St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Newsletter — December 2021

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Contents: 2 Keeping Things in Perspective During the Christmas Season

3 A Letter From Our Pastor

4 Meet Jessica Petter, Our New Director of Evangelization and Formation

6 The Origin and Beauty of the Nativity Scene

7 The Cookie Ministry: Offering a Warm Welcome to All Who Come to Our Church

The Giving Tree: Spreading theJoy of the Season

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he season of Advent is a great time for us to spread the love and joy of Christ to others. Through our parish’s Giving Tree, we are able to provide gifts for individuals and families in our local community. By taking an ornament and giving a gift, we can spread the hope of Advent and the joy of Christmas to those in need.

“This ministry allows people to help those less fortunate in our community,” says parishioner Kathleen Bays. “It allows us to share the love of Christ, which is important during the Advent and Christmas season. It allows us to reach people that may not attend church or know the love of Christ.”

The Giving Tree has long been a parish tradition at St. Francis Xavier, and has benefited a variety of organizations over the years, including Mission of Hope, Wings of Hope, Birthright, and Salvation Army — it has also directly benefited local continued on page 5

DECEMBER 2021

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Keeping Things in Perspective During the Christmas Season

he Christmas season has arrived.

Garlands, poinsettias, lights, and Christmas trees are starting to pop up in homes and businesses. Cookies are being baked, holiday guests are arriving, and Christmas cards are flooding our mailboxes.

This joyous season is now upon us. But before we know it, in just a few short weeks, the Christmas cards will be replaced with holiday bills and statements reminding us of the money we spent on holiday gifts for our loved ones.

So how are you financially handling the holiday season thus far? Perhaps you are staying within your means by planning a detailed budget and remaining within its limits. You may be taking advantage of seasonal sales in order to purchase that otherwise expensive, sought-after item. Maybe you are simply overspending on unnecessary items, having been drawn in by the seasonal marketing campaigns.

The financial pressures of creating the perfect holiday scenario can be quite daunting, especially in America, where the “buy now, pay later” philosophy prevails.

Of course, we all want to provide a wonderful Christmas experience for our family and friends.

But at what cost?

As good stewards of our financial resources, we are called to be responsible with our money throughout the entire year, even at Christmas.

Take a moment to remember last Christmas.

Do you remember all the presents you received?

Probably not. Instead, you probably remember the way a certain food tasted, or the smell of the Christmas tree, or how the beautiful lights glistened in the dark. You most likely remember the feelings of joy caused by sharing a special 2

occasion with loved ones. These are the memories that truly matter most, rather than what was packaged under the tree.

Though most of us believe this in our hearts, each year we find ourselves focusing on the material aspects of Christmas, sometimes forgetting the true reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. After all, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas if we didn’t buy nice presents for every person on our long gift list – or would it?

Perhaps, instead of just buying and spending, we could use our talents to share with others. Or, as busy as we are these days, maybe we could actually spend more time with those we love.

We could make a gingerbread house with our grandchildren, or brew up a cup of hot cocoa and watch It’s A Wonderful Life with our family at our side.

We are often so busy shopping, we don’t have time for sharing of ourselves. As good stewards, we are called to share our time and talent with others to glorify God, just as much as we are called to share our treasure. Even if we are fortunate enough to have the financial means to shower our friends and family with gifts, should we so recklessly spend our money? Aren’t there better places to utilize our God-given treasure?

Keeping our finances in perspective can be difficult, but asking God’s guidance as we make our financial decisions this holiday season is a perfect way to stay on track. Ask God to help you be a good steward. Ask God to give you the strength not to overspend as a result of guilt or a desire to “show off.” Indeed, true friends and family members will love you for your gesture, rather than the size of their gifts.

A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR

Let’s Have a Great December Together Dear Parishioners,

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blessed Advent to you all! This season is put in place to help us prepare for Christmas (it’s not Christmas yet!) and for Christ’s coming at the end of time. Here in the parish, we are getting ready to start our “Meet Your Mother” initiative led by our new Director of Evangelization and Formation Jessica Petter. She’s featured in this newsletter. I hope this article provides you with an opportunity to get to know Jessica and what makes her such a great addition to our staff.

We also feature two wonderful ministries.

The Giving Tree is led by parishioner Kathleen Bays. It offers a beautiful opportunity to help children have a special Christmas through the giving of gifts. This parish tradition is always well received. Take as many ornaments as you can. It’s a great way to teach

comes to the Parish Office, they will find the opportunity for a warm cup of coffee, a bottle of water, the joyful faces of our staff and volunteers, and COOKIES! Made by parishioners, these cookies tell every person who walks through the door that they are loved. If you have a gift for baking, I hope you’ll join this ministry.

Let’s have a great December together. Join us for Sunday Mass, for Mass on Dec. 8 for The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and for “Meet Your Mother” on Dec. 1, Dec. 15, and Dec. 22.

In Christ, children about giving as well.

Finally, The Cookie Ministry is one of the things that makes our parish special.

When a parishioner or visitor

Very Rev. Brian O’Brien Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church

Let’s have a great December together. Join us for Sunday Mass, for Mass on Dec. 8 for The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and for “Meet Your Mother” on Dec. 1, Dec. 15, and Dec. 22.

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Meet Jessica Petter,

Our New Director of Evangelization and Formation

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Jessica Petter looks forward to meeting more parishioners and continuing the good work happening at St. Francis Xavier.

In her short time here, Jessica Petter has been so inspired by the faith of St. Francis Xavier parishioners.

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essica Petter has a heavenly team behind her in her new position of Director of Evangelization and Formation — St. John Paul II; St. Francis of Assisi; St. Anthony of Padua and St. John Bosco. All of these saints are important to her faith journey and her work. Jessica is happy to bring this team with her in her new position at St. Francis Xavier. For Jessica, this is coming home, as she was born and raised in Eureka Springs, Ark. “I am so excited to be living a bit closer to home and to be working in a parish again,” Jessica says. “I am excited to be working with people instead of programs.”

Most recently, Jessica served as the Assistant Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of WheelingCharleston in West Virginia.

Before that, she was the Lifeteen Youth Director at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Bentonville, Ark. Previously, Jessica had done some consulting work for our parish. She is so excited to be helping further our work in evangelization.

“I want to evangelize those who belong to our parish and those who don’t,” Jessica says. “Let’s

find the one who has wandered away and bring them back.”

Most of all, she is excited to work with teens and youth.

“I love youth ministry so much,” she says. “They are our hope and future.”

Jessica studied theology, catechetics, and youth ministry at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.

“I didn’t start college until I was 25,” she says. “I didn’t know what to do with my life. I was off seeing the world, and I was away from my faith for a long time. But I really felt a call to come home to the Catholic Church. I’ve been here ever since.”

In her short time here, Jessica has been so inspired by the faith of St. Francis Xavier parishioners. She is so impressed by the daily Mass attendance, especially by teenagers. Jessica will primarily be working with post-high school students and young adults. She will also be working on various programs to help form parishioners. She is particularly looking forward to the upcoming speaker series on Mary, which will include a Marian consecration.

“I am super excited because

The Giving Tree continued from front cover

Mary is my best friend,” Jessica says. “I am so excited to help lead the faithful to a closer relationship to the Lord.”

Knowing that she is working in a position to which she has been called, Jessica has so much faith and excitement in having the opportunity to serve in this way.

“God has given me the strength to do this work,” she says. “I have never looked back. This is what God is asking me to do, and everything has to be toward that.”

Jessica looks forward to meeting more parishioners and continuing the good work happening at St. Francis Xavier.

“My goal is to go to heaven and take as many people as I can with me,” she says.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys visiting craft fairs and traveling to Walt Disney World and national parks. She also loves to be outside kayaking, hiking, and more.

families in need. The tree usually goes up around Thanksgiving weekend and is decorated with ornaments indicating what kind of gift to purchase.

“Some gifts come back wrapped while others are returned unwrapped, depending on what is specified,” Kathleen says. “The different agencies we have helped have requested different things.

Last year, due to COVID, we collected gift cards and monetary donations — we had over 150 gift cards collected.”

During Advent, we remember and reflect upon God’s greatest gift to us — the gift of His son, Jesus. By reaching out to others in our community, especially those we don’t personally know, we are able to follow the Lord’s example of service and generosity. Parishioners are encouraged to support these local charities, individuals, and families who are counting on our help. In addition to donating gifts, the ministry also needs volunteers to set up the tree, work with the various agencies to identify their needs, and sort and deliver gifts.

Throughout her time volunteering for the Giving Tree, Kathleen has witnessed the Lord’s faithfulness, and her own faith has grown in turn.

“It has been a true blessing to be a part of this ministry and see how others take great care and detail to help those in need,” she says. “For instance, one year, children’s books were requested — not only were the books given but a small children’s backpack was given as well. There have been some years I have worried that requested gifts would not be fulfilled — to my amazement, someone has always stepped up. God is always so faithful.”

If you would like to welcome Jessica Petter or ask her about future programming, please contact her at jessica@sfxstillwater.org or 405-338-1504.

If you would like more information about the Giving Tree, or to get involved, please contact the parish office at 405-372-6886.

Knowing that she is working in a position to which she has been called, Jessica Petter has so much faith and excitement in having the opportunity to serve here at St. Francis Xavier.

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The Origin and Beauty

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ith all the commercialism surrounding Christmastime, it’s far too easy for us to lose sight of the true reason behind the season. Overwhelmed by our endless to-do lists and the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping, our focus quickly shifts away from the Christ Child’s birth.

Yet, hidden amongst the holly wreaths and garlands, the Christmas Nativity remains a tangible reminder of the Incarnation, pulling us back into time for a moment as we reflect upon the incredible gift of Christ’s birth.

Interestingly, it was circumstances much like our own today that first led St. Francis of Assisi to recreate the Nativity scene nearly 800 years ago. Frustrated with the growing materialism and greed that seemed to pervade 13th century Italy, St. Francis wanted a way to visually remind people of Christ’s humble beginnings — to show them that Christmas isn’t about pomp and circumstance or material goods, but rather about unselfish love. Describing the idea to his friend Giovanni, St. Francis wrote, “I want to do something that will recall the memory of that child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger...”

So St. Francis’ idea took form on Christmas Eve in 1223. This original Nativity scene was a

living one, even including live animals. Villagers were deeply moved by the silent display of humble beauty, and the Nativity tradition soon spread throughout Italy and surrounding Europe. It is a tradition that remains today in nearly every Christian church and in many homes. In fact, it’s hard to imagine Christmas without a Nativity scene somewhere.

Coming in various sizes and styles, each Nativity replica continues to focus our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas — to help us remember that Christmas isn’t about the amount of gifts under the tree or the festive decorations, but rather about celebrating Christ’s birth. Many families have a tradition of hiding the Infant Jesus, only placing Him in the crib on Christmas morning. This helps build anticipation during the Advent season as we anxiously await the Divine’s birth. Others go a step further, actually wrapping up the Christ Child to be opened as the very first gift of Christmas.

Yet, whatever your family’s particular traditions, we hope that the Christmas Nativity continues to draw your heart heavenward this Christmas season — to center us all on the greatest gift ever given, our Incarnate Lord.

Coming in various sizes and styles, each Nativity replica continues to focus our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas — to help us remember that Christmas isn’t about the amount of gifts under the tree or the festive decorations, but rather about celebrating Christ’s birth.

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The Cookie Ministry: Offering a Warm Welcome to All Who Come to Our Church

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hree years ago, when Fr. Brian O’Brien cracked a joke about cookies, he probably had no idea that an entire ministry would be born from it. That joke led to an idea, and soon it was off the ground and running — the Cookie Ministry was created. The church was brand new at the time and visitors were coming in for tours. A big plate of homemade cookies was just the thing to extend a warm invitation.

“It’s one more way to make people feel welcome,” says Rhonda Coon, the organizer of the Cookie Ministry.

What began with around 10 bakers has grown to about 44 active bakers in three short years. The Cookie Ministry is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule. The ministry does not have regular meetings. Instead, Rhonda organizes a schedule every three months and sends it out to her volunteer bakers.

All communication is done over

email or phone. Periodically, Rhonda sends out reminders to the scheduled bakers. Each baker makes four dozen cookies — enough for about two days — and drops them off at the Welcome Center. Those cookies are offered to anyone who stops in at the parish office. The only time you won’t find cookies in

“The most important part of evangelization to me is that people feel welcomed and included.”

— Rhonda Coon the Welcome Center is during the season of Lent, which is a time of sacrifice.

For the volunteers who bake for the Cookie Ministry, scheduling is flexible. If you need to take a break for some reason, such as having a baby, it’s easy to be taken out of the rotation until you are ready to start baking again. Some

volunteers step up and serve as a backup if there is a need.

Now, anyone who visits the Welcome Center is greeted by a plate of delicious cookies.

This personal touch is just one small way to show our community that they are valued and cared for. Often, those visitors aren’t Catholic or they might be considering becoming Catholic.

“The most important part of evangelization to me is that people feel welcomed and included,” Rhonda says.

Cookies might seem like a small thing, but Rhonda and the volunteers who bake hope that those cookies will be one piece of the puzzle that brings people home to the church. While the cookies are a momentary thing, the welcome of the Church is lasting.

“They have a place,” Rhonda says. “They’re not outsiders, they’re a part of the community, and they’re welcome.”

If you would like to bake cookies for the Cookie Ministry, contact Rhonda Coon by phone or text at 517-290-1574, or email at rhocoon@gmail.com.

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St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church 711 N. Country Club Rd • Stillwater, OK 74075 Web: www.SFXStillwater.org Phone: (405) 372-6886

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