St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church — Aug/Sept. 2022

St. Francis Solanus

m o n t h l y n e w s l e tt e r

Inside This Issue: 2

Stewardship’s “Supreme Teacher” Following Christ’s Example

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August: The Gift of Time

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Our Annual Stewardship Renewal Thanking God for the Blessings He Has Bestowed on Us

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Meet New Youth Minister Jake Terry

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Bible Studies Offer Valuable Opportunity to Grow in Faith With Fellow Catholics

AU G / S E P 2 0 2 2

Welcome Liz Alonzo as Our New Director of Religious Education

Building the Kingdom of God

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his summer, we were blessed to welcome a new staff member to St. Francis Solanus, as Liz Alonzo was named our new Director of Religious Education. Liz and her family are familiar faces at daily Mass here at the parish and we are excited to have her take on this important role.

“Mike Holbrook mentioned retiring a while ago at our deanery Director of Religious Education meetings,” Liz says. “My family had been attending daily Mass at St. Francis for nine months when the position was posted in the We are blessed to welcome Liz Alonzo as our new bulletin. Praying here so often began to make Director of Religious Education.

St. Francis Solanus dear to my heart. I think the Holy Spirit is calling me to give myself and my 12 years of experience as a DRE here, at this historic and vibrant parish.”

Liz first came to the Quincy area for college when she attended Quincy University. She felt at home in Adams County, having been born and raised in Germany while her father served in the Army.

When she was 13, Liz fell in love with Jesus and promised to serve Him and His Church. continued on back cover

St. Francis Solanus

STEWARDSHIP’S “SUPREME TEACHER”

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Following Christ’s Example

ormer President and Five-Star General Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “You don’t lead by hitting people over the head — that’s assault, not leadership.” President Eisenhower’s words are both blunt and humorous, but he makes a great point. Almost any successful endeavor in life requires the benefit of strong leadership. And a truly effective leader does not lead by simply telling others what to do, but by providing a strong example of how to carry oneself on a daily basis.

This is no different for us in our lives as Catholic Christians. As individuals who face numerous difficult choices every day, we require a leader who, through word and example, can show us the path to living according to God’s will. For us, Jesus is the supreme teacher of every aspect of Christian life, and His life as documented in the Gospels is a model that we should strive to imitate in living as good Christians. And as we have learned, stewardship — the sharing of the gifts that God has given to us — is a big part of Christian life, and one for which Jesus left many examples of successful living.

Jesus’ nature of selfless service, documented many times throughout the New Testament and culminating with His death for our sins, is an underlying aspect of living the stewardship way of life. As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops points out in its pastoral document Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, “In Jesus’ teach-

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ing and life self-emptying is fundamental. Now, it might seem that self-emptying has little to do with stewardship, but in Jesus’ case that is not so.

His self-emptying is not sterile self-denial for its own sake; rather, in setting aside self, he is filled with the Father’s will, and he is fulfilled in just this way” (19).

Jesus points out to Peter in Mark’s Gospel that this “self-emptying” requires sacrifice, but ultimately leads to “eternal life in the age to come” (Mk 10:30). But the Christian steward’s ultimate reward is not his or her only benefit from living the stewardship way of life. By sharing of our time, talent, and treasure, and living in imitation of Christ, we can relate more closely to Him in sharing, in a small way, in His sacrifice. “To be a Christian disciple is a rewarding way of life, a way of companionship with Jesus, and the practice of stewardship as a part of it is itself a source of deep joy. Those who live this way are happy people who have found the meaning and purpose of living” (Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, 21).

The next time you are frustrated or unsure of how to best respond to God’s gifts in stewardship, take a moment to open up the Bible. Jesus may not “hit us over the head” in His leadership, but He does provide numerous examples through His actions and teachings of how to live as one of His disciples.

a l e tt e r f r o m o u r p a s t o r

August: The Gift of Time Dear Parishioners,

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ith August upon us, I’m shocked by the simple reality that summer is just about over.

Some of us are trying to squeeze in that one last vacation or sit outside for just a few more minutes. But for the most part, we’ve started to transition back into the swing of fall.

How has this happened?

Wasn’t it just yesterday the kids were getting out of school and the sun decided to show its beautiful face again?

I once heard from a psychologist that 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. Not one of us gets more time than another.

At the end of this summer, there is cause to look back and see how we chose to use our time these last few months. Did we set aside time to pray? Have we set aside 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 busyness 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.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Steven Arisman, Pastor

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St. Francis Solanus

O U R A N N U A L S T E WA R D S

Thanking God for the Blessings He Ha

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ou have to take care of yourself before you can take care of those you love. This rationale is difficult for many of us to accept. Mothers and fathers routinely place the needs of their children before their own; soldiers at war often throw their own safety to the wind in the interest of protecting their fellow soldiers. The story of Jesus also focuses on giving to others. If Christ calls us to imitate Him – to become completely selfless – then it would seem that focusing on ourselves might counteract our efforts as Christians.

Nevertheless, as we enter into our annual Stewardship Renewal, Fr. Arisman is asking us all to focus a bit more on ourselves. No, he’s not encouraging self-centeredness; he’s asking us to examine our own lives and determine the areas that are in need of growth. Before the stewardship way of life can totally transform our parish, it must begin in each of our hearts. As each individual’s spiritual life blossoms and grows, so will our parish as a whole. Will you plant the seed of stewardship in your own heart?

Commitment Weekend is September 24-25. Don’t forget to bring your Commitment Card to Mass!

to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.” Try to check at least a few other items. Daily prayer should be a priority for every person trying to grow closer to God. Talent Section: You can either sign up for new ministries or re-commit to your current ministries.

Be sure to write your first name next to the ministry! This is especially important if the card is being used by more than one person.

Treasure Section: Clearly print how much money you plan to give each week or month to our parish. Try to take a step toward giving five percent of your income to St. Francis Solanus.

Is your prayer life in need of a tune-up?

Honestly ask yourself, “How much time do I spend in prayer each week?” The answer is probably a bit embarrassing. Everyone wants to spend more time in prayer, but there’s just never enough time to do everything we want to do. Good intentions are just that: intentions. This year, as you’re discerning how you will offer your time to God, resolve to follow through with your commitments.

Consider each moment you spend in prayer as nourishment for your soul. The spiritual health of our parish is only as strong as the sum of its parts (individual parishioners).

Is your level of parish involvement in need of a boost?

How do I use my Commitment Card?

We give our talents back to God when we get Your commitment card allows you to make involved in ministries at St. Francis Solanus. And, commitments to prayer, parish ministries, and with a host of ministries to choose from, there’s offertory giving. It is designed to be used by the something for everyone. Sure, ministries give whole family. parishioners opportunities to serve others in the Time Section: Except for the ill and home- community, but they also benefit those in the minbound, everyone should be able to check “Come istry itself. Ask anyone who actively participates 4

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St. Francis Solanus

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ordinary Ministe t rs of Holy  Right to Lif mmunion e of Adams Coun ty  Teens Enco traordinary MiAt un ter Ch Francis Solanus, we ask that you give five nisteSt. rist (TE rs of Holy C)  The Belongin mmunion to the g Sick  Whiteto the diocese, and Hous t Bearers percent to our parish, one percent e Re treats

four percent to other charities. Why a percentage of incontinued on nex t panel come? First, because the tithe (10 percent) is a scriptural benchmark that the Church has honored for centuries (see Malachi 3:10). Secondly, we give a percentage of income because it is a common-sense standard by which everyone can equitably support the parish. Most of all, we give because we believe God comes first in everything, even finances.

2022 C O M M I T MEN

T CARD

First & Last Nam e Phone Email

Spouse: First & Last Name Spouse: Phone Spouse: Email

Address City

State

ZIP Please complete this card and br ing it to Mass, mail it using the envelope provide d or fill it out online: stfranciss olanus.com.

Every parish family receives a special “Stewardship Package” in the mail that further explains our parish’s vision of stewardship. It includes a booklet that describes every ministry in the parish, as well as your commitment card.

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St. Francis Solanus Meet New Youth Minister Jake Terry

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Sharing Passion for the Faith and Working With Our Young Catholics

ur new Youth Minister, Jake be a good fit. St. Francis SolaTerry, may be new to the nus is his home parish, and he Catholic faith and his role at St. is eager to share his love for the Francis Solanus. But he’s not Catholic Faith with the next gennew to Quincy, having grown up eration of Catholics. here. Jake is very excited to jump “I love my faith,” he says. in and get started serving our “This job seemed like a great opparish youth. He started his partportunity to focus on my faith.” time role here on June 1.

Jake believes it is important to Jake grew up in the Anglioffer programs for teens to grow can Church and converted to in faith, recalling that he didn’t the Catholic faith about a year have youth group-type activities ago. He studied Catholic and when he was growing up.

Franciscan theology at Quincy “I want to find ways to share University. the faith and show it is rele“Even though I wasn’t Cathovant,” Jake says. “The Catholic lic at the time, that sounded cool, faith is attractive to young peoso I studied it,” he says. ple. I want to show the beauty God had big plans for Jake that we already have here that as he focused on his studies and is ages old.”

Jake Terry met his fiancée, Amy. The couple Currently, Jake is looking will be married on Sept. 17. forward to being involved in a host of activities Jake spent some of his college years living in alongside our parish youth. This year, there will a men’s Catholic living community. Living there be regular youth gatherings, valuable opportuniwas how he met Amy. ties for service within the Quincy community, and “Living with those men had a massive influ- Eucharistic Adoration. Parishioners are encourence on me,” Jake says. “When you are surround- aged to refer to the bulletin for information on ed by passionate Catholic men, it tends to make these activities. you see how cool it is.”

Jake appreciates teens and their earnest love Anglicanism has similarities to Catholicism, for the faith. He looks forward to spending time which was another draw for Jake. with our parish youth at upcoming events.

“I saw that all I loved about Anglicanism was “They are very quick to display their hearts, do in Catholicism and even more,” he says. acts of kindness and affirm each other,” he says.

When Jake first learned of the opening for a In his free time, Jake likes to play guitar, paint Youth Minister in our parish, he knew it would with Amy, hike and ride his bicycle.

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Bible Studies Offer Valuable Opportunity to Grow in Faith With Fellow Catholics

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nowledge and faith go handThe Bible study sessions generin-hand when cultivating a ally have a discussion component spiritual life, and participation in and a video presentation. Brad usua Bible study is an excellent way ally plans on two hours for a meetto dive deeper into the roots of Caing, but sometimes the group will tholicism. Our parish has offered a finish early. In the past, Bible studies variety of Bible studies since 2012, have been offered at two different when Brad Kendrick and his wife, times, with one group meeting at 1 Caitlin, were looking for a way to p.m. and another group meeting at explore their faith on a deeper level.

6:30 p.m., while some parishioners “My wife and I started the separticipated online instead. ries after she had converted to CaBrad is moving on from his positholicism,” Brad says. “We went to tion as the facilitator and is looking one of Jeff Cavins’ offerings in Ma- Brad and Caitlin Kendrick started the for someone to step up and take his comb, and then it kind of went from Bible studies after Caitlin entered into place. While it isn’t a big responsithe Catholic faith. there. It’s a huge blessing to see the bility, it really contributes a lot to growth in all of the people involved.” the life of the parish.

For the past 10 years, Brad has chosen a Bi“Essentially you pray and decide what study ble study series from either Ascension Press or to go with,” Brad says. “After deciding, make sure FORMED. Sometimes, there has been one long the scheduling works, set up the calendar, and study spanning August to April with breaks for the make sure it doesn’t conflict with other activities holidays. At other times, the year has been broken in the parish.” up into two smaller studies. The Great Adventures Leading the meetings themselves is simple series has been a particular favorite, walking the since much of it is group discussion and the facilparticipants through the narrative of Scripture — itator can make arrangements to have others help some studies focus on the big picture, while others lead. Whether as a participant or a leader, a Bible delve deeper into specific books of the Bible. Brad study is a great way to nourish your faith. has found that the group discussion adds depth “Everybody is called to continually build our and new insight to the studies. knowledge of our faith and a great way to do that “I constantly tell people that even if we’ve done is through organized study, in a group setting, in this one before, next time you go to that book of a format laid out for you,” Brad says. “The group the Bible it will touch you differently,” Brad says. discussion is just as beneficial as the study itself.”

If you’re interested in facilitating the next Bible study, please call the parish office at 217-222-2898.

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St. Francis Solanus 1721 College Avenue Quincy, IL 62301 (217) 222-2898 stfrancissolanus.com

Welcome Liz Alonzo

continued from front cover

As she steps into this role, Liz hopes to spend as much time as possible among the people listening, praying, learning, and teaching. She hopes that through the Spirit, as well as the guidance of our Bishop and Fr. Arisman, we will build up the Kingdom of God. “I am looking forward to knowing more people by name, spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ active among us, especially in the sacraments,” Liz says. “I want to help people of all ages to continue to encounter Him, know Him and love Him more deeply, and embrace serving Him with their charisms and gifts. I have been blessed by the witness, teaching, and love of good priests, catechists, youth leaders, Catholic school teachers, and fellow parishioners.

Christ’s healing and nourishing presence in Mass, the Sacrament of Penance, adoration, reading the Bible, and praying the Rosary are what fuel me to keep giving love through works of mercy.”

We want to extend a warm welcome to Liz as she settles into this role. Educating our children in the faith is a monumental task that requires the effort of our entire faith community. As we look forward to a new year of sacramental preparation, faith formation, and youth group, Liz is excited for the opportunities that the children of our parish will encounter and how we can teach and guide them in the faith along the way.

“I do want to thank Mike Holbrook for his time of service and passing the torch off to me,” Liz says.

“Thank you to the whole parish team here, it is great laboring in the vineyard with you! Come O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in us the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord, and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let us pray, O God Who did instruct the hearts of Your faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, in the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in Your consolation!”

LITURGY SCHEDULE

Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. • Sunday: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 a.m.

Weekday Mass: Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. • Tuesday - Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 8:35 a.m. during the school year • Saturday, 8:00 a.m.

Confessions: Wednesday, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. • Saturday, 8:30 a.m., 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.; Exposition: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Holy Days of Obligation: Vigil 5:30 p.m.; Holy Day: 6:30 a.m., 8:35 a.m. on school days, 5:30 p.m.