Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Newsletter — August 2020

august 2020

At Peace Like Never Before:

Meet The Crutchfields

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Inside Understanding God’s Gift of Time

4 Profile: Deacon Bill

Scholl All Things Working for Good

6 The Maintenance

Ministry Sharing Talents and Keeping Our Parish Property in Top Shape

7 Living According to

God’s Will Forming a Conscience and Moral Code

7023 W. 71st Street Overland Park, KS 66204 www.queenoftheholyrosary.org

O

A Transformational Journey in the Faith

ne of the beautiful things about our faith is that it is never too late to return to the fold. In fact, part of the stewardship way of life is a continued process of conversion, gradually becoming more perfect expressions of Christ’s love on earth.

Queen of the Holy Rosary parishioners Lee and Connie Crutchfield are testaments of this truth, having come to the Church postretirement. In Connie’s case, it was a return to the faith of her childhood after years of being away, while Lee entered the Church through the RCIA process, becoming a brand-new Catholic.

“I fell away from the Church probably when I started going to public school in the seventh or eighth grade and didn’t return until 2009,” Connie says. “I began watching EWTN and The Journey Home with Mother Angelica. I just kept watching and watching, and Queen of the Holy Rosary parishioners over time felt the Holy Spirit Lee and Connie Crutchf ield leading me back.”

“I, on the other hand, was raised Protestant and became Episcopalian when Connie and I got married,” Lee says. “But around 2007, 2008, I felt that continued on page 2

Queen of the Holy Rosary C at h o l i c C h u r c h

Meet the Crutchfields something was pulling Connie back to the Catholic faith. I think I knew that even before she did. When Connie wanted to come back into the Church, Father said we should have our marriage convalidated. So we did that and at that time, he was also giving private instructions to two other gentlemen. I ended up joining and not too longer later, I converted.”

Their experience of conversion completely transformed their marriage and relationship with Christ. Married now for 54 years, it brought them closer than ever and filled them with a tremendous sense of joy and peace. Spiritually filled like never before, the Crutchfields were anxious to get involved and begin serving within their new church community.

“One of the first things I did when I came into the Church was ask Father what I could do,” Lee says. “He said, ‘Why don’t you start out as an usher?’ and so I’ve been an usher ever since.

“It was a way for us to get to know people,” Connie adds. “I didn’t want to just go to church and come home, not developing any kind of relationship or friendship with people. I felt it was important to get involved, like Lee did — to ask, ‘What can we do?’”

This desire to get involved and serve has led Lee to serve on the Pastoral Council and to join the Serra Club of which he currently acts as president.

Connie, meanwhile, was involved with the Arts and Environment Ministry and was a member

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of the Legion of Mary, and currently serves with the Parish School of Religion, is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and is involved with Christ Renews His Parish. She also coordinates RCIA, hoping to assist others interested in entering the Church.

“I just think it’s incredibly important that people who are interested in becoming part of the Catholic Church are drawn in and feel welcomed — that they aren’t just taught our theology, but that they are also taught about Jesus,” Connie says. “It’s more evangelization than anything.”

Though retirement is usually viewed as a person’s time to slow down and enjoy the fruits of their labor, Connie and Lee have managed to stay busy through their parish involvement. Yet, rather than a drudgery or obligation, they describe stewardship as a great gift in their life — a source of peace and joy that was missing in their lives for so many years prior to their conversions.

“I find I’m so much more at peace with myself and my life when we get involved and give of our time — when we share from what we have laid aside for retirement,” Lee says. “It makes you feel good inside. I’m much more peaceful now than I was when I first retired. I think, too, that we are happier as a couple.”

“When you’re not at peace with the Lord, you feel it in your heart,” Connie says.

“I just think it’s incredibly important that people who are interested in becoming part of the Catholic Church are drawn in and feel welcomed — that they aren’t just taught our theology, but that they are also taught about Jesus. It’s more evangelization than anything.” — CONNIE CRUTCHFIELD 2

A Letter From Our Pastor

Understanding God’s Gift of Time Dear Parishioners,

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ith the arrival of August, I find it hard to believe that summer is just about over! Of course, some of us are trying to squeeze in that last vacation, or just simply enjoying a “staycation” at home, soaking in this unique summer season for a few more weeks. But for the most part, we’re starting to transition back into the swing of our fall routines.

I once heard a quote from a psychologist who said time seems to pass more quickly as we get older because we’re experiencing fewer “firsts.” When we’re continually experiencing new things, time tends to stand still while we’re living them. After we’ve repeated those events numerous times, they don’t faze us much anymore — and before we know it, months have passed, seasons have changed, and it’s time to start the annual cycle again.

Yet, we should not allow our time to be something that simply evades our grasp, trickling through our fingers. After all, time itself — every moment on this earth — is a gift from God. We each have 24 hours today and seven days this week to use however we please.

At the end of this summer, we have the opportunity to reflect on how we chose to use our

time during the pandemic. Did we set aside time to pray? Have we allowed for time to serve others?

Did we devote time each day to serve God? When we assess the use of our time, we must make a spiritual examination — “Have I been a good steward of the time given to me?”

Maybe now is a good time to make some changes in our lives and get more involved. There is no better time than right now to seek out ways to serve God, our parish, and those around us. This is what it means to be a good steward!

As the lazy days of summer give way to the routine and activity of fall, remember to keep God in your hearts, in your minds, and on your tongue as we continue our stewardship journey as a parish family.

Please pray for me as I continue to pray for you all.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. William Bruning Pastor

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PROFILE:

DEACON BILL SCH

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hough we may not all describe ourselves as a convert, newly ordained Deacon Bill Scholl says the life of a Catholic is, in fact, one of continuous conversion. It’s a never-ending process of discovery and growth, as we work daily to become more Christlike in our thoughts, words and actions. Yet, every so often, God blesses us with what Deacon Bill calls “big moments,” designed to steer us on the right course.

“There is always some aspect of you that needs to be turned more towards God,” Deacon Bill says. “It’s a life of constant conversion. But there are still those big moments in life when you are turned away pretty completely from God and He needs to step in so you can have a 180.”

Deacon Bill experienced one of these big moments during his college years. Though raised in a Catholic family and privileged to have attended Catholic schools throughout his formative years, unfortunately, like many people raised during the ‘70s and ‘80s his catechetical background was wanting. So while, on paper, he appeared to have had a solid foundation, the reality was that Deacon Bill hadn’t received the fullness of truth.

“Consequently, when I graduated from high school I pretty much stopped practicing the faith

entirely,” Deacon Bill says. “And when it came time to go to college, I felt that I had spent most of my life in Catholic institutions and I wanted something different. I went to the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash.”

There, Deacon Bill quickly became disillusioned by the relativistic ideology of the school. It led him to an interior dark place, feeling empty and alone.

Fortunately, Deacon Bill had a friend who was attending a Catholic conservative institute — Thomas Aquinas College, or TAC. Though still far away from God and Catholicism, Deacon Bill was attracted to the school’s classical approach. He had discovered a love for the great books and philosophy and appreciated the fact that TAC welcomed intelligent disagreement — provided it was grounded in facts.

“I decided this is where I wanted to be, though I still didn’t want to be Catholic,” Deacon Bill says.

“I thought I was going to be one of the few people who managed to graduate from the program without being Catholic. But then following some profound disappointments in my life, I ended up at a midnight Mass, talking to God about this tremendous sense of emptiness inside of me. What I heard God say was, ‘Don’t you realize that I’m the only One Who

Deacon Bill Scholl was ordained to the permanent diaconate on June 20.

Deacon Bill Scholl gathers with his fellow newly-ordained deacons.

HOLL All Things Working for Good He ended up working with United Way AmeriCorps.

There, he met his wife Bethanne and developed a passion for helping the poor and less fortunate. He would subsequently move on to work for a Methodist social service agency called Cross-Lines Community Outreach, Catholic Charities and, finally, his current position at the Office for Social Justice for the Archdiocese of Kansas City.

Shortly after beginning his work at the archdiocese, Deacon Bill says he began contemplating thoughts about the permanent diaconate. However, as the father of seven children, it was just too much for him at the time. Nevertheless, the desire remained, leading him to eventually join the program so as to better discern.

“When it comes to discerning a vocation, a lot of guys get really intimidated because they think they Newly ordained Deacon Bill Scholl celebrates with his family — need to know that they are going to be a deacon or a (back row, from left) Simon, Sebastian, Julian, Donan; (front) priest,” Deacon Bill says. “All you are doing, though, Fiona, Deacon Bill, Nellie, wife Bethanne, Matilda. is opening up yourself to that possibility. I felt really is going to fill that great void you are feeling? Don’t called to discern. I loved the job I was doing and I you feel it’s strange that you are in this very Catholic really felt the Church would be better served with a college and are talking to me during a Mass?’ That’s clergy person doing it.”

Over time, God made the calling clear, resulting in when I broke down crying and said, ‘okay, God, I hear Deacon Bill’s ordination on June 20. In addition to his You.’ I grabbed a priest and asked him to hear my work at the archdiocese, Deacon Bill looks forward to confession. That was a powerful moment for me.”

On fire with his faith, Deacon Bill returned to making Christ incarnate to His people here at Queen school with new enthusiasm. He began immersing of the Holy Rosary.

“The role of the deacon is to be out in the community, himself in the teachings of the Church and seriously discerning a vocation to the religious life. And though becoming that visible sign of God’s love,” Deacon he ultimately concluded that God was not calling Bill says. “I’m excited to get to know the parishioners him to the priesthood, this time in his life helped him better and to assist with liturgies. Father is having me draw closer to the Lord in ways that still guide and help out with Baptisms, too, and I’m thrilled about that because, as the father of seven, I’ve been on the impact him today.

“I think every young person — especially any young receiving side. So to be able to share those experiences man who loves his faith — should spend some time with others on behalf of the Church is really special.”

Looking back on the entire journey thus far, praying about and being open to the priesthood or religious life,” Deacon Bill says. “You are only going Deacon Bill says it can all be summed up by one of his favorite Bible verses — “We know that all things to benefit from the experience.”

After graduating from TAC, Deacon Bill took work for good for those who love God, who are called some time discerning and figuring out his career path. according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

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THE MAINTENANCE MINISTRY Sharing Talents and Keeping Our Parish Property in Top Shape

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e may not always see them at work, but our Maintenance Ministry members can be counted upon to make sure everything is in good running order here at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish.

C.J. Pfeiffer is one of the coordinators of this ministry, which currently has 10 members.

“We take care of the general maintenance of the church,” he says. “We take care of the heating and air conditioning system, clean the parking lot, and take care of snow removal. We try to oversee the maintenance of all the buildings regarding mechanical, electrical and plumbing matters.”

While much of their work has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group

was instrumental in helping to to restore the heat.

install the recent security cameras.

The members understand that They usually gather once a month to in giving their time and talents check and take care of any problems. to the parish, they are practicing Besides making sure everything stewardship. is working smoothly, the ministry “I was asked to join the ministry,” members enjoy a camaraderie. They C.J. says of his experience in share common interests, as well as stewardship. “I’m a facilities manager experience in maintenance work. and I wanted to give back a little bit.

Not only are they able to repair I’m very blessed, so it’s nice to give and service systems around the back when you can. I just look at the church, but their expertise also property, and there are things to do, enables the parish to save money. and if I’m capable, let’s just do it!”

“I work for a large corporation, Although the ministry numbers and I can leverage that to get better are at a good place, anyone who prices on things,” C.J. says. wants to join is most welcome.

In another example, when the “This is a good group of guys with main boiler in the school building maintenance skills,” C.J. says. “They failed in the middle of winter, the make sure the campus is running ministry members were able to the way it needs to be. We keep the respond quickly to that emergency property nice and safe.”

Anyone interested in joining the Maintenance Ministry may call C.J. Pfeiffer at 913-660-3590.

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Living According to God’s Will Forming a Conscience and Moral Code

s Christians, it is important that we recognize the difference between right and wrong — both morally and ethically. Sometimes, though, this line can become blurred.

Many situations we encounter in our lives include variables that can leave us internally conflicted and unsure of how to move forward in accordance with God’s will.

So, how do we work through these moral conundrums? One way is to develop a solid Christian conscience.

A moral conscience exists in the heart of every individual. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “When he listens to his conscience, the prudent man can hear God speaking. Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already completed” (1777, 1778).

Think of your conscience as the “angelic” version of yourself sitting on your shoulder, giving you sound advice.

While everyone is blessed with a conscience, each individual has a responsibility to develop this

conscience from the time they are young. Parents obviously play an important role in developing their children’s consciences. As the primary educators of their children on ethical issues and the Catholic faith, parents have a responsibility to teach virtue to their children and help them to avoid fear, selfishness and pride. As we grow older, we take on the lifelong challenge of continually forming our own consciences, and establishing a moral code that enables us to make the proper judgments.

One valuable tool in forming a conscience is the practice of introspection. “It is important for every person to be sufficiently present to himself in order to hear and follow the voice of his conscience” (CCC 1779). In contemporary society, where there are so many distractions and routines, it is extremely important that we take the time to look inward and truly listen to what our inner voice is telling us.

Another way to ensure we are developing a good moral code is by conforming to the mind of Christ.

God the Father gave us Christ, physically present on this earth and recorded in Sacred Scripture, as the ultimate example of what to do and how to behave continued on back cover

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Queen of the Holy Rosary C at h o l i c C h u r c h

7023 W. 71st Street Overland Park, Kansas 66204 (913) 432-4616 | www.queenoftheholyrosary.org

Living According to God’s Will according to God’s will. In turn, when we act in loving imitation of Christ, we are certain to make practical judgments of conscience.

The next time you are faced with a moral dilemma, take some quiet time to look inward, weigh the positive and negative outcomes, and listen to the voice of your conscience. Read the Gospels for examples of Christ’s teachings. By making this a regular practice, you will find that the voice of your conscience will come in louder and more clearly than you may have initially expected.

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The next time you are faced with a moral dilemma, take some quiet time to look inward, weigh the positive and negative outcomes, and listen to the voice of your conscience. Read the Gospels for examples of Christ’s teachings. By making this a regular practice, you will find that the voice of your conscience will come in louder and more clearly than you may have initially expected.

WEEKEND MASS

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Monday - Friday: 8:15 a.m.| First Saturday: 8:15 a.m.