Holy Family Area Catholic Community Newsletter — December 2021

ST. JA M E S

ST. ANDRE W

ST. J OS E PH

Holy Family Area CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

THE CATHOLIC MOMS GROUP: Sharing in the Blessings of Motherhood and the Faith

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ur faith is meant to be lived with others — it’s not a journey on which we embark alone. We are to live in communion with our Catholic brothers and sisters, as Matthew 18:20 makes very clear — “for where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Beth Gilb and her family recently moved from Powell, Wyo., where she was part of a Catholic Moms group. It was something she missed, particularly when she and her family moved during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wanting to share in the same social experience here at Holy Family Area Catholic Community, Beth ran the idea past Fr. Paul Timmerman. He was all for it and recommended that Beth connect with Alyssa Larson.

Beth Gilb enjoys being part of Alyssa Larson feels blessed to be meeting Since June, the Catholic Moms group has been the Catholic Moms Group. other Catholic moms throughout the area. meeting on one Saturday morning per month.

They alternate months between a moms-only event at Java River in Montevideo and a kid event at a local park. Nursing babies are invited to the moms-only meetings. The next coffee and playdate will be at the CCM Wellness Center Indoor Playground in Montevideo on Saturday, December 11th at 9:00 a.m.

So far, Beth and Alyssa have enjoyed getting together. Both are new to the area, so it’s been a great way to meet other moms. Both women agree that moms, no matter their personalities, all have something in common. This group is based on the commonality of motherhood and their Catholic faith.

“Come as you are,” Alyssa says. “We are all different with different personalities, so you will fit in. We are just excited continued on page 5

DECEMBER 2021

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KEEPING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE During the Christmas Season

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he Christmas season is coming. Garlands, poinsettias, lights, and Christmas trees are starting to pop up in homes and businesses. Cookies are being baked, holiday guests are arriving, and Christmas cards are flooding our mailboxes.

This joyous season is now upon us. But before we know it, in just a few short weeks, the Christmas cards will be replaced with holiday bills and statements reminding us of the money we spent on holiday gifts for our loved ones.

So how are you financially handling the holiday season thus far? Perhaps you are staying within your means by planning a detailed budget and remaining within its limits. You may be taking advantage of seasonal sales in order to purchase that otherwise expensive, sought-after item. Maybe you are simply overspending on unnecessary items, having been drawn in by the seasonal marketing campaigns.

The financial pressures of creating the perfect holiday scenario can be quite daunting, especially in America, where the “buy now, pay later” philosophy prevails.

Of course, we all want to provide a wonderful Christmas experience for our family and friends. But at what cost?

As good stewards of our financial resources, we are called to be responsible with our money throughout the entire year, even at Christmas.

Take a moment to remember last Christmas. Do you remember all the presents you received? Probably not. Instead, you probably remember the way a certain food tasted, or the smell of the Christmas tree, or how the beautiful lights glistened in the dark.

You most likely remember the feelings of joy caused

by sharing a special occasion with loved ones. These are the memories that truly matter most, rather than what was packaged under the tree.

Though most of us believe this in our hearts, each year we find ourselves focusing on the material aspects of Christmas, sometimes forgetting the true reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

After all, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas if we didn’t buy nice presents for every person on our long gift list – or would it?

Perhaps, instead of just buying and spending, we could use our talents to share with others.

Or, as busy as we are these days, maybe we could actually spend more time with those we love.

We could make a gingerbread house with our grandchildren, or brew up a cup of hot cocoa and watch It’s A Wonderful Life with our family at our side.

We are often so busy shopping, we don’t have time for sharing of ourselves. As good stewards, we are called to share our time and talent with others to glorify God, just as much as we are called to share our treasure. And even if we are fortunate enough to have the financial means to shower our friends and family with gifts, should we so recklessly spend our money? Aren’t there better places to utilize our God-given treasure?

Keeping our finances in perspective can be difficult, but asking God’s guidance as we make our financial decisions this holiday season is a perfect way to stay on track. Ask God to help you be a good steward.

Ask God to give you the strength not to overspend as a result of guilt or a desire to “show off.” Indeed, true friends and family members will love you for your gesture, rather than the size of their gifts.

A Letter From Our Pastor

STEWARDSHIP POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS AT My Dear Friends in Christ,

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Christmas

hen I think of December, the first thing that comes to my mind is Christmas. While that may seem obvious, there are several other possibilities. I could think of Advent, which prepares us for Christmas. I could think of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation, and the patronal festival of the United States. I could think of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose popularity has spread far beyond the Hispanic community. December also brings the winter solstice. And it brings the end of the secular calendar year, which means getting my financials together for the upcoming income tax season.

But instead, I think of Christmas — one of the greatest feasts of the Christian year, along with Easter and Pentecost. The basic truth of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus the Messiah, God Incarnate, is plenty of reason for us all to rejoice and worship. But we’ve piled so much extra baggage on our Christmas observance, and worship is often almost lost in the shuffle.

We send Christmas cards to people we contact at no other time of the year. We put up wreaths, Christmas trees, and lights. We host parties for family and friends. We visit relatives. We plan and prepare Christmas meals. And we have Christmas gifts to buy.

No wonder the Christ Mass becomes an afterthought!

Maybe, though, we can combine our Christmas activities with our stewardship commitments.

Treasure is the simplest. Shouldn’t the most expensive Christmas present we give be the one to Jesus whose birthday we’re celebrating? Risen and

glorified, He needs nothing we have.

But His Body — the Church — continues Jesus’ mission here on earth and always needs additional resources.

Time and Talent may be a little more complicated, but can’t we spend a little more of our time in worship and prayer? Stop by the church for a visit to the Christmas Crib and offer a prayer of thanks for the gift of God’s Son. Attend Mass each day of the Christmas Octave. Gather your family for prayers together in the morning or at dinner in preparation for Christmas Day and through the Christmas season.

And Talent? There are lots of possibilities: Sing in the choir for the Christmas Masses. Help decorate the church. Cook or bake for someone who is homebound. Invite someone who will be alone to share Christmas dinner with your family. Offer to work at the Community Center meal if you will be alone. The possibilities are endless.

Yes, December means Christmas. But with some planning, we can make this hectic time a real blessing both for ourselves and others. Pray for me that I can keep Christmas properly, and I’ll pray for you. And by the way, have a Merry Christmas!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Paul Timmerman, Pastor

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M EE T MO N I C A A N D Embrac ing Spir itual Insi gh ts a n

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he time spent under COVID restrictions have meant new opportunities for us to deepen our prayer lives and enrich our faith. Monica and Gordy Kasel of St. Andrew Church have found such opportunities in a time when our situation seemed bleak.

When restrictions set in, an idea occurred to Monica — this would be a good time to read the Bible.

“It would be a good thing to do, as there was never enough time,” she says.

After doing some online research and reading one of our bulletins, she found the Ascension Press Bible in a Year podcast by Fr. Mike Schmitz with Jeff Cavins.

“I found it very informative,” she says. “I had never read a lot of the Bible, especially the Old Testament. This was very interesting and enlightening, eye-opening.”

Monica and Gordy also turned to the Holy Family Area Catholic Community prayer intercession team. The team focuses prayer and written support to candidates preparing for Confirmation.

Monica chose to pray for their candidate, while Gordy wrote to the young student.

“I pray daily for the young man,” Monica says.

“I have been praying the St. Jude Novena for nine days, and some days it’s the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

I pray to help a child on this journey and hope he finds blessings in life each day. This has focused my faith life so I can have intentions each day.”

Gordy follows a different path on behalf of the candidate, following their progress in school sports, and writing to support him on his faith journey. When he and Monica travel to their wintering spot in Nevada, Gordy will share their experiences in his letters.

“We have quite a different relationship with church there,” he says. “We have five Masses a week, with three in a casino. For the people in the casino, Mass is an important part for them.

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Gordy and Monica Kasel of St. Andrew Church have embraced opportunities to deepen their prayer lives and enrich their faith in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have to wear masks to church now, but sometimes there are 500 to 600 at Mass. They want to be there, and they know Mass is at the casino, and they can continue their Mass attendance. For them, it’s a way to fulfill their obligations. It’s pretty interesting. I try to bring that perspective.”

The couple also found that watching televised Masses during the pandemic offered interesting views into the celebrations around the country.

When in-person Masses were opened locally but with limited attendance, those who could attend weekday Masses were asked to do so, to enable those who work during the week to attend weekend Mass.

During the strictest times of COVID, the sacraments were out of reach. Monica and Gordy felt that longing, but now are relieved they can receive them. They also have found joy in seeing friends and feeling the welcome of their home church.

“My concern is that people have become used

GORDY KASEL:

nd G rowth d u rin g the Pandem ic to watching Mass on TV, and find it ‘easier’ than attending Mass,” Monica says. “I feel bad for that.

Not returning to Mass, and not receiving the sacraments in church, I feel bad some have chosen that. I’m hoping it will change.”

However, both Monica and Gordy are hopeful for the future, once all the dangers of the pandemic are in the past.

“Life in church will go back to normal,” Monica says. “That’s my prayer and the hope.

If this had happened 25 years ago, we wouldn’t have had online, or TV (Masses). I’m grateful it continues to be there. But I hope it’s not taking the place for some people permanently.”

“Life in church will go back to normal. That’s my prayer and the hope. If this had happened 25 years ago, we wouldn’t have had online, or TV (Masses). I’m grateful it continues to be there. But I hope it’s not taking the place for some people permanently.” — MONICA KASEL

THE CATHOLIC MOMS GROUP to meet new people and get to know each other.”

“It’s a very welcome, open, laid-back group,” Beth says.

“It’s a great way to connect and walk this journey together.”

Although the Catholic Moms Group is primarily for socialization, they have also had a Reconciliation and Adoration gathering. Both Alyssa and Beth are open to wherever this group will go. For now, they are meeting in Montevideo, but they are open to meeting in Dawson and Granite Falls, too.

“We just want to be here to support each other,” Alyssa says.

Beth and Alyssa are both thankful to Fr. Paul for being so supportive of this group. They both agree that meeting other moms should be a priority because it is so important to have friends in the Catholic faith.

“Being a mom can be hard and isolating,” Alyssa says.

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‘It’s just great to have a group like this.”

Alyssa would like to see moms of various ages gather for this group, as moms with older children have experienced what the younger moms are currently going through — so she would love to see them all learn from each other. In the end, all moms have a lot in common.

“There’s a lot of beauty in that,” Alyssa says. “We can be in the struggles together. It’s nice to be with people who are in the same boat.”

Both women want other moms to know they are all welcome at any time, and there is no requirement to attend every month. It’s a low-pressure group, available whenever it works for its members.

“We are made for each other,” Alyssa says. “We are made to be with people. There’s something special about mom friends.”

If you would like more information, please contact Beth Gilb at bethgilb7@gmail.com or 307-202-2322, or Alyssa Larson at 515-341-3494.

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WHAT IS THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION? A Closer Look at this Important Feast Day — Dec. 8

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hen it comes to Catholic trivia, there is one simple question that often evokes an incorrect response: “What is the Immaculate Conception?”

More often than not, this term is believed to designate Christ’s conception within Mary, through the power of the Holy Spirit. A good guess, no doubt. But that is incorrect!

The term “Immaculate Conception” describes the state of Mary’s soul within the womb of her mother, St. Anne. It has nothing to do with a special type of generative conception by her parents — Mary’s body was formed in the usual manner by her mother and father.

Instead, the term “Immaculate Conception” describes how Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin from the first moment of her existence.

Every person since Adam and Eve has been born with the stain of original sin, which can be washed away in the cleansing waters of Baptism. Yet, this fallen state never touched the soul of Mary, the new Eve. She was conceived with original sanctity and innocence, escaping all faults, depraved emotions and passions, and remained sinless. She was not exempt from the temporal penalties of Adam, however — including sorrow.

The belief in Mary’s Immaculate Conception has been held by the Church throughout history, though only officially declared a dogma in 1854 by Pope Pius IX. Highly devoted to the Blessed Virgin, Pius IX hoped the official definition would draw emphasis to the already existing belief, thereby inspiring deeper devotion to Mary. This dogma finds its roots in both Scripture and Tradition, and remains consistent with reason and the teachings of our early Church fathers.

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated every year on Dec. 8 and is one of the few declared Holy Days of Obligation on the Church calendar. All Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on this day.

Why not make this liturgical feast a special day of devotion? Bring a rose to place before an image of the Blessed Virgin in the church sanctuary, or arrange a little altar at home for your children to decorate. Recite the Magnificat and discuss the Church’s teaching on the Immaculate Conception.

Once this beautiful feast is brought alive in our hearts and in our homes, we will never again mistakenly answer that “tricky” question, “What is the Immaculate Conception?”

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name.

He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of His servant Israel for He remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and His children for ever.

THE MAGNIFICAT

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LEAVING A LEGACY:

PLANNED GIVING Area Catholic Community Parishioners Share Final Stewardship Gift of Treasure

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hen Pat Niemand learned of the parishioners who sat in that Sally Svoboda and these pews before us.”

Don Lausen had left a generous Planned giving is usually gift to the church on their passbest accomplished as part of a ing, she wasn’t surprised one bit. donor’s overall financial situ“The church meant so much ation, and there can be many to Don and Sally,” Pat says. “They benefits to the donor ranging cared deeply about St. Joseph from reducing estate taxes and and were a very involved couple income taxes to eliminating together.” taxes on IRS distributions, and Pat first met Sally when they simply having peace of mind were volunteering together at knowing that their donations the church and helping at a fuwill be made as they wish. neral. When Sally, the custodian There are many different at the time, was preparing for types of legacy planning, such a vacation, she asked Pat if she as donor-advised funds through could fill in for her. which a donor can make lifetime Sally Svoboda and Don Lausen “She cleaned the rectory and distributions and future distriwas a sacristan and also served on many church butions while receiving current income tax savings. committees,” says Pat, the current custodian. “I There are also charitable gift annuities and charitagot to know Don through her, and they were very ble life insurance. devout Catholics. If something broke at the church, “There are many other ways to plan legacy gifts they would fix it. The church meant everything to that might be right based on the specific goals and them.” financial situations of the donor,” Fr. Paul says.

Before Don and Sally passed away, they preSetting up gift planning can be done through arranged that the proceeds from the sale of their lawyers, financial planners, or foundations like house would go to the church. This is a generous Catholic United Financial. It is a wonderful and genexample of “planned giving” or “legacy giving,” erous way to give back and to invest in the future of which is the process of making a significant charthe parish as Sally and Don have done. itable gift during a donor’s life or at death that is “The future of our parish is dependent on part of his or her financial or estate plan. today’s congregation supporting the current needs “Legacy planning to support your parish is one of the parish, but also planning for our future,” Fr. of the important decisions you can make,” says Fr. Paul says. “Planning your charitable legacy is easy, Paul Timmerman. “Our parish and our faith have can lower taxes, and increase the amount you have been built by the past generosity and planning to give and for you to use.”

If you would like more information about planned giving, please visit catholicunited.org or contact our Parish Catholic United Representative, Brian Zitzmann, at 701-238-3643 or bzitzmann@catholicunited.org to help you create your plan at no cost, or contact your lawyer or financial planner.

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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

Christmas Mass Schedule CHRISTMAS EVE 4 p.m. at St. Andrew’s, Granite Falls 4 p.m. at St. Joseph’s, Montevideo 7 p.m. at St. James, Dawson 9 p.m. Spanish Mass at St. Joseph’s, Montevideo CHRISTMAS DAY 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s, Montevideo

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

DECEMBER 2021