St. Monica Catholic Church Newsletter — April 2022

APRIL 2022

THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Journey to Full Communion with the Catholic Church

F St. Monica Catholic Church 6131 N. Michigan Rd Indianapolis, Indiana 46228-1298 MASS TIMES: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 8:00 a.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 5:30 p.m.

Saturday: 10:30 a.m.

Saturday Anticipation Mass: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Spanish), 3 p.m. (Spanish), 6 p.m.

Mass in French, 2nd Sunday of each month: 4:30 p.m.

VER AL DORSO PARA ESPAÑOL

(317) 253-2193 www.stmonicaindy.org

or those who already have converted to the Catholic faith, Easter Vigil is not just the crown of the liturgical year, but it is also a much-celebrated anniversary of their entry into full communion with the Church.

For David Love, entering the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process nine years ago was just the beginning of his journey.

“Once I had received my sacraments, I realized I didn’t want to leave RCIA,” he says. “I wanted to help out. Over the last few years, I have filled almost every role within the program.”

Typically, the RCIA process is completed at the Easter Vigil when the catechumens receive their sacraments continued on page 6

STE WA R DSHI P OF TI ME: The Foundation of Our Faith Lives

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professor stood at the head of the class with a big glass jar. He put six big rocks in the jar with the rocks up to the edge and then asked his students, “Is the jar full?” They replied, “Yes.” The professor told the students, “No, it’s not.”

He then pulled out gravel and put it in the jar.

He then asked, “Now is it full?” The students once again replied, “Yes.” The professor responded, “No, it’s not.” He reached down and pulled out sand, which he poured into the jar with the same responses. Then, he reached for a pitcher of water and poured it in, all the way to the brim.

Then he asked, “Now is it full?” And the students replied, “Yes.” The professor then asked, “OK, what did you learn from this?” One student responded, “No matter how many things you’ve got in the jar, there’s always room to put a little more in.” The professor told the class, “No, that’s not the lesson. The lesson is, if I didn’t put the big rocks in first, they would have never fit!”

Most Catholics may ask how this can apply to our own prayer lives. Essentially, every person must decide what the “big rocks” are in his or her life. And prayer should be one of those big rocks in the jar.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has told us stewardship is part of discipleship and is a way of responding to God’s call in every aspect of our lives. We refer to the three facets of stewardship as “Time, Talent and Treasure,” and when we consider the importance of these three Ts of stewardship, the “time” component comes

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first by design.

Stewardship spirituality is about trying to become more generous with our Time, Talent, and Treasure. And there’s a reason why “Time” is first. We need to take time to talk to God and take time to be quiet and seek to listen as He expresses His love for us and wants us to know His inspiration in our life.

There are many different forms of prayer.

From weekly prayer such as the Mass, to daily personal prayer, such as a daily Rosary. Morning and night prayer are also important disciplines to maintain. Set aside a comfortable place in your home where you can find silence. Focus on a spiritual image and take time to center yourself with Scripture or other spiritual reading.

For many, spending large portions of the day in silent prayer is not possible. But make it a priority to find moments of quiet throughout the day, and find ways to incorporate prayer into your busy schedule. When you get into a vehicle, pray — before a meal, after a meal, if you’re faced with a tough decision. Just pray!

Just as in any human relationship, communication is a central aspect of a vibrant relationship with God. Prayer is fostering this communion of love with God. He loved us into existence, and He wants us to enter into a loving conversation with Him. We’ve got to talk to Him. And we must listen to Him. He will take care of everything if you just trust Him. He’s knocking at the door and waiting for us to open it in prayer.

A Letter From Our Pastor

A L L THIN G S AND A L L PEOPL E A R E MA DE NEW Dear Parishioners,

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e associate the Easter season with springtime — a time of new life and new beginnings. 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 everything was once new. Regardless of how you view the development of the 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. Being new means conversion, and 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 — “For if we have grown into union with Him through a death like His, we shall also be united with Him in the resurrection.” (Rom 6:5) Hope for a new life beginning now and extending 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, “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” (Col 3:1-2). Jesus’ Resurrection and His promise of a new life for us

mean 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,

Rev. John P. McCaslin

H O LY WEEK SC H EDULE

April 14, Holy Thursday Mass at 7 p.m.

Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper — A Night Watch with the Blessed Sacrament will follow Mass.

April 15, Good Friday Services School service, 9 a.m.

Outdoor Stations of the Cross, 12:30 p.m.

Celebration of the Passion of the Lord, 3 p.m.

Via Crucis/Way of the Cross procession, 6 p.m.

April 16, Easter Vigil at 8:52 p.m. (sunset) April 17, Easter Sunday will follow the regular Mass schedule

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THE ART AND ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY Drawing Parishioners into Worship Throughout the Liturgical Year

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or years, Janice Price hoped to become part of the Art and Environment Ministry at St. Monica.

“I’ve always been creative,” Janice says. “I’ve always liked to make something that’s pretty and pleasing to the eyes.”

When she finally had the opportunity to serve, it would impact her understanding of stewardship and how God calls each of us.

“Little did I know that I would take over the whole ministry,” she says. “It was not in my plans.”

Janice has been leading the ministry since July 2019, just one month after she joined as a volunteer.

Always acting for the good of each of us, God’s plan and timing can often be surprising.

“God has a plan, but He doesn’t tell us what it is,” Janice says. “God gave me these talents, and to repay Him, I give them back in the process of decorating and making the environment pleasing to parishioners who are there to give Him glory and their praise. I hope it enhances their relationship with God.” The Art and Environment Ministry, a sub-

committee of the Liturgy Committee, is in charge of the decorations in the narthex and sanctuary throughout the different seasons of the liturgical year.

Different colors are used throughout the year — red for Pentecost, green for Ordinary Time, and white for Easter.

“By decorating the church according to each liturgical season, it helps the church community to tune into that particular season because they have visual reminders of what season it is,” Janice says.

Easter lilies are typically used at Easter. However, Janice learned the hard way during her first year that Fr. John is allergic to them! Now, she uses spring flowers and continues to decorate with whites, golds, and ivories. During Christmas, poinsettias, purchased by parishioners for the loved ones they lost throughout the year, are used.

“I want to show the grandness of a major event and how important it is to our wellbeing and spiritual journey,” Janice says of decorating for high holy days.

The Art & Environment ministry could use more help, especially around Christmas and Easter. If you would like to get involved, please contact Janice Price at jdp0723@yahoo.com.

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THE MOWING MINISTRY AND GIVING GARDEN

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The Good Stewardship of Our Parish Grounds Impacts God and Community

n 2015, Pope Francis wrote the encyclical, Laudato si’ (On Care For Our Common Home).

The pope directs all of us to consider the words of St. Francis of Assisi, who called the Earth “our sister.” He asks everyone to work together to shape a healthy future for the planet.

We have two wonderful opportunities to care for our planet here at St. Monica — the Giving Garden and Mowing Ministry.

Steve Sanders coordinates the Mowing Ministry. Currently, four teams of three to four people mow all the grass on the parish grounds and help with landscaping projects. Steve would love to add a few more volunteers for this important ministry.

When the parish grounds look nice, it truly glorifies our Lord.

“I enjoy helping with this ministry because I am doing what I can to help and cut costs,” he says.

Steve knows this is important work. If we don’t give of our time, St. Monica’s wouldn’t be here as a place for us to worship the Lord.

Melanie Kuester would love to see more people help in the Giving Garden, which is located in front of the Parish Meeting Center. Melanie, who coordinates the garden with Catherine Harrison, got involved because she has a passion for gardening and knew it would be a great way to serve St. Monica. In the past few years, the team has grown more than 1,000 pounds of food each year to share with the school, parish, and surrounding community, including the Crooked Creek Food Pantry.

The ministry has grown about 20 different types of continued on page 6

The Giving Garden

Simon Lehmkuhler (light blue shirt) and other Boy Scouts who built the outdoor classroom and a three-bin composter for the garden

(From left) Catherine Harrison and Melanie Kuester

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THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS continued from front cover

to become full members of the Catholic faith. These sacraments include Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. If the person entering the Church has already been baptized, they are referred to as a candidate, their previous baptism is recognized, and they will also receive their First Reconciliation.

The RCIA process begins with a person expressing their interest in learning more about the Catholic faith. This is the beginning of an inquiry period. It is through this inquiry period that the person decides if they are ready to move forward as a catechumen. This period of being a catechumen is when they attend classes to learn more about the Church, Her history,

and Her beliefs. Catechumens choose or are paired with a sponsor who is already Catholic to help them on this journey.

“I love seeing the light turn on for people,” David says. “I love seeing them understand things for the first time. It brings me back to when I first learned it.

It is so special to help them find the truth.”

David offers encouragement to those who are going through the RCIA process or considering joining the faith.

“It’s okay to have questions,” he says. “No matter where you are in the process, it is okay. So come, ask questions and have faith.”

If you would like to learn more about the RCIA process, or to begin the process of inquiry, please contact Tim Bush in the parish office — 317-253-2193.

THE MOWING MINISTRY AND GIVING GARDEN continued from page 5

vegetables and herbs.

“It’s really important to me to know where food comes from,” Melanie says. “When this was started, St. Monica was in a food desert.

It’s important to have this garden where the food is grown with organic practices.”

This past year, the ministry added an outdoor classroom for the school, thanks to a Boy Scout project. Volunteers also built raised gardening beds.

All are invited to get involved with the garden. It’s a relaxing way to serve the Lord on your own schedule.

The outdoor classroom

If you would like to help with the Mowing Ministry, please contact Steve Sanders at 317-446-0854 (after 5 p.m.) or stevesanders61@yahoo.com.

If you would like to help with the Giving Garden, please contact Melanie Kuester at 317-413-7919, or givinggarden@stmonicaindy.org.

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