Holy Family Area Catholic Community Newsletter — January 2021

ST. JA M E S

ST. ANDRE W

ST. J OS E PH

Holy Family Area CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

ST. ANDREW’S GREETER MINISTRY:

Upholding the Pillar of Hospitality for Parishioners and Guests

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s a stewardship parish, we’re familiar with the “three Ts” — Time, Talent, and Treasure. But we also recognize the four pillars of parish stewardship — Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service. At St. Andrew’s, the Greeter Ministry works to lovingly fulfill that first pillar of hospitality. After all, when we’ve had a hectic Sunday morning getting everyone in the car, what could be better than a smiling face and someone welcoming us to church?

Kim Rupp, who does the scheduling for the Greeter Ministry, believes this ministry is essential to the life of the parish.

“Greeters perform the ministry of hospitality,” Kim says. “It is their responsibility, but actually a privilege, to provide a sense of family and warm invitation to all who enter the church. They are there to remind people that they are right where they belong.”

Involvement in the Greeter Ministry is simple. It requires arriving 30 minutes before Mass and being ready to offer a smile and to open the door when parishioners and guests arrive. Kim says everyone is welcome to get involved — parishioners and visitors particularly appreciate it when children serve as greeters.

“All it really takes is a smile and letting the person continued on back cover

Billy and Sherry Mathiowetz have been greeters at St. Andrew’s for more than two years.

JANUARY 2021

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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 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

Stewardship

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, 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.

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.

A Letter From Our Pastor

A NEW YEAR, NEW CHALLENGES, NEW OPPORTUNITIES My Dear Friends 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 our parishes to pray, but as much as we need 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,

Fr. Paul Timmerman, Pastor

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT OUR

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his has most certainly been a trying and unusual year, as we have navigated through uncharted waters. In the face of great uncertainty or difficulty, it is easy to become complacent. Yet, this is not what God calls us to do. We are called to live stewardship as a way of life — in the good, bad or uncertain times.

In moments of trial, God raises up saints!

Our Stewardship Renewal reminds us that God’s gifts never stop being poured out. In turn, we never should have reason to stop thanking Him. So, let us take this Stewardship Renewal as an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God in the midst of our rapidly changing world.

Commitment Weekend is February 6-7.

Don’t forget to return your Commitment Card!

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How do I use my Commitment Card?

Your Commitment Card allows you to make commitments to prayer, parish ministries, and offertory giving. It is designed to be used by the whole family.

Time Section: Everyone should be able to check the boxes to commit to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days or to view the Masses online during the crisis. In addition to those commitments, try to check at least a few other items. Daily prayer should be a priority for every person trying to grow closer to God. We recognize that the current crisis may impact your ability to carry out your commitments. Know the Lord sees what is in your heart and is pleased with your best efforts.

Talent Section: You can either sign up for new ministries or re-commit to your current ministries.

Be sure to write your first name next to the ministry!

This is especially important if the card is being used by more than one person.

Treasure Section: Clearly print how much money you plan to give each week or month to our parish.

Try to take a step toward giving five percent of your income to St. Andrew or St. James or St. Joseph.

Issues like my age, physical limitations, and the current crisis prevent me from being active in the parish. Should I still turn in a Commitment Card?

Yes! The first section of the card — Stewardship of Time — is the most important because it allows you to make commitments to prayer. Even if you can’t join a ministry or make it to Mass on Sunday, you can still pray for our parish. Your spiritual support has tremendous value in the eyes of God.

One time I turned in a card, but no one ever called me when I signed up for a ministry.

If this happened in the past, please forgive us!

And don’t give up on filling out your Commitment Card! We have a very good plan to call every person interested in joining a new ministry. If for some reason the ministry leader does not call you within four weeks of turning in your card, let the parish office know.

How much should I give?

Your gift is entirely dependent on how much God has given you. In the Holy Family Area Catholic Community, we ask that you give five percent to your parish, one percent to the diocese, and four percent to other charities. Why a percentage of income? First, because the tithe (10 percent) is a scriptural benchmark that the Church has honored for centuries (see Malachi 3:10). Secondly, we give a percentage of income because it is a common-sense standard by which everyone can equitably support the parish. Most of all, we give because we believe God comes first in everything, even finances.

What if I can’t fulfill my financial pledge?

While our pledge is not a “contract,” we should all make a good-faith effort to fulfill it. Of course, if your financial circumstances change — if you lose your job, for instance — then the amount of money you give the Church will change, too. Likewise if you get a raise or bonus. The biggest reason many people don’t fulfill their pledge is that they attend Mass at another parish when they go on vacation, attend a wedding,

Annual Stewardship Renewal

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The Great Catholic Educator:

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ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

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 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.

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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CATHOLIC UNITED FINANCIAL:

Bu ildi ng Education a nd Fo s te ri ng Co m m un i t y

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his past year has been a challenge for the St. James Catholic United Financial fundraisers at the church, but the chapter members are hopeful these activities can resume not only for the financial benefits to the parish but also the fellowship and community they bring.

The Catholic United Financial activities work toward a goal of $1,900 that is returned to the parish — along with a matching grant of $1,000 from the organization.

Catholic United Financial is a not-for-profit, fraternal benefit company serving more than 75,000 members in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

Catholic United Financial provides members with quality life insurance and retirement savings options, while also providing them with opportunities to impact their Catholic parishes, schools, and community. Each member parish has a Catholic United Financial council that plans activities. St. James’s council has 10 members.

“The money raised always goes to our religious education programs,” says Cindy Staab, St. James Catholic United Financial council fraternal secretary. “We help the youth and adult programs, pay for books, and in our parish, there is no tuition for our CCD program, which is a big deal for some families. We’re pretty proud of that.”

Two of the biggest fundraisers that have been on hiatus this past year due to COVID-19 restrictions are Turkey Bingo and the Soup and Sandwich Lunches. These events are open to both the parish and the community.

There also are breakfasts served after Mass on Sundays — these, too, have been on hold. The chapter does not hold many activities during the summer because so many parishioners and others are away.

“We have been permitted a gathering of only 25 people or less,” Cindy says. “We usually have 75 to 100 for Turkey Bingo. This year has been a real challenge to come up with fundraising events. We were closed down before the Soup and Sandwich Lunches in March.”

Not only do the special events benefit our religious education programs, but they also bring together mem-

“A lot of people say they like coming to the breakfasts with others in the parish.

It’s just kind of a way to get to know each other better over a cup of coffee and pancakes. When you get together and eat, there is good fellowship there.”

— CINDY STAAB

bers of the Catholic United Financial chapter and our parish. Parishioners particularly help with the Soup and Sandwich Lunches.

“We appreciate the parish stepping up to help us out,” Cindy says. “It’s a fun project, working together in the kitchen. It’s always a fun time I think, just talking and getting together.”

The breakfasts held after Mass are also popular with the parish.

“A lot of people say they like coming to the breakfasts with others in the parish,” Cindy says. “It’s just kind of a way to get to know each other better over a cup of coffee and pancakes. When you get together and eat, there is good fellowship there.”

The Catholic United Financial council at St. James is always open to suggestions from the parish for activities.

“One time we did a Living Rosary,” Cindy says. “We’d like to find new ideas for things to bring us together. The fraternal department at Catholic United Financial does the best it can to get information out to help us with events. They are very helpful people.”

If you would like more information about Catholic United Financial, please visit www.catholicunitedfinancial.org, or call Cindy Staab at 320-769-2114.

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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 12:00 p.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo Friday 10 a.m. — St. Andrew, Granite Falls

Saturday 5 p.m. — St. Andrew, Granite Falls 7 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 a.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo 4:15 p.m. —St. Andrew, Granite Falls

GREETER MINISTRY continued from front cover

you’re greeting know that you see them and appreciate that they’re there,” Kim says.

Billy and Sherry Mathiowetz have served as greeters for about two years. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, they were scheduled about once a month — the couple has taken a hiatus from greeting due to pandemic safety concerns. They enjoy the simplicity of this ministry and how it seems to have an impact on everyone who walks through the doors.

“It is a way to welcome people to let them know they are important, and we are glad they are here joining everyone,” Sherry says.

The couple looks forward to the day when life returns to normal and they may, once again, greet parishioners and guests with a friendly smile.

All are welcome at St. Andrew, and the Greeter Ministry makes this clear to all who enter the doors. And as Kim says, we all should make a point to welcome everyone who walks through the doors of our parishes.

“I enjoy the opportunity to share God’s love and family with my fellow parishioners,” Kim says. “No matter what kind of a day we’re having, when we get to church, we just want to feel comfortable and glad to be there.”

If you would like more information about St. Andrew’s Greeter Ministry, contact Kim Rupp at 320-226-2700 or kimrupp569@gmail.com.

JANUARY 2021