LIFT UP
YOUR HEARTS 2021 Stewardship Renewal
HOLY FAMILY AREA Catholic Community
LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS!
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ear the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest exclaims, “Lift up your hearts!” and the people respond, “We lift them up to the Lord!” This is a signal that the Mass’s central prayer has begun — the prayer that makes Christ’s Body and Blood present as we remember His great work of salvation. If we consider the definition of prayer, “lifting one’s mind and heart to God,” then our whole lives can be filled with prayer. Daily actions, done with love, can become prayerful. Mindfulness of God’s presence in hard times or joyful times becomes a prayer. As St. Paul says, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:16-18). When we invite God into our daily lives, we are filled with a confidence and peace, knowing that He is in control, no matter what happens. Do you desire more peace in your life? Is God calling you and your family to spend more time with Him? During our Stewardship Renewal, listen to God’s call in your life and challenge yourself and your family to live a more Christcentered existence.
“WE MUST REMEMBER GOD MORE OFTEN THAN WE DRAW BREATH.” — ST. GREGORY 2
FINDING NEW WAYS TO PRAY
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hen the apostles asked Jesus, “teach us how to pray,” He taught them the Our Father. In addition to this beautiful prayer, there are many different ways to pray. Just like each of us has a different personality, the way we pray that brings us the closest to God will be unique. Some people find the Rosary helpful in meditating on the life of Jesus. Others gravitate toward prayerfully reading Scripture or spiritual books. Still others are most comfortable praising God through song, or speaking to God during quiet meditation. And some people like a mix of all these. No matter what form of prayer best suits you, it should always lead to a heart-to-heart conversation with Christ, and an openness to the Holy Spirit working in your life.
WAYS TO PRAY • Pope Francis’ encouragement is to read and meditate on the readings for each day, found at usccb.org/bible/readings or on Catholic phone and tablet apps such as iBreviary, Magnificat or Divine Office, and ask God how to apply them to your life. • Spend time in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. • Make daily actions into a prayer. For example, pray for your child as you fold their clothes, thank God for His gifts as you prepare dinner, or praise God for creation when you take a walk. • Revisit Catholic devotions such as the Rosary, novenas or the Stations of the Cross. 3
SERVING IN LOVE
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here is a story told that Mother Teresa once visited one of her convents only to hear the sisters report that there was not enough time in the day to do their charitable work. “Then you must pray more,” was her response. The sisters added another full hour to their prayer schedules, and afterwards found that they had adequate time for their important work with the poor. Prayer inspires us to act with love, and sustains us when the going gets tough. How is God calling you to serve? During our Stewardship Renewal, take the opportunity to pray about which ministries God would like you to join.
COMBINING PRAYER AND ACTION • Ask God to show you your personal gifts and how best to use them. • Get involved in one of the prayer ministries at our parish, found listed in our Ministry Catalog. • Pray for our ministries, our parish leaders and all parishioners. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide our parish community. • No matter what ministry or group with which you are involved, always begin and end your meetings or activities by praying with one another.
“TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, ON YOUR OWN INTELLIGENCE DO NOT RELY.” – PROVERBS 3:5 4
A PRAYERFUL OFFERING
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s early as Genesis, there is a very strong connection between worship and sacrifice, between honoring God and giving Him “first fruits,” the best of what we have. Even today, dropping our envelope in the offertory basket is a kind of prayer. It is like saying, “Lord, I believe in you and your Church so much that I am willing to give You something very important to me.” While the amount of our gifts will vary from one person to another, the spirit in which our gifts are given matters even more. If you write a check simply out of habit, or the amount is negligible compared to your monthly budget, you may need to reassess. Does your gift adequately reflect God’s importance in your life? In the Holy Family Area, we invite parishioners to work toward giving the full scriptural tithe (10% of your gross income) to God, with 5% given to God through the parish offertory, 1% to the diocese and 4% to other charitable causes. How can you move closer toward the scriptural tithe?
PRAYING ABOUT YOUR GIFTS • Pray about how much you give to God. Is your financial gift a percentage of your income? Does the amount of your gift reflect that God is the first priority in your life? • Does your spending on entertainment, fast food or casual shopping prevent you from making a specific, percentage-based gift to God through the offertory each week?
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HOSPITALITY Parish Hospitality
The parish hospitality ministry promotes a welcoming atmosphere in the parish. The group hosts parish events like breakfasts, dinners, and other get-togethers. Contact: St. Andrew — JoAnn Masters, 320-564-2366 St. James — Cindy Staab, 320-769-214 St. Joseph — Melinda Hedman, 320-269-5954
Youth Hospitality
Provide a meal for the youth of our Faith Formation program on Wednesday evenings, or help to provide meals, snacks, desserts and more for other events. Contact: St. Andrew — Christina Wangen, 507-920-0122 St. James — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205 St. Joseph — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205
PRAYER Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic adoration is the act of worshiping God as Jesus is present in the Consecrated Host. Since the Last Supper, when Jesus broke the bread and distributed the wine, saying, “This is my Body” and “This is my Blood,” Catholics have believed that they are no longer bread and wine, but the actual Living Presence of Jesus, the second person of the Blessed Trinity. Spending time before the Blessed Sacrament, in prayer and devotion, is exactly the same as spending time before the living God. Adoration of Jesus occurs whenever a person genuflects recognizing Jesus present in the tabernacle, bows before receiving Holy Communion, or when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration. This devotion begins with 6
exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The Consecrated Host is removed from the tabernacle and is placed on the altar for adoration. The purpose of adoration is to grow in union with Jesus, who is present in the Eucharist. The Consecrated Host is placed in the monstrance which is placed on the altar. Spend some time in prayer, meditation, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Volunteers are needed to make sure someone is present at all times. Join us even if you can only stop in for a few moments. All are welcome! Adoration times are: St. Joseph — every first Thursday 8 to 11:45 a.m., third Sunday 3 to 9 p.m.; St. Andrew — every first Tuesday from 3 to 4:45 p.m., second Sunday 2 to 4 p.m. We are beginning Adoration at St. James. Please sign-up if you are interested in attending. We are hoping to have Adoration at each parish. Contact: St. Andrew — Kathi Gill, 320-564-2448 St. James — Claire Weimann, 785-657-0088 St. Joseph — Melinda Hedman, 320-269-5954
Prayer Network
The Prayer Network prays for the needs of the parish, all the sick in the parish, and for special needs that arise. Join us in praying for our fellow parishioners. To get involved or to add prayers to the network contact us. Contact: St. Andrew — Patrice Schulte, 507-430-8303 St. James — Leader Needed St. Joseph — Karen Kling, 320-269-7878
Prayer Intercessor
An intercessor is someone who chooses to pray directly and specifically for each Confirmation Candidate throughout their 2 year Confirmation preparation, or for a specific Faith Formation classroom for a year or more. Intercessors will be a
‘guiding example’ of a prayer life; that prayer can lead anyone closer to Jesus, and in doing so, Jesus will enter into the hearts of our youth. Resources will be provided to anyone wishing to serve in this ministry. Contact: St. Andrew — Christina Wangen, 507-920-0122 St. James — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205 St. Joseph — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205
Rosary
Join us for our parish Rosary 20 minutes prior to weekend Masses. We encourage you to come pray with us, and help lead the Rosary. All are welcome! Contact us to become a Rosary leader. Contact: St. Andrew — JoAnn Masters, 320-564-2366 St. James — JoAnn Evjen, 320-361-0402 St. Joseph — Melinda Hedman, 320-269-5954
Seven Sisters Apostolate
The Seven Sister Apostolate is a call to strengthen the Church by ensuring that a Holy Hour is prayed by a woman from our parishes each day of the week for the sole intention of Fr. Paul — a "holy wasting" (cf. Mt 26:10) or lavishing of prayer for his deeper conformity to Christ. We have two teams of seven, who each pray half of a Holy Hour. St. Andrew — Nancy St. Sauver, 320-981-0522 St. James — Pat Niemand, 320-269-7182 St. Joseph — Pat Niemand, 320-269-7182
LITURGICAL MINISTRIES Altar Servers
Altar servers assist the priest at the altar during the Mass and at various other liturgies. Those who are in sixth grade and above are welcome to serve. Contact: St. Andrew — Christina Wangen, 507-920-0122 St. James — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205 St. Joseph — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)
Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priest with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. Confirmed adult parishioners in good standing with the Catholic Church are invited to serve. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are scheduled in advance. Prospective ministers’ names are submitted in writing to the Bishop for approval. Training is provided. Contact: Nancy Lonneman, 320-269-5954
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound
As a support to the pastor, ministers bring the Holy Eucharist to shut-ins at home, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Confirmed adults in good standing with the Catholic Church are invited to bring Holy Communion to those who are homebound. Prospective ministers’ names are submitted in writing to the Bishop for approval. Training is provided. Contact: Nancy Lonneman, 320-269-5954
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Gift Bearers
Individuals or families bring up the offertory gifts to the altar during Mass. Contact: St. Andrew — Kim Rupp, 320-564-4204 St. James — Monica Dessonville, 320-226-4134 St. Joseph — Nancy Lonneman, 320-269-5954
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God in the first and second readings of the Liturgy of the Word and read the General Intercessions. Any parishioner in ninth grade or older with good oral communication skills is invited to participate. Training is provided, and scheduling is done in advance. Contact: St. Andrew — Kim Rupp, 320-564-4204 St. James — Monica Dessonville, 320-226-4134 St. Joseph — Janet Bosch, 320-843-4432
Music Ministry
The Music Ministry provides music for parish liturgical celebrations. Those who love to sing are invited to be a cantor and/or join the parish choir. If you play an instrument that is appropriate for the Mass, especially pray about sharing that with your congregation – we need your talent. Those who have been blessed with the gift of a musical voice or an ability to play an instrument are encouraged to share that gift with the parish family by joining one of the choirs or volunteering to cantor during Mass. Contact: St. Andrew — Beth Pullan, 320-722-0131 St. James — Julie Schacherer, 507-829-9435 St. Joseph — Paul DeZeeuw, 320-269-8201; Rick McKeown, 320-567-2216
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Sacristans
The Sacristan sets up for Mass by preparing the sacred vessels, linens, bread, wine, and sacred texts for Mass and coordinating with the Ushers, Greeters, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors and Altar Servers. Contact: St. Andrew — Joe Fagnano, 320-564-3929 St. James — JoAnn Evjen, 320-361-0402 St. Joseph — Melinda Hedman, 320-269-5954
Scheduler of Liturgical Ministers
This person schedules people for each of the liturgical ministries (lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers, and ushers) for each of the Masses. Training will be provided. St. Joseph — Nancy Lonneman, 320-269-5954
Ushers
Ushers help to welcome the gathering assembly. They assist with seating, collect the monetary offerings, and hand out bulletins following Mass. Ushers should arrive 30 minutes before Mass. Contact: St. Andrew — Kim Rupp, 320-564-4204 St. James — Monica Dessonville, 320-226-4134 St. Joseph — Tuna Bukowski, 320-269-6874
FORMATION Adult Faith Formation
This group is for adults who wish to grow in their understanding of spirituality, the teachings of the Catholic Church, and current issues relating to our faith. There is always more to learn about our faith! Contact: St. Andrew — Nancy St. Sauver, 320-981-0522 (different programs are run during the year) St. Joseph — Pat Craigmile, 320-855-2428 (meet on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.)
Assistant to Faith Formation Coordinator
The Assistant to the Faith Formation Coordinator works closely with the coordinator to help with various office duties and helps organize class times and other events for their respective parish. Contact us if you would like to be an Assistant Coordinator! Contact: St. Andrew — Christina Wangen, 507-920-0122 St. James — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205 St. Joseph — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205
Baptismal Preparation Team
Baptism of children in the Catholic Church is about our commitment as parents to raise and teach our children about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and to help them understand and practice the teachings of the Catholic Church. Baptism removes all sin and makes a person a child of God and members of the Church. A pre-baptism meeting is required for parents who have not already participated in a pre-baptism program. The Baptism Preparation Team helps provide hospitality to the parents at the pre-baptism meeting, as well as, joining in the discussions after each of the talks. Contact us if you would like to be a part of the Baptismal Preparation Team. Contact: Christina Wangen, 507-920-0122
Faith Formation
Faith Formation is the parish’s vehicle to fulfill the God-given privilege and responsibility of educating our children in the Catholic faith. It helps to build our Christian community by sharing our Catholic community’s faith journey. It is the celebration of the parish’s Catholic life together through common prayer,
service to others, social activities as well as liturgical celebrations. Contact us if you would like to volunteer as a catechist, an assistant catechist, or a substitute catechist. Contact: St. Andrew — Christina Wangen, 507-920-0122 St. James — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205 St. Joseph — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205
Marriage Preparation
An engaged couple must make arrangements for their wedding at least six months prior to the proposed wedding date. However, contacting Fr. Paul 12 months before your wedding date is not too early for the initial contact. Pre-marriage instructions are required for all Catholics whether they are marrying another Catholic or a person of a different faith. Preparation with a Catholic priest is required even when the marriage will take place in a non-Catholic church. Contact: Fr. Paul Timmerman, 320-269-8623
Lighthouse Media
The Holy Family Area offers Lighthouse Media CDs and books for sale. There is always more to learn about our faith! We would like to start this at St. Andrew and St. James. Come by St. Joseph’s to check out the selection of educational materials. The materials are enjoyable, inspiring, and they change from time to time. We are in need of a new coordinator at St. Joseph. Contact: Melinda Hedman, 320-269-5954
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Council of Catholic Women
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Sponsor a prospective new Catholic, join the team of those facilitating the process for initiating new members, RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), or simply attend sessions to grow in faith and understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church. Contact: Christina Wangen, 507-920-0122
Youth Group
Our parish youth group seeks to bring youth into a living relationship with God and each other. With a love for the Gospel and a belief in the vitality of our faith, the youth group participants help shape our parish and prepare themselves to fulfill God’s mission in their lives. If you would like to volunteer as a youth leader, contact us! Contact: St. Andrew — Christina Wangen, 507-920-0122 St. James — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205 St. Joseph — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205
SERVICE Cemetery Committee
The Cemetery Committee assists in reserving burial plots, determines cemetery policies, helps monitor cemetery funds, and the upkeep of the local cemeteries. Contact: St. Andrew — Art Mehr, 320-981-0281 St. James — Lisa Malecek, 320-769-4693 St. Joseph — Joe Keller, 320-269-7247 10
The National Council of Catholic Women acts through its membership to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. NCCW programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world. The Council of Catholic Women lives out this mission in our local community. Contact: St. Andrew — JoAnn Masters, 320-564-2366
Decorating Committee
Volunteers are needed for both the planning as well as the hands-on work of decorating for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, etc. This group makes sure that our church environment is beautiful and inspiring. Volunteers with artistic talents are needed, as well as people who can generally assist with the preparation of the church for liturgical worship. Contact: St. Andrew — Kristy Rasmusson, 320-564-4006 St. James — Leader Needed St. Joseph — Amy Reidinger, 320-269-6758
Funeral Luncheon Volunteer
As requested, volunteers prepare food for the funeral luncheon, serve the meal, and clean up the meal, following the funerals of parishioners. Contact: St. Andrew — Carol Beck, 320-564-4451 St. James — Joann Evjen, 320-361-0402 St. Joseph — Pat Niemand, 320-269-5954
Hispanic Ministry
The focus of this ministry is to meet the spiritual and physical needs of our growing Hispanic community, especially by promoting their
involvement in the parish. There are Bible Studies, Apologetics, Praise and Worship nights, Adoration and other special events. Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed for this ministry which serves as the hands and feet of Jesus. Contact: St. Joseph — Yonis Martinez, 320-226-0844
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a worldwide leadership organization for Catholic men who desire to grow in personal spirituality and serve the Church. They are founded under the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. This organization provides men with a vehicle for building up the parish community and family life with an emphasis on family, youth, church, council, and community activities. Open to any practicing Catholic man over 18. Knights undertake a large variety of service and social activities. Contact: St. Andrew — Ray Martin, 320-564-4529 (Council 6731) St. James — Travis Schacherer, 507-829-1098, (Council 6503) St. Joseph — Jeff Eickhoff, 320-841-0808 (Council 1551)
Maintenance Committee
Special Event Volunteer
This ministry helps plan and participate in various parish events throughout the year, such as the children’s Christmas program and family formation nights. Many volunteers are needed in making these events a success! Contact: St. Andrew — Christina Wangen, 507-920-0122 St. James — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205 St. Joseph — Ann Voller, 320-226-5205
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee acts as the consultative body to the pastor regarding the ongoing stewardship efforts in the parish. It engages in reading and discussions on the meaning of stewardship in our lives. Members act as models of stewardship by engaging in a life that is committed to the Eucharist, prayer, service and ongoing formation. Stewardship reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God, and that we show our gratitude to Him by offering our time, talent, and treasure. The committee seeks to encourage parishioners to open their hearts, truly listen to the message of Jesus, and fully embrace stewardship as a way of life. Contact: Fr. Paul Timmerman, 320-269-8623
Maintenance Committee helps to maintain our parish grounds. If you have experience painting, gardening, or doing minor repairs, we could use your help. Contact: St. Andrew — Art Mehr, 320-981-0281 St. James — Travis Schacherer, 507-829-1098 St. Joseph — Allen Jacobson, 320-321-2509
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Please keep until Winter 2021
YOUR OFFERING TO GOD
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= Interested in Joining
= Currently Involved
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t. James t. Joseph aordinary Ministers of Holy munion (EMHC) ordinary Ministers of Holy munion to the Homebound
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Adults (RCIA) t’s difficult Youth to give GroupGod any St. Andrew percentage of our time, talent, St. Jame s St. Joseph or treasure if we do not first give SER VICE . Andrew Cemetery Committee . James Him 100 percent of our hearts. . Joseph St. Andrew St. James . Andrew For this reason, our Stewardship St. Joseph Council of Catholic Women . James Joseph St. Andrew Renewal is a Decor timeating forComm conversion ittee Andrew St. Andrew above all else. It is a time to make James St. Jame s Joseph St. Joseph Funer al Lunch eon Volun God our top priority, and then teer Andrew St. Andrew James St. James express this conversion through Joseph St. Joseph Hispanic Ministry cal Ministers written commitments. Joseph St. Joseph
Andrew James Joseph
Knights of Columbus St. Andrew (Council 6731) St. James (Council 6503) St. Joseph (Council 1551) Maintenance Committee St. Andrew St. James St. Joseph Special Event Volunteer St. Andrew St. James St. Joseph Stewardship Committee
Please bring your completed n Andrew Commitment Card with you to Joseph mation Coordinator Mass on February 6/7, mail it to Andrew ames the parish office using the enclosed oseph mal Preparation Team envelope or HOL fill Yit out online at FAM ILY AREA Andrew C atholic Community www.holyfamilyarea.org. ames continued on 512 Black Oak Ave. | Monte video, oseph MN 56265 next panel 9-5954 | www.h Thanks,320-26 and God bless you! olyfam ilyarea .org
LI FT UP
YO UR HE AR TS HOLY FAMI LY AREA Catholic Community
2021 CO MM ITM ENT CA RD My Offering of Time, Talent & Treasure
First & Last Name Phone Email Spouse: First & Last Name Spouse: Phone Spouse: Email Address City
State
ZIP
Please check parish membership: St. Andrew, St. James, St. Joseph
After completion, please bring this card to Mass, mail to the parish office using the envelope provide d or fill it out online at www.holyfamilyarea.org. Thank you and God bless you!
“GOD ALONE IS MY ROCK AND SALVATION, MY FORTRESS; I SHALL NEVER FALL.” — PSALM 62:3
HOLY FAMILY AREA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
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512 Black Oak Ave. | Montevideo, MN 56265 320-269-5954 | www.holyfamilyarea.org