Holy Family Area Catholic Community Newsletter — Nov. 2020

ST. JA M E S

ST. ANDRE W

ST. J OS E PH

Holy Family Area CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

TIME SPENT WITH JESUS IN EUCHARISTIC ADORATION BRINGS

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Love, Peace and Strength

n Matthew 26, Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, before His Crucifixion. Peter and the two sons of Zebedee fall asleep — Jesus asks them, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour?”

How fitting it is that we have the opportunity to keep watch with our Lord at designated Eucharistic Adoration times at St. Andrew and St. Joseph. Eucharistic Adoration means the Blessed Body of Christ is exposed in what’s called a monstrance. The Blessed Body cannot be left alone when exposed.

Nancy St. Sauver appreciates the opportunity to attend adoration at St. Andrew and sees it as a great gift.

“It is an opportunity to be faceto-face with Jesus and deepen my relationship with Him,” Nancy says.

“At Eucharistic Adoration, I don’t just see the consecrated host, I see the face of Jesus.”

Eucharistic Adoration is offered at St. Andrew on the first Tuesday of every month, from 2 to 5 p.m., and the second Sunday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. St. Joseph offers Eucharistic Adoration on the third Sunday of every month from 3 to 9 p.m. At this time, there is no Eucharistic Adoration at St. James yet. All parishioners are encouraged to sign up for an hour during those times, or even just to stop by to adore without signing up.

Adoration is a time to pray and spend time with Jesus. Nancy says adoration can also be a time to rest in Jesus.

“In our busy world, and one that is dealing with a pandemic and civil unrest, it is a time and place continued on page 5

NOVEMBER 2020

Parishioners are invited and encouraged to visit St. Andrew’s and spend time with the Lord.

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LIVING OUT GRATITUDE AND STEWARDSHIP, DURING THANKSGIVING AND BEYOND

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very November, as the holiday season fast approaches, we are filled with a deep sense of sentimentality and gratefulness for all of our blessings.

At the same time, we encounter many wonderful ways to give — to cheerfully share our own gifts — during this time of Thanksgiving.

It is with this spirit of gratitude that we can truly live out the stewardship way of life. This Thanksgiving, there are plenty of opportunities to do this in a direct way. Is there a family member or friend you haven’t spoken to for a long time, or someone who might be spending the holiday alone?

Drop them an email, pick up the phone and call, or even catch up with them via Zoom or FaceTime — even virtually, such connections at this time are essential! Perhaps you may volunteer at a soup kitchen, or you might donate a Thanksgiving meal to a family in need who wouldn’t have one otherwise.

For Black Friday, make it a point the next day to donate old clothes that you or your family members no longer need. And as the winter draws closer, you might

participate in — or even organize — a coat drive, and then go out into the community to give the coats away to homeless shelters and those in need during the winter months. There are countless such opportunities to live in gratitude and thanksgiving — opportunities that go beyond just having a meal at home.

Of course, we must remember that this spirit of thanksgiving does not end after Thanksgiving, nor does it end following Advent and Christmas. We must always consider how to give, even as the glow of the holiday season fades after the New Year. In January, if there is abundance in your closet, give away from that abundance. In February, if there are volunteers needed at the soup kitchen, give of your time. We need a renewed spirit of stewardship and thanksgiving that lasts the whole year so that our giving becomes habitual, and not just seasonal.

This Thanksgiving, ask the Holy Spirit where He is calling you to give. And may the joy of the Thanksgiving season flow into our lives as good stewards, every day and throughout the entire year.

Of course, we must remember that this spirit of thanksgiving does not end after Thanksgiving, nor does it end following Advent and Christmas. We must always consider how to give, even as the glow of the holiday season fades after the New Year. In January, if there is abundance in your closet, give away from that abundance. In February, if there are volunteers needed at the soup kitchen, give of your time. We need a renewed spirit of stewardship and thanksgiving that lasts the whole year so that our giving becomes habitual, and not just seasonal.

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A Letter From Our Pastor

“WHAT’S IN IT FOR US” MAY SURPRISE YOU My Dear Friends in Christ,

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ou already know that our parish is committed to living as intentional disciples of Christ through the holistic practice of stewardship. What you may not know is that one of our inspirations and mentors is the late Msgr. Thomas McGread of the Diocese of Wichita.

Who was Msgr. McGread?

Msgr. McGread was a humble, servant priest who created a model for how stewardship should be practiced — both here and in many Catholic parishes across the country. What began simply with Msgr.

McGread applying his stewardship principles at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Wichita — where he served as pastor for 31 years — has become a way of life for the Holy Family Area and for Catholics around the nation.

With such an incredible blueprint from this visionary priest, how could we go wrong?

We have truly embraced stewardship here in the Holy Family Area, and for that, I am blessed and grateful. From the beginning, however, the question “What’s in it for us?” had to be on our minds as our efforts to educate parishioners and promote the stewardship way of life were introduced.

At first, “What’s in it for us?” seemed to center on what people were willing to do to give back to God as part of practicing their faith and living as disciples of Jesus Christ.

While this is important, there is so much more to it.

The truth is, “What’s in it for us?” is really about “What’s in it for you?”

“What’s in it for you?” perhaps is best explained as one simple principle — cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

When Christ calls us to discipleship, He is also calling us to be faithful stewards of our time, talent and treasure. Our gratitude for these gifts is best expressed through giving a portion of each back to God. Thus, stewardship becomes a way of life that is also the way to holiness. Our relationship with Christ is what we get in return.

Our efforts as a parish to promote the spiritual

benefits of active stewardship are designed to foster a deeper relationship with God for all of us. Membership in a parish family should encourage, support, and celebrate that relationship with the living God, first and foremost. Everything else flows from that.

If we are not focused on our relationship with God, then what will define our spirituality?

If we have embraced the blessings of stewardship as a practical way of being the disciples we are called to be, we will in turn know a deeper relationship with Christ.

We celebrate Thanksgiving this month, which truly is a stewardship holiday since stewardship begins with an attitude of gratitude. I am truly thankful for all that is done here in the Holy Family Area, and for the many parishioners willing to do so much.

In closing, let me share one final thought to help you realize the gift that our parishes are to each and every one of us.

Be grateful for all you have.

Be generous in giving something back to God. Be faithful stewards, and you will have done both.

That is what’s in it for you, and in turn, that is what’s in it for us!

And don’t forget — God has been doing this for centuries. We’re just the latest and most fortunate recipients.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you and your family.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Paul Timmerman, Pastor

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THROUGH JOYS AND TRIALS, ST. JOSEPH PARISHIONER ED

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POLMAN

or as long as St. Joseph Tragically, not long after parishioner Ed Polman can moving to Clarkfield, Ed and remember, the Catholic faith Phyllis lost their daughter, has always been at the center Kathy, at age 6 1/2. The of his life.

Polmans’ faith remained strong Ed was born in Detroit in the face of trial, however, and before his family moved to a they continued raising their farm north of Minneota, where younger two children, Ronald his family joined St. Edward and Karen, in the Church.

Catholic Church. The faith When St. Isidore closed its remained a top priority for Ed doors in 1989, Ed and Phyllis throughout his early life, and joined St. Joseph Catholic on Aug. 29, 1961, he married Church in Montevideo, where another devout Catholic. Ed their dedication to living active and Phyllis were married in her discipleship never slowed home parish of St. Leo Catholic one bit! At St. Joseph, Phyllis Church in St. Leo. After two was a choir member and then years of farming, the couple a Eucharistic Minister. She moved to Minneota and opened also took Holy Communion Ed’s Café. to the Clarkfield Care Center.

Although life was certainly Ed volunteered to help paint busy for a young family the St. Isidore Center across running a small business, the the street from the parish and Polmans continued to put their also served as a Parish Council faith first. Rather than simply member, lector, and Eucharistic attending Mass on Sundays, Minister. When Phyllis was Ed decided to serve the parish no longer able to bring the by volunteering on a team Eucharist to the Clarkfield Care St. Joseph parishioner Ed Polman that provided weekly grass Center, Ed took her place. Two maintenance for the church cemetery. years ago, he began taking Holy Communion to the In 1969, the Polmans moved to Clarkfield and Clarkfield Valhalla Apartments as well. quickly settled into their new parish home, St. Over the years, Ed has always found that actively Isidore Catholic Church. living out his faith in service to the Church and his “St. Isidore was a small church, so everyone community brings priceless rewards. had to volunteer to maintain it,” Ed says. “I was on “I have always felt it important to try and do the Parish Council, and I was a lector, Eucharistic my part to support my church in any way I can, and Minister and an usher when needed, and took care of I encourage everyone to do the same,” he says. “I the financial reports.” know when I bring Communion to the Clarkfield Phyllis was also active in parish life at St. Care Center and Clarkfield Valhalla Apartments, they Isidore, serving as a catechist and as the president really appreciate it, and makes me feel good that I’m of the Altar and Rosary Society. Ed and Phyllis were able to do it.” presented with the Bishop’s Medal of Service for At the time of Phyllis’s passing in 2018, the all of their efforts at St. Isidore, a memory that Ed Polmans had been married for nearly 57 years. Today, greatly treasures to this day. the legacy of their marriage built on faith and service

N KEEPS THE CATHOLIC FAITH AT THE CENTER lives on in their children and grandchildren, one of whom — Fr. Shawn Polman — was ordained to the priesthood this year.

Thankful for our Catholic community and the many blessings that have come to him through parish life, Ed hopes to see the next generation of parishioners continue to make our faith community a vibrant and welcoming place to call home.

“I like the way St. Joseph and the Holy Family Area Catholic Community make you feel so welcome, whichever church you go to,” Ed says. “I hope to see more people involved in church, and more young families and adults coming back to church so it’s more like years ago when I grew up — when church was always first.”

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION to rest in Jesus and restore our hope that our world can survive and be better,” she says. “Eucharistic Adoration is a more intimate time with Jesus.”

Nancy uses some of her time at adoration to pray the Chaplet of the Adorable Sacrament, which is said on Rosary beads — on the Hail Mary beads, “Jesus, I adore you in the most Blessed Sacrament,” is said.

“This prayer allows me a way to express my sorrow for the sins committed against Him and to express my adoration to Him in the Blessed Sacrament,” she says.

Spending time with Jesus at Adoration can also be helpful when grieving the loss of a family member, as Nancy notes.

“Over the years, I have felt love, peace, strength,

“I like the way St. Joseph and the Holy Family Area Catholic Community make you feel so welcome, whichever church you go to. I hope to see more people involved in church, and more young families and adults coming back to church so it’s more like years ago when I grew up — when church was always first.” — ED POLMAN

continued from front cover

and compassion during adoration,” she says. “It is a time to talk to Jesus about anything and everything, knowing that the Person I am talking to loves me beyond measure. It is also a time to just be with Someone in silence Who loves me.”

Nancy recalls the words of author Vinny Flynn, who writes, “The more you expose yourself to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, the more His love will heal you, bless you, transform you.” She hopes all parishioners will sign up for adoration or just visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for however long they can — there is no time expectation when visiting.

“I just love being in the real presence of Jesus,” she says. “I feel Him looking at me as I look at Him.”

If you would like to sign up for Eucharistic Adoration, please check the narthex at St. Joseph or the back of church at St. Andrew for a sign-up sheet, about five to seven days prior to the adoration dates. All parishioners from all parishes are invited to adore, even without registering. We are hoping to start Adoration at St. James soon. If you are interested in helping, please contact Melinda Hedman at 320-269-5954.

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ST. CHARLES BORROMEO:

An Example of Living Completely for the Lord

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ne important aspect of stewardship — of involvement in parish life and our community — is understanding our own personal vocation.

One saint especially embodies this key aspect of stewardship.

St. Charles was a model priest, and many priests and clergyin-training look to his life as an example of how to live completely for the Lord. Let us look to his example as we serve our own faith family and community.

When St. Charles Borromeo died at the age of 46, he had accomplished more than most clergy twice his age. St. Charles is credited with the continuation and completion of the Council of Trent in 1562, extensive reformation within the Archdiocese of Milan and beyond, and the creation of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine — the forerunner of the modern Religious Education system. St. Charles possessed a fierce love for the Church, especially for the people under his spiritual care — the Archdiocese of Milan.

He was born in 1538 to the powerful noble family Borromeo. But rather than live the life of a noble, St. Charles chose instead to serve the Church.

As a young man, St. Charles received the clerical tonsure — a hairstyle where the top of the head is shaved, common among religious orders — and studied at a Benedictine abbey near his hometown of Arona, Italy. His uncle, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo de’ Medici, was elected Pope in 1559, and took the name Pius IV. Shortly after becoming pope, Pius IV appointed St. Charles to serve as secretary of state, as well as cardinal and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan. At the time, St. Charles was still a layperson.

While serving in these positions, he encouraged the pope to reconvene the Council of Trent, an ecumenical gathering during which Church leaders corrected various abuses and sought to more clearly define

elements of Catholic doctrine.

In 1563, St. Charles was ordained to the priesthood during a secret ordination ceremony.

Following the death of his older brother, Count Federico Borromeo, St. Charles’ family had urged him to marry and carry on the Borromeo name. However, St. Charles felt that God was calling him to serve the Church, and continued to fulfill his vocation.

Shortly after becoming a priest, St. Charles was appointed

by Pope Pius IV as Archbishop of Milan. Historians say the people of Milan rejoiced under St. Charles’ leadership and spiritual guidance — he was the first bishop in 80 years to actually live in Milan and minister to its people himself. Under his rule, Milan became a model diocese that was revered throughout the Catholic world.

Due to his great intellect, St. Charles was often called away from Milan to help the pope in various ways.

However, despite his busy life, St. Charles continued to push reformation among clergy and sought to continually improve the ministry of the Church. He often encouraged clergy to spend time educating and spiritually renewing themselves. During a homily at a diocesan synod, St. Charles addressed the priests saying, “Are you in charge of a parish? If so, do not neglect the parish of your own soul, do not give yourself to others so completely that you have nothing left for yourself.

You have to be mindful of your people without becoming forgetful of yourself.”

St. Charles was a true servant of the people. As the plague of 1576 ravaged much of Milan, he remained with his people, serving the sick and dying in hospitals throughout the archdiocese.

St. Charles Borromeo died Nov. 3, 1584. He was canonized in 1610, and his feast day is celebrated each year on Nov. 4.

ST. JAMES CEMETERY OFFERS A PLACE OF

Peace and Remembrance

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hen we bury our dead, we do so not as an act of finality, but rather, one that honors that person’s faith journey.

A burial carries the promise that the faith journey continues in anticipation of our glorious resurrection in Christ.

Our St. James Cemetery honors our parish’s dead by providing a beautiful place of rest and remembrance. The cemetery is located three miles east of Dawson in Baxter Township, Section 19, at the corner of 180th Street and 331st Avenue. Louie and Mabel Liebl donated an acre of their land, and an additional 2.2 acres was purchased in 1966. The cemetery consists of 3.2 acres, with approximately half plotted for graves and the remaining half being farmed until it is needed for future expansion.

Lisa Malecek became a member of the Cemetery Committee after her husband, Jerry, joined. She takes care of the bookkeeping tasks including making deposits, paying any bills, and keeping track of the plots.

“I think the members were asked to help out with the cemetery and then became members of the Cemetery Committee with the approval of the parish council,” Lisa says.

The members are Doug Hermanson, Nick Blascyk, Leonard Liebl, and Jerry Malecek.

Before the St. James Cemetery was established, our parishioners were often buried in either in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Madison

The monument honoring our veterans has a prominent spot in the St. James Cemetery. The cemetery has spaces available and is well cared for.

or the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Montevideo. However, thanks to the Liebls’ donation, along with donations from parishioners and the St. James Men’s Club, as well as fundraising events, the cemetery became a reality.

“The first burial in the cemetery was Joseph E. Holan on Sept. 28, 1968,” Lisa says. “In 1998, VFW Post 5247 donated toward a Veterans Memorial Monument to honor the veterans.

More recently, the Adrian Schueller and Wayne Marotzke families have contributed benches which are a great asset for people who visit the cemetery.”

The Cemetery Committee has several responsibilities, including keeping the grounds in order,

assisting people in choosing a plot, marking the plots when there is a burial, and snow removal if there is a winter burial. They also give guidance as far as the rules and regulations of the policies of the cemetery.

“Leo Kockelman and Clarence Abraham were among the original caretakers of the cemetery,” Lisa says. “Later, Dennis Schueller took over this ministry and mowed and maintained the grounds for many years. Since 2011, Doug Hermanson has been the primary caretaker.”

Although the work of the Cemetery Committee may appear grounded in upkeep and records, this work is very much grounded in stewardship.

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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

ST. JAMES CEMETERY continued from front cover

“By taking care of the cemetery, we are showing respect and are honoring the people who are buried there, who for the most part were parishioners, friends, and family,” Lisa says. “We have an obligation and a bond with them that continues even after death.”

Through their acts of stewardship, the ministry members have been able to grow in their faith. By providing a place of peace and beauty, they are not only enabling visitors to see the glory of God in this natural setting, but they also are providing a place for them to pray for, and remember their loved ones buried there.

“In the ministry of caring for the cemetery, it reminds us how we are not alone in our faith journey,” Lisa says. “We are part of a faith community that supports us, and that death is not the end of the journey, but another event in our journey.”

If you would like more information about purchasing a plot at St. James Cemetery, please call Lisa Malecek at 320-226-2709; at St. Joseph’s contact Joe Keller at 320-269-7247; at St. Andrew’s contact Art Mehr at 320-981-0281.

NOVEMBER 2020