He is and how to have a relationship with Him through prayer. Parents are the primary educators of their children, especially when it comes to matters of the faith. This is why Corpus Christi offers the Family Faith Formation program. Family Faith Formation is a model of religious education that draws the whole family into participation. It is designed to provide parents with the knowledge, tools, and support necessary to lead and grow their children in the faith. “Involving the whole family in faith formation is vital because studies have shown us that parental involvement in the faith-life of a child is critical to ensuring that a child develops into a practicing Christian,” says Laura Hulcher, Director of Faith Formation at Corpus Christi. “It is also a wonderful opportunity to help refresh parents with the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith as they pass it along to their children.” The Family Faith Formation program is designed for families who have children in first through eighth grades. Children can be enrolled in a public, private, or home school setting. Parents should be intending to raise their children in the Catholic faith and teach them how to lead a sacramental life. “To paraphrase a beloved parable, Family Formation is one way that we can cultivate the rich soil for God’s Word to take root, weather the storms, and be fruitful,” Laura says. There is grade-level specific curriculum that is provided through the program and taught at home. The at-home approach to teaching the faith allows families to fit the program into their full and busy lives in whatever way works best for them. The materials and syllabus cover a school-calendar year. In addition, there are sacramental-specific preparation materials. These materials are provided for children in second grade, preparing to receive their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, and
for children in seventh and eighth grades as they prepare for Confirmation. Learning about and practicing the faith primarily starts at home. However, it also involves the greater Church community — it is through community that we, as members of the Church, can enter into fellowship together and praise God together. The Family Faith Formation program recognizes this need for community and strives to gather the families together once a month for Family Formation Night to dive deeper into specific faith topics with each other.
If you are interested in getting your family involved in the Family Faith Formation Program, please contact Laura Hulcher at 785-843-6286 or lhulcher@cccparish.org.
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6001 Bob Billings Pkwy Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: (785)-843-6286 www.cccparish.org MASS TIMES: Weekday Liturgies | M-F 8:15am Saturday Liturgies | 4:00pm Sunday Liturgies | 8:30am & 10:00am
Liturgical Cycles of the Catholic Church reflects that they are each somber and penitential seasons, as the Church is called to repent of sins so that we are holier people when the feast day arrives. Both Advent and Lent are times of simplicity. During these seasons, certain omissions are made so that when they return they might have greater meaning. Adornments are kept minimal, and during Lent, instruments are sometimes omitted. In Advent, we refrain from singing the Gloria, as it is sung by the choir of angels when Jesus is born. Throughout the season of Lent, the word “Alleluia” is omitted from the Mass. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday. For the occasion, the priests’ vestments are changed from purple to rose. The word “gaudete” means “rejoice.” “If you add white paint to violet, it becomes rose,” Fr. Jerry says. “Gaudete Sunday focuses on the inner conversion as we get closer to the bright light of Christ which comes on Christmas.” The color rose is also used to break up the violet of Lent when it is worn on the fourth Sunday of Lent,
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again symbolizing that we are getting closer to the brightness of Christ. The specific date of Easter varies from year to year. The Farmers’ Almanac says, “According to a Fourth Century ruling, the date of Easter is set for the first Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first full moon of spring, occurring on or shortly after the vernal equinox, or spring equinox.” Eastertide encompasses the 50 days which bring us from Easter to Pentecost. Like Christmas, Eastertide is signified in part by white garments and adornments. White is also used on other solemn occasions throughout the liturgical year. Red, which may symbolize fire or blood, is used at Pentecost, Good Friday, and on the feast days of saints who shed their blood. Green symbolizes growth and is the color used for Ordinary Time. “It’s always important for any of us to know what we’re doing and the meaning behind the symbols,” he says. “It’s important to question and to find out answers.”
Fr. Jerry’s recommendations for learning more about our liturgical cycles include the USCCB website at www.usccb.org, and FORMED.org, a free website with lots of Catholic content. Resources are also available in the church library.
