IN THIS ISSUE
NOV/DEC 2020
BLESSED SACRAMENT
CATHOLIC CHURCH
Out Gratitude 2 Living and Stewardship, During Thanksgiving and Beyond 3 “ What’s in It For Us” May Surprise You! ivestreaming 4L Ministry: Staying Connected in Worship During Pandemic t. Charles Borromeo: 6S An Example of Living Completely for the Lord uilting Ministry 7Q Lovingly Supports Parish One Square at a Time
THE 2020 FALL FESTIVAL: In Face of Pandemic, Annual Parish Event Still a Great Success
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t was a different Fall Festival, to be sure, but the same spirit of working together to build our parish community prevailed to make the event a success. The planning committee had spent many hours discussing how the festival could be held under the COVID-19 constraints, but it ultimately was decided to celebrate the festival with the Big Raffle offering cash prizes and the Quilt Raffle with an exquisite hand-sewn quilt from our parish quilters. “The drawings for the raffles were held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18,” says Sister Bernadette Engelhaupt. “People could attend the drawing in person, and it was also livestreamed.” Although the committee discussed holding the traditional silent auction for beautifully decorated
and stocked baskets, it was decided to forego that tradition this year because organizing the bidding would have been too complicated. We had planned to mail raffle tickets to each parishioner, but before we did that, we learned that is illegal without a disclaimer on each ticket, so we had them available before and after Masses and in the parish office. It was also made known that tickets could be delivered by a volunteer. “Since tickets could not be returned by mail they were either dropped off at the Church or were picked up by a volunteer,” Sr. Bernadette says. The proceeds from the raffles will go toward general parish needs. For this year’s event, in the interest of safety for continued on back cover
BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH
LIVING OUT GRATITUDE AND STEWARDSHIP,
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During Thanksgiving and Beyond
very November, as the holiday season fast approaches, we are filled with a deep sense of sentimentality and gratefulness for all of our blessings. At the same time, we encounter many wonderful ways to give — to cheerfully share our own gifts — during this time of Thanksgiving. It is with this spirit of gratitude that we can truly live out the stewardship way of life. This Thanksgiving, there are plenty of opportunities to do this in a direct way. Is there a family member or friend you haven’t spoken to for a long time, or someone who might be spending the holiday alone? Drop them an email, pick up the phone and call, or even catch up with them via Zoom or FaceTime — even virtually, such connections at this time are essential! Perhaps you may volunteer at a soup kitchen, or you might donate a Thanksgiving meal to a family in need who wouldn’t have one otherwise. For Black Friday, make it a point the next day to donate old clothes that you or your family members no longer need. And as the winter draws closer, you might participate in — or even
organize — a coat drive, and then go out into the community to give the coats away to homeless shelters and those in need during the winter months. There are countless such opportunities to live in gratitude and thanksgiving — opportunities that go beyond just having a meal at home. Of course, we must remember that this spirit of thanksgiving does not end after Thanksgiving, nor does it end following Advent and Christmas. We must always consider how to give, even as the glow of the holiday season fades after the New Year. In January, if there is abundance in your closet, give away from that abundance. In February, if there are volunteers needed at the soup kitchen, give of your time. We need a renewed spirit of stewardship and thanksgiving that lasts the whole year so that our giving becomes habitual, and not just seasonal. This Thanksgiving, ask the Holy Spirit where He is calling you to give. And may the joy of the Thanksgiving season flow into our lives as good stewards, every day and throughout the entire year.
Of course, we must remember that this spirit of thanksgiving does not end after Thanksgiving, nor does it end following Advent and Christmas. We must always consider how to give, even as the glow of the holiday season fades after the New Year. In January, if there is abundance in your closet, give away from that abundance. In February, if there are volunteers needed at the soup kitchen, give of your time. We need a renewed spirit of stewardship and thanksgiving that lasts the whole year so that our giving becomes habitual, and not just seasonal.
NOV/DEC 2020 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 Blessed Sacrament, 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 Blessed Sacrament, 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. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Martin Egging Pastor
BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH
Livestreamin
STAYING CONNECTED IN W Our parish’s Livestreaming Ministry provides a wonderful example of what it means to embrace stewardship. When it became apparent that the COVID-19 pandemic was going to impact both our parish and the wider Grand Island community, Parish Council member Clay Pfeifer stepped forward with his time and talent to help make it possible for us to join in the celebration of the Mass while staying safe and healthy. Clay approached Fr. Marty on Friday, March 13, about putting together a livestreaming setup, and was given the go-ahead, although
there was not much time to do so. In fact, the last public Mass in the diocese until Pentecost (the weekend of May 30-31) was held that Sunday. As Clay began to draw on his knowledge of livestreaming, he first had to deal with the old equipment available. “The problem was recording on the old equipment we had,” Clay says. “I had to create a DVD and then take the DVD to my computer at home, and then upload it to Facebook. This wasn’t live. I recorded the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass and got it up online for the 8 a.m. Sunday Mass.” Complicating the task
As part of the livestreaming Mass feed, graphics can be placed on the image, listing hymn numbers, the readings and the Nicene Creed, as well as the Prayer for Spiritual Communion.
was the fact that Clay had to convert the analog audio/ video signal to a digital format in order to livestream. He admits that this was entering new territory for him. “I’m just willing to try things,” he says. Clay found free streaming software online and after consulting with an equipment supplier, he located analog to digital conversion hardware that enabled him to livestream Mass. In the meantime, Fr. Marty approved a budget, and Clay ordered new equipment for high-definition streaming in mid-September to make the whole process easier and provide a better experience. The shipping date was on a one-month backlog, so he was hoping the equipment would be in place by the end of October. “The equipment we ordered is a bit pricey, but it is more robust,” he says. “We traded off price for ease of setup and control.” Early on, parishioner Darin Jacobsen began working with Clay on the project. “He’s been my partner in all of this,” Clay says. “I run plans by him and we bounce ideas back and forth.” Clay and Darin quickly realized that setting up and running the livestream for Mass is a two-person job. One
NOV/DEC 2020
ng Ministry
WORSHIP DURING PANDEMIC person operates the cameras with a joystick control panel that has presets for closeups and wide shots, while the second person sets up the stream. The system allows the second person to place overlay graphics on the image, such as hymn numbers, the readings and the Nicene Creed, as well as the Prayer for Spiritual Communion. For a while this summer, Darin’s son, Caleb, was helping run the system, but when he returned to college, Clay and Darin were in a bind. “One weekend, we needed help and Sheridan Puncochar, Office Manager Teri Puncochar’s daughter, was in Sister Bernadette’s office sewing masks, and we asked her to help,” Clay says. “After spending 10 minutes on the camera, she was a natural. She picked it up quicker than I did, running the cameras.” Although the streaming has been running off the WiFi signal from the school, a hardwire connection has been installed in the sanctuary to bolster the signal. With the streaming system
As the First Reading is proclaimed, the words are included on the livestream screen.
in place, there are plans to continue its use and explore new uses. “Fr. Marty wants to continue it beyond the pandemic,” Clay says. “One possibility is this new ministry can take tablets with cellular connections on them to shut-ins. This is a tool our homebound ministers can use when they visit shut-ins.” As he looks back on how this new ministry came about, Clay muses on how he was able to use his talents and time to enable us to join in the
celebration of the Eucharist. “In March, it looked like the writing was on the wall,” he says. “We can’t meet as a parish family each week. So, I asked myself, ‘If not me, then who gets us online?’ It’s kind of what it is. I didn’t know how, but I thought I’d be capable.” Even with the many challenges and hours of time involved, Clay thoroughly enjoys the work and opportunity to serve in this way. “But it’s something I enjoy,” he says. “It’s a challenge.”
There is a need for additional ministry members, both adult and high school age. Those interested will be trained. Anyone wanting more information or wanting to volunteer may call the parish office at 308-384-0532.
BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH
ST. CHARLES BORROMEO: An Example of Living Completely for the Lord
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ne important aspect of stewardship — of involvement in parish life and our community — is understanding our own personal vocation. One saint especially embodies this key aspect of stewardship. St. Charles was a model priest, and many priests and clergy-intraining look to his life as an example of how to live completely for the Lord. Let us look to his example as we serve our own faith family and community. When St. Charles Borromeo died at the age of 46, he had accomplished more than most clergy twice his age. St. Charles is credited with the continuation and completion of the Council of Trent in 1562, extensive reformation within the Archdiocese of Milan and beyond, and the creation of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine — the forerunner of the modern Religious Education system. St. Charles possessed a fierce love for the Church, especially for the people under his spiritual care — the Archdiocese of Milan. He was born in 1538 to the powerful noble family Borromeo. But rather than live the life of a noble, St. Charles chose instead to serve the Church. As a young man, St. Charles received the clerical tonsure — a hairstyle where the top of the head is shaved, common among religious orders — and studied at a Benedictine abbey near his hometown of Arona, Italy. His uncle, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo de’ Medici, was elected Pope in 1559, and took the name Pius IV. Shortly after becoming pope, Pius IV appointed St. Charles to serve as secretary of state, as well as cardinal and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan. At the time, St. Charles was still a layperson. While serving in these positions, he encouraged the pope to reconvene the Council of Trent, an ecumenical gathering during which Church leaders corrected various abuses and sought to more clearly define
elements of Catholic doctrine. In 1563, St. Charles was ordained to the priesthood during a secret ordination ceremony. Following the death of his older brother, Count Federico Borromeo, St. Charles’ family had urged him to marry and carry on the Borromeo name. However, St. Charles felt that God was calling him to serve the Church, and continued to fulfill his vocation. Shortly after becoming a priest, St. Charles was appointed by Pope Pius IV as Archbishop of Milan. Historians say the people of Milan rejoiced under St. Charles’ leadership and spiritual guidance — he was the first bishop in 80 years to actually live in Milan and minister to its people himself. Under his rule, Milan became a model diocese that was revered throughout the Catholic world. Due to his great intellect, St. Charles was often called away from Milan to help the pope in various ways. However, despite his busy life, St. Charles continued to push reformation among clergy and sought to continually improve the ministry of the Church. He often encouraged clergy to spend time educating and spiritually renewing themselves. During a homily at a diocesan synod, St. Charles addressed the priests saying, “Are you in charge of a parish? If so, do not neglect the parish of your own soul, do not give yourself to others so completely that you have nothing left for yourself. You have to be mindful of your people without becoming forgetful of yourself.” St. Charles was a true servant of the people. As the plague of 1576 ravaged much of Milan, he remained with his people, serving the sick and dying in hospitals throughout the archdiocese. St. Charles Borromeo died Nov. 3, 1584. He was canonized in 1610, and his feast day is celebrated each year on Nov. 4.
NOV/DEC 2020
QUILTING MINISTRY LOVINGLY SUPPORTS PARISH ONE SQUARE AT A TIME
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hen parishioner JoAnn Sok attended her first Quilting Ministry gathering over 20 years ago, she had no clue what to do. Though she’d had some past experience with sewing and embroidering, JoAnn had never had time to learn about quilting while in the midst of working and raising her family. So, when she retired back in 2002, she decided to become involved in this ministry, taking on a new hobby and helping her parish family all at the same time. “I had always wanted to quilt, but had just never had the time,” JoAnn says. “The quilting group had always been advertised in the parish bulletin, so when I retired it seemed like the perfect time. Back then, there were enough people involved for us to work on two quilts at a time — whereas now, we’re down to about five or six people and just do one quilt at a time.” The group of women meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 1 p.m. at the church in the old convent area. They work on commissioned projects for parishioners and local community members, using the proceeds to support parish upkeep and special projects. “Most of our quilts come from people who have pieced together or embroidered the cloth but don’t know how to do the quilting,” JoAnn says. “So, they ask us to do it for them and we charge a fee. We have our own bank account and use funds to buy things for the parish. We bought a refrigerator, a deep freezer, helped repair the roof when there was a leak, and purchased little Bibles for the preschoolers.
Some of our regular quilters gather for a meeting (from left) Mildred Hoffman , Mary Phelan, JoAnn Sok, and Mary Picthall.
Recently, they are in the process of trying to refurbish the carpet in the Jubilee Center and we’re contributing to that.” The group also donates a beautifully crafted quilt each year to the parish raffle, completely free of charge. JoAnn says the price for a quilt from the ministry varies according to size and difficulty, typically being $150 for a single/full, $175 for a queen, and $200 for a king. Not only does the ministry benefit the parish, but for JoAnn it’s been a special way to enjoy fellowship and build lasting friendships. The ladies bring desserts and coffee, share tricks of the trade, and just enjoy one another’s company. “I enjoy the camaraderie with the other ladies and I enjoy quilting,” JoAnn says. “It’s always fun to see what the next quilt is going to look like and it’s great to be able to give back to the church like that.”
The ministry welcomes any new members, whether they’re an experienced quilter or a complete beginner. Interested parishioners may simply show up on a Tuesday or Thursday, or call JoAnn Sok at 308-382-8101.
BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH 518 W. State Street Grand Island, NE 68801 (308) 384-0532 www.blsachurch.net
2020 Fall Festival all during the pandemic, the planning committee decided to set aside the full dinner, the children’s games, petting zoo, Bingo, and the bounce house. All the festival events have always provided our parishioners the opportunity to practice stewardship through offering their time, talents, and treasure. Although these opportunities were not as numerous this year, they will return for next year’s festival. Even though this year’s festival could not continue in-person, there still is the tradition of its building fellowship in the parish, and continuing the traditions laid out when
continued from front cover
Msgr. Anthony Egging, Fr. Marty’s cousin, began the festival in the 1950s. “One of the things Fr. Marty did with the readings in September was tying the participation in the Fall Festival by donating to the raffles, and by buying and selling raffle tickets, with loving your neighbor,” Sr. Bernadette says. “It is one way as a parish we can work together to build parish community. We are all in this together and in terms of a relationship, one to one, committing to a common cause. We really talked about this in the planning meetings.”
Anyone interested in helping with the 2021 Fall Festival may contact the parish office at 308-384-0532.