Holy Family Area Catholic Community Newsletter — August 2021

ST. JA M E S

ST. ANDRE W

ST. J OS E PH

Holy Family Area CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Bringing Community Together in Fellowship and Support for Our Parish

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ow in its 37th year, the St. Joseph Fall Festival has been a parish tradition to support St. Joseph Parish but also to bring our community together for a day of fun and delicious food.

The festival is set for Sept. 19 at St. Joseph Parish in Montevideo and is expected to include some changes that came about last year under pandemic restrictions.

Karen Kling is serving as Chair.

It is expected that the traditional festival dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and it may be a combination of dining-in and drive-thru.

“Last year we did the drive-thru and we may adjust from that,” says Carrie Strei, festival financial Co-Chair.

“We don’t know yet if there will be a capacity limit for indoor dining.”

Whatever arrangements are made, festival-goers are assured of a great meal of a grilled pork chop prepared by our Knights of Columbus members, served with a baked potato, coleslaw, vegetable and a bar.

It is expected the traditional kids’ games will again be part of the festival, along with the cake walk and the piñatas crafted by our Hispanic community. Another festival feature is the Country Market, where parishioners offer their fresh produce, craft items, and baked goods. Adjustments may be made according to current COVID-19 guidelines from our diocese.

The Silent Auction will again go online this year after it was determined that more people could take part.

“We learned a lot from last year,” Carrie says. “It is a big part of the fundraising.” continued on page 5

AUGUST 2021

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A Joyful AND Welcome RETURN TO SHARING IN OUR Faith TOGETHER

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ince March 2020, our nation and Church have experienced challenges and uncertainty the likes of which we have never previously witnessed in modern history.

Now, we are so blessed to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis and return to in-person Mass and parish activities and ministries.

In turn, we are blessed to welcome both familiar and new faces to our faith community. We are especially blessed to see the faces of those we haven’t seen in a while, but who have decided to come back!

At this point, it may be tempting to say to ourselves, “the worst is behind us” and fall back into the routines that we held before the pandemic — especially when it comes to our faith. However, the truth is that this crisis has impacted and changed all of us, and we need Christ now more than ever.

Over the past year and a half, we have all most likely had plenty of time for personal reflection — and for prayer. Perhaps, amid such a trying time, you have yearned deeply for Christ, with the hope of finding some

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meaning to all that we have been through.

As you enter the church doors for the first time in months — perhaps years — may you see the face of Christ in all those around you. And may you find a welcoming parish family there to greet you, overjoyed by your return.

As Christ tells us, from Matthew’s Gospel, “For I was a stranger, you welcomed me” (Mt. 25:35). The truth is, there are no strangers in an active, healthy parish. So, as you come back home to your church, strive to foster that same spirit of kindness and hospitality for all your fellow parishioners and visitors alike.

Whether you’re a longtime parishioner or are wanting to become renewed in the faith, we should be welcoming all who enter our parish doors with open arms, smiling faces, and a servant’s heart.

As faithful stewards, we will all emerge from such challenging times as a community of faith that is stronger than ever — together.

Welcome back. And welcome home.

A Letter From Our Pastor

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE? My Dear Friends in Christ,

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e are called to be the disciples of Jesus Christ.

Discipleship is our calling — stewardship is the way we are to live the life we have been given. I don’t think we believers would or should argue the point.

It begins with our Baptism and our new life as members of the Church. There are no questions about it, even though we may not always remember that we have been called to discipleship — it is a lifelong process, and we are all works in progress. But please remember, we are God’s “works” that evolve moment by moment, day by day, and year after year.

To get more specific, we need to not only understand that stewardship is the expression of discipleship, but it is also the way in which we are to live our life. It is not a program — it is a way of life. I suppose at least once in our lifetime, we have been asked, “What are you going to do with your life?” Usually, that will happen at graduation, and how many of us have followed the path we thought we would at that time in our life?

Perhaps we replied with a certain profession that may have interested us at the time. But there is always more to our answer than the title of a profession, just as there is more to our lives than just breathing. How do we use the gifts God has given to us? How we do so will define the life we live for God and the Church. That is our call to discipleship.

It is how we should understand stewardship.

Many people ask me why I am so convinced that stewardship is a way of life. The simple answer I give is always the easy one and the most practical.

My life as a faithful steward makes sense. The story of Christianity is filled with people like you and me who wonder and desire how to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is what we are to do with our lives.

Our attitude must be formed to spend the time

and the talents we have, to do our part for God’s Church. When does that become our priority?

When does it become our way of life? These are the questions any believer must ask themselves when we think about our relationship with God, His Church, and the people around us. But, throughout my time in life as a priest, stewardship as my way of life makes sense and is more than possible with what God has given me to work with. It is the same with each of us. I am grateful for what God has given me and thankful I can live my life as His disciple. I say that not just as a priest, but as a baptized member of His family. I am thankful my parents brought me to be baptized a Christian and begin a life that would lead me, like all of us, to be the disciple we are called to be.

When we were baptized, no one asked us, “What are you going to do with your life?” If my parents and Godparents understood why we were all there, it should have been clear that we are all to be faithful stewards of all that God provides, beginning with the gift of life. That is why stewardship as a way of life is in my mind, heart and soul.

That, too, was a gift from God for which I am most grateful. This is my calling, and “this” is what I am going to do with the rest of my life. What will you do with yours?

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Paul Timmerman, Pastor

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Meet St. James Parish Religious Education Teacher

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Alisha Schindler:

The Joy

ver the years, Jesus had been Gospel of the week, which Father tugging on Alisha Schindler’s will be preaching on that coming heart, calling her to share His love, Sunday,” she says. “It is really nice truth and beauty with others in a how the curriculum provides a story meaningful way. Recently, she was that the children can really relate to able to open her heart to this call as well.” in a profound way by saying “yes” Alisha also loves bringing the to being a Faith Formation cateday’s lesson to life through interchist at St. James Parish. esting hands-on activities.

“I had been thinking of ways to “We always have a ‘word of be more helpful and serve our parthe week,’ and in the past we have ish, so when Ann Voller, our Faith played Hangman and Pass the Formation Coordinator, reached out Ball to help them remember what to me and invited me to become a they have learned,” she says. “I catechist, it seemed like the perfect have found that the best way for opportunity,” she says. “It was honchildren to retain information estly not something I had considis through games and activities. ered before she mentioned it, but Things stick for kids when they I soon realized it was a way I was enjoy what they are learning.” meant to entwine myself more into Of all of the activities that the life of our parish. I took a look Alisha has done with her students, at my work schedule and realized I After giving a heartfelt “yes” to Jesus, her favorite is likely when they Alisha Schindler began teaching first-grade found a unique, creative way to could make time for it.”

Religious Education about two years ago. pray for others.

After giving a heartfelt “yes” to Jesus, Alisha began teaching first-grade Faith Forma“Last year, we made prayer fences, and the children tion at St. James about two years ago. were so excited about it!” she says. “They had to think of “It has been a very rewarding experience,” she all the people or things they wanted to pray for and put says. “I enjoy teaching my first-graders because they notes inside the fence with these intentions. I suggested are so excited to be in class. They are eager to learn that they put them next to their beds, and remember to and they have an unreal number of questions!” pray by their fence whenever they felt led to.”

Alisha enjoys using the set curriculum given to her, As a convert to Catholicism, Alisha has found that which includes a mini-story and a Gospel reading. teaching Faith Formation helps her continue on grow“The curriculum coordinates its lessons with the ing in her spiritual life in amazing ways.

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“Being a catechist has brought me closer to the children at our parish. I love how eager they are to learn, and I enjoy watching them grow in their faith throughout the course of the year. They make you think of things in a whole new way. If someone is thinking about being a catechist, I would tell them, ‘By all means, go for it!’”

— ALISHA SCHINDLER

y of Saying Yes to Jesus “I did not grow up Catholic,” she says. “It was a decision I made when I married my husband. I was Lutheran, and at one point, we sat down and asked every question we could think of asking, to both his priest and my Lutheran pastor. We reflected on their responses and prayed about it, and then decided we wanted to raise our children as Catholics. Since then, it has always been a mission of mine to understand the Catholic faith in a deeper way, and teaching Faith Formation has helped me do this..”

Overall, Alisha has been truly blessed by being around the children at our parish, and watching them blossom in their spiritual lives.

“Being a catechist has brought me closer to the children at our parish,” she says. “I love how eager they are to learn, and I enjoy watching them grow in their faith throughout the course of the year. They make you think of things in a whole new way. If someone is thinking about being a catechist, I would tell them, ‘By all means, go for it!’”

If you would like more information on how to say “yes” to Jesus by serving as a catechist, please contact Ann Voller at 320-226-5205, sjocoordinator@holyfamilyarea.org.

FALL FESTIVAL

continued from front cover

Everyone in the parish should have received their raffle tickets that were mailed in July. Parishioners may either sell the tickets or purchase them. The payouts run from $25 to the $1,000 grand prize.

“If anyone needs more tickets, they will be available after August in the church office,” Carrie says.

“Along with the raffle tickets, parishioners will receive a letter that will explain all the latest details about the festival, along with information if they want to donate to the silent auction, the games, or produce.”

Besides helping St. Joseph Parish financially, the

festival offers a wonderful opportunity to practice stewardship and share in fellowship.

“I think just serving and working with people, eating with people you might not see at Mass, getting the youth group and Confirmation students and a great group of volunteers — it’s a great way to give back to the church that has been provided to us by God,” Carrie says. “It’s a way to be able to give back to the place we go to worship, for our sacraments.

It’s a good reminder to people it’s how our church operates.”

Volunteers are welcome to help at the festival with such tasks as setting up tables, rolling silverware, and helping with the games. There will be signup opportunities online, as well as on sheets posted at St. Joseph’s Church. Information will be posted weekly in the bulletin.

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THE FAITH JOURNEY OF ST. GENESIUS

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eing a performer and a comedian may sound like a fun way to make a living.

St. Genesius, an outstanding actor, playwright and comedian in late Imperial Rome, certainly did have some fun for a while. But his career and life came to an abrupt end when his work ultimately led him to Christ.

Genesius was a comedian of some renown, but in the fourth century, Christians were often discouraged from becoming actors because ancient Roman comedy was highly sexual, crude and offensive.

In the year 303, Emperor Diocletian launched what would be the last great Roman persecution against the Christian Church. So, Genesius used the persecution as an opportunity to write a comedy about Christianity. He thought it might attract the attention of the Emperor, increase his fame, and make him some money in the process.

Genesius approached leaders of the Christian community in Rome and presented himself as a catechumen seeking Baptism. He was then invited into a period of instruction in the faith, in order to learn the beliefs of the Christians. He was particularly taken by the idea of Baptism. But at the time, he had no plans to convert to the faith – it was all just a part of his plan to research new material to use for his comedy.

But a strange thing happened to Genesius as he began to work on his play, which was to be a comedy on Baptism.

As Genesius began teaching the other actors about Baptism, he began to believe, and a desire to be baptized grew within his heart.

The opening night of the play was a great success, with Emperor Diocletian in attendance. But at some point during the play, the Holy Spirit touched Genesius. He was no longer acting.

“You fools, I wish to die a Christian,” Genesius said.

When the other actors asked him why, he said, “All my life I have been a fugitive, and only today have I found God.” Everyone, especially Emperor Diocletian, laughed as Genesius spoke. Genesius, standing in a pulpit designed to look like the goddess Venus, began to preach to the audience. He told the crowd how he once hated Christians and enjoyed insulting them. He told the crowd how he deserted his own family as a child because they were Christians.

From there, Genesius addressed Diocletian, stating

that he wrote the play to mock Christians, but had been converted on the spot during the course of the play, by the power of the Holy Spirit. “I now know that the Lord Jesus Christ is the true God, the Light, the Truth and the Mercy of all who have received His gift of Baptism,” Genesius said. “O great Emperor, believe in these mysteries! I will teach you, and you will know the Lord Jesus Christ is the true God.” Diocletian was furious and stopped the play, having the troupe arrested and beaten, while Genesius was condemned to torture. Through all of his sufferings, he continued to confess that Jesus was God. When this failed to break his spirit, Diocletian ordered Genesius be beheaded.

His final words were, “Our Lord Jesus Christ is God and we shall have life in His name.”

St. Genesius is the patron of comedians and actors. His feast day is Aug. 25.

St . Andrew’s Parishioner Profile

THE BUESING FAMILY:

Praying and Living out the Faith Together

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f you talk with Derek and Kjersten Buesing for a while, you will soon realize that bringing prayer into family life doesn’t have to be formal or complicated. It’s those simple moments of praying before meals and bedtime prayers that make a difference.

Derek and Kjersten, who attend St. Andrew’s Parish, have two children — Devyn, 10, and Makenna, 7. Their family’s daily prayers can be as simple as a prayer from the pages of the book Prayers for Kids, which Devyn received as a baby — a gift from his grandma, Betty, who passed away in 2015. Devyn and Makenna love to pick prayers from the book.

For Derek and Kjersten, it’s the simple, everyday moments of faith that lay the groundwork for a lifetime of faith. They also believe that consistently attending Mass as a family is essential. Even back when they first had Devyn, they have always made Mass a top priority. They believe one hour, once a week, is the least they can do. When they are there at Mass, they give God their full attention.

“We all go together,” Kjersten says. “We sit together.

We pray together.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Faith Formation

Derek and Kjersten Buesing feel blessed to witness their children, Devyn and Makenna, as they model a strong prayer life.

classes went virtual with take-home work. At times, it was hard to keep up with the work. But the family continued to prioritize their children’s formation.

“There was so much worrying, especially working in farming and health care,” Kjersten says. “Our faith was what saved us. We grabbed onto our faith when times were really tough.”

Importantly, Derek and Kjersten strive to both live out and impart to their children a sense of gratitude.

“We are always telling them to be grateful,” Kjersten says. “Be appreciative of what you have. All great things come from God.” Kjersten feels blessed to witness Devyn and Makenna as they model a strong prayer life. Makenna is always thinking of others who are sick or suffering and is quick to offer prayers up for them. Kjersten also encourages Devyn and Makenna to never go to bed with a “heavy heart.”

“If there is something on your heart or mind, you won’t sleep well,” Kjersten says. “I tell them, ‘Don’t go to bed angry. Give it up to God.’” With Derek and Kjersten working in farming, prayer is essential to their livelihood. So much of farming is continued on back cover

With Derek and Kjersten working in farming, prayer is essential to their livelihood.

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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. Andrew, Granite Falls 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 6:30 p.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo with

elements of Spanish

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

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Saturday 9:30 - 10 a.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo 5:45 p.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo

THE BUESING FAMILY continued from page 7

dependent on the weather. Kjersten looks to Derek as an example of faith when it comes to the farm.

“Farming is faith, family, blood, sweat, and tears,” she says. “Derek gives up his personal and family time. He could be doing something more fun. That’s a lot of trust and faith in God. He puts in long days, with the faith that it will come to something in five months. I am proud of him for that.”

Through all the ups and downs, Derek and Kjersten believe prayer and faith will continue to pull them through.

“God takes care of you,” Kjersten says. “He’s always been good to me, through all the tough stuff. You may not get the prayer answered the way you want it answered, but He will answer it in the way He sees fit.

He knows my path long before I do.”

“God takes care of you. He’s always been good to me, through all the tough stuff. You may not get the prayer answered the way you want it answered, but He will answer it in the way He sees fit. He knows my path long before I do.”

AUGUST 2021

— KJERSTEN BUESING