Connections
February 2015 • Volume 1, No. 1
A Quarterly Newsletter for the St. Pius X Church and School Community
IN THIS ISSUE • A Job Well-Done! . ...................... 2 • The Mass as an Example for Catholic Families .................. 3 • Music Ministry: At a Crossroads... 4 • 8th Annual Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference .................. 5 • Lenten Mission & Calendar ......... 6 • New! Kids Finding Faith............... 7
The Restoration of Unity Monsignor David Funk, Pastor Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The week of January 18-25, 2015 was the annual celebration by the Church of the Octave of Unity. Beginning with the Feast of the Chair of Peter on January 18 to the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, on January 25, the Church calls us to remember and pray for the restoration of unity within Christianity. In past newsletters, I have called attention to the celebration that has been on-going since the 50th Anniversary of Vatican Council II. This past November, 2014 was the 50th Anniversary of the Council’s document, Unitatis Redintegratio (Restoration of Unity). This document calls for the Church to engage in dialogue with other Christian Bodies to promote and restore cooperation that one day may lead to the unity of the whole Christian world. As I read and returned to the Vatican II document, I reached back to the time preceding it. What led to this
document’s issuance? In the late 1890s, an Episcopalian priest by the name of Fr. Paul Wattson met an Episcopalian nun named Sr. Lurana White. Both of them were from Garrison, New York. They had heard of the return of a number of notable English clergy of the Church of England to the Roman Catholic Church. Inspired by this and by St. Francis of Assisi, the “Saint of Peace,” they co-founded the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Atonement. Their work was to promote Christian unity and they called for a week of Prayer for Christian Unity to be held annually the week of January 18-25. While remaining Episcopalian at first, they asked for and were received into the Roman Catholic Church in 1910. Pope St. Pius X, our parish patron, approved the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In 1910, Fr. Wattson was ordained a Catholic priest. Subsequently, he went on to publish a magazine, The Lamp; established a homeless shelter for men; co-founded the Catholic Near East Welfare Conference to
promote unity with the Eastern Orthodox Church; and wrote and produced the “Ave Maria Hour” each week with the advent of radio. All of these efforts were to help bring about unity. World War II disrupted many of these efforts. After the war’s end, the promotion of cooperation among Christian churches for war relief began, establishing even greater bonds of cooperation and friendship. Some houses of worship were shared by both Catholics and by Protestants in Germany because so many churches had been bombed and destroyed. These efforts began the dialogue and aspirations for unity once more. In the early 1960s when the Vatican Council II began, Pope St. John XXIII invited observers from the major Protestant denominations and the Eastern Orthodox Church to the Council. Looking at the Roman Catholic Church in relationship to the modern world, Continues Page 3
ST. PIUS X CHURCH AND SCHOOL 1051 S. Waggoner Road
A Job Well-Done! Jonathan Cuniak, Principal - Saint Pius X School
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 Rectory (614) 866-2859
I am excited to share the complete school results of the Terra Nova Tests of Standard Achievement administered in late October 2014 to students in grades 2-8. Diocesan schools have the option to administer the test to 2nd grade students; the test is mandated for all students in the 3rd grade and above.
stpiusx@spxreynoldsburg.com www.spxreynoldsburg.com
PASTOR Monsignor David Funk
This chart indicates the grade level equivalencies for our students. The Language test is only administered to students in grades 3-8.
BUSINESS MANAGER Reading
Language
Math
Composite
Science
Social Studies
Grade 2
3.9
NA
3.0
3.2
3.6
4.0
Grade 3
4.6
4.4
3.9
4.2
5.1
5.7
Grade 4
5.1
6.0
5.1
5.3
5.1
6.4
Grade 5
7.4
7.3
6.9
7.3
7.8
6.9
Grade 6
8.7
10.0
8.0
8.7
8.7
9.2
Grade 7
10.3
11.2
9.2
10.3
9.2
10.4
Grade 8
11.7
12.5
11.1
11.9
11.4
10.9
Deacon Charles Miller
MISSION STATEMENT Connections is the quarterly newsletter of the St. Pius X Church and School. The purpose is to support our community of believers who are faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Tradition by providing information that will help enrich, inspire and connect us as we work together by sharing our time, talent and treasure so that God’s Kingdom will continue to live and grow in our midst.
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE Connections is published quarterly in February, May, August and November. We seek interesting stories or articles from our parishioners that will help us grow in faith together. Please consider sending a story or column idea for an upcoming issue to our Editor or our Parish Administrative Assistant. Your feedback is welcome and encouraged.
In interpreting the above chart, students are at grade level using their grade level in the first month. For example, a second grader on level would be at grade level 2.1. Students in 2nd grade reading were performing at a level indicative of the end of the 3rd grade. This year’s results indicate an increase in overall scores in Math, particularly in the intermediate grades. Last year’s results were influenced by the implementation of a new curriculum, which commonly impacts overall results. Additionally, a review of our Math results supports the impact of the Accelerated Math program, which has been incorporated to our curriculum over the past two school years. We also experienced an increase in language scores. This has been an area of targeted improvement over the last few school years. Future increases are anticipated with the continued use of our phonics program in the primary grades and a more focused grammar and writing approach across the curriculum. Congratulations to our students and teachers on a job well-done! While the test is only a snapshot and not our only data to show our success, it is an important piece of information. As our scores indicate, great things happen daily at SPX!
EDITOR Carol A. McGlone carol.a.mcglone@gmail.com
PARISH ADMINISTRATIVE ASST Michelle Carey MCarey@spxreynoldsburg.com
LAYOUT & PRODUCTION Michelle Zuccarelli mzuccarelli@spxreynoldsburg.com
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REGISTRATION FOR 2015-16 NOW OPEN Saint Pius X School is now accepting registrations for Kindergarten and for new students in grades 1-8 for the 2015-16 school year. Our school offers a well-rounded 21st century education rooted in our Catholic Faith. Students participate in daily Religion classes and attend Mass weekly. We offer Art, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, Technology and Library classes as well as the services of an Intervention Specialist, Reading Specialist, Guidance Counselor and Speech Therapist. For more information, to schedule a tour, or to begin the registration process, please call the school office at (614) 866-6050 ext. 223. Limited financial assistance is available.
ST. PIUS X CHURCH AND SCHOOL • 1051 S. WAGGONER ROAD • REYNOLDSBURG, OHIO 43068
Connections • February 2015
Monsignor Funk, Continued from Page 1
Pope John and the Council Fathers took a momentous step forward in church relations by having these observers present and by then producing Unitatis Redintegratio (Restoration of Unity). Much has happened to promote Church Unity in the past fifty years. We can look right here at the relationship between our parish and Messiah Lutheran. Our initial joint efforts of sheltering the homeless led the way to our joint support of the Joseph’s Coat Ministry, which provides clothing and household goods and the Heart Food Pantry. There have also been joint prayer and choral festivals held between the two churches. A special celebration took place this past January 18, 2015 when our two churches joined for an afternoon of prayer, song, study and dialogue. After the prayer service, Fr. Dr. Jared Wicks, S.J. from the Pontifical College Josephinum and Dr. Joy Schroeder of the Lutheran Seminary at Capital University gave a presentation of the work that the two of them have done for the official Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue in the United States for a number of years. They reviewed where this Dialogue has been and the progress that has been made, especially since the release in 1999 of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification by the World Lutheran Federation and the Roman Catholic Church. Most interestingly and a true cliff-hanger, they said that there will be a great statement made in 2016 before the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017. We now have to wait patiently for its release! Over 100 people from our two churches were present for this wonderful afternoon. There will be even more now to pray about and work for between our churches of St. Pius X and Messiah Lutheran. Much has been done at this grass roots level to promote the restoration of unity. May God continue to prosper the good work He has begun in us! In Christ, Msgr. David Funk
Children learn about their rich Catholic faith primarily from their parents, by attending Mass, and by attending religion classes.
Photo Credit | catholicphilly.com
The Mass as an Example for Catholic Families During my religion studies through Loyola University New Orleans, they stressed that students learn about their rich Catholic faith first from their parents, second from attending Mass, and third from attending religion classes. The Mass contains so many of our Catholic beliefs, rituals, and customs such as the Sacraments, sacramentals, scripture, homilies, prayer, music, saints and environment. The high point of the Mass is when the bread and the wine are transfigured into the Precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. By partaking in Holy Communion, this gives us the strength to live our daily lives in accordance with God’s example. What I remember most about my family when I was growing up is when we went to Mass as a family weekly or on special occasions such as a wedding. Everything we did as a family was centered on our religious beliefs, our volunteering to help, or by just doing things together as a family.
Wherever we were on vacation or doing things as a family, going to Mass on Sunday or a Holy Day came first. Our family always makes it a priority to volunteer to help people. My dad was not always home because he was in the Air National Guard. When his unit was assigned to South Korea, he and the other guardsmen helped a Catholic orphanage next to the base. Back home, we sent needed items to the children at the orphanage. We learn so much from our families and from our Catholic Faith by attending Mass together as a family on Sundays and by just doing things together. Doing so helps us to live a better life by our belief in the Trinity. We learn to be examples of our faith by our words and by our actions. Our Catholic Faith now helps us in good times and in hard times. I hope to see you in Mass next Sunday. God Bless. De Ann Bukowski Coordinator of Religious Education, St. Pius X
WWW.SPXREYNOLDSBURG.COM • (614) 866-2859 • STPIUSX@SPXREYNOLDSBURG.COM
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The Adult Choir is in particular need of new singers. Will you answer the call?
Photo Credit | Erica Pitcock Photography
Music Ministry - At a Crossroads As the Coordinator of Music at St. Pius X, I am blessed to have so many dedicated music ministers, singers and musicians and very much appreciate our parishioners’ support for the Music Ministry’s plans and projects. While all of our music groups can use more singers, the Adult Choir gives me the greatest concern! In the past, our Adult Choir has had 35 members; now, we are down to 31 members. Looking to the future, I am very concerned that the Adult Choir will lose up to ten more members over the next few years due to retirement plans, relocation, illness or family issues. Because life issues are drawing on our members’ time more than ever before, I fear that the sound and our choice of music will be diminished and that our liturgies will suffer as a result. If we do not get new members soon, we will not be able to continue to produce
Matthew 23:11
the excellence that you, the congregation, have enjoyed for so many years. Many members of our adult choir are active in other groups as well and their leaving will impact more than one group. I am asking our parishioners to step up and join the Music Ministry, especially the Adult Choir. We need members in all voices. The need is greater than it has ever been in the past. If you can sing the hymns in Breaking Bread, you can sing with us! We practice on Wednesday nights from 7:30-9 PM in the church and then sing at the 8:30 AM or the 10:15 AM Mass each week. We are also quite busy during Holy Week. We rehearse the songs for many weeks ahead so if a member misses now- and- then, he or she is not out of the “loop” with rehearsals. Being able to sight-read music is helpful but it is certainly not a pre-requisite to joining the Thank you to all in our parish who so willingly send food for our funeral luncheons. The families are so appreciative for the delicious selections. God has blessed us by providing your support for this ministry. Because so many are no longer using land line phones, many of our calls
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choir. During the summer months, we have no practices and do not sing at any masses. The relationships and friendships that our members share is priceless and one of the greatest benefits of joining us. If enough potential members are interested and it would make it easier for them to join, I am going to try to provide babysitting during the Wednesday practices. We have one of the best and largest volunteer Catholic choirs in the Diocese of Columbus. Please help keep this “star” shining brightly by joining the Adult Choir! The Adult Choir needs you and your voices in supporting the music ministry. Please contact me at jpiano2@aol.com or by phone at (614) 501-0104 if you have other questions and to volunteer your time. John Pottkotter Coordinator of Music, St. Pius X have resulted in a “no longer a working number” message when we have tried to reach you. If you are just using your cell phone, please give us a call with that number. Thanks so much. Carol Shone (614) 905-7449 Goldie Schweikert (614) 866-8621 Mary Jo Neader (614) 864-0525
ST. PIUS X CHURCH AND SCHOOL • 1051 S. WAGGONER ROAD • REYNOLDSBURG, OHIO 43068
At the Foot of the Cross The Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference is excited to announce that the 8th Annual Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference, At the Foot of the Cross, will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Ohio Expo Center Voinovich Building from 8 AM to 4 PM. This year’s Conference will include Colleen Carroll Campbell, Dr. Edward Sri, and singer and songwriter Emily Wilson as speakers. The day will be filled with inspiration and with fellowship celebrating our great Catholic Faith. You can register online at www.columbuscatholicwomen.com. The pre-registration fees for the Conference are $35, $20 for students 23 years or younger, and complimentary for all Religious Sisters. Tickets that are purchased on the day of the conference are $40. Please note that the tickets are non-refundable but they are transferrable to another guest. As your parish captain, I invite you to join us. We will carpool from St. Pius X Church’s parking lot promptly at 7:00 AM on February 21, 2015 and sit together at the Conference. To all the men whose wives and daughters would like to attend, please support their attendance! For mothers with young children, especially, it is important to know that you have things under control at home and that you understand your wife’s participation in this special day with her sisters in Christ at the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference. If you have any questions, please contact me at (614) 314-2428 or at swisherjf@gmail.com. I pray that the Holy Spirit is working in you right now and that you will feel called to join us for an unbelievable day. You will not be disappointed. Jeanne Swisher St. Pius X Parish Captain 8th Annual Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference Photo Credit: Bernadette Cartensen
8th Annual Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference Schedule • • • • • • • • • • •
7 AM, Registration Opens 7:45 AM, Rosary 8:15 AM, Mass 9:45 AM, Break 10:30 AM, Dr. Edward Sri 11:30 AM, Emily Wilson 12:00-12:15 PM, Confession Preparation by Fr. William Hahn 12:15-2:00 PM, Lunch, Confession, Vendors Open 2:00 PM, Adoration 3:00 PM, Colleen Carroll Campbell 4:00 PM, Closing Remarks
Connections • February 2015
TIME FOR PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION Do you have a child who is three years- old, four- years- old, or who is a young five- year- old? If you answered yes, it is time to register him or her for Preschool or Pre-K classes at St. Pius X Children’s Center. Here are some facts about our excellent program. • St. Pius X Children’s Center is licensed by the Ohio Department of Education. • Our Center follows and exceeds the Ohio Department of Education’s Early Learning Content Standards. • The Center offers many different classes. For more information about classes and fees, please contact Mary Benedict or Sharon Miller at (614) 577-0826.
PLEASE CONTINUE DONATING POP CAN TABS Did you know that the Ronald McDonald House on Livingston Avenue in Columbus, Ohio has 40 new rooms? It is now the largest Ronald McDonald House in the nation with 142 rooms. Because of extended hospitalizations, parents have a place to stay near their children. Ronald McDonald House uses the funds raised from donated tabs from pop, beer, soup, vegetable and fruit cans that are collected all over the city to help pay the facility’s electric bill. Please continue to send in your tabs; no amount is too small. In the vestibule of the church, there is a cardboard house in which you can deposit them. Putting the tabs in a plastic bag is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support. Mary Jo Neader (614) 864-0525
WWW.SPXREYNOLDSBURG.COM • (614) 866-2859 • STPIUSX@SPXREYNOLDSBURG.COM
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Lenten 2015 Calendar Parish Mission: Renewed in the Spirit St. Pius X Church The 20th Annual Parish Mission will be held Sunday through Tuesday evenings February 22-24, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the church. Father Richard O’ Donnell will present Renewed in the Spirit, a mission of Catholic insight, reflection, humor, and Sacramental grace for the parish community. FEBRUARY 22, 2015 BECOMING WHO WE WERE CREATED TO BE It’s an exciting time to be Catholic. God has put us on this earth at this time in history to change the world. In order for this to happen, however, we must first understand this great plan He has for us in our lives — to live fully alive, love with all our being, and serve the common good. On this evening, we will be renewed in the Spirit and the ways in which God has called us and the parish to greatness.
LENTEN DEVOTIONS AND PROGRAMS Ash Wednesday Day of Fast & Abstinence Mass 8:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Faith Sharing Groups
Sacrament of Penance Saturdays at St. Pius X 4:00 PM
Wednesdays 5:00-6:30 PM
Communal Penance Service Tuesday, March 3 7:45 PM Seton Parish following their Mission Stations of the Cross • 9:00 AM - Mondays • 6:30 PM - Wednesdays • 1:45 PM - Fridays starting Feb. 20; no service on March 6 • Children’s Stations of the Cross Sunday, March 29 5:00 PM
FEBRUARY 23, 2015
Beginning the week of February 22 Soup Suppers February 25, March 11 & March 25 K of C Fish Fry Fridays 5:00-7:00 PM February 27, March 6 & March 20 Anointing of the Sick Saturday, March 14 - 5:00 PM Mass Sunday, March 15 - 8:30 AM Mass Lenten Bible Study The schedule will appear in the bulletin when finalized.
UNDERSTANDING THE CROSS On this evening, Father Rich helps us understand the one moment that changed the world. Christ Jesus laid down His life for us and, in turn, we are now called to lay down our lives for Him.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE • Palm Sunday, March 29 Regular weekend Mass schedule • Wednesday, April 1 Tenebrae Service 7:30 PM
FEBRUARY 24, 2015 THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HIS ROLE IN OUR LIFE Who is the Holy Spirit? How active is He in the world today? How active is He in your life? How can I deepen my devotion to Him? On this evening, Father Rich tackles the toughest questions regarding the Holy Spirit and how the devotion to Him can bring you to an ever-deepening awareness of the living God.
• Holy Thursday, April 2 Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:30 PM followed by private adoration until 10:00 PM • Good Friday, April 3: Day of Fast & Abstinence Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 2:00 PM Stations of the Cross and Veneration 7:30 PM
Mark your calendars now and plan to attend this parish mission. It’s a parish Lenten tradition and promises to be spiritually fulfilling.
• Holy Saturday, April 4 Blessing of Easter Food Baskets 1:00 PM in the church Easter Vigil 8:00 PM, with reception following for those received into the Church.
Leah Kelly Pastoral Minister, St. Pius X
• Easter Sunday, April 5: Note Change of Mass Schedule 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, & 12:00 PM
UNDERSTANDING FAST & ABSTINENCE
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FAST refers to the amount of food eaten. All Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This means that only one full meal and two smaller meals are to be eaten on these two days. Solid foods between meals are to be avoided. ABSTINENCE means that all Catholics over 14 years of age are obligated to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays in Lent.
ST. PIUS X CHURCH AND SCHOOL • 1051 S. WAGGONER ROAD • REYNOLDSBURG, OHIO 43068
Connections • February 2015
KIDS FINDING FAITH This column is designed to help children review important practices and terms related to our Catholic Faith through a variety of puzzle formats. The Liturgical seasons, the sacraments and the Mass are some of the topics that will be highlighted in upcoming newsletters. Young people are invited to solve the puzzles and to explore additional information to stimulate further inquiry into our Catholic heritage and traditions. Judy Cafmeyer
THE MEANING OF LENT In this puzzle, find the meaning of the word Lent. Look up, down and diagonally for the words listed. Words may appear forward or backward. Use your parents, teachers and catechists, or the Internet as resources to help you expand your knowledge of your Catholic faith.
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High School Ministry Fun Facts a The High School Youth Group at St. Pius is composed of teens from over 14 feeder schools located in or near the Reynoldsburg area. Our teens come from the two Reynoldsburg High Schools, both Pickerington High Schools, Watkins Memorial High School, Bishop Hartley, St. Charles, the Columbus School For Girls, Fisher Catholic, Newark Catholic, Fairfield and Eastland Vocational Centers, The Arts and College Preparatory Academy, and Gahanna Lincoln. a So far in the 2014-2015 school year, over 125 teens have attended Youth Ministry events held weekly at St. Pius with an average attendance of 52 high school students at each event. The weekly events are planned primarily by the students themselves, and mainly take place on weekend afternoons or evenings. Would you like to find out more about our program? Please visit our webpage at asrls6.wix.com/stpiusyouthgroup At the website, you will find a photo gallery and links to all of our social media sites as well as a schedule of upcoming events. All high school teens in our parish are encouraged to join us. Judie Bryant High School Youth Ministry Coordinator, St. Pius X WWW.SPXREYNOLDSBURG.COM • (614) 866-2859 • STPIUSX@SPXREYNOLDSBURG.COM
Teens celebrate a happy new (Church) year in their youth room in Hohman Hall.
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Editor’s Note
Welcome to the February 2015 edition of the St. Pius X newsletter! We have a new name, Connections, that derives from the mission statement of St. Pius X and which reflects the links between church, school and home that are needed for a thriving parish community. You will notice a new look to the newsletter as we have reformatted it to align with the colors used for our parish bulletin and increased the use of white space to make it easier to read. Each issue of Connections will have a fun activity, Kids Finding Faith, authored by Judy Cafmeyer so that the newsletter
Connections
St. Pius X Church and School 1051 S. Waggoner Road Reynoldsburg, Oh 43068
includes something of interest for the
Articles can be submitted to Michelle
youth in our parish.
Carey at the parish office or to me
Going forward, Michelle Zuccarelli and I will be working to come up with a
directly at carol.a.mcglone@gmail.com. Please also share your feedback with us!
published schedule for article submission
I look forward to this new role for me
to help make it easier for everyone who
at St. Pius and want to say thank you to
helps get Connections written, edited, laidout, printed and folded before mailing it out to you, our readers. Please consider
writing an article for Connections! Are you involved in a particular ministry or project that you would like to shine a spotlight on?
Msgr. Funk, Michelle Zuccarelli, Megan Berger, Judy Cafmeyer, Charlie Miller and Michelle Carey for their ideas and support that led to these changes. Carol McGlone
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 Permit No. 13