St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Newsletter — March 2021

Saint Francis F rancis Xavier CATHOLIC CHURCH The Blessings of Contents: 3 Growing Closer to the Lord Jesus as We Prepare for Easter

4 Bringing Souls Home to Mother Church through the RCIA Process

6 Highlights of Our 2020 Stewardship Renewal

7 The Cleaning Angels: Keeping the Lord’s House Tidy

Eucharistic Adoration:

I

Sitting in the Lord’s Presence

magine if the risen Christ were to appear to us right here in our parish — wouldn’t we all go running to meet Him? More likely than not, millions of people would travel from around the world just to sit at His feet and soak in the incomparable graces of His presence. It may be hard for us to picture this scenario, and yet the reality is that we already are allowed to rest in Christ’s presence daily!

In the Catholic Church, we are blessed to have the real presence of Jesus dwelling in our midst in the form of the Holy Eucharist during all Masses. Here at St. Francis Xavier, parishioners also have a special opportunity to partake in one of the most sacred experiences our Catholic faith has to offer — Eucharistic Adoration.

Due to social distancing guidelines, continued on page 2

MARCH 2021

Eucharistic Adoration is available at St. Francis Xavier on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Saint

Francis Xavier CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Blessings of

Eucharistic Adoration continued from front cover Eucharistic Adoration currently takes place in the main church rather than the adoration chapel. Adoration before the exposed Eucharist is offered twice a week, on Wednesdays and Thursdays following the 7 a.m. Mass until the 6 p.m. benediction.

For all who take advantage of this unique opportunity to draw closer to Christ, the spiritual rewards are abundant. Richard and Judith Cronk, coordinators of our adoration schedule, have enjoyed this spiritual devotion for many years.

“We first started when we heard a deacon call adoration ‘a personal hour with the Lord,’” Richard says. “It’s one-on-one time. I get away, and that’s the only thing I’m going to do in that dedicated hour. I don’t have to worry about anything else. All I have to do is sit there and talk to God and listen if He chooses to talk to me.”

For new and “seasoned” adorers alike, there are many ways to experience Christ’s presence in the exposed Eucharist. Whether you decide to spend your time in adoration reading Scripture or other spiritual books, praying the Rosary, or simply engaging in meditative prayer, drawing close to the Lord is always fulfilling.

Judith finds that journaling during her hour of adoration serves to bring her into conversation with Christ.

“I just find it so peaceful,” she says. “If I have something pressing, I will sit in the chapel and journal. There is such an inspiration that comes when I’m ‘letting go and letting God.’ There is such a connection. I think my experience of being

For new and “seasoned” adorers alike, there are many ways to experience Christ’s presence in the exposed Eucharist. Whether you decide to spend your time in adoration reading Scripture or other spiritual books, praying the Rosary, or simply engaging in meditative prayer, drawing close to the Lord is always fulfilling.

in front of the Eucharist, and really talking and having a conversation with the Lord has always been profound for me.”

Scheduled adorers commit to spending one hour a week in adoration. With two to three adorers covering each hour of adoration, Christ in the exposed Eucharist is never left alone. Those who are unable to fill a weekly hour are still invited to come to spend as much or as little time as possible in the Lord’s presence.

Looking forward in faith, Richard and Judith hope to see our parish eventually have enough scheduled adorers to cover perpetual adoration for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“From the get-go, Father said that our goal was to evangelize all of Payne County,” Judith says. “And I think staying close to the Lord is the only way you can possibly do that. If we can touch 30 or 40 people in the parish each year, that would be phenomenal.

We’re praying for the parish, that they are really on fire for adoration — it’s really so important.”

Here at St. Francis Xavier, we are blessed with an opportunity to experience the special graces God brings through the adoration of His Son in the form of the Holy Eucharist. In the words of Pope Paul VI in his Credo of the People of God, “The Blessed Sacrament... is, in the tabernacle, the ‘living heart’ of each of our churches. And it is our very sweet duty to honor and adore the Blessed Host” (26). Let us embrace this truly precious gift, and go now to sit and rest in His presence!

If you would like more information about Eucharistic Adoration at St. Francis Xavier, or to become a scheduled adorer, please contact Richard and Judith Cronk by phone at 405-269-9786, or by email at bendonker@hotmail.com or judyklynne@yahoo.com.

2

A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR

Growing Closer to the Lord Jesus as We Prepare for Easter Dear Parishioners,

W

e are in the throes of Lent and I hope it's going well for you. This is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and each will help you grow closer to the Lord Jesus as we prepare for Easter. In your prayer and fasting, I hope you will remember the 25plus individuals who will be coming into full communion with the Catholic Church this Easter. They are children, teenagers, young adults, middle age, and older. This group has been preparing for many months and they are excited. They are the fruit of our prayer as a parish because we want everyone in Payne County to come into full communion with the Church. May God make it so!

Speaking of prayer, Lent is a wonderful time to really step up your prayer time. In my own life and in the lives of many in our parish, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is an effective way to draw closer to the God who made you and loves you. In adoration, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the altar for all to see. The great St. John Vianney said that in adoration, "I look at Him and He looks at me!" You can sign up for an

hour on Wednesdays or just come by anytime.

You have 24-hours-a-day access to the Blessed Sacrament in our St. Teresa of Calcutta Chapel.

Make use of it!

Finally, a word on our Cleaning Angels. We have a BIG building and there's a lot of activity in it. The Cleaning Angels specifically help us keep the most important part of the building, the church nave, looking great. God deserves our best, and it also shows visitors and parishioners alike that we care deeply for the space that houses the Blessed Sacrament and where we pray most often on Sundays. If you are good at cleaning or enjoy it, I hope you'll give the Cleaning Angels a look.

Let's continue to pray for one another as we continue in this holy season of Lent.

In Christ,

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

3

Saint

Francis Xavier CATHOLIC CHURCH

Bringing Souls Home to Moth

T

hrough the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) process at our parish, God's grace works wonders. Searching souls come “home” to the loving embrace of Mother Church, inquisitive minds are enlightened with the truth, and hearts are uplifted by the traditions of our sacred faith.

This is precisely what happened with Stacy Humbert, and now she is busy serving our parish as our Director of Evangelization and Mission, as well as RCIA Director.

Overall, the RCIA process is enriching, helping each participant to encounter the mercy of Our Lord, feel the tender concern of Our Blessed Mother, and crack open the bountiful treasure chest of Catholicism.

4

through

“I went through RCIA several years ago, so I have walked the journey, and I have a heart for it!”

Stacy says. “When I was in RCIA, I noticed many beautiful things and encountered Jesus profoundly, which is why I now work for the Church and Jesus' mission. I became inspired to take people deeper into their faith and learn about ways we can accompany each person more intentionally along the path of discipleship. Therefore, I am passionate about the RCIA process and hopeful about where our parish is headed in leading people into a lifechanging relationship with Jesus and His Church.”

RCIA sessions normally take place from September through the spring, on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in the Parish Hall. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our parish has also been offering an online component for those who cannot attend in-person.

“If an individual or family is interested in RCIA, we welcome them at any time throughout the year,” Stacy says. “We either plug them in where we are, or we walk with them one-on-one.”

Thankfully, the RCIA process is warmly open to anyone and everyone who wants to learn what it means to be truly Catholic.

“We welcome anyone to attend RCIA,” Stacy says. “We just meet people where they are at and determine what they need throughout the RCIA journey. Typically, those who come to RCIA are people who are discerning becoming Catholic or those who are curious about the faith, but not quite ready to consider becoming Catholic, as well as some parishioners who simply want to learn more about the Catholic faith.”

The RCIA process covers a rich variety of topics — discovering Christ; Mary; the saints; heaven, hell, and purgatory; discipleship; and the sacraments.

her Church

the RCIA Process “We conclude with reflections on what it means to follow Christ — using the second part of the ChristLife series — to help soon-to-be new Catholics see how to live as disciples of Jesus in the world today,” Stacy says. “This opens us up to further study on prayer, the importance of Scripture and the Sacraments, how to live as a Catholic witness, the reality of the spiritual battle, and the need to share one's faith with others.”

RCIA members participate in various major and minor rites, which coincide with three essential stages — the Period of Evangelization or Precatechumenate, which leads up to the Rite of Acceptance (for the unbaptized) or the Rite of Welcoming (for the unbaptized); the Period of the Catechumenate which is followed by the Rite of Election (for the unbaptized) or the Call to Continuing Conversion (for the baptized); and lastly, the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, which concludes with the Sacraments of Initiation (for the unbaptized) and Full Communion (for the baptized), typically at the Easter Vigil.

Overall, the process is enriching, helping each RCIA participant to encounter the mercy of Our Lord, feel the tender concern of Our Blessed Mother, and crack open the bountiful treasure chest of Catholicism.

“Our goal as a parish is not to simply offer formative experiences that are informational, but rather, we want everything we offer to be

The RCIA process is warmly open to anyone and everyone who wants to learn what it means to be truly Catholic.

transformational,” Stacy says. “We want to lead each person — each soul — into a genuine encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. We want to help them learn what it means to live as a disciple, and embrace their call to join the mission Jesus gave the Church to 'go make disciples!'”

In the end, those who help out with RCIA find it rewarding to bring souls home to their spiritual mother on earth — the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church.

“The Church is the Body of Christ, and it is made of people, but it is also the fullness of the Christian faith,” Stacy says. “The Catholic Church is not perfect as an institution because that would be impossible for a 'hospital full of sinners,' but Jesus founded the Church for a reason. She is the vessel to carry us home to heaven, filling us up and preparing us along the way.”

More team members are needed to help in this beautiful mission of God's love.

For further information, please contact Stacy Humbert at stacy@sfxstillwater.org, or Evangelization and Office Assistant Karen Bisges at karen@sfxstillwater.org, or simply call the parish office at 405-372-6886.

5

Saint

Francis Xavier CATHOLIC CHURCH

Highlights of Our 2020 Stewardship Renewal

T

his past autumn, our parish leadership at St. Francis Xavier conducted the 2020 Stewardship Renewal. The Stewardship Renewal allowed our parish community to discern how we are using our gifts of time, talent, and treasure in service to the parish and in return to God. This month, we are happy to share with you some of the highlights of the Stewardship Renewal.

LIFT UP

Your Hearts!

2020 STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL

-T here were 879 commitment cards received from 41 percent of active households.

-T here were 2,070 prayer commitments — the stewardship of time — from 95 percent of participating households.

-T here were 1,118 ministry commitments — the stewardship of talent — from 81 Tpercent of ALENT TALENTO T A L E N T  Of these,  participating households.   Vida Parroquial  Parish Life 313 were new ministry commitments,  Adul t Faith Formation     while 805 were re-commitments to      parish ministries.      (continued)

= Currently Involved = Interested in Joinin g Please clearly write the first name of interested family memb er(s) on the line.

(continued)

(continuación)

T A L E N T O (continuación

= Ya involucrado (contin = Quiere involucrarse ued) = Currently Involv ed = Ya involucrado = Interested in Joinin g Please (contin clearly uación write ) the first name of Formación de Fé para interested family memb _________ Bienvenida a los Recié er(s) on the line. n Nacidos

_________

L I F T U P)

LIFT UP

= Quiere involucrarse

Your Hearts!

Your Hearts!

los Adultos (continuación)

_________ Relan Comité de Bienvenida zar para New Baby Welcome Feligreses Nuevos(continued)los _________ Retiro en la vida diaria (RIDL _________ New Parishioner Welco GuarderíaThe OWLS (Older, Wiser _________ ) ming , Rito de Iniciación Cristia _________ Committee Livelie na para r Saints) 55+ Club Ministerio de la Bibliot Adultos (RCIA) eca Parroquial _____ Parish Library Minist ____ _________ Grupo VoluntariosRelit ry de la Oficina Parroq de Debat uial e del Domingo _________ Parish Office Volunteers Retre atlaIn Daily Life (RIDL Recepcione en la Mañana s de ) Parroquia _________ Parish Receptions of Christian Initiation Superación MinisterioRite del Chal of de ón  Prayer Shawl Ministry _________ Lanza Adults (RCIAOraci ) dera de San Cristó _________ Emba bal  Saint Christopher Shutt  _________ Festiv Sunda jadore y Morning Discussion s al de la Parroq T. FRAN le _________S Bendi uia de San CIS XAVIER IGLESIA CATÓ  Saint Francis Xavier Parish ciones del Francisco Group bebé Javier LICA _________ Comit _________ SAN FRANCIS Festival Outre ach é del Duelo Orden Secul CO JAVIER _________ Patrim  Secular Franciscan Order _________ Escuadrón dearlaFranciscana onio Gram a: _________2  Ambassadors  Sod Squad: Church Garde Educa Terren 0 2 ción os y 0 C de Jardin O Carid M ST. FRANCIS es de la Iglesia M I T Mades ns_________ ENT CARD  XAVIER and Grounds Catól Clase icas Centro - Stillwater s deBaby My españBlessi offerin ol ngs talent, & treasure _________ Comu g of time, _________ Direcc   Spanish Language Catholic Church nión para los Limita iónBerea espiriveme tual nt Committee _____ dos  ____  Spiritual Direction Classes _________ Mujer Birthr 2020  Ministerio de Comida en ight es Católicas de la Stillw Mochil ater a T A _____ RJETA DE CO  ____ El Árbol que  Stillwater Catholic Wom _________ Equip Charities Education o deCatho MPROMISO tecnolic Da 2020 YOUTH logía en _________ Minist  Technology Team Formación de Fe para losCenter - Stillwater First & Last Name erio de Apoyo por el COMMITMENT Duelo Jóvenunion es to the  Comm _________ Ministe Youth Faith Formation CARD rio de la Salud y el Bienes _________ Grupo tar Home _________ HIM Catól ico bound de Educación (Mejoras para el hogar en el  Hoga Phone  Catholic Homeschool Group_____ Food r _________ Backpack Ministry  Ministerio de la MadreMinisterio) ____ Ministe Nomb Teres  re a rio de y  Children’s Ministry (CM) apelli Giving _________ Nuest los Jóven do (una tarjeta por Treees Católicos ro Pan Diario familia) _________ Minist  erioGrief  EDGE and LifeTeen de los _________ Suppo Niños First & Last Name (more rt (CM)  Ministerio de Esteban Ministry Email _________ Almue than one child can use  rzos  High School Lunch Health para el card) Número de teléfono and Bachi Welln llerato ess Ministry Los Sacramentos  o del  St. Francis Xavier Early _________ Centr HIM Desar (Hom rollo e Impro para vement la PrimeraMinist _________ Clase Infanc ia de San Childhood Developme ry) Parent s de Bautismo s' First & Last Name nt Franc Email (Importante) Spouse: First & iscoMothe Javierr (SFX ECDC)  Last (En Name Center (SFX ECDC) Inglés Teresa Ministry y en Español) _________ Volunt _________ Clase ariosOur Adulto  Vacation Bible School (VBS)  s y Bread Jóvenes para s Pre-Cana (Preparació Daily la Escuela Bíblica n de Vacaciones  el Matrimonio) Adult and Youth Volun Spouse:para Street Address Phone teersFormación de Fé para Stephen Ministry Esposa(o): Nombre Ministerio Hispano Adult Faith Formation Sacraments los Adultos y apellido _________ Estud io de la Biblia para Adult _________ Estud Spouse: Email os  Adult Bible Study io Bíblico _________ Ungid  Bapti smal Prepa o ration City _________ El coro Esposa(o): Número State  Anointed español _________ Jóven  de teléfono Pre-Cana Classes (Marr ZIP es Adult iage _________ Clases de os Católicos de  Catholic Young Adults Inglés como Segund Stillwater Prep) a Lengua (CYA) of _____ Stillwater (CYA) ____ Descubriend Esposa(o): Email (Impo Address o a Cristo Telephone (Important) rtante )  Discovering Christ _________ Aume S T . ntar  Magnify _________ Mamá FR NCIS XAV s, INC A (En el Nombre de Cristo)I E R City  Moms, INC (In the Name _________ Los Buhos State Email Cath (Mayorolic ZIP Iglesia Católica es, Sabios of Chu Dirección , Enérgic rch os, Christ) Santos de 55 años y más 711 N. COUNTRY) Club S APlease N F bring CLUB R A Nyour RD., STILLWATER, C I compl S C Oeted J AComm V I E itment OK 74075 Please bring your compl R Card with 711 N. COUN you WEB:Continu toCLUB WWW Mass on eted Commitment Card TRY .SFXS Oct. TILLW 3/4, RD., a en ATER. STILLWmail Continued on next panel la columna que sigue it to to ORG the Mass on Oct. 3/4, mail ATER, parish officeCiudado OK 74075 using WWW.SFXST Estad the enclos it to the parish office, PHONE: (405) 372-68 o ILLWA ed Códig envelo TER.O o postal pe or372-68 or fill it RG • (405) 86 fill it out out online at 86 online at www.S

-T here were 178 offertory commitments — the stewardship of treasure — from 82 percent of participating households. The average pledge was $3,405.

We thank all those who participated in our Stewardship Renewal. If you did not have the opportunity to fill out and return a commitment card, we invite you to consider the ways you may share your gifts of time, talent, and treasure with God and the parish community!

6

Catholic Church

La Corresponsabilidad

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

Catholic Church

FXStillwater.org. Thank s, and God

bless you!

www.SFXStillwater.org.

The Cleaning Angels: Keeping the Lord’s House Tidy

A

s we enter into March, we will have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for a full year. We have all certainly been challenged to grow and adapt throughout these last 12 months. From communicating in new ways to praying even when we were unable to attend Mass, to remembering to grab a mask on our way out the door — our lives have been filled with changes. For our Operations Manager Sheryl Lacy and her team, following additional cleaning and disinfecting protocols for the church has been part of the change they’ve experienced, while also adding to their workload. So, to help carry this burden and ensure that our building continues to be well cared for, Sheryl invites parishioners to consider becoming part of a new ministry, the “Cleaning Angels.”

“Volunteers would come in each Monday, after the weekend Masses, or when their schedule allows, to do little jobs, light housekeeping, dusting and polishing the pews,” Sheryl says.

Although the Cleaning Angels' work would not be the frequent disinfecting tasks that Sheryl and her team already coordinate, other

tasks like dusting and polishing our pews and fixtures will serve to ensure that the regular use of disinfectants doesn’t cause damage to our building.

“I take pride in our building,” Sheryl says.

“It’s the House of the Lord.”

In addition to giving back to our community through service, being part of the Cleaning Angels is also an opportunity to spend time in silence, in the Presence of Jesus, in the tabernacle. For Sheryl, the time spent cleaning is one of her favorite ways to pray.

“A huge blessing for me is when I’m in the church, when nobody else is,” Sheryl says.

“That’s the most rewarding time — it’s just me and Him in there.

“I have that time to reflect and have quiet time with Him,” she adds. “You can’t help but pray when you’re in there by yourself, in the Presence of the Lord.”

For the many visitors — Catholic and nonCatholic, alike — who come to visit St. Francis Xavier, the Cleaning Angels ensure that the beauty of our faith is captured and reflected in the physical building. For many who come to our church, this creates a sense of wonder and continued on back cover

“There are so many visitors that come to our church because it is such a beautiful place from the outside and they want to see the inside. I think it’s important we show them it’s as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. I want to pique their curiosity — I want them to want to know more about us, as Catholics, and why we take pride in this building.”

— Sheryl Lacy

7

Saint

Francis Xavier CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

The Cleaning Angels

continued from page 7

curiosity about the faith, and the God we seek to honor in our Church.

“There are so many visitors that come to our church because it is such a beautiful place from the outside and they want to see the inside,” Sheryl says. “I think it’s important we show them it’s as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. I want to pique their curiosity — I want them to want to know more about us, as Catholics, and why we take pride in this building.”

Sheryl encourages those parishioners who are looking for a way to serve but prefer to be “behind the scenes," to consider joining the Cleaning Angels. Especially around Christmas, additional help is needed.

“It’s behind the scenes — you can’t mess up,” says Sheryl, with a smile. “For people who don’t feel comfortable being up in front of people, this is their way to give back. I hope that the Cleaning Angels can take pride in what they do and have some sense of ownership in our building.”

If you would like more information, or if to become involved serving as a Cleaning Angel, please contact Operations Manager Sheryl Lacy at sheryl@sfxstillwater.org or 405-471-4255.

ONLINE GIVING:

PARISH REGISTRATION: