St. Peter Catholic Church Newsletter — January 2021

JANUARY | 2021

CONTENT

Examining Our New Year’s Resolutions Through the Lens of Stewardship

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A New Year, New Challenges, New Opportunities

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New Year Brings Opportunity for Growth as Disciples of Christ

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The Great Catholic Educator: St. Thomas Aquinas

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Parish Financial Report

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: St. Peter School Ready to Celebrate the Gift of Catholic Education

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he last week in January is always a big week for Catholic school students, faculty, and staff across the country, as they celebrate annual Catholic Schools Week. St. Peter School will celebrate the special week from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6.

Like many events over the past year, CSW will be scaled down because of COVID-19 precautions.

In past years, students have visited nursing home residents. There has also been a parish-wide Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, and students have gathered as a whole school for various events throughout the week. Despite the precautions, Principal Mrs. Cindy Venvertloh says there will still be ways to celebrate because Catholic education can’t go unnoticed and uncelebrated.

“Catholic Schools should be celebrated because often we don’t realize what a special choice that our parents have made,” Mrs. Venvertloh says. “I believe that this year, more than ever. I have realized the tremendous support that our parents give us. It seems like I receive gratitude comments daily for all we are doing to make things as normal as possible for

Students dressed as their favorite book character for Catholic Schools Week in 2020.

their children amid the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The students’ dress-up days are a favorite way to celebrate and keep everyone safe. There are several creative ways for classmates to celebrate together in their classrooms. continued on back cover

ST. PETER

CATHOLIC CHURCH

EXAMINING OUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS THROUGH THE LENS OF STEWARDSHIP

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very January, we all step forward into the New Year with new ideas, goals and resolutions. But after the initial sparkle of the New Year has faded, it can be easy to forget our once-fervent resolutions.

However, we might find that it’s a bit easier to keep our New Year’s resolutions if we look a bit beyond our physical selves. By also involving our spiritual lives, as well as the lives of others, we can add a lot more meaning to our resolutions.

Renowned Catholic author Matthew Kelly says, “We’re all trying to be better versions of ourselves,” and that’s basically what any resolution is about.

Stewardship is essentially the same thing — if we embrace living a stewardship way of life, we become better versions of ourselves. We can use our time and talent to make improvements in our lives, in the lives of others, and in the life of the parish. It all comes down to one basic point — if we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God, then we are supposed to be good stewards of those gifts, use them for the benefit of others, and return our talents tenfold to the Lord.

One idea to help incorporate stewardship into your New Year’s resolutions is to make two distinct resolutions each year — one at the beginning of the liturgical year, and one at the beginning of the calendar year.

We can think of the first Sunday of Advent as the Church New Year, and we can make our own

spiritual resolutions at this special time each year.

Then, for the new calendar year, we can make resolutions for our health and well-being. In both cases, we can commit to these promises much in the same way we make our commitments during our annual Stewardship Renewal. We can make these resolutions, write them down, and share them with someone. Once you’ve written it down and shared it, you are now holding yourself accountable.

We are both physical and spiritual beings.

Taking care of the physical side of things is a good start, but if we ignore the spiritual side, what kind of progress are we truly making? Even if you already regularly pray, you can add five more minutes to your prayer time each day to take a step forward in your faith. Even if you read the Bible once a week, you can take a spiritual leap and make it twice a week. One way to make a good resolution is to consider joining or increasing your involvement in one of the parish’s prayer, faith formation or outreach ministries.

Making resolutions requires us to truly reflect on the areas in our lives that we’d like to improve, while also ensuring that our priorities are in order.

Remember, there is no need to take a giant leap all at once. So, as we begin a new calendar year, remember that even the smallest steps forward in faith can go a long, long way as you continuously renew your relationship with Christ.

It all comes down to one basic point — if we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God, then we are supposed to be good stewards of those gifts, use them for the benefit of others, and return our talents tenfold to the Lord.

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A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR

A NEW YEAR, NEW CHALLENGES, NEW OPPORTUNITIES Dear Parishioners,

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t is a new year, and it is my prayer for all of you — and for me, as well — that we can take new steps on our faith journeys, and seek new ways to live out discipleship and stewardship.

Pope Francis once commented on his perspective of our modern approach to life. He said, “Certainly, possessions, money and power can give a momentary thrill, the illusion of being happy, but they end up possessing us and making us always want more, never satisfied. I have learned that the most important thing is to put on Christ in your life, place your trust in Him, and you will never be disappointed.”

The pope has been called “the world’s parish priest.” As we pray for one another in this New Year, may we all ask the Lord to help us appreciate Pope Francis’ approach to life, his simple way of seeing things, and his very basic way of appreciating things. I would hope that we see this year as a time for opportunity, a time to deepen our relationship to Christ, and for that matter to one another.

If we really wish to change our lives and the lives of others, there are two easy ways to do it. We are blessed with many opportunities in this parish to pray, but as much as it is important for us to take advantage of those, we also need to develop a strong personal prayer life. Recall the young Samuel, who was not quite sure what to do with his life, or what direction to go. When he finally settled on that one important prayer, “Speak,

Lord, for I am listening,” Samuel gave us the hint as to what we need to do.

Prayer is a two-way street, and part of that is taking the time to listen to God. The second important way is to exude joy. Christ certainly called us to do that. Pope Francis has had much to say about joy, as well. The Holy Father says, “Joy cannot be held at heel; it must be let go. Joy is a pilgrim virtue.

It is a gift that walks — walks on the path of life, that walks with Jesus… proclaiming joy, lengthens and widens that path.”

We must seek that joy and then we need to share it. That is truly our call. Joy translates quite easily into “love your neighbor.”

Yes, there may be challenges ahead in 2021, but we must focus on the opportunities, and then exert the effort to benefit from those opportunities. Happy New Year!

In Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Leo J. Enlow

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ST. PETER

CATHOLIC CHURCH

NEW YEAR BRINGS OPPORTUNITY

Growth

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As we celebrate Mary, the Mother of God, in January, it is a good time to reflect on ways to renew our faith in the new year.

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here is something undeniably exciting about the hope and optimism that come with the beginning of a new year. Following the season of preparation during Advent and the joyous celebration of the birth of Christ, we are invited to pause once more and reflect upon our goals and dreams for the coming year. As a parish, we look forward to continuing to provide the faithful of St. Peter with many opportunities for spiritual growth.

With some parishioners isolating at home due to the COVID-19 crisis, Msgr. Leo Enlow continues to seek new ways to keep our community connected. When the pandemic first hit last spring, the parish uploaded videos of daily Mass and brief “Did You Know?” videos explaining different aspects of the church. These videos were available through the parish website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page. Since then, St. Peter has been equipped with the necessary technology to provide a livestream of the Sunday Mass.

Parishioners who are unable to attend Mass in person due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions may view the live video feed from their homes.

Of course, not all of our parishioners may have internet access. During Advent, St. Peter gifted the faithful with a dayby-day journal of St. Teresa of

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as Disciples of Christ Calcutta. During Lent, we will distribute free copies of Matthew Kelly’s newest book, I Heard God Laugh. Our parish continues to reach out to some of our homebound by telephone, calling to say “hello” and check in.

In addition to participating in the Mass and delving into some spiritual books, carving out time for an active prayer life can also play an essential role in our spiritual growth.

“I know many people are saying daily prayers,” Fr. Leo says. “They tell me, ‘Father, we’re saying a Rosary for you, for the parish, for the Church.’”

Whether online or in-person, participating in our Masses, prayer services and other activities is a wonderful way to stay connected to both our parish community and our God. “I want our parishioners — whether they are sheltering in place because of COVID or whether they are just homebound — to feel connected to St. Peter Church,” Fr. Leo says. “I want them to have that sense of belonging to us. COVID might teach us something about the value of community.

I hope they still have a longing to be part of that community and come to appreciate more and more the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.”

A new year is always a fitting time to step back and reflect on our lives and where we hope to be 12 months from now. As Catholics, this process includes a prayerful discernment of how Christ might be calling us to enrich our faith by living as intentional disciples in 2021.

“I hope and pray that, as parishioners begin the New Year, they continue to reflect on God’s small blessings,” Fr. Leo says. “Those can be their health, each breath that they take, so they’re grateful to God for their life, and in their prayers and their lives they give honor and glory to God for all He has given us. I hope people recognize the gift of faith they’ve been given, and hopefully, their response to that gift is out of their time, talent and treasure.

“I just wish everyone a very happy and blessed New Year,” he adds. “And may you continue to persevere in faith, hope, and love.”

PRAYER FOR A BLESSING ON THE NEW YEAR O sacred and adorable Trinity, hear our prayers on behalf of our holy Father the Pope, our Bishops, our clergy, and for all that are in authority over us.

Bless, we beseech Thee, during the coming year, the whole Catholic Church; Convert heretics and unbelievers; Soften the hearts of sinners so that they may return to Thy friendship; Give prosperity to our country and peace among the nations of the world; Pour down Thy blessings upon our friends, relatives and acquaintances, and upon our enemies, if we have any; Assist the poor and the sick; have pity on the souls of those whom this year has taken from us; And do Thou be merciful to those who during the coming year will be summoned before Thy judgment seat. May all our actions be preceded by Thy inspirations and carried on by Thy assistance, so that all our prayers and works, having been begun in Thee, may likewise be ended through Thee.

Amen.

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ST. PETER

CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Great Catholic Educator:

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

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efore Thomas Aquinas was even born, a holy hermit told his mother he was to be more learned and holy than any other person of his time. As a young boy, he was devoted to prayer and meditation, and his intellectual gifts were quickly recognized. When he was about 11 years old, he was sent to the University of Naples, and about five years later, he became a Dominican friar.

Thomas’ parents were Italian nobility and were not enthusiastic about Thomas’ choice of vocation. They went so far as to have his brothers capture him while he was en route to Rome, and they held him prisoner for two years in an effort to destroy his vocation and his virtue. After the family made one particularly heinous attempt at breaking Thomas’ faith and spirit, he begged God to give him integrity of mind and body, and he was miraculously given the girdle and grace of purity for the rest of his life. This gift almost certainly was essential to the remarkable clarity of his intellect.

After he regained his freedom, Thomas received the best education that was available during a time in human history that arguably represents the best the world has ever offered to scholars and philosophers. His greatest works arise from his total focus on knowing and understanding God, and revealing as clearly as possible the Truth of God to others. He showed

that faith and reason are not in conflict, but exist in harmony.

Thomas’ Summa Theologica uses philosophical principles presented in scientific form to systematically explain Christian theology. It was his last work and was left unfinished.

Thomas stopped writing after he experienced an unusually long vision on Dec. 6, 1273.

When he was urged to finish his Summa, he stated that he could no longer write, for the secrets he had been shown during his vision made all he had written “seem as straw.” He died three months later.

Thomas composed more than 60 works. His powers of synthesis were truly extraordinary. He was able to sift through all that he read, distill the truth, and summarize his conclusions simply, clearly and briefly. His writing is of such genius that it transcends style and art in the beauty of its truth. His works are as relevant today as they were to the 13th century. His principles offer a remedy to such evils as socialism, communism, nihilism, as well as pantheism and spiritism.

Thomas was canonized in 1323, and was declared a Doctor of the Universal Church in 1567. In 1879, Leo XIII declared Thomas Aquinas “the prince and master of all scholastic doctors,” and in 1880, Thomas was designated as patron of all Catholic universities, colleges and schools throughout the world. We celebrate St. Thomas Aquinas’ feast day on Jan. 28.

Thomas’ greatest works arise from his total focus on knowing and understanding God, and revealing as clearly as possible the Truth of God to others. He showed that faith and reason are not in conflict, but exist in harmony.

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PARISH FINANCIAL REPORT Income Regular Church Support Other Sources of Revenue Investment Income Tuition Income Other Income Annual School Fund

July - Sept 2020 July - Sept 2019 $399,123.04 $2,924.21 $12,049.78 $720,182.32 $20,847.00 $30,000.00

$359,414.83 $7,296.48 $2,481.88 $713,371.10 $0.00 $95,734.00

$1,185,126.35

$1,178,298.29

Expense Payroll Expenses Contractual Services Utilities Insurance -Property & Liability Repairs and Maintenance Equipment and Furniture Supplies (tech., textbooks, maint., classroom, office, etc.)

Professional Fees Construction Expenditure Charitable Contributions Religious Education Expenses Parish Organization Expense Class trip ACSA Expense Other Expenses

$574,208.87 $8,102.40 $23,045.57 $23,667.84 $13,126.86 $5,242.52 $127,459.97 $682.30 $0.00 $30,000.00 $2,995.46 $13,791.48 $0.00 $95,634.00 $4,737.26

$583,874.23 $30,679.12 $21,838.56 $22,319.06 $5,826.61 $3,122.48 $102,332.91 $7,575.66 $185,436.02 $4,096.14 $3,168.19 $11,952.47 $22,753.25 $0.00 $4,584.06

Total Expense

$922,694.53

$1,009,558.76

Net Income

$262,431.82

$168,739.53

Total Income

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

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK “The kids and staff are so excited about this week,” Mrs. Venvertloh says. “It is always a highlight of the school year.”

Of course, Catholic education isn’t just something to celebrate one week of the year. Jamie Scholz and her family celebrate their love for the school year-round. Jamie and her husband, Charles, have three children, Nancy, Charlotte, and Mary. Jamie and Charles encourage parents to consider the school as an option for their children.

“We value being part of a tight-knit community of school families that love and support each other,” Jamie says.

“We love the amazing teachers who are so dedicated to our kids,” Charles adds.

Mrs. Venvertloh is thankful for all the teachers

continued from front cover

at St. Peter School, especially how they have pushed through with the COVID-19 challenges this school year. Many have been teaching both in the classroom and in a virtual setting, at the same time.

“They have learned to juggle things so much more, be even more organized than before, and so much more creative in the ways they are teaching our young people,” Mrs. Venvertloh says.

Overall, Mrs. Venvertloh looks forward to Catholic Schools Week, whatever it looks like in these COVID-19 times.

“This week is an opportunity for everyone to reflect and appreciate the choice to attend a Catholic school in which we can express our faith and participate in school, family, and community activities,” she says.

Anyone interested in learning more about St. Peter School may call Mrs. Cindy Venvertloh at 217-223-1120.

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