Holy Family Area Catholic Community Newsletter — April 2022

ST. JA M E S

ST. ANDRE W

ST. J OS E PH

Holy Family Area CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Liturgical Music

D URIN G T H E L E N T A N D EAST E R S EAS ON S

B r i n g i n g U s C l o s e r t o G o d i n T i m e s o f Re p e n t a n ce a n d J o y

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usic affords us a beautiful opportunity to participate fully in the liturgy. Through singing at Mass, we engage communally and spiritually with one another.

This particular time in the liturgical year is sacred for many reasons, and the music we hear and sing matches this blessed time.

“We’re singing songs that are specific to this time,” says Beth Pullan, the Music Ministry Director at St. Andrew. “We only sing them this one time of year. The messages of these songs are reflecting, fasting, and penance. They’re songs we don’t sing any other time of year. I want the music to reflect the yearning and longing for the best Lent ever.”

In addition to serving as Music Ministry Director, Beth is one of St. Andrew’s main cantors and plans all of the music throughout the year. She has been in her role since 2014 but started singing and accompanying at the parish for a few years before that. Beth says Lent and, in particular, Holy Week, are her favorite times on the liturgical calendar.

“Holy Week is so full of so many different things,”

St. Andrew Music Ministry Director Beth Pullan

she says. “That’s what I look forward to the most. The special songs we sing tend to move me to tears. Imagining what Jesus was going through in Gethsemane, it’s meaningful to me.” continued on page 2

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Liturgical Music

continued from front cover

The penitential songs we sing during Lent and Easter connect us with Jesus Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and help us to enter deeper into these liturgical seasons. Beth often looks for new music to introduce during Lent — typically songs that have a simple melody with meaningful lyrics.

“It’s a time of penance and prayer, where we’re seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness, so the music should reflect that,” Beth says. “I’m always searching for songs that reflect that repentance and with beautiful lyrics.”

While there is music that is special to the seasons of Lent and Easter, there is great significance of music in the liturgy, no matter the liturgical season. Beth sits down and prayerfully plans out the music for every Mass throughout the year. She begins with reading the Scripture for the liturgy, then looks for music to match that particular week. Sometimes, however, the Holy Spirit acts without her knowing, and the music will match that particular week’s homily, for example. Ultimately, she desires for the congregation to fully participate in singing together.

“Music is a means to bring us closer to God,” she says. “My role is to try and facilitate this.”

“The messages of these songs are reflecting, fasting, and penance.

They’re songs we don’t sing any other time of year. I want the music to reflect the yearning and longing for the best Lent ever.” — Beth Pullan

Beth’s daughter, Sanjana, practicing piano before Mass

If you are interested in joining the Music Ministry at St. Andrew, please contact Beth Pullan at 320-226-6516 or maryepullan@gmail.com; at St. James, please contact Julie Schacherer at 507-829-9435 or julieschacherer@hotmail.com; at St. Joseph, please contact Pamela Jacobson at 507-828-1365 or pamelajjacobson@gmail.com.

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A Letter From Our Pastor

ALL THINGS AND ALL PEOPLE ARE MADE NEW My Dear Friends in Christ,

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e associate the Easter season with springtime — a time of new life and new beginnings — and Holy Scripture addresses this idea of newness many times. The Lord declares, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5).

This idea of being “new” is important to us as Catholics, and it is important to our parish. We need to strive to do this on a regular basis — even on a daily basis. Think of the fact that all was once new.

Regardless of how you view the development of this earth and those of us who occupy it, all was once new.

During this Easter season, we need to retain that idea of being “new.” And being “new” means conversion, and we have often pointed out that conversion is at the heart of a life of stewardship.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it, “The Paschal mystery has two aspects: by his death, Christ liberates us from sin; by his Resurrection, he opens for us the way to a new life” (654).

In other words, Christ’s Resurrection is the source of our new life — our own future resurrection. St. Paul wrote about it to the Romans (Rom 6:5) — “For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection.”

Hope for a new life beginning now and extending on into heaven is the result of Jesus’ Resurrection.

What greater grounds for thanksgiving can there be

than this Easter hope? We should sing with joy about God’s promise to us, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev 21:5).

St. Paul also wrote (Col 3:12), “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” Jesus’ Resurrection and His promise of a new life for us means that we need to live in conformity with our status as adopted children of God. How do we show our joy and our gratitude to God for this amazing gift He has given us? We join in worship and praise God by word and song. We share the Good News of Jesus’ victory over death with our family, friends, and neighbors. And we offer back to the Lord a portion of the time, talent, and treasure He has entrusted to us.

Yes, the Easter message that we share in the benefits of Christ’s Resurrection indeed makes all things new — the ultimate foundation for all Christian stewardship.

The Lord is risen, alleluia!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Paul Timmerman, Pastor

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J O I N U S FO R

TOTU

A P rogram for C hildre n and T

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t. Pope John Paul II’s motto, Totus Tuus, is Latin for “totally yours.” It’s also a program that youth get to experience each summer. The catechetical-based program is led by a team of two men and two women, who are seminarians and college students. Teams spend a week at a parish walking youth through the Good News of Jesus Christ in a fun way. This year, we will welcome another Totus Tuus team in June.

In 2021, St. Joseph’s parishioner Mari Huseby enjoyed attending the program for teenagers in the evening and volunteering for the child program during the day. As a current high school junior, Mari plans to volunteer again this summer.

“It was so fun to see the little kids excited to learn about Jesus,” Mari says. “It’s a super fun environment, with games and different ways to have fun

with learning your faith. It’s also fun to bond with everyone there.”

Mari enjoyed getting to know youth from her parish and the other parishes. She also got to know some of the younger kids as they played games, performed skits, and attended Mass. Since becoming involved with Totus Tuus, Mari is taking more time for daily prayer, and she tries to attend any youth group event she can.

Ann Voller, the Area Coordinator of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry, believes Totus Tuus is so important for our parishes. All who attend love it so much that they are sad when the week is over.

“The kids come for the fun and the games, but they come away with a love for the Mass, love for the songs — which they learn in Latin — love for the Rosary and our traditional prayers, and for the

Teams spend a week at a parish walking youth through the Good News of Jesus Christ in a fun way.

Students enjoyed Totus Tuus skits in 2021.

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Students enjoyed the Totus Tuus program in 2021.

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Teen s to L ea r n th e G o od N ews content they learn,” Ann says.

Ann asks all parishioners to consider sending their children, of all ages, to Totus Tuus. Children attend during the day, and the teenagers go to an evening program.

“Students need to spend time regularly learning about our faith, and Totus Tuus is one week devoted to growing in their faith while having a ton of fun,” Ann says.

Ann also hopes to see more teenagers volunteer for the children’s program during the day. The children look up to the youth who volunteer.

“Our teens also can see the face of Jesus in the smallest of our students, and can see that they are

making a difference in the faith lives of these students,” Ann says. “Many times, teens do not feel like they can contribute at their parish, but helping with Totus Tuus and other events are great ways for them to share their special gifts and talents with our faith community.”

Ann appreciates all the time that Mari and the other youth volunteers have given to make Totus Tuus a success. She would encourage all youth to get involved in any ministry.

“We need our teens to serve our parish, as they bring excitement and fun to our ministries,” Ann says.

“There are always jobs to be done in a parish and many could be done by youth.”

For more information about Totus Tuus or other parish youth events, please contact Ann Voller at areaffcoordinator@holyfamilyarea.org or 320-226-5205.

HOLY WEEK MASS TIMES Holy Thursday 7 p.m. at St. Joseph, Montevideo (with elements of Spanish)

Easter Vigil: 8:30 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph, Montevideo (with elements of Spanish)

Good Friday: 5 p.m. at St. Andrew, Granite Falls 7:30 p.m. at St. James, Dawson

Easter Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. James, Dawson 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Andrew, Granite Falls 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph, Montevideo

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DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY AND THE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY

n the 1930s, Sr. Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Most Blessed Sacrament, a Sister of Our Lady of Mercy, received a message from the Lord that she was to live her life as a model of Christ’s merciful love and spread Christ’s mercy throughout the world. She proceeded to offer up all of her personal sufferings in atonement for the sins of others. She kept a diary in which she wrote of God’s mercy, as well as about her special devotion to Mary Immaculate and to the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, which gave her strength. Sr. Faustina’s diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, serves as the handbook for the devotion to the Divine Mercy. In it, we read of the message of mercy that she received from Christ.

On April 30, 2000, Sr. Faustina Kowalska was canonized by Pope John Paul II. Then, on May 23, 2000, the Congregation for Divine Worship decreed that “throughout the world, the second Sunday of Easter will receive the name Divine Mercy Sunday, a perennial invitation to the Christian world to face, with confidence in divine benevolence, the difficulties and trials that humankind will experience in the years to come.”

On Divine Mercy Sunday — occurring this year on April 24 — all parishioners are encouraged to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, always remembering and practicing the essential “ABCs” of Divine Mercy: • • •

Ask for mercy Be merciful to others Completely trust in Jesus

How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet “Chaplet” simply refers to the prayers counted on a rosary. The Lord said to St. Faustina, “You will recite this chaplet on the beads of the Rosary in the following Manner:” Begin with: One Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Apostle’s Creed

On the “Our Father” beads, say: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the “Hail Mary” beads, say: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

In conclusion, three times recite these words: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

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“I want the whole world to know my infinite mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in my mercy.” — (Diary, 687)

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR UPCOMING END-OF-LIFE SEMINARS Understanding Catholic Teachings and Building a Comprehensive Plan

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nd-of-life decisions can be difficult and overwhelming — there are so many questions to answer and decisions to be made. But a series of May seminars at our parishes can help you get the conversation started and get your plans in writing. So, be sure to save the date for the upcoming End-of-Life seminars: • • •

Tuesday, May 3 at 5:45 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Parish Center, Granite Falls Thursday, May 5 at 6:15 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Social Hall, Montevideo Wednesday, May 18 at 5:45 p.m.

St. James Church Basement, Dawson

The seminars will be the same at each parish.

Each seminar will be about two hours long and will begin with a presentation from Fr. Paul Timmerman on the Catholic teachings regarding various end-oflife moral issues. He will answer questions like: • • • •

Must medical treatment always be continued?

Are Catholics allowed to have living wills?

What is the Church teaching about “death with dignity”?

How do I make my Catholic healthcare directive?

“I hope that many parishioners come to these seminars so as to get the Catholic Church’s perspective on many common end-of-life issues,” Fr. Paul says.

Butch Byers with Catholic United Financial will present on wills, final expenses, power of attorney, trusts, healthcare directives, and more.

Gene and Helen Stukel attended an August 2019 End-of-Life Seminar at St. Andrew’s. Both appreciated that the workshop prompted them to address these topics and questions. They ended up getting together with Brian and John Tetzloff, also with Catholic United Financial. Over a series of in-person and video meetings, the couple updated their wills, prepaid funeral expenses, completed power-of-attorney

Gene and Helen Stukel found the End-of-Life Seminar in 2019 to be very helpful.

paperwork, and made determinations on legacy gifts.

The End-of-Life Seminar gave them the extra push they needed. They would recommend that all parishioners consider these decisions and make sure that all the necessary documents are in place.

“We are relieved this is done,” Helen says. “We don’t want the burden to fall on our children when we pass away.”

“If you don’t have something in place, there are a lot of loose ends that fall into the laps of people who maybe don’t know your wishes,” Gene says. “You don’t want people to have to guess your wishes.”

Having been married for 50 years at the time of the seminar, it seemed like a good time to start thinking about the difficult end-of-life questions. For both

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512 Black Oak Ave. Montevideo, MN 56265

www.holyfamilyarea.org

MASS TIMES: Sunday 8:30 a.m. — St. James, Dawson 10:30 a.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo Tuesday 5 p.m. - St. Andrew, Granite Falls Wednesday 5 p.m. — St. James, Dawson

Thursday 5:30 p.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo Friday 10 a.m. — St. Andrew, Granite Falls

Saturday 5 p.m. — St. Andrew, Granite Falls 7:00 p.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo in Spanish

CONFESSION TIMES: 30 minutes before daily Mass Sunday 8 a.m. — St. James, Dawson

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Saturday 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo 4:15 - 4:50 p.m. — St. Andrew, Granite Falls

END-OF-LIFE SEMINARS continued from page 7

Gene and Helen, it’s nice to have all of this work done. They appreciate that Brian and John were with them every step of the way — they spent a lot of time helping the Stukels with the paperwork and discussions.

“Some people don’t want to acknowledge that the end of their life will come,” Gene says. “It has to be talked about so your wishes can be followed through on.”

Parishioners are encouraged to make a plan to attend one of the End-of-Life seminars: • Tuesday, May 3 at 5:45 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Parish Center, Granite Falls • Thursday, May 5 at 6:15 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Social Hall, Montevideo • Wednesday, May 18 at 5:45 p.m. at St. James Church Basement, Dawson

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