Families in Faith Catholic Parishes Newsletter — Jan/Feb 2021

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Respect Life Ministry: A Witness to the Value of All Life S ometimes it’s all too easy to tune out information that’s difficult or unpleasant. It’s more convenient to stay in our comfortable world, giving little or no attention to things that don’t appear to directly affect us. But sometimes, we’re forced out of our rosy lives to face the reality that surrounds us.

A couple of years ago, several St. Theresa parishioners watched the movie Unplanned, sharing the conversion story of former abortion worker Abby Johnson. The film invites viewers to consider the dark realities of an issue that is often politicized, but also easy to ignore in our day-to-day lives.

St. Theresa parishioner Joan Ita coordinates the Respect Life Ministry at the parish and hopes that her efforts will raise awareness about this significant issue. She also hopes that

with increased awareness of the issue of abortion comes increased prayer for an end to the disregard of human life.

“It’s something that’s dear to my heart,” Joan says. “I hope people pray about it. I think we need to shower the heavens with prayers.”

Dan Casey coordinates the Respect Life Ministry at Sacred Heart and hopes to expand their efforts and focus in the future. From abortion and the death penalty to human trafficking, Dan is working to find ways to include others in this important ministry.

One of his recent projects was inspired by his former parish in Colorado. Each year, the parish displayed several hundred white wooden crosses on the parish grounds, representing the number of children killed by abortion in the local area. Dan has worked to create a set

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Examining Our New Year’s Resolutions Through the Lens of

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very January, we all step forward into the New Year with new ideas, goals and resolutions. But after the initial sparkle of the New Year has faded, it can be easy to forget our once-fervent resolutions.

However, we might find that it’s a bit easier to keep our New Year’s resolutions if we look a bit beyond our physical selves.

By also involving our spiritual lives, as well as the lives of others, we can add a lot more meaning to our resolutions.

Renowned Catholic author Matthew Kelly says, “We’re all trying to be better versions of ourselves,” and that’s basically what any resolution is about.

Stewardship is essentially the same thing — if we embrace living a stewardship way of life, we become better versions of ourselves. We can use our time and talent to make improvements in our lives, in the lives of others, and in the life of the parish. It all comes down to one basic point — if we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God, then we are supposed to be good stewards of those gifts, use them for the benefit of others, and return our talents tenfold to the Lord.

One idea to help incorporate stewardship into your New Year’s resolutions is to 2

Stewardship make two distinct resolutions each year — one at the beginning of the liturgical year, and one at the beginning of the calendar year.

We can think of the first Sunday of Advent as the Church New Year, and we can make our own spiritual resolutions at this special time each year. Then, for the new calendar year, we can make resolutions for our health and well-being. In both cases, we can commit to these promises much in the same way we make our commitments during our annual Stewardship Renewal. We can make these resolutions, write them down, and share them with someone.

Once you’ve written it down and shared it, you are now holding yourself accountable.

We are both physical and spiritual beings. Taking care of the physical side of things is a good start, but if we ignore the spiritual side, what kind of progress are we truly making? Even if you already regularly pray, you can add five more minutes to your prayer time each day to take a step forward in your faith. Even if you read the Bible once a week, you can take a spiritual leap and make it twice a week. One way to make a good resolution is to consider joining or increasing your involvement

in one of the parish’s prayer groups, faith formation or outreach ministries.

Making resolutions requires us to truly reflect on the areas in our lives that we’d like to improve, while also ensuring that our priorities are in order.

Remember, there is no need to take a giant leap all at once.

So, as we begin a new calendar year, remember that even the smallest steps forward in faith can go a long, long way as you continuously renew your relationship with Christ.

A Letter From Our Pastor

A New Year, New Challenges, New Opportunities Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

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t is a new year, and it is my prayer for all of you — and for me, as well — that we can take new steps on our faith journeys, and seek new ways to live out discipleship and stewardship.

Pope Francis once commented on his perspective of our modern approach to life. He said, “Certainly, possessions, money and power can give a momentary thrill, the illusion of being happy, but they end up possessing us and making us always want more, never satisfied. I have learned that the most important thing is to put on Christ in your life, place your trust in Him, and you will never be disappointed.”

The pope has been called “the world’s parish priest.” As we pray for one another in this New Year, may we all ask the Lord to help us appreciate Pope Francis’ approach to life, his simple way of seeing things, and his very basic way of appreciating things. I would hope that we see this year as a time for opportunity, a time to deepen our relationship to Christ, and for that matter to one another.

If we really wish to change our lives and the lives of others, there are two easy ways to do it.

We are blessed with many opportunities in this parish to pray, but as much as it is important for us to take advantage of those, we also need to develop a strong personal prayer life. Recall

the young Samuel, who was not quite sure what to do with his life, or what direction to go. When he finally settled on that one important prayer, “Speak, Lord, for I am listening,” Samuel gave us the hint as to what we need to do.

Prayer is a two-way street, and part of that is taking the time to listen to God. The second important way is to exude joy. Christ certainly called us to do that. Pope Francis has had much to say about joy, as well. The Holy Father says, “Joy cannot be held at heel; it must be let go. Joy is a pilgrim virtue. It is a gift that walks — walks on the path of life, that walks with Jesus… proclaiming joy, lengthens and widens that path.” We must seek that joy and then we need to share it. That is truly our call. Joy translates quite easily into “love your neighbor.”

Yes, there may be challenges ahead in 2021, but we must focus on the opportunities, and then exert the effort to benefit from those opportunities. Happy New Year!

Sincerely yours in Christ and His Mother,

Fr. Antony Pastor

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Prayer Shawl Ministry Provide Recipients with a “Hug From G M

any in our parishes find knitting or crocheting to be a great way to pass the time. We can use that gift — that stewardship talent — for good at our parishes through the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Lap blankets or shawls are made and passed on to parishioners or family members of parishioners experiencing a serious or terminal illness.

Kate Connelly, a St. Michael parishioner who leads the Prayer Shawl Ministry, loves the meaning behind this ministry and how it can be a hug from ministry members and from God. She also enjoys making the shawls, as it is a good way to pass the time and wind down in the evening.

“The shawl is like a hug from God and a hug from the The shawls or lap blankets are blessed by person who made Fr. Antony before they are distributed, along with it,” Kate says. a prayer card and a letter.

The shawls or lap blankets are blessed

by Fr. Antony before Kate distributes them, along with a prayer card and a letter. As the card reads, “You hold in your hands a prayer shawl. It was made for you with prayerful hands and a prayer-filled heart to help you feel warm and loved — a heartfelt hug... May God bless you and bring you peace. May His grace and comfort fill in you in your time of need. And may you find the mystery of God in your life.”

In the future, Kate hopes to gather the group of volunteers to work together on the shawls or blankets. For now, they are completed from home by volunteers. Kate knows how much a handmade “Consider yourself hugged” — item can mean to someone going through an illness. this message to a prayer shawl “We receive a lot of positive comments,” Kate says. “The recipients recipient extends the warmth, realize that someone really cares. I hope it makes them reconsider fellowship and love that is at the Who is up there and what life is about. God is watching over us.” heart of this wonderful ministry.

“We receive a lot of positive comments. The recipients realize that someone really cares. I hope it makes them reconsider Who is up there and what life is about. God is watching over us.” — Kate Connelly 4

es

God”

This card features a special message from the ministry, as well as the Prayer of Comfort.

Marilyn Sheef initiated this ministry after visiting her sister who was doing a similar ministry at her parish. Marilyn brought the idea back to our parish community, and the ministry was founded. Funnily enough, Marilyn didn’t know how to knit or crochet at the time!

Marilyn is thankful she started this ministry and that she can contribute to those going through a difficult time.

“I love the sense of comfort this provides and praying for someone in need,” she says.

This prayer shawl card features a painting and some words on “The Legend of the Dogwood Tree.”

Kate Connelly would love to see more parishioners help with this ministry.

Information on size and specifications for the shawls and blankets can be obtained by contacting Kate at 308-223-9034.

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The Great Catholic Educator:

St. Thomas Aquinas

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efore Thomas Aquinas was even born, a holy hermit told his mother he was to be more learned and holy than any other person of his time.

As a young boy, he was devoted to prayer and meditation, and his intellectual gifts were quickly recognized. When he

Thomas’ greatest works arise from his total focus on knowing and understanding God, and revealing as clearly as possible the Truth of God to others.

He showed that faith and reason are not in conflict, but exist in harmony.

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was about 11 years old, he was sent to the University of Naples, and about five years later, he became a Dominican friar.

Thomas’ parents were Italian nobility and were not enthusiastic about Thomas’ choice of vocation. They went so far as to have his brothers capture him while he was en route to Rome, and they held him prisoner for two years in an effort to destroy his vocation and his virtue. After the family made one particularly heinous attempt at breaking Thomas’ faith and spirit, he begged God to give him integrity of mind and body, and he was miraculously given the girdle and grace of purity for the rest of his life. This gift almost certainly was essential to the remarkable clarity of his intellect.

After he regained his freedom, Thomas received the best education that was available during a time in human history that arguably represents the best the world has ever offered to scholars and philosophers. His greatest works arise from his total focus on knowing and understanding God, and revealing as clearly as possible the Truth of God to others. He showed that faith and reason are not in conflict, but exist in harmony.

Thomas’ Summa Theologica uses philosophical principles presented in scientific form to

systematically explain Christian theology. It was his last work and was left unfinished.

Thomas stopped writing after he experienced an unusually long vision on Dec. 6, 1273.

When he was urged to finish his Summa, he stated that he could no longer write, for the secrets he had been shown during his vision made all he had written “seem as straw.”

He died three months later.

Thomas composed more than 60 works. His powers of synthesis were truly extraordinary. He was able to sift through all that he read, distill the truth, and summarize his conclusions simply, clearly and briefly. His writing is of such genius that it transcends style and art in the beauty of its truth. His works are as relevant today as they were to the 13th century. His principles offer a remedy to such evils as socialism, communism, nihilism, as well as pantheism and spiritism.

Thomas was canonized in 1323, and was declared a Doctor of the Universal Church in 1567. In 1879, Leo XIII declared Thomas Aquinas “the prince and master of all scholastic doctors,” and in 1880, Thomas was designated as patron of all Catholic universities, colleges and schools throughout the world. We celebrate St. Thomas Aquinas’ feast day on Jan. 28.

The Knights of Columbus Sharing in Camaraderie While Faithfully Serving Our Community

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hen it comes to the Knights of Columbus, the blessings are twofold — our community is blessed in so many ways through the Knights’ faithful service, and the Knights themselves are blessed by the fraternity and unity that are at the core of the organization.

Jeremaiah Seamann is the Grand Knight of Council #13584, which draws members from St. Michael in Spalding and St. Theresa in Ericson.

Growing up, Jeremaiah always enjoyed helping his father with the Knights of Columbus fish fry fundraisers. Now, he is happy to be a part of this charitable organization himself.

“I like helping to get all the events ready and then seeing people show up and really enjoying the food and events that we’re having,” Jeremaiah says. “It’s great seeing the way everybody comes together and helps out, bringing the community together to help out those in need.”

Similarly, Chuck Sweeney, Grand Knight of Council #1312 serving Sacred Heart in Greeley, also enjoys the opportunity to serve the parish and local community with his fellow Knights.

“We’re a pretty small community up here, so anything we do is all community-related,” he says. “We have a couple of fundraisers a year.

The fish frys in Lent is the main one. A lot of people look forward to those, and we get a lot of support from the surrounding area. It’s nice to be a part of the Knights — people in the community recognize [the organization] and often ask for help, and we always chip in.”

In addition to the Knights’ many charitable activities, the organization is also focused on

helping men become stronger in their Catholic faith. With this in mind, prayer plays a large role in all of their gatherings.

“You always start your meetings with prayer and always ask if a member has a prayer request or something to share,” Chuck says. “We also have a statewide Knights of Columbus prayer chain over email, and I know I utilize it a lot — I check it every day.”

Serving God and their local community side by side, the Knights of Columbus also develop a deep sense of fellowship with one another. In his more than 50 years as a Knight, Chuck has developed many treasured friendships in his council.

“People in this community have known each other for a long, long time, so whenever we get together, there is a lot of camaraderie and friendships,” he says.

Knowing the great blessing that participation in the Knights of Columbus has been in their lives, Chuck and Jeremaiah would encourage any Catholic man, young or old, to consider joining one of our local councils!

Please visit kofc.org to learn more about the Knights of Columbus or to join one of our local councils!

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of crosses that can be easily moved between the three parishes, in turn challenging people to consider the reality of how many unborn children are affected in our state, each month.

“One hundred sixty crosses out on a lawn is pretty spectacular and it will focus some attention [on the issue] for the people who go to each of the churches,” Dan says. “The biggest reason why I think abortion is so prevalent is because you never hear about it, and consequently, it never rattles your cage. If you heard about it more often, you’d probably do something about it. These things stay behind closed doors and

you never hear about them, so you don’t worry about it.”

Regardless of how they’re involved, all of the Respect Life efforts at our parishes have the same goal — to help their fellow parishioners embrace the gift of life, given to us by our Creator, and to pray and work to protect the lives of the unborn children who are unable to defend themselves.

“It’s a very important issue,” Joan says. “God is the One who gives life, and how precious life is. [Life] is a gift of love and we’re not returning that love when we don’t value life.”

If you would like more information or to become involved with the Respect Life Ministries in the Families in Faith community, please contact Dan Casey (Sacred Heart) at 720-685-7495, Joan Ita (St. Theresa) at 308-497-2626, or Shirley Glaser (St. Michael) at 308-497-2366.

Mass Schedule: 5 p.m. Saturday - St. Michael in Spalding│7 a.m. Sunday - St. Michael in Spalding 9 a.m. Sunday - Sacred Heart in Greeley│11 a.m. Sunday - St. Theresa in Ericson