Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Newsletter — June 2022

JUNE 2022

Our Lady of Lourdes CATHOLIC CHURCH

MEET

Bob and Teri Bowerman:

Embracing Faithful Service and Parish Life Bob and Teri Bowerman

“If you say you are too busy, you are missing out on a big part of life. Ministry is what we are supposed to do throughout our lives. Jesus commanded us to serve others. He didn’t say to do it if it’s convenient.”

— BOB BOWERMAN

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tepping forward to get involved in a ministry can be nerve-racking. You may think you are taking on a permanent assignment — but that doesn’t have to be the case. Over the 50-plus years that Bob and Teri Bowerman have been members at Our Lady of Lourdes, they’ve been involved in many different ministries. They believe that’s just how it should be. God will guide each person to where they can use their gifts to serve when it’s time.

“Everybody has a gift,” Bob says. “Other people (in your life) can help you find them.”

Bob and Teri are blessed with seven children and 15 grandchildren. When their children were young, Bob and Teri had a busy home. But they still made it a priority to be involved at Our Lady of Lourdes.

“You have to make the time,” Bob says. “It doesn’t have to be a lot of time. At different parts of life, you have more or less time.” continued on page 5

Service

The Fourth Pillar of Parish Stewardship

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hroughout Sacred Scripture, there are numerous references to service. There is the parable of the vigilant and faithful servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, “ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks” (Lk 12:35-40). There is the story of the good Samaritan who was moved with compassion to help the victim of a violent robbery (Lk 10:25-37). And there are several examples of Christ serving those around Him — feeding the multitudes, healing the sick, and even turning water into wine at a wedding banquet.

Why is service a running theme throughout the Gospels? Because service is at the root of living in imitation of Christ. Christ served others throughout His life on Earth, and His death on the cross was the ultimate act of service to mankind. And when we serve others, we are not only following in Christ’s footsteps, we are also serving Christ Himself: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).

As a stewardship parish, service must be at the heart of everything we do. The parish community is the bastion of service within the Catholic Church, as we serve one another and are also served by our brothers and sisters in Christ. As the Diocese of Wichita’s document, The Pillars of Parish Stewardship, states, “Like a blood family, the parish family stands ready and eager collectively to wrap their arms around their brothers and sisters when they suffer in trial and/or celebrate special events in their lives.”

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It is good to recognize the parish community as a place where service is appreciated and can be utilized for the good of the Church. However, it is not enough for us to simply serve other members of our parish family. As disciples of Christ, it is our obligation to serve people in need everywhere they exist — in our families, our greater community, our country, and throughout the world. This can be a challenging concept, as it is often much more comfortable and convenient to serve those who are close to us than it is to reach out to “outsiders.” But, as The Pillars of Parish Stewardship eloquently points out, “Failure to have this understanding leads to a selfish parochialism, which is life draining to a parish stewardship way of life.”

Think of ways that you can serve others around you, both within our parish family and in the greater community. Our many parish ministries offer a great place to begin offering your time and talents, but the opportunities for service don’t end there. There are many civic and nonprofit organizations that do an immense amount to serve others across the globe and are always looking for volunteers.

Once you serve, you will find that you will reap numerous rewards in return, much like the faithful servants who doubled the talents their master had entrusted to them: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy” (Mt 25:21).

A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR

Embrace the Holy Spirit Dear Parishioners, ou’ve all heard homilies about Pentecost, which comes on June 5 this year.

Pentecost was the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles while they were gathered for prayer in Jerusalem.

Coming 10 days after Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, the descent of the Holy Spirit turned the apostles from a collection of fearful followers looking for some direction into a band of courageous witnesses ready to declare their faith in Christ to the whole world.

You’ve heard that Pentecost is the birthday of the Church because that was the day when newly filled with the Holy Spirit, St. Peter preached the first Christian sermon, inviting his hearers to turn to Jesus as their Savior and their Lord. Those who accepted the invitation were baptized and “were added” to the Church (Acts 2:41). That day marked the beginning of the Church’s public mission, which continues to the present.

But the Holy Spirit’s actions in the Church were not limited to the apostles in an ancient time. He remains active down to the present, guiding the pope and the bishops as they go about their work of sanctifying, teaching, and ruling in the Church. The Holy Spirit acts in the sacraments to make them effective signs of grace. We see the Holy Spirit’s work in the witness of the saints through whom he continues the work of salvation.

The Spirit, moreover, acts not only in the Church as a corporate body but also in the lives of individual Christians. We become temples of the Holy Spirit at our baptism. Then at Confirmation, which is our own personal Pentecost, we receive the seal of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit unites us more closely to Christ, increases the spiritual gifts we have been given, and strengthens us to spread and defend the faith.

Ultimately, Pentecost is more than simply a feast celebrating something that happened a long time ago.

Of course, the coming of the Spirit we read about in Acts 2 took place just once. But the Holy Spirit remains active today, guiding the Church as a whole but also

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working in the life of each individual Christian to make us holy.

Maybe you don’t feel as if the Holy Spirit is working in your life. Well, God the Father gave us free will, so we can choose whether or not we’ll obey Him. And God the Holy Spirit, being united in the one Godhead with the Father and the Son, honors that freedom. He’ll never force us to turn away from sin or compel us to obey God’s commandments. The Spirit offers us grace. He will beckon us toward heaven, and occasionally we may feel Him nudging us along, but we always have the freedom to choose God or to reject Him. Perhaps you’ve made a commitment to worship at Mass at least weekly and spend some time each day in prayer. Maybe you have promised to use some of your talents in parish ministries and service to the community. You may even have turned in a card at our last renewal to indicate your pledge of a portion of your treasure to be used in God’s service.

I hope you’ve done all of these. If so, both the Holy Spirit’s grace and your response were involved in your decision. And the Holy Spirit will give you the strength to fulfill your commitments.

This Pentecost, make the Gradual verse we’ll sing just before the Gospel your personal prayer: Alleluia. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia.

If you do, you’ll find the Holy Spirit working even more strongly in your life. You’ll be happier, and the world, at least your little corner of it, will be a better place.

In Christ,

Fr. Patrick Keane Pastor 03

Children’s Liturg

Bringing Our Youngest

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t can be difficult for little ones to sit still during Mass, but their presence is an invaluable witness.

These little children are the future of our Church and they are never too young to learn their faith. While listening to Scripture and the homily is an opportunity for adults to grow in our faith, we are blessed to have Children’s Liturgy of the Word for our young parishioners beginning at age 4 through their firstgrade year.

Amy Light and Laura Wasco worked hard to build this ministry back up after a short hiatus.

The parish has had CLOW for many years, and Amy took over about five years ago when her children were just the right age for the program.

“It’s a wonderful way to start planting seeds in our youngest members to help them feel connected at Mass and to start understanding the stories in the Bible,” Amy says. “They’re processing what that means in their daily lives as they play with friends or try to behave for their parents. They’re starting to build that relationship with Jesus and we want to start them out on a

positive faith journey.”

CLOW begins as the Liturgy of the Word starts. The catechists walk the children to the Fallon Center where they have a simplified liturgy. The children work on making the Sign of the Cross and they hear the Gospel in a format that is easy for them to understand. There is an activity — such as a coloring sheet or role-playing

activity — and Brenda Accurso, Director of Music, often joins to sing with the children. There is time to discuss the Gospel with the children, for them to ask questions and really understand the story and its message for them.

Amy loves to remember the time that the catechists were telling the story of Jesus healing the blind man. As the blind man washed the continued on page 5

If you would like to volunteer, please visit www.ourladyoflourdescc.org/childrens-liturgy-of-the-word.

Contact Amy Light with any questions at amy.buehrle@yahoo.com.

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gy of the Word:

t Parishioners to Christ mud from his eyes and gained his sight, one little boy stood up and said, “hallelujah!”

“He was listening, he was understanding and he could appreciate the miracle,” Amy says. “It’s those moments, those ‘aha moments,’ that make it rewarding.”

The children return to church after the homily.

Amy sees the benefit of CLOW going both ways — the children are able to receive age-appropriate catechesis while parents have a chance to focus on Mass.

CLOW is available during the 9 a.m. Mass, but Amy is looking for more volunteer catechists to lead as well as other adults, or teens between 12 and 18, to assist so that the ministry can grow. As of now, CLOW will resume on Sept. 19, but with enough volunteers, CLOW could be offered yearround. As Amy and Laura’s children grow out of the program and they find themselves busier, they hope that other parents with young children will step up to lead and help.

Bob and Teri Bowerman Currently, Bob is managing the weekly parish newsletter, which is sent to about 700 email addresses. He takes photos and videos at many parish events to be shared in the newsletter. He also used his strength in planning, along with Nancy Pekarek, to orchestrate the five-year plan process.

Having spent his career in strategic planning, this work played to Bob’s talents.

“I am very excited about the future of Lourdes and where we are going,” Bob says.

In turn, Bob appreciates all those who helped with the five-year planning process. Parishioners really came together to plan the future for Our Lady of Lourdes. As part of this process, a focus was placed on becoming an even more welcoming parish community. Teri is very active in this work.

“We want to make sure everyone feels welcome when they come in,” Bob says. “We want to enhance that experience for them.”

Bob and Teri were very involved in Marriage

“If this is the Mass you come to anyways and you have children in this age group, then it’s not much work,” Amy says. “For a busy young mom or dad, it’s a manageable thing to fit into your schedule.”

continued from front cover Encounter for many years after having a profound experience on the weekend they attended.

“That weekend was a turning point in energizing my faith,” he says. “It really led me to experience the joy of being in a ministry.”

As he strives to live out the faith each day, Bob reflects on James 2:17 — “faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” He encourages others to get involved in a ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes. He knows how much it has enriched his and Teri’s lives.

“If you say you are too busy, you are missing out on a big part of life,” Bob says. “Ministry is what we are supposed to do throughout our lives. Jesus commanded us to serve others. He didn’t say to do it if it’s convenient.”

The Bowermans love Our Lady of Lourdes. They will do what it takes to ensure this parish thrives far into the future.

“We love Lourdes,” Bob says. “We love being here.”

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Prayer Blanket Ministry: Providing Comfort for Those in Need

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t’s a true sign of comfort and care — in difficult times, holding onto a soft blanket, being wrapped in its warmth. This is what our Prayer Blanket Ministry strives to do for those in need of love and care.

This ministry makes blankets that are one side cotton fabric and the other side flannel. The blankets come with a letter that explains the ministry and assures the recipient of the prayers from the community. Judy Cabaniss, the current ministry coordinator, knows how meaningful prayers from the community can be during times of hardship and suffering.

“I believe that our blessed blankets bring peace and comfort to everyone who receives one,” Judy says.

“I believe the softness of the flannel is felt every time it is held, and that is another comfort for the recipient.”

Anyone can join this ministry. There is no specific time commitment or number of blankets that each member must sew, and the other members will help you learn to sew if you do not already possess this skill. There will be a new sewing circle starting in the Fallon Center classroom, which will help those who want to learn to sew so they can be involved in the ministry.

“I have always believed that learning to sew a simple project for the first time will give the sewer

more confidence,” Judy says. “These blankets are that confidence builder. They are very simple to make, and those who come to the sewing circle will have someone to teach them. We have sewing machines available thanks to the members of our parish who have donated them for this ministry.”

Being involved in parish life is an important aspect of living a life of stewardship. The Prayer Blanket Ministry has been one way that Judy has been living a life of stewardship for 20 years.

“Our time is valuable, but it’s important to give some of that time to our parish,” Judy says. “Our talents are varied, of course, but once we commit to giving whatever talent we have, we will find our treasure in knowing that we have contributed to the common good of our parish.”

After being involved in this ministry for so long, Judy is looking to divide some of the coordinator responsibility between a couple of people. She hopes to have two or three people who can help her. Presently, she is working on a plan for each person to have one key responsibility so that all the responsibility for the ministry doesn’t fall on one person’s shoulders. This is another way to get involved, even if sewing is not one of your talents.

If you are interested in joining the Prayer Blanket Ministry, please contact Judy Cabaniss at judycabaniss8705@gmail.com or 919-848-1898.

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A Catholic’s Guide to

Good Summer Reading H

ave you been wondering what to read during vacation this year? Why not give spiritual reading a try?

There are thousands of titles out there — too many for any one person — just waiting to make a positive impact on your faith life. Reading is a fantastic opportunity for general spiritual direction and good practice for every searching soul.

Choose a title from “you can’t go wrong” authors such as Louis de Wohl, G.K. Chesterton, Peter Kreeft, Francis de Sales, C.S. Lewis, and Scott Hahn. Their works alone should take you well into the summer, and possibly through to the next decade.

Or, choose from this list of great Christian books, in no particular order:

Catholic apologists, Scott and Kimberly recount their story with simplicity and love.

The Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux In this autobiography and all-time favorite Catholic book, St. Therese teaches her “little way” of spiritual childhood. Millions of copies have been sold worldwide.

No Greater Love by Mother Teresa This anthology collects the teachings and sayings of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Founder of the Missionaries of Charity and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, St. Teresa of Calcutta speaks joyfully about her work with the poor and God’s call in our lives.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis One of the most popular introductions to the Christian faith ever published, this series of broadcast talks has been collected into book fashion.

Mere Christianity sets out to “explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times.”

Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism by Scott and Kimberly Hahn This offers a conversion story of a brilliant, anti-Catholic Scripture scholar and his wife to the Catholic faith. Now well-known speakers and

The Good News about Sex & Marriage: Answers to Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching by Christopher West This down-to-earth application of Pope St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body is an easy-to-read, yet insightful account of the Church’s teaching on sex and marriage.

What Catholics Really Believe by Karl Keating Addressing 52 of the greatest misconceptions of the Catholic faith, Keating draws upon Scripture and Tradition to dispel errors and explain the rationale behind Church teaching.

Surprised by Truth edited by Patrick Madrid Eleven converts give their Biblical and historical reasons for becoming Catholic. These unique personal testimonies continue to transform hearts throughout the world in an insightful read for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Something For Young Catholics As for the little ones at home, nothing settles them into bed better than a good book. Seek wholesome continued on back cover

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A Catholic’s Guide to Good Summer Reading

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children’s literature that communicates Christian messages. Be sure they are positive, healthy stories with characters they can emulate that inspire virtues such as courage, justice, charity, patience, generosity and prudence. To name a few:

All (or just one) of the 20 books of the Mary Fabyan Windeatt saint biographies This unbeatable collection of saint stories, appropriate for children of all ages, is perfect to read aloud with the whole family.

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis This series of seven fantasy novels is considered a classic in children’s literature. Chronicles of Narnia alludes to traditional Christian ideas within the framework of an exciting tale of adventure.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: Missionary of Charity by Sr. Mary Kathleen Glavich There is no better way to introduce children to St. Teresa of Calcutta! This book highlights her work with the poor and includes a special prayer for children.

Little Acts of Grace by Rosemarie Gortler, Mimi Sternhagen (Illustrator) and Donna Piscitelli This beginning-level book is a fantastic way to introduce 2 to 4-year-olds to Catholic customs.

It is written in an age-appropriate, beautifully explained way.

The Story of Easter by Aileen Fisher Telling the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and exploring how different cultures celebrate Easter, this is recommended for children in first through third grades.

Mass Times

SATURDAY VIGIL, 5:00 PM | SUNDAY, 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM Spanish, 5:00 PM MONDAY, 8:00 AM | TUE — FRI, 8:30 AM | THURSDAY, 6:30 PM Spanish Confession Times: WEDNESDAY, 12:00 PM | SATURDAY, 3:00 PM