Sauk Centre Catholic Parishes Newsletter — February 2021

S T. A L E X I U S - O U R L A D Y O F T H E A N G E L S - S T. PA U L ’S

Meet St. Paul’s Parishioner Mike Imdieke

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A Life of Service and Commitment to God and Faith

f you spend any time in Sauk Centre, you know Mike Imdieke. You no doubt have seen Mike riding around town on his electric scooter, whether it’s minus 30 degrees or 90 degrees. It doesn’t matter if there are a few inches of snow on the sidewalk. No matter the weather, Mike will be out and about.

A St. Paul’s parishioner, Mike is also known for attending 4 p.m. Saturday Mass every week. When asked what he does on cold and snowy days, his quick response is “I go” with a smile.

Born with cerebral palsy, Mike is committed to his faith, as well as to his work.

He’s worked at the Sauk Centre Herald office since the mid-1990s, doing filing work, and since 1989 for WACOSA, a nonprofit organization providing work for those with disabilities.

Mike always has a smile to share, and he serves in the Greeter Ministry at St. Paul’s. His quiet commitment to his faith is something we may all strive to emulate. Mike loves his faith community in Sauk Centre and the people.

“People are friendly,” he says. “So are our priests.”

Mike grew up on a farm near New Munich with his five siblings and parents, Fred and Margaret Imdieke. He spent some continued on page 5

F E BRUA RY

Mike Imdieke loves the Sauk Centre parishes and the friendliness of our faith community.

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ST. ALEXIUS - OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS - ST. PAUL’S

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Living Lent in 2021

uring the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert, Satan was constantly tempting Him. He preyed on Jesus’ humanity, trying desperately to get Him to test God. Of course, we all know that it didn’t work. As Jesus is 100 percent God at the same time that He is 100 percent man, the devil was unable to take hold of Him. Yet, the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert communicates an all-important truth to us. Jesus, the God-man, experienced everything we have and everything we ever will as human beings. Satan even tried to tempt Him, just as he tempts us every day.

But because Jesus is God at the same time that He is human, He had no tendency to give in to Satan’s attempts.

Even so, Christ fought Satan tooth and nail, putting him in his place — “Get away, Satan! It is written, ‘The Lord, your God, shall you worship, and Him alone shall you serve’” (Matthew 4:10). At that, the devil left Him. We all find ourselves in similar situations. We live in a world wrought with sin, and, in his ever-socunning way, Satan makes the sinful look appealing.

We must stand firm in our faith and tell Satan to “get away,” just as Jesus did. Only then will we truly

experience the glory of the salvation that Christ came to give. Lent offers us a particular time to fight Satan, taking courage in the resurrection that we are preparing to celebrate. It is a time that we spend focused on strengthening our relationships with the Lord. Armed with His power, which we receive in many different ways, we can resist the temptations of the devil and accept the salvation Christ offers each one of us.

How can we do this? Get to know the Lord through prayer. Read the Scriptures often. St. Jerome tells us that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.

So, we must be steeped in Scripture. Read it daily — chapter by chapter, or verse by verse. It is, after all, the Word of God! Draw close to the Blessed Mother — she is eager to bring us to her Son. Join her at the cross, where she witnessed her most precious Son die for each one of us. Pray the Rosary — individually and as a family. It is a powerful prayer through which, with Mary, we walk through Christ’s life, His death, and His resurrection. Unite with Christ Himself in His suffering.

Let us focus on the spirit of the season. We are to be preparing ourselves, just as Christ did, for the great event that won for us salvation!

LENTEN CHAPLETS

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Lenten Chaplets will be available in our churches starting on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17) until March 1. They will not be handed out, but people are invited to pick one up themselves. Suggested donation is $5, and all proceeds go towards our Faith Formation and Youth Ministry programs.

The chaplet this year is a beautiful Pardon Crucifix.

A Letter From Our Pastor

Sharing Love in Different Ways

My Dear Friends in Christ,

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hat’s the most widely observed saint’s day in February — the one that’s kept even by those who aren’t practicing Catholics? Undoubtedly, it would be St. Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

The irony is that his feast isn’t even on the General Roman Calendar of feasts to be observed throughout the world. That doesn’t mean that he’s not recognized as a real, historical person, or as a genuine saint, but only that his influence throughout the Church has not been as significant as that of other saints.

So who was St. Valentine? There are several St. Valentines, as the name was not a rare one in the ancient Roman Empire, but the saint we celebrate was a priest of Rome martyred in the late third century. Still, that doesn’t explain how his feast came to be celebrated as the day one sends letters, cards and presents as expressions of romantic love.

The truth is that the custom of sending tokens of love comes not from any direct connection with St. Valentine, but from the ancient belief that birds begin to pair off on Feb. 14. And if courtship in the natural world occurred then, it must be appropriate for humans, as well. The association between St. Valentine and love notes is a later development.

Nevertheless, it’s not wrong to connect the two.

Love has many aspects, and our conception of it is richer if we keep more than one of them in mind.

Martyrdom is the result of loving God more than our earthly life. St. Valentine was a martyr because of his love — his love for Jesus Christ and His Church. If he had not loved God so much, he could have repudiated his Lord and saved his life. We, in turn, express our love by sending cards and gifts on St. Valentine’s Day. But isn’t that what stewardship as a way of life is — a little martyrdom? Not to push the image too far, but when we are faithful stewards, we give up a little portion of our lives out of our own love for Christ.

Most Christians will not be called on to be martyrs, in the sense of forfeiting our physical lives for God. But we are called to give up some of our comforts, indulgences and riches because of our love for Him. So then, as you prepare to celebrate and share your love with your Valentine this month, remember St. Valentine and his love for Christ. As well, keep in mind that God loves us, and return that love with your own toward Him. Loving God will be reflected in how you prioritize your use of the time, talent and treasure God has entrusted to you. As St. John wrote (1 Jn 4:19), “We love because he first loved us.”

Happy St. Valentine’s Day! In our Father ’s hands,

Fr. Greg Paffel Pastor

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ST. ALEXIUS - OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS - ST. PAUL’S

OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS PARISHIONER SPOTLIGHT

CLAIRE RIELAND: REFLECTING ON THE FAM W

hen Claire and Shawn Rieland first met while working at the same grocery store as teenagers back in 1998, among the many things the two found they had in common was their Catholic faith — Claire’s family belonged to Our Lady of the Angels while Shawn’s family belonged to St. Paul’s. Today — 18 years of marriage and three children later — that shared faith continues to remain at the center of the Rielands’ life together.

Drawing on the early examples of the faith in which they were both raised, Claire and Shawn remain active participants in parish life. Claire is a member of the Christian Mothers and serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and Shawn began helping with church cleaning just before the pandemic hit. Both are always willing to

pitch in and lend a hand with the Chow Mein Dinner and other parish-wide events and activities.

“I think it goes back to my parents passing it on to me, and what a big part of my life it was,” says Claire of her involvement in the parish. “My dad, Mark Welle, is a sacristan and my mom, Lola Welle, is a lector and the leader of Christian Mothers. They were good examples, so it was important for me to pass that on to my daughters. I feel you lead by example, and the more involved you are in Mass, the more interested you are in it, and that helps you grow in faith.”

These days, the tradition of an active faith life continues in the next generation as the Rielands’ daughters — Brooke, 15; Lucia, 12; and Maren, 5 — begin to follow in the footsteps of their parents. Brooke

Claire and Shawn Rieland with their daughters, Lucia (12), Maren (5) and Brooke (15)

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MILY TRADITION OF STEWARDSHIP

“All Things Come from Him” is in junior high and takes religious education classes at the Centre for Christ, while Lucia still attends Catholic school and participates in the Edge youth ministry program.

For Claire, giving back to the Lord with her time, talent and treasure is a way of acknowledging the many blessings He has so freely given.

“I think all things come from Him,” she says. “I don’t know what my life would look like without Him, but I know that it is better because of Him. Without Him, it wouldn’t be near what it is now.”

Of course, staying close to God through a stewardship way of life in the parish also brings its own unique blessings — a stronger parish, a closer sense of community, and a heightened faith life. With all the

rewards to be found in an active life of discipleship, Claire would encourage anyone — especially our younger families — to dive into parish life and see how much our amazing faith community has to offer!

“I feel like we all should do a little something,” Claire says. “You need people to help out, and I guess what we do are small little things, but if everybody joins in, it just makes the parish better by having everyone involved. It gives you a sense of fulfillment.

“I’ve met so many great people that maybe I wouldn’t have gotten to know if I didn’t attend or get involved with Mass,” she adds. “So it opens doors to your community and opens your doors wider to Christ, too.

It has brought me closer to Him, so I would recommend it to anyone who wants that in life.”

“I’ve met so many great people that maybe I wouldn’t have gotten to know if I didn’t attend or get involved with Mass. So it opens doors to your community and opens your doors wider to Christ, too. It has brought me closer to Him, so I would recommend it to anyone who wants that in life.” — CLAIRE RIELAND

Meet Mike Imdieke

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of his school years in Melrose and several years in Worthington at a school for the disabled. His parents raised the family in the Catholic tradition.

For Mike, it’s the only life he’s ever known.

Since 1989, Mike has lived in his own home in Sauk Centre. He gets some help with house chores about once a week. Mike can walk well enough to get into a vehicle when it’s necessary. He also has a trusty electric scooter that gets him all around town. And if the battery ever runs out, people in Sauk Centre are willing to help.

Mike’s smile and faith go a long way in getting him through, and his positive attitude and laugh

are infectious. He’s happy to have work, a way to get around, and a great community and church.

Mike enjoys being with his family, including his nine nieces and nephews, in his time away from work. He also enjoys visiting with the people he meets throughout the day at work and around town.

Also, in his spare time, he enjoys woodworking.

“I am not a good carpenter,” he says. “I just do it for fun.”

The next time you see Mike at Mass or out on his scooter, give him a wave or return a smile. May we all follow his example of a quiet, committed faith life!

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ST. ALEXIUS - OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS - ST. PAUL’S

Celebrating the Miracle of St. Blaise

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Feast Day, Feb. 3

his month, we reflect on the life of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, who is one of the “Fourteen Holy Helpers” — a group of Catholic saints whose intercession is believed to be effective against diseases. Every year on Feb. 3, we celebrate the feast day of St. Blaise, during which parishes around the world bless the throats of the faithful. So, as we continue to navigate the ongoing challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, we may look toward St. Blaise’s example and pray for his intercession during these difficult times.

Though we do not know much about the life of St. Blaise, tradition tells us that he was born to wealthy, saintly Catholic parents. Born in Armenia, he devoted his life to medicine and helping the sick. He was a physician, until he was begged by the people to become their bishop. He was appointed by the Church as bishop of the Diocese of Sebaste.

Around the year 313, when the Roman Emperor Licinius was persecuting the Church, Blaise lived as a hermit in the woods among animals that he befriended.

One day, a group of hunters found Blaise and seized him. Upon their trip to the governor, they encountered a woman whose pig was being attacked by a wolf. Blaise commanded the wolf to leave the pig alone and, upon his command, the pig was freed unharmed. Blaise was then taken to prison, where he miraculously healed a boy who was choking to death on a fishbone. While Blaise remained in prison, the woman whose pig he had freed brought him two candles to serve as his light so that he could read the Scripture.

It was from the miracle of saving the choking boy that the custom of praying to St. Blaise to cure all ailments of the throat was born. And, so, after still refusing to recant his Christian beliefs, he was suspended from a tree and his flesh was torn with iron combs or rakes.

Blaise was then thrown into a lake to drown. To the surprise of his persecutors, he surfaced and walked upon the water, and he invited his persecutors to join him. They should do this, he said, to show the power of their gods.

The pagans took him up on his invitation, and ultimately they were drowned. Blaise was then told by an angel to return to dry land to receive martyrdom. He was beheaded on the shore and immediately went to heaven.

Because of his prison experience and his great reputation as a healer, St. Blaise’s intercession is invoked for the healing of diseases affecting the throat. The candles that

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the clergy place upon our throats while blessing them symbolize the candles that enlightened St. Blaise’s cell as he studied Sacred Scripture — connecting his spiritual life to the physical healing. Let us remember to invoke the intercession of this great healer upon any ailments that might be affecting us, either physical or spiritual — especially those pertaining to the throat.

The blessing of the throats is done by the priest holding two blessed candles near the throat in the form of a cross. The priest says, “Through the merits and intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver thee from all diseases of the throat, and preserve thee from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

INTRODUCING YOUTH MINISTRY AND FAITH FORMATION COORDINATOR

RACHEL BOSL I

Bringing Young People to the Heart of Jesus

f there is one thing Rachel Bosl is passionate about, it is bringing young people right to the Heart of Jesus and His Church.

“I enjoy sharing the Catholic faith with young people!” she says. “I see how important the faith is in my own life and the world in general. It has so much beauty and depth. It truly has something for everyone!”

By serving in our parish community, Rachel can bring her hopes and desires to fruition. Currently, Rachel serves as the Youth Ministry Coordinator for all six of the parishes in our cluster, as well as the Faith Formation Coordinator for three of them.

“I want our parish children and their parents to realize that they can live great lives in union with the Church,” Rachel says. “I hope to help them see that the Church gives us tools to get through life and that being Catholic gives us a purpose. We are not just floating aimlessly through space. Our goal is heaven, and we can reach heaven by living out what the Catholic faith teaches us.”

By generously reaching out to the young people in our parish family, Rachel desires to bring them God’s mercy and truth.

“I want to help them along the journey of faith so that, hopefully, at the end of their lives, they can look back and say, ‘Okay, I tried to live for heaven on earth with the choices I made!’” she says. “I hope to continued on back cover

“I want our parish children and their parents to realize that they can live great lives in union with the Church. I hope to help them see that the Church gives us tools to get through life and that being Catholic gives us a purpose.

We are not just floating aimlessly through space. Our goal is heaven, and we can reach heaven by living out what the Catholic faith teaches us.”

— RACHEL BOSL

By generously reaching out to the young people in our parish family, Rachel Bosl desires to bring them God’s mercy and truth.

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ST. ALEXIUS - OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS - ST. PAUL’S Parish Office: 304 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 (320) 352-2196 www.catholic-sc.org www.parishesontheprairie.org Mass Schedule

Saturday 4:00 p.m. — St. Paul’s Saturday 5:00 p.m. — Our Lady of the Angels Saturday 8:00 p.m. — St. Paul’s Sunday 8:00 a.m. — St. Paul’s Sunday 8:30 a.m. — St. Alexius Sunday 10:00 a.m. — St. Paul’s Sunday 10:30 a.m. — Our Lady of the Angels

Reconciliation Schedule

Thursday 4:00 p.m. — St. Paul’s Saturday 3:00 p.m. — St. Paul’s Saturday 4:00 p.m. — Our Lady of the Angels Sunday 8:00 a.m. — St. Alexius

Rachel Bosl

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give our young people opportunities to meet Jesus and others who love Him.” Although dealing with the COVID-19 situation has presented major challenges, Rachel is determined not to let it extinguish the fervor she has in her heart to share the love of Christ. She is grateful that she still has been able to coordinate various Youth Ministry and Faith Formation events, both in-person and virtual.

“We have done different things, such as virtual Middle School Youth Group meetings,” Rachel says.

“The kids seem to like it, and they keep showing up.

We play games, say a little prayer, and give a short

message. I also brought a few of my students to a service day in Alexandria.”

Despite the obstacles, Rachel has been busy working on forming friendships with our parish youth.

“For me, this year is a time to just build relationships with the young people, and get to know them the best that I can,” she says. “Recently, I started something called ‘Encouragement Mondays’ on which I email some of the kids I have met, sending them an encouraging message, and seeing if they have any prayer intentions. Later in the week, I spend time in prayer for them.”

If you would like more information on the Youth Ministry or Faith Formation programs, please contact Rachel Bosl at 320-217-4543 or email her at rachel@centreforchrist.org.