Families in Faith Catholic Parishes Newsletter — May-June 2021

MAY/JUNE 2021

A FAVORITE TRADITION CONTINUES

ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

SET FOR JUNE 26-27

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t’s time to dust off those clubs, polish up the spikes, and take a few practice swings to prepare for the 22nd Annual St. Michael Golf Tournament, set for June 26 and 27 at Cottonwood Greens Golf Course and Country Club in Spalding.

Regular golfers and duffers alike among our Families in Faith community are welcome to come out for the two-person scramble that brings us all together for fun and fellowship.

The tournament is run as a two-person scramble with shotgun starts at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 26, and then 9 a.m. Sunday, June 27. Anyone aged 21 and over may play.

Scott Glaser is chairing the tournament, with assistance from Mitchell Glesinger. Their fathers founded the tournament over 20 years ago, and now the two sons are taking the reins to keep this favorite tradition going.

“It’s a day in which golfers from all three of our parishes are able to get together and relax,” Mitchell says. “It’s always a good time. I’ve been golfing each year for over 10 years, myself. My dad and Scott’s dad started it, so there’s a lot of history for us. It’s one of those things that everybody knows about, that it’s the same weekend. For a lot of continued on back cover

The 22nd Annual St. Michael Golf Tournament is set for June 26 and 27 at Cottonwood Greens Golf Course and Country Club in Spalding.

Mothers and Stewardship THIS MONTH, WE REFLECT ON

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e celebrate the month of Mary during May, and during this month, we also celebrate Mother’s Day. It seems fitting that we honor our mothers during May, since Mary is given to us by God as the example of true Christian motherhood.

Those who are called to be mothers have been blessed by God and called to fulfill a very important responsibility. Mothers are the vehicle through which God brings new life into this world. When we talk about Christian stewardship, we talk about sacrificially returning to God what we have been given. What can more clearly be a demonstration of complete sacrifice than the relationship between mother and child during the nine months of growth in the womb? During these nine months, the child’s life depends on the actions of the mother as her energy and nourishment goes directly to the growing baby.

Although this relationship may change to some extent after the child is born, a mother’s sacrifice for her child is far from over after the birth. The role of the mother is critical in the 2

child’s development — both spiritually and physically — throughout life. Mothers provide the comfort, nurture and support necessary for their children to become productive citizens and responsible Christians.

The job of a mother is not an easy one. This is a fact that Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew very well. She worried when her young Son appeared to be lost, only to find Him later in His Father’s house. She was probably concerned as Jesus began His public ministry — not knowing what difficulties and rejections He would encounter along the way. And, Mary must have experienced great anguish as she watched her Son’s body being crucified to a cross.

May all mothers look to Mary as their model for motherhood and ask her intercession as they strive to fulfill their God-given role in their children’s lives. During the month of May, let us all take some time to express our appreciation to our mothers for allowing us to come into this world, for loving us, and for serving as an example of what it means to be a steward for life.

A Letter From Our Pastor

Pentecost: The “Birth” of Stewardship Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

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s we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost on May 23, which is one of the most significant events in the life of the Church, I can’t help but relate the outpouring of the gift of the Holy Spirit upon the first disciples as “the birth of stewardship.”

As stewardship parishes, we have come to understand it in our personal lives and our parish life as the work of the Holy Spirit, active and inspiring us to be the disciples Jesus called us to be, just as He did those very first disciples. It just makes sense to once again realize and acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit in our decisions to be authentic disciples of Jesus Christ.

As every parent knows, birth brings new life to every family, and the “birth of stewardship” here in our parishes has brought new life to us, personally and communally, and continues to do so. We had a “Pentecost event” when the message of stewardship was first brought to our parishes, and it hasn’t been the same since.

Many curious people of our parishes and from around the country ask the question, “How did all of this begin?” The only answer is, “moved by conversion, we knew stewardship was going to be the ‘plan’ for our future as disciples and as a parish family.” It makes sense.

For some, like me, it took a conversion of sorts to move us from unbelievers to believers, and from fear or suspicion to courage and confidence in the values and ideals of stewardship. Reading the accounts of the Acts of the Apostles, it wasn’t much different for them. Their experience is our experience and continues to encourage us to be open to the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. That “Spirit”

renews the “Pentecost event” in each of us, as we practice discipleship as we know it through the stewardship way of life.

Also, as with each new birth, the life that begins needs to be nourished, nurtured and loved.

Through our understanding of the four pillars of parish stewardship — hospitality, prayer, formation and service — we each are called to nourish, nurture and love our parish family with the gifts we bring to each other. And without ever really knowing how much of an impact we have on each other’s spiritual lives, we trust the Holy Spirit to continue the “good work of faithful stewardship” in each of us and to those around us.

Isn’t that what the first Pentecost event started, and isn’t that what you see in our parishes, especially since our own “birth of stewardship”?

God has blessed our parish family and continues to do so, as the Holy Spirit continues to pour out gifts upon us and send us forth to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. As we grow and mature in our stewardship efforts, how fortunate we are that the stewardship way of life has become our way of life. May we always give thanks to God for the Holy Spirit’s gift to each of us — for, when we do, it seems only natural to be inspired to live discipleship as it was intended to be lived in the first disciples and in each of us.

Sincerely yours in Christ and His Mother,

Fr. Antony Pastor 3

Vacation Bible School

BRINGS THE JOY OF FAITH AND

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or youth, summer is often a chance to recharge, take a break from school and enjoy all that the free time has to offer. But here in our Families in Faith community, our youth have a chance to learn about their faith in the summer — while having so much fun they forget they are learning!

Vacation Bible School, or VBS, is a week-long camp where preschool to sixth-grade children learn about Jesus in a really fun environment.

The program was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — but we are excited to announce that it is back this year! VBS is held at St. Theresa’s in Ericson, usually in early June, and is open to children from all of our Families in Faith parishes.

Jeri Wright coordinates VBS and has been part of our VBS program for four years. She

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enjoys the opportunity to work with all the children, youth, and adults in the program.

“VBS is a great way to introduce kids to Jesus or help them deepen their relationship with Jesus,” she says. “VBS is filled with crafts, games, and music that engages kids in their faith journey.”

This year’s theme is “Treasured: Discovering You’re Priceless to God,” and kids will learn about God’s greatest treasure — His children.

Jeri is always impressed by the impact this program has on the junior high and high school volunteers and the adults. The program requires a lot of volunteer work and she’s thankful to every person who helps.

“It is such a rewarding experience to be able to give to the kids in our community in this way,” she says.

This year’s theme is “Treasured: Discovering You’re Priceless to God,” and kids will learn about God’s greatest treasure — His children.

FELLOWSHIP TO THE CHILDREN OF OUR COMMUNITY The week is very high energy, as children go from singing songs and playing games, to learning Bible stories. VBS is such a positive experience for all those involved, and it helps to nurture a strong foundation of faith for the children of our parishes. What better gift can we give our children than the chance to learn their faith and have fun?

“One of my favorite parts of VBS is how we reinforce daily Bible points to show kids how the stories in the Bible apply to our own lives,” Jeri says. “These Bible points can be applied to their lives long after VBS is over.”

Jeri and all the volunteers make sure the theme comes alive through decorations, songs, games, and even the snacks!

“There is nothing better than seeing the kids enjoy learning about the Gospel and sharing their love of Jesus with their friends,” Jeri says.

While organizing the VBS program is a lot of hard work, Jeri admits she walks away from the week, each year, with a stronger faith life.

Children enjoy some creative time with Play-Doh.

“One of my favorite parts of VBS is how we reinforce daily Bible points to show kids how the stories in the Bible apply to our own lives. These Bible points can be applied to their lives long after VBS is over.”

The Bible story is an important part of the VBS program.

— JERI WRIGHT

Please refer to the bulletin for more information on this year’s VBS program. VBS at St. Theresa’s in Ericson is June 9-12, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. Register online at vbspro.events/p/st-theresa-ericson.

For more information, to volunteer or donate items, please call Jeri Wright at 402-340-7138.

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The May Crowning

Celebrating the Coronation of Mary

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or many Catholics, May Crownings of statues or icons of the Blessed Mother have become rites of spring. Like flowers blooming or Mother’s Day, this annual Marian devotion reminds us that the cold of winter is behind us, and it ushers in a month during which the Catholic Church pays special homage to Mary as the Queen of Heaven and Mother of God. Generally taking place during the first weekend of the month, May Crownings bring children — often, recent First Communicants — out in their Sunday best to participate in processions and adorn statues of the Blessed Mother with crowns of flowers or actual gold crowns. Additionally, the children often place roses at her feet, and Catholics carry out similar practices in their homes by placing roses around statues of the Blessed Virgin, or even adding ornamentation to images of Mary. But where did this practice come from, and how did it develop into the tradition that we currently know and love?

The Coronation of Mary had been a popular subject in European art and literature for centuries, but the tradition of the May Crowning can be most accurately traced back to the late 16th century. Perhaps inspired by the practice of add-

ing ornamentation to Marian icons that had been carried out by some Eastern churches, Pope Clement VIII added two crowns to the icon of Mary with the Infant Jesus in the St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome. The crowns were eventually lost, but were replaced by Gregory XVI in 1837 in a rite that was to become the standard practice for crowning.

While the May Crowning is not an official liturgical celebration on the Church calendar, it is an important practice in honoring Mary as the Queen of the Universe, and its imagery is especially influential in the faith formation of children. As Liz Kelly writes in May Crowning, Mass, and Merton and Other Reasons I Love Being Catholic, “One of the defining aspects of being Catholic is devotion to Mary. I favor no Marian celebration more highly than May Crowning, the feast that recognizes Mary as queen of heaven and earth. To a person of any age, this is a mighty big title, but to a child of five or six or seven, it expands to enchanting, magical proportions. How many queens does one get a chance to meet in a lifetime, much less crown?”

This year, make a special effort to honor the coronation of Mary through participation in a personal or public May Crowning devotion.

Spalding Academy will hold their May Crowning tradition on May 7 at 2 p.m. Come join us!

Bring Flowers of the Rarest

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Bring flow’rs of the fairest, Bring flow’rs of the rarest, From garden and woodland And hillside and vale; Our full hearts are swelling, Our glad voices telling The praise of the loveliest Rose of the vale.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May, O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

Landscaping and Environment Ministry Members Eager to Work T he COVID-19 restrictions may have brought a halt to the work of the Landscaping and Environment Ministries at the Sacred Heart, St. Michael, and St. Theresa campuses, but the ministry members are eager to begin work once again. Although there are currently no plans for any new projects, this will change as spring progresses and summer arrives.

Throughout the year, the members have offered their time and talents in stewardship to make sure the church properties help reflect the glory God has given in the beauty of the area.

Tom Foster works with Matt Pfeifer at Sacred Heart Parish in keeping the church campus in shape. He recalls that when the committee began, funds raised at the parish allowed them to make improvements in the church at the former Greeley Catholic School that houses the parish offices and small chapel, as well as religious education classes.

“In the school, we did all new windows and tore out the radiators, and replaced those with a more efficient heating and air conditioning system for the first and second floors,” he says. “In the church, we put in new carpet and repaired the concrete in front of the church. We also installed an underground sprinkler system for the church.”

For Tom, he is able to use his talents and experience in the construction industry to benefit the parish.

“It’s knowing what to look for, especially structurally, and what is the best remedy for problems, such

as the concrete area,” he says.

The Sacred Heart group can always use additional hands, and the extra help has been appreciated during the winter’s heavy snow.

At St. Michael’s in Spalding, the Landscaping Ministry has worked on beautification projects at the church, Spalding Academy, and St. Michael’s Parish Center.

Projects include weeding, trimming, mulching, and painting inside of the grotto grounds, as well as weeding and trimming under the marquee signs at the church and Spalding Academy, and St. Michael’s Parish Center.

“Anyone can participate in this ministry,” Nancy Esch says.

“All of our children have participated, regardless of their age.”

The ministry members find that serving in this way has allowed them to grow spiritually. “Getting involved in parish life leads to connecting with others, and it also gives our children an example to follow,” Nancy says. “St. Michael’s campus, which includes the Dominican center, Spalding Academy, St. Michael’s Church, and the rectory, is beautiful.

It is easy to see God’s work while you walk or drive by this area.”

Rob Ita coordinates the ministry at St. Theresa Parish. The five members in the ministry had been working on the landscaping around the church, but that work was halted by the pandemic. The group is looking at making some exterior improvements at the church once work can resume.

“It feels kind of scattered right now,” Rob says.

Anyone who is interested in joining the ministry at Sacred Heart may contact Tom Foster at 308-440-8604; at St. Michael, by calling St. Michael’s at 308-497-2662, or email Nancy Esch at rnesch@gpcom.net; at St. Theresa, by calling Rob Ita at 308-497-2547.

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ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT people, it’s the only time they golf all year.”

The fee for the tournament is $120 per team of two. This provides 18 holes of golf, and either lunch or dinner, depending on which day the team plays.

The tournament typically draws between 100 to 120 people each year.

Sponsorships will be open for tee boxes and greens.

In addition to a fun day of play on the links, the Golf Tournament is a great way to get to know your fellow parishioners while also providing essential support to St. Michael’s Parish.

“It’s just an event the people can come out for a good cause, have a good time, and do what we do to help keep this rolling in our little community,” Mitchell says.

continued from front cover

“It’s a day in which golfers from all three of our parishes are able to get together and relax. It’s always a good time. I’ve been golfing each year for over 10 years, myself. My dad and Scott’s dad started it, so there’s a lot of history for us. It’s one of those things that everybody knows about, that it’s the same weekend. For a lot of people, it’s the only time they golf all year.” — MITCHELL GLESINGER

Golf tournament registration begins in early May. Anyone who is interested in signing up or serving as a sponsor may call Scott Glaser at 308-370-1416. Those interested in signing up to play in the tournament may also do so by visiting the Cottonwood Greens clubhouse.

Mass Schedule: 7 p.m. Saturday - St. Michael in Spalding│7 a.m. Sunday - St. Michael in Spalding 9 a.m. Sunday - Sacred Heart in Greeley│11 a.m. Sunday - St. Theresa in Ericson