St. Peter Catholic Church Newsletter — November 2020

NOV | 2020

CONTENT PAGE 3

“What’s in It For Us” May Surprise You

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Questions & Answers About Our Annual Stewardship Renewal

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Praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

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Mary and Martha Bereavement Support: Offering Comfort and a Listening Ear in Moments of Loss

MEET OUR STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Setting an Example to Guide Parishioners on Their Journey in Discipleship

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he introduction to the 1992 U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on stewardship, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, serves as a wonderful description of why stewardship is such an important part of living as an intentional disciple of Jesus Christ: “Stewardship is an expression of discipleship, with the power to change how we understand and live out our lives. Disciples who practice stewardship recognize God as the origin of life, the giver of freedom, the source of all they have and are and will be.”

Almost 20 years ago, our parish decided to reinforce this dedication to stewardship — this expression of discipleship — here at St. Peter by forming the Stewardship Committee.

Doug Greenwell and Chris Robnett serve as the Chairs of our 12-member Stewardship Committee. They are excited to see more parishioners showing an interest in joining this important parish effort. continued on page 2

St. Peter Stewardship Committee: Doug Greenwell, Chris Robnett, Maria Mast, Tim Sedovic, Matt Bergman, Mark Strieker, Bill Siebers, Lyn Strieker, Kevin Williams, Not Pictured-Chris Gill

ST. PETER

CATHOLIC CHURCH

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE “The committee has a really solid base, and it’s growing,” Chris says. “We have seen some people who have been on a while step away and have had the opportunity for some new people to join. Kevin Williams joined the committee this year. He and his wife did the renewal talk last fall, and he has been a wonderful addition. We also have a couple of other parishioners looking into it.”

One of the greatest missions of the Stewardship Committee is to encourage parishioners to actively engage in their faith by raising awareness about various ministries, which is largely accomplished through the annual Stewardship Renewal process.

Another important task of the Stewardship Committee is to provide the faithful with opportunities for continued formation.

Reflecting on last year’s Stewardship Renewal, Chris is enthusiastic about the growth of intentional discipleship in our parish.

“We had a really strong renewal last November — probably the strongest we’ve ever had, so that continues to grow,” he says. “We’re getting better at enabling ministries instead of trying to direct ministries, and some really wonderful things are happening to [make the parish] warm and welcoming. Two years ago, we hired a stewardship coordinator, Lyn Strieker, and she gets a lot of tasks completed.

She really steers the ship. When somebody says they want to get involved, she makes sure we don’t drop the ball.”

This year, church closures brought on by the COVID-19 crisis prompted parishes around the world to find more creative ways to bring their communities together.

“We’d been meaning to do better with communication and IT, and during the pandemic, there was a group that came together and created a YouTube channel with a daily Rosary and Mass,” Chris says. “My wife and children and I were able to watch Mass every evening for a while, which is something we normally couldn’t have done. When you look at the renewal response over the last 2

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few years, there is a hunger for formation and prayer. So when you see the number of views for the Rosary and the Masses, we accidentally found a way to enable those ministries to start and grow.

“The thing I’m most excited about now is continuing to improve our communication to the parish and the continuity of message through our bulletin, newsletter and online resources,” Chris adds. “The pandemic has accelerated that a bit.”

Thanks to the important work of our Stewardship Committee, more and more parishioners are learning that making stewardship a way of life is simply a natural part of growing in our faith. May we all continue on the journey to becoming more intentional disciples of Christ together!

“We are always looking for people to join the committee,” Chris says. “I think it’s good to keep the committee fresh with new faces and new ideas. The committee has the opportunity to do a lot because the parish is so embracing of the stewardship way of life and has a strong priest who believes in it.”

“We are always looking for people to join the committee.

I think it’s good to keep the committee fresh with new faces and new ideas.

The committee has the opportunity to do a lot because the parish is so embracing of the stewardship way of life and has a strong priest who believes in it.”

— CHRIS ROBNETT

A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR

“WHAT’S IN IT FOR US” MAY SURPRISE YOU Dear Parishioners,

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ou already know that our parish is committed to living as intentional disciples of Christ through the holistic practice of stewardship. What you may not know is that one of our inspirations and mentors is the late Msgr. Thomas McGread of the Diocese of Wichita.

Who was Msgr. McGread?

Msgr. McGread was a humble, servant priest who created a model for how stewardship should be practiced — both here and in many Catholic parishes across the country. What began simply with Msgr.

McGread applying his stewardship principles at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Wichita — where he served as pastor for 31 years — has become a way of life for our parish family and for Catholics around the nation.

With such an incredible blueprint from this visionary priest, how could we go wrong?

We have truly embraced stewardship here at St. Peter, and for that, I am blessed and grateful.

From the beginning, however, the question “What’s in it for us?” had to be on our minds as our efforts to educate parishioners and promote the stewardship way of life were introduced.

At first, “What’s in it for us?” seemed to center on what people were willing to do to give back to God as part of practicing their faith and living as disciples of Jesus Christ.

While this is important, there is so much more to it.

The truth is, “What’s in it for us?” is really about “What’s in it for you?”

“What’s in it for you?” perhaps is best explained as one simple principle — cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

When Christ calls us to discipleship, He is also calling us to be faithful stewards of our time, talent and treasure. Our gratitude for these gifts is best expressed through giving a portion of each back to God. Thus, stewardship becomes a way

of life that is also the way to holiness.

Our relationship with Christ is what we get in return.

Our efforts as a parish to promote the spiritual benefits of active stewardship are designed to foster a deeper relationship with God for all of us. Membership in a parish family should encourage, support, and celebrate that relationship with the living God, first and foremost.

Everything else flows from that.

If we are not focused on our relationship with God, then what will define our spirituality?

If we have embraced the blessings of stewardship as a practical way of being the disciples we are called to be, we will in turn know a deeper relationship with Christ.

We celebrate Thanksgiving this month, which truly is a stewardship holiday since stewardship begins with an attitude of gratitude. I am truly thankful for all that is done here at St. Peter, and for the many parishioners willing to do so much.

In closing, let me share one final thought to help you realize the gift that our parish is to each and every one of us.

Be grateful for all you have.

Be generous in giving something back to God. Be faithful stewards, and you will have done both.

That is what’s in it for you, and in turn, that is what’s in it for us!

And don’t forget — God has been doing this for centuries. We’re just the latest and most fortunate recipients.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you and your family.

In Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Leo J. Enlow 3

ST. PETER

CATHOLIC CHURCH

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT OUR

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his has most certainly been a trying and unusual year, as we have navigated through uncharted waters. In the face of great uncertainty or difficulty, it is easy to become complacent. Yet, this is not what God calls us to do. We are called to live stewardship as a way of life — in the good, bad or uncertain times. In moments of trial, God raises up saints!

Our Stewardship Renewal reminds us that God’s gifts never stop being poured out. In turn, we never should have reason to stop thanking Him. So, let us take this Stewardship Renewal as an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God in the midst of our rapidly changing world.

Commitment Weekend is November 7-8. Don’t forget to return your Commitment Card!

How do I use my Commitment Card?

Your Commitment Card allows you to make commitments to prayer, parish ministries, and offertory giving. It is designed to be used by the whole family.

Time Section: Everyone should be able to check the boxes to commit to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days or to view the Masses online during the crisis. In addition to those commitments, try to check at least a few other items. Daily prayer should be a priority for every person trying to grow closer to God. We recognize that the current crisis may impact your ability to carry out your commitments.

Know the Lord sees what is in your heart and is pleased with your best efforts.

Talent Section: You can either sign up for new ministries or re-commit to your current ministries. Be sure to write your first name next to the ministry! This is especially important if

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the card is being used by more than one person.

Treasure Section: Clearly print how much money you plan to give each week or month to our parish. Try to take a step toward giving five percent of your income to St. Peter.

Issues like my age, physical limitations, and the current crisis prevent me from being active in the parish. Should I still turn in a Commitment Card?

Yes! The first section of the card — Stewardship of Time — is the most important because it allows you to make commitments to prayer. Even if you can’t join a ministry or make it to Mass on Sunday, you can still pray for our parish. Your spiritual support has tremendous value in the eyes of God. One time I turned in a card, but no one ever called me when I signed up for a ministry.

If this happened in the past, please forgive us! And don’t give up on filling out your Commitment Card! We have a very good plan to call every person interested in joining a new ministry. If for some reason the ministry leader does not call you within four weeks of turning in your card, let the parish office know.

How much should I give?

Your gift is entirely dependent on how much God has given you. At St. Peter, we ask that you give five percent to our parish, one percent to the diocese, and four percent to other charities. Why a percentage of income? First, because the tithe (10 percent) is a scriptural benchmark that the Church has honored for centuries (see Malachi 3:10). Secondly, we give a percentage of income because it is a common-sense standard by which everyone can equitably support the parish. Most of all, we give because we believe God comes first in everything, even finances.

Annual Stewardship Renewal Talent

What if I can’t fulfill my financial pledge? (continued) While our pledge is not a “contract,” we should make (conall tinued) = Currently Involvedeffort agood-faith fulfill it.

Of course, if your financial = Interto ested in Joining = Currently Involved = Interested Clearly write the first name ofchange circumstances —) oniftheyou loseClear your job, for instancein Joini — ng family member(s line. ly write the first name of family member(s) on the line. then  theInstr amount of money you give the Church will change, umentalist too. Likewise if you a raise or bonus. biggest reason The  Jubilation (Parish Chilget Stewardsh ip Team dren’s Choir) many people don’t fulfill their pledge is that they attend Mass  Sunday School and Childcar Ladies Tuesday Morning Bible Stud e y  Tech  Ladies at another parish when go on vacation, attend aCom wedding, nology and Wednesday Evening they munication Bible Stud y  the Totus Tuus Lawn Care etc. If you’re out of town, just make up for missed Sunday parish.

Ushers Lectorwrite your next check to the when you Using your   War Litur m gy and of the Welc Wor oming Team d for Chil envelopes is a good waydren to see which Sundays you missed.

Stewardship

Talent

Through the Saints

 Workout Group  Maintenance Support Team  Young Adult Group  Marriage Enrichment Even before the crisis, I didn’t go to Mass frequently.  Marriage Preparation Why turn in a Commitment Card?

OTHER AREA ORGANIZATION Mary and Martha — Bereavement S

Because Supportthis is your chance to turn over a new leaf! Why not  make a Men commitment to God to come to  Mass ’s Group Cathevery olic Charities  Mom s Are Pray  Sunday once the crisis is over, and Cath ing olic Youth Organization (CYO) Parishcommit Nursing until then, to viewing the Mass  Cursillo  Paris h Picn ic online each week, then write down that  Knights of Columbus  Parish School of Religion (PSR) commitment?

Even if that’s the only  Ladies of Charity rough the Th  Perpetual Adoration  QUEST commitment make, take a step  Pro-Life Minyou  Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) istry forward.

Jesus Himself is waiting for you!  RCIA

ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHUR

2020 Commitment Card

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First & Last Name

Stewardship Phone

SaEmainilts

 Resurrection Choir What  happens Rosary Group if I don’t return my  Saints Alive YoutCard?

Commitment h Group  isory you We Scho willol Adv send Board a reminder letter to  Scouts BSA – Troop 5 encourage participation.

Please make  Seniors’ Cards and Games Group every effort you can to participate.  Social Concerns Committee Our Stewardship Renewal is a very  Soup Kitchen important annual event in the life of our  St. Peter Singers parish.

You and your family are part of  St. Vero nica Guild

what makes St.conti Peter great community!

2600 Maine Street | nued onanext panel (217) 222-3155 Most importantly, your commitments are actually promises to Christ Himself.

All of us are called to give back to God a portion of what He has given us.

Every parish family receives a special “Stewardship Package” that further explains our parish’s vision of stewardship. It includes a booklet that describes every ministry in the parish, as well as your Commitment Card.

Spouse: First & Last Name Spouse: Phone Spouse: Email Address City

State

ZIP

Quincy, Illinois 62301 | www.cospq.org

2020 STEWARD

SHIP RENEWA

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ST. PETER

CATHOLIC CHURCH

PRAYING FOR THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY M

any Catholics are aware that the Church dedicates the first two days of November — All Saints Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2 — to commemorating and praying for the souls of the faithful departed. But did you know that during the entire month of November, the Church places a special emphasis on praying for the souls in purgatory?

The Church has always taught us to pray for the souls of those who have passed on from this life.

Even in Old Testament times, prayers and alms were offered for the souls of the dead by those who thought “well and religiously concerning the resurrection” (Liturgical Meditations, The Sisters of St. Dominic).

And in the early days of the Church, St. Paul further emphasized the importance and responsibility of not only remembering our brothers and sisters who have passed away, but actively praying for them: “For the Lord himself... will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will first rise” (1 Thess 4:16).

Because of the very state of the holy souls in purgatory, we as earthly brothers and sisters in Christ are closely connected to those who passed on from this life. We share in the peace of knowing that salvation will one day be obtained, but are simultaneously suffering in separation from God. The Church also teaches that we have the opportunity to play a big part in helping these souls through their period of purgation, so that they may soon enjoy eternal glory with the Lord.

This month, please make a special effort to offer prayers for your deceased friends and loved ones, and all those who have passed away in the grace and friendship of God. Offering a Mass for someone who has passed away is an especially fruitful way to honor the memory and bring comfort to a holy soul in purgatory.

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Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory O Lord, who art ever merciful and bounteous with Thy gifts, look down upon the suffering souls in purgatory. Remember not their offenses and negligences, but be mindful of Thy loving mercy, which is from all eternity. Cleanse them of their sins and fulfill their ardent desires that they may be made worthy to behold Thee face to face in Thy glory.

May they soon be united with Thee and hear those blessed words which will call them to their heavenly home: “Come, blessed of My Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

Amen.

Mary and Martha Bereavement Support Offering Comfort and a Listening Ear in Moments of Loss

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n the Gospel of Luke, we hear the story of Mary and Martha.

Mary spends time at Jesus’ feet, while Martha busies herself getting the house ready and preparing a meal. We can all relate to either Mary or Martha at some point in our lives — they both have a key role in the story. But Martha serves as the example that those in the Mary and Martha Bereavement Support Ministry are emulating, as they provide true hospitality to those in mourning.

Although this group just began earlier this year, members have already been making an impact. In two-person groups, members take the time to meet with family members of deceased parishioners shortly after the funeral and again a few weeks later. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recent visits have been done via phone. Ministry members also mail cards as another form of support.

Jay Grawe was eager to (From left) Mary and Martha Bereavement Support group members Kent become involved with this Anderson, Dorothy Davis and Sue Kuhl ministry when he was asked to join by Kathy Harman. Jay lost his wife, Nan, about two years ago — he understands the grieving process and knows just how much it means to have support.

“I know there are benefits to having someone there as a listening ear when you are going through the grief process,” Jay says.

As Jay points out, everyone grieves in their own way and the grief process is never truly “over.”

Recalling how much a phone call from a supportive person meant to him when he lost Nan, he wants to offer that same kind of support to others.

“We are there to let them know we care,” Jay says. “We do more listening than talking. We continued on back cover

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

Mary and Martha Bereavement Support are not counselors, but we are there to let them know that we are there for them.”

Many times people want to share stories about the deceased person, and Jay enjoys hearing these stories.

“That’s the good part,” Jay says. “It’s part of the grief process.”

Jay says that many of the ministry members have lost a family member, and this made them want to become involved — but anyone who is a

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good listener and compassionate is encouraged to get involved. He says this ministry is extremely rewarding, as members offer support during some very tough times for the bereaved.

“We are there, not to do the talking, but to let them talk,” Jay says.

Members also offer resources — such as the four-week GriefShare program offered through our parish — as the bereaved work their way through the grieving process.

Anyone who wants to get involved with the Mary and Martha Bereavement Support Ministry may contact Jay Grawe at 217-224-3529 or nangrawe@gmail.com.

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