St. Leo's Catholic Parish Community Newsletter — June 2022

St.

Leos’

Parish Community

Embracing Sacrament of Love and Time Spent with Jesus

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or young adults such as Lisa Kehler of St. Leo’s Parish, Eucharistic Adoration is a secure refuge of God’s love, and a sure source of solace and strength in the midst of life’s troubles.

“I really enjoy spending quiet time in adoration, when I can empty my mind of whatever is swirling around at the moment and just focus on being because there are no distractions,” she says. “My relationship with Jesus hasn’t always been the greatest, but by attending adoration, even when I’m tired, along with other positive habits I’ve added to my life in the past couple of years, I have realized that I can reach out to Him throughout the day and He will always be there.”

According to Lisa, adoration has helped deepen her communication and friendship with Our Lord in a remarkable way.

“There was a time where I just couldn’t talk to Jesus because all that came out was tears,” Lisa says. “I was so afraid, because I thought He was punishing me for things I had done in my life, and I was suffering for them. But now I have come to realize that He loves continued on page 2

Inside JUNE 2022

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:

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Embrace the Holy Spirit

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Offering Congratulations and Welcoming Newest Members of Our Parish

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St. Paul Street Evangelization Team Good News Shared Beyond Our Parish Walls

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A Catholic’s Guide to Good Summer Reading

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION me even on the days where I don’t feel lovable.

I feel like adoration has helped me cope with problems in my life better, as well as celebrate the good things.”

Confirmation candidate Avery Kelly feels much the same as Lisa about the beautiful gift of Adoration.

“I think that adoration greatly contributes to a more peaceful and orderly life,” she says.

“Attending aids in a stronger and more intimate relationship with Christ. Adoration offers a lot of time for worship and reflection which can better not only your life, but also you as a person.”

Adoration of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament is offered at our parish on the first Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and also is available at St. Mary’s Cathedral every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. We also offer our Abide Adoration service, which takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month during the months of October through March, from 7 to 8 p.m. The service features adoration with worship and praise music, as well as the reading of Sacred Scripture and reflection.

The extraordinary power of Eucharistic Adoration rests on the Catholic dogma of the Real Presence, which is beautifully explained by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

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(USCCB) on their website as follows: “In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present — body blood, soul, and divinity — under the appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the ‘Real Presence’ of Christ in the Eucharist.”

Furthermore, the USCCB also reminds us of the magnanimous love that Christ wants to give us through the blessing of Eucharistic Adoration. As stated in The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church: “We rejoice in the growing numbers of the faithful who pray in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, a testament of faith in the Real Presence of the Lord in the Eucharist. We encourage this devotion, which helps all of us to be formed by the self-giving love we behold in the Lord’s gift of himself in the Eucharist.

St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta reportedly once said: ‘When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now’” (17-18).

“I think that adoration greatly contributes to a more peaceful and orderly life. Attending aids in a stronger and more intimate relationship with Christ. Adoration offers a lot of time for worship and reflection which can better not only your life, but also you as a person.” — AVERY KELLY

The entire parish is warmly invited to participate in this gift of prayer by signing up for adoration on the first Friday of the month, paying a visit to Jesus during adoration times, or by attending the Abide Adoration service. A sign-up sheet is located in the parish gathering area.

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A Letter From Our Pastor

EM B R AC E T H E H OLY SPI R I T Dear Parishioners,

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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 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.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Donald A. Buhrman Pastor 3

OFFERING CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCO T

his month, we welcome our newest Catholics who have participated in the RCIA process and entered into our faith. We extend to them our warmest congratulations and welcome, from our entire St. Leo’s family!

Kaelan Michael Kent Anderson My name is Kaelan Michael Kent Anderson and I was born in Central City, Neb. I grew up outside of New Prague, Minn. with my parents, John and Diane Anderson, and my younger brother, Chris.

I currently reside in Central City with my wife, Alexa, and our dog Emmy Lou. We are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of baby Anderson who will join us in August! I am a seed production agronomist for Syngenta Seeds in Phillips, Neb. I did not grow up with religion, but I have always believed in and been interested in a higher power. Over the last few years, I’ve also really been looking for something to guide me through life that offers an example of how I should carry myself as a person. A few years ago, I was also blessed to meet Alexa, who introduced me to the Catholic Church and has been my guide and support along the way, along with her family and many others.

The RCIA process has been very helpful in introducing me to the background and structure of the Catholic faith. It has also given me a support group from which I have learned a lot, both from members of the church and other candidates. It has taught me ways to improve in my study, prayer, and overall understanding of what it means to have faith and follow Jesus. I chose Peter as my Confirmation name.

I have felt welcomed in so many ways. People have affirmed my choice to become Catholic after Mass and at church gatherings, including people who I don’t even know.

People have also taken the time to offer their knowledge and perspective of faith to me as needed. Everyone is always so inviting and excited to share.

Alex Asche My name is Alex Asche and I am from Elkhorn, Neb. I was born in Omaha and we moved to Columbus, Neb. I am a math teacher at GISH and am married to my wife, Shelby. We have a son, Liam.

I grew up Lutheran and my wife grew up Catholic. I had family friends that were Catholic and I always admired the religion.

I wanted my family to grow up with God as part of their lives, so when my son was born, I made more of an effort to find a place of worship.

The RCIA process has given me insight into what it means to be Catholic, its beliefs, teachings and practices. I chose Matthew as my Confirmation name.

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OMING NEWEST MEMBERS OF OUR PARISH The parish community has been very friendly to me and my family. There are great people here to help me and my family get closer to God. I have felt comfortable coming to church every Sunday and have enjoyed the services.

Melissa Kay Sack My name is Melissa Kay Sack and I am from Dannebrog (St. Paul area), Neb. My dad is from Norway and my mother is from Denmark. I grew up Lutheran. I am married to my husband, Ryan, and we have two children, Isiah and Kaylee. I work in Accounts Payable in Heartland Ag Systems.

I wish to be Catholic, because of my marriage to my husband and our kids are baptized Catholic.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the RCIA process and have learned a great deal, not only about the Church and God, but also about myself. I chose the name Matilda as my Confirmation name.

I feel so welcomed by everyone at St. Leo’s — they always have a friendly greeting.

Deidre Jensen My name is Deidre Jensen and I am from Mandan, N.D. I grew up with my mom, Susan, dad, Aaron, and younger sister, Rachel.

My dad is Catholic and my mom is Lutheran, so we went to both churches, back and forth for the holidays, but mostly Lutheran.

When Vince and I got married, it was at my Lutheran Church in Bismarck, but when I moved here to Dannebrog, all his family went to Sts. Peter and Paul Church so that is where we have been attending now for years.

I work for Good Samaritan Society Home Health Care in Grand Island as the Admissions Coordinator. I have been with them for 12 years.

I wanted to know more about the Catholic church since I have been going to one for many years. At this time in my life, I want to work on my relationship with God and Jesus, and to be a better person for myself and my family.

The RCIA classes have been very important to me, I have learned so much and I find them very interesting.

Everyone has been so nice and welcoming to me and my family. Strangers stop us to say “hello” and welcome us to the church. I have gotten hugs and nice words from so many.

Before, I was always scared (nervous to go to a Catholic Mass because I didn’t understand things and I would stick out and be judged, but that never happened at St. Leo’s).

I chose my Confirmation name, Bertha, because I had a great aunt named Bertha. I always thought she was a wonderful woman and I learned after looking her up that she was related to the Duke of Lorraine, and Lorraine is my middle name!

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ST. PAUL STREET EVANGELIZATION TEAM Good News Shared Beyond Our Parish Walls

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here’s a misconception that Catholics don’t take to the streets to spread Jesus’ message.

While that may be true in some parishes, it certainly isn’t here at St. Leo’s! A small, dedicated group led by Dennis Harb takes to the streets to pray with people and share the message of Jesus through the St. Paul Street Evangelization Team.

“This ministry is dedicated to responding to the mandate of Jesus to preach the Gospel to all nations by taking the Catholic faith to the streets, urging each of the baptized to bring the Gospel to a culture that has largely reverted to paganism,” Dennis says.

Dennis started handing out free necklace crucifixes to men after he had open-heart surgery about two and a half years ago. When he woke up from the surgery, he took that as a sign that God had more planned for him. People asked him about the crucifixes, so he had the idea to start a ministry where he could talk about Jesus.

Dennis brings a cart and signage and stands in various places throughout Grand Island, like the courthouse and Sam’s Club, making it clear he’s there to pray and talk about Jesus. Dennis admits doing this work was nerve-racking at first, but it quickly became easier.

“The Holy Spirit is right beside you giving you courage and confidence, and putting the words on your lips that need to be said,” Dennis says.

It is Dennis’ hope that more folks get involved.

He’s also trying to expand this ministry to the other three Catholic Churches in Grand Island.

“I love doing evangelization work,” he says. “We are the hands and feet of Christ.”

Since starting this ministry, Dennis has had thousands of positive interactions with people.

While on vacation in Arizona, three clerks at a sporting goods store approached Dennis about his crucifix. He gave them each one, and they talked

Dennis Harb with his evangelization wagon

for more than an hour about Jesus’ love.

“I was on vacation and did not even think about evangelizing,” he says. “The Holy Spirit wasn’t on vacation.”

As part of the St. Paul Street Evangelization Team, Dennis and the other volunteers hand out rosaries, pamphlets and miraculous medals.

Volunteers need not be experts on the faith or the Bible. They are there to pray with people and tell them how much God loves them. Volunteers don’t chase people down the street. They are there for people who want to talk and pray.

“We can’t keep all God’s love for ourselves,” Dennis says. “We need to share that love with the millions of people who don’t know Him.”

If you would like to get involved in the St. Paul Street Evangelization Team, please contact Dennis Harb at deharb@gmail.com or 308-833-0640.

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Good Summer Reading A CATHOLIC’S GUIDE TO

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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: 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.

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

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 easyto-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.

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.

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 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: continued on back cover

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A CATHOLIC’S GUIDE TO GOOD SUMMER READING continued from page 7

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 book is recommended for children in first through third grades.

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.

Happy summer! Happy reading!

LITURGY SCHEDULE Daily Mass: 9 a.m., Saturday: 5 p.m., Sunday: 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Confession: Saturday 4 - 4:30 p.m. Adoration: First Friday of the Month, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Abide Adoration: Fourth Sunday of the Month, 7 - 8 p.m.