St. Peter Catholic Church Newsletter — August 2020

AUGUST | 2020

CONTENT PAGE 2 The Assumption of Mary: A Time to Celebrate!

Aug. 15

PAGE 3 Understanding God’s Gift of Time PAGE 4 Growing Closer to God At Home: Family Faith

Formation PAGE 6 The Faith Journey of St. Genesius PAGE 7 Becoming Stewards of Our Bodies Through the Exercise Ministry

MEET OUR ALTAR LINEN LADIES Glorifying God Through Humble Service

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or most people who attend Mass regularly, there is some awareness of the many pieces that come together to create a beautiful experience of prayer each Sunday.

The priest, the choir, the readers, the ushers, altar servers and the Eucharistic Ministers — each has a unique role in aiding the parish community as they worship. But there is one group whose service

to the liturgy often goes unnoticed.

Yet without their humble efforts, our experience of Mass would be very different. They are our Altar Linen Ladies.

“You just don’t realize all the things that need to happen, all the ins and outs, in order to make the parish run, and I like just being one little piece of that,” says parishioner Angie Hancox, who has helped care for the altar linens for the past 15 years. “It just makes me feel good that I can help out.”

Each week, one of the women who is a part of this ministry stops by the church to pick up the altar linens — the purificators, which are cloths used to wipe the chalice after someone receives the Precious Blood, and hand towels used during Mass — to wash, iron

and fold them for the following week’s liturgies. As someone who also serves as a Eucharistic Minister, Angie enjoys seeing the way that her service helps to bring a sense of honor to the Eucharist, ensuring that the linens are well cared for.

“It feels good to know we’re helping out with ‘behind the scenes’ stuff, but it’s front and center at Mass,” Angie says.

“We want to make sure [the purificators] look nice and they don’t have a hole in them or have a stains on them.”

For many years, Angie, who works as a nurse, struggled to find a ministry that fit with her schedule. When she was asked to help with the altar linens, she discovered it was a great way for her to give back. continued on back cover

ST. PETER

CATHOLIC CHURCH

THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY:

A TIME TO CELEBRATE!

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an a pile of bones really be that exciting?

Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, eager to glimpse the spot in which the alleged bones of St. Peter, our first pope, remain to this day.

The relics of saints have been venerated throughout the ages in every corner of the world — yet, the bones of the very first Christian, the

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AUG. 15

Mystical Rose, are nowhere to be found.

When it comes to the day, manner or year of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s death, nothing is certain. No account is given in Scripture. The Church turns instead to Tradition for an answer.

Since the birth of the Church, no Marian relics have ever been venerated — nor can they ever be — because her body was assumed, or taken up, into heaven. There exist, therefore, no remains of the Blessed Virgin’s body on this earth. She lives, right now, body and soul, in heavenly glory.

Although the particular dogma of the Assumption cannot be found in the writings of Scripture, if we look at many other writings by the early Christians, it is clear that the Church has always held this dogma to be true. Even more, though there is no statement of fact in the Bible itself that Mary was assumed body and soul, the truths that we do know about Mary from Scripture simply serve to back up the reality that she was assumed into heaven.

She gave herself wholly to the Lord and followed His will for her life, perfectly, to the end.

The Assumption of Mary reveals that the promises of the Lord — including the resurrection of the body — were fulfilled in Mary. She shared most intimately in the life, death and resurrection of her Son, and was free from original sin and its effects — including corruption of the body at death.

Therefore, it was no surprise when, in 1950, Pope Pius XII declared infallibly the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a dogma of the Catholic faith with these words: “The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory” (Munificentissimus Deus, 44).

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is observed on the liturgical calendar as a solemnity — of higher importance than a feast. On Aug. 15, this wonderful celebration is accompanied by great hope in the resurrection of the body and everlasting union with God in heaven.

A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S GIFT OF TIME Dear Parishioners,

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ith the arrival of August, I find it hard to believe that summer is just about over! Of course, some of us are trying to squeeze in that last vacation, or just simply enjoying a “staycation” at home, soaking in the glorious summer season for a few more weeks. But for the most part, we’re starting to transition back into the swing of our fall routines.

I once heard a quote from a psychologist who said 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.

At the end of this summer, we have the opportunity to reflect on how we chose to use our time these last few months. Did we set aside time to pray? Have we allowed for 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 routine and activity 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.

Please pray for me as I continue to pray for you all.

In Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Leo J. Enlow

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ST. PETER

CATHOLIC CHURCH

GROWING CLOSER TO GOD AT HOME:

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ou’ve undoubtedly heard it before — the idea that education begins at home, with parents serving as the first and most important teachers of their children. And while recent months have brought to light the inadequacies that many parents feel in regards to “home schooling,” this fact remains the same. Children will always learn and absorb more from their parents than they learn in a classroom, regardless of how amazing the professional may be.

And you don’t have to be a parent long before you realize that “more is caught than taught.” From the earliest ages, children are watching, observing and learning from their parents.

For better or worse, our example will always speak more loudly than our instructions. With this in mind, St. Peter invites our parish and school families to grow together through our Family Faith Formation program, which began last fall.

“We want to make sure families know how important it is to make faith formation a priority,” says Gina Bergman, Director of Religious Education.

“We don’t want people to think you only do things on

Whether through prayer experiences or service activities, our Family Faith Formation program is designed to empower parents to share their faith, by example, with their children.

sacramental years — this is about the continuation of faith throughout your entire life.”

Each month, our Family Faith Formation resource is emailed, in order to give families inspiration and ideas for how they can incorporate their faith into their daily life and routines.

This resource is meant to

empower parents to lead their children by example, first of all by modeling what it means to live as a Christian, including prayer experiences, service activities and more. Families are encouraged to choose at least one activity each month in which they can participate together.

“I don’t want people to think

“We want to make sure families know how important it is to make faith formation a priority. We don’t want people to think you only do things on sacramental years — this is about the continuation of faith throughout your entire life.”

— GINA BERGMAN, DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 4

Family Faith Formation

Families are encouraged to consider the ways that they can integrate the faith more fully into their homes and lives, whether staying at home, or even as things return to “normal.”

this is a hard thing,” Gina says.

“I want it to be woven into their lives, rather than being something extra. We wanted to do something to make sure families know that this is part of our Christian life.”

During the school year, students have the opportunity to share with their classmates — whether at St. Peter School or in PSR classes — the ways in which their family is putting

Our Family Faith Formation program provides ideas for how families can incorporate their faith into their everyday lives.

their faith into practice. While at home, parents are encouraged to provide space for their children to reflect on their experiences of living out their faith, whether individually or by sharing with extended family or peers.

“This just opened my eyes to how many things are available to us that we can do in our own home,” Gina says. “Take these moments at home and show your kids that your faith is important, especially during this time.”

For Gina, the experience of contributing to a neighborhood food pantry with her kids was a meaningful way to live their faith by giving to those in need within our local community.

“I think a lot of our students — my own kids included — don’t understand that need, because they’ve always been fed and they’ve always had their needs met,” Gina says. “[By donating], they’re learning and I’m hoping that they’ll want to continue that throughout their lives.”

Gina encourages families to consider the ways that they can integrate the faith more fully into their homes and lives, whether staying at home, or even as things return to “normal.”

“I hope more people participate and this becomes more of a natural thing and not something they have to do, but something they want to do,” Gina says. “I want them to integrate it into their daily lives.

“We’re all on different levels of our faith journeys,” she adds. “But doing this helps to celebrate each family and show love to others and do what Jesus calls us to do. This is just as important as any academics.

This will help form your child, hopefully throughout their whole life.”

If you would like more information on our Family Faith Formation, or to sign up to receive resources by email, please contact Director of Religious Education Gina Bergman at g.bergman@cospq.org.

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ST. PETER

CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Faith Journey of

ST. GENESIUS B

eing a performer and a comedian may sound like a fun way to make a living.

St. Genesius, an outstanding actor, playwright and comedian in late Imperial Rome, certainly did have some fun for a while.

But his career and life came to an abrupt end when his work ultimately led him to Christ.

Genesius was a comedian of some renown, but in the fourth century, Christians were often discouraged from becoming actors because ancient Roman comedy was highly sexual, crude and offensive.

In the year 303, Emperor Diocletian launched what would be the last great Roman persecution against the Christian Church. So, Genesius used the persecution as an opportunity to write a comedy about Christianity. He thought it might attract the attention of the Emperor, increase his fame, and make him some money in the process.

Genesius approached leaders of the Christian community in Rome and presented himself as a catechumen seeking Baptism. He was then invited into a period of instruction in the faith, in order to learn the beliefs of the Christians.

He was particularly taken by the idea of Baptism. But at the time, he had no plans to convert to the faith – it was all just a part of his plan to research new material to

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use for his comedy.

But a strange thing happened to Genesius as he began to work on his play, which was to be a comedy on Baptism. As Genesius began teaching the other actors about Baptism, he began to believe, and a desire to be baptized grew within his heart.

The opening night of the play was a great success, with Emperor Diocletian in attendance. But at some point during the play, the Holy Spirit touched Genesius. He was no longer acting.

“You fools, I wish to die a Christian,” Genesius said. When the other actors asked him why, he said, “All my life I have been a fugitive, and only today have I found God.”

Everyone, especially Emperor Diocletian, laughed as Genesius spoke. Genesius, standing in a pulpit designed to look like the goddess Venus, began to preach to the audience. He told the crowd how he once hated Christians and enjoyed insulting them. He told the crowd how he deserted his own family as a child because they were Christians.

From there, Genesius addressed Diocletian, stating that he wrote the play to mock Christians, but had been converted on the spot during the course of the play, by the power of the Holy Spirit. “I now know that the Lord Jesus Christ is the true God, the Light, the Truth and the Mercy of all who have received His gift of Baptism,” Genesius said. “O great Emperor, believe in these mysteries! I will teach you, and you will know the Lord Jesus Christ is the true God.” Diocletian was furious and stopped the play, having the troupe arrested and beaten, while Genesius was condemned to torture. Through all of his sufferings, he continued to confess that Jesus was God. When this failed to break his spirit, Diocletian ordered Genesius be beheaded. His final words were, “Our Lord Jesus Christ is God and we shall have life in His name.”

St. Genesius is the patron of comedians and actors. His feast day is Aug. 25.

A LOOK AT OUR EXERCISE MINISTRY Becoming Good Stewards of Our Bodies

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hough we live in an increasingly healthconscious society, it’s not likely that we’re accustomed to associating exercise with stewardship. Yet, at its heart, stewardship is about caring for, cultivating and using our Godgiven gifts, which includes our bodies.

“Part of living out stewardship is simply caring for God’s creation,” parishioner Jill Tracy says.

“This means also caring for the health and wellbeing of our bodies.”

Having always had a passion for working out and staying fit, Jill felt called to form St. Peter’s Exercise Ministry last October as a way of helping parishioners care for their bodies in fun and engaging ways.

“Our purpose is to provide a fun, interactive

atmosphere to encourage and support one other through group exercise classes,” Jill says. “It’s a place where everyone is welcome, no matter their skill level. Modifications are provided for all fitness levels and all ages are welcome.”

Classes are typically scheduled twice a week and are completely free. They consist of a 45-minute, total body workout that utilizes resistance tubes/bands, light free weights, and your own body weight, to provide core, cardio and strength training.

Jill says that, over the past year, she has personally gained a tremendous amount of joy and satisfaction from the ministry. It’s been uplifting to be able to help others achieve their fitness goals as well as a great way to meet new members of the parish community. And though a true workout, there is also plenty of fun and opportunity for camaraderie in the classes.

“I receive great joy out of the friendships I have made and knowing that I am helping people feel motivated to work out,” Jill says. “The appreciation and gratitude shown after each class is so uplifting.

I truly look forward to teaching these workouts and I personally feel like I am fulfilling God’s purpose for me by helping others feel strong and healthy.”

Parishioners interested in joining or learning more about the Exercise Ministry can visit the group’s Facebook page — St. Peter’s Workout Group — or contact Jill Tracy directly by cell at 217-257-2460 or email at jilltracy@adams.net. “The class is super fun and exciting with upbeat music and a very good calorie burn,” Jill says. “Come prepared to sweat!”

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2600 Maine Street Quincy, Illinois 62301 www.cospq.org

ALTAR LINEN LADIES “I definitely enjoy doing the ministry,” Angie says. “I was always looking for something I could help out at the church, but it had to be something that I didn’t have to go to a meeting to be able to participate. This worked out really well, I could pick up the linens and do the washing and ironing anytime I have a chance.”

Being involved in this ministry has also been an opportunity to get to know and build friendships with others in the parish.

“I have a great group that I work with,” Angie says of the other ladies. “I couldn’t do it without them. They’re great.”

Angie encourages her fellow parishioners to find ways in which they might give back to the parish community in service. Regardless of what ministry people may feel called to join, Angie reminds that it’s an opportunity to make a

continued from front cover difference in our community.

“We’re on this earth to help others and that’s what it’s all about,” she says. “If I can help out in any way at my church, I’ll be right there.

“There are lots and lots of things that have to happen in a church, so pick up the phone and say, ‘Hey, I can help doing that,’” she adds. “I’m really glad I said ‘yes’ when I was asked to help with altar linens many years ago, and it’s been so good to continue.”

A special thanks to the ladies who faithfully serve to care for our altar linens — Angie Hancox, Ann Klene, Mary Nell Meyer, Jane Nolan and Connie Schrage. We’re so grateful for your humble service!

MASS SCHEDULE Weekend Masses Saturday: 5:00 p.m., Sunday: 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Weekday Masses Mon-Sat: 8:00 a.m., except for Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m.

Reconciliation Saturday: 7:30-7:50 a.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m. or by appointment