Holy Family Area Catholic Community Newsletter — June 2023

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Holy Family Area

MEET ST. ANDREW’S PARISHIONER ART RILLO Sharing Talents in Service to the Parish Community

As we all know, mothers are important in so many ways. But research consistently shows that a father’s Mass attendance makes a profound impact on children. St. Andrew’s parishioner Art Rillo realized the importance of paving the way for his children and has always tried his best to be an example in the faith.

“When my children were younger, I hoped they viewed me as a role model,” Art says. “As we have all grown, my wife’s strong faith and the strong faith of my children has, in turn, helped me to continue to strive to have strong faith and, in turn, continue to be involved with our parish.”

Art and his wife, Billie, have lived in Granite Falls for more than 25 years and have been members at St. Andrew’s for just as long. The couple has four children — Isaac, Chandler, Benjamin, and Nicole — as well as a daughter-in-law, Kate.

Billie serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and is involved in various committees, including the Stewardship Committee. Art is also an Extraordinary Minister and a lector.

“I feel blessed to be an Extraordinary Minister,” Art says. “I feel honored to be able to be a part of this holy sacrament. I do my best to look at the people and give the

Art Rillo and family

message that this is the Body of Christ.”

Art also serves as a catechist for ninth-grade students. Serving is just one way Art can give back to both our parish and the Lord. He feels he’s been given so much — it’s the least he can do.

“I want to be a part of the parish and try to use my continued on back cover

STEWARDSHIP Giving During the Summer Season

“We’ve stopped delivery of the newspaper and mail. We’ve taken the dog to the kennel. The iron is unplugged, and the stove is turned off. Is there anything else we need to do before we leave on vacation?”

Aren’t you forgetting something? Did you remember to write a check to your parish for the Sundays you’ll be gone?

“But I won’t be at Mass at home those Sundays. Can’t I skip those envelopes when I’m away? After all, I’ll put ten dollars, or maybe even twenty, in the collection at the church where we visit. Isn’t that enough?”

Many Americans, whether we have school-age children at home or not, operate on an academic calendar. We assume our organizations operate September through May and then take it easy during June, July and August. And to some extent, many parish activities do function on such a schedule. Our parish may not hold Faith Formation classes during the summer. Even some of the staff members take summer vacations! Can’t our giving take a vacation during the summer, too?

Even as we form the question in our mind, we know the answer. The prime reason for keeping up our pledge all summer long is that God doesn’t go on vacation. He continues to sustain us throughout the summer months. He persists in pouring out blessings on us, even during the hottest weather. He keeps on meeting us in His sacramental presence when we go to Mass wherever we travel. As God remains faithful to us during the summer,

we are called to be faithful in our commitments to Him and our parish, even during our vacation time.

God’s steadfastness in giving to us is the primary reason for us to respond by being faithful in our stewardship toward Him. But there is also a practical reason why we need to keep up our pledges of time, talent and treasure throughout the summer — the Church needs our involvement year-round.

Even though some activities are reduced during the summer months, our expenses are not. After all, there are still Sunday Masses and weekday Masses, too. The staff members still need their salaries. And of course, we need to run the air conditioning in our churches during the hot summer months. Despite the fact that some functions are suspended, other activities may take place, such as Vacation Bible School. And although the regular Faith Formation program may be suspended, the summer expenses are often the highest, as textbooks and other supplies are bought for the upcoming school year. Our parish has to pay its bills on a year-round basis, just like your family.

We plan a budget for the year, taking into account the commitments that you, the members, have made. If parishioners do not live out their financial commitments to the church, the budget will not balance.

Our giving needs to be maintained throughout the summer, just as God maintains His generosity to us. Our stewardship is a response to God’s gifts. And God pours out His gifts and His grace upon us all year long.

REMEMBER TO KEEP THE FAITH THIS SUMMER

As we enter the month of June and kick off our summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of stewardship in our daily lives as Catholics.

Stewardship is a way of life that calls us to recognize that everything we have is a gift from God, and that we are called to use these gifts for the good of others and the building up of God’s kingdom.

Here are a few ways in which we can live out stewardship in the month of June:

• Practice gratitude: Take time each day to thank God for the blessings in your life, both big and small. A grateful heart is essential to living a life of stewardship, as it helps us to recognize the gifts that God has given us and to use them for the good of others.

• Give generously: Whether it’s donating to a local charity, volunteering at the food shelf, or simply offering a kind word to a neighbor, there are countless ways to give of

ourselves to others. Consider making a financial donation to our parish or to a local charity that is doing good work in our community.

• Pray for others: Stewardship is not just about giving of our material resources, but also about giving of our time and talent. Take time each day to pray for the needs of others, whether it’s for the sick, the poor, or those who are struggling in their faith.

• Share your talents: We are all blessed with unique gifts and talents that we can use to serve others. Consider volunteering to teach a Faith Formation class, joining the musicians, or using your professional skills to help those in need.

• Be a good steward of the environment: God has entrusted us with the care of His creation, and it is our responsibility to be good stewards of the environment. Consider ways in which you can reduce, reuse, and recycle.

As we continue to navigate the challenges of our world, let us remember that we are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts and talents that God has given us. By living out stewardship in our daily lives, we can make a difference in the world and build up the kingdom of God.

May God bless you and your families abundantly this month, this summer, and always.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Paul Timmerman, Pastor

My Dear Friends in Christ,

GETTING TO KNOW ST. JOSEPH PARISHIONER A Stewardship Role Model

During the month of June, we celebrate Father’s Day. There are many fathers in Holy Family Area who serve their families and our community in various ways. Mike Amborn is one of these faithful men.

For Mike, living out his faith means setting a good example for his children. Every morning, Mike strives to send his kids off to school with a positive attitude and encourage them to thank God for a new day.

“It boils down to a role model mentality — waking up every day being thankful for another day to live out and trying to be mindful,” Mike says. “Obviously we have bad days, but we also have a lot of blessings.”

Mike and his wife, Alyssa, have four children — Samuel, 9; Caroline, 7; Evelyn, 5; and Bennett, 2. They have been parishioners since they were married in 2012, but Mike’s roots go deeper as he also attended St. Joseph as a child with his parents, having received his Confirmation here. Mike recalls his parents providing a foundation of faith for him while he was growing up.

“We went to church every Sunday — that’s definitely a memory I have,” Mike says.

In his early college years, Mike says he initially wasn’t as committed to his faith, but as he began wondering and searching, he found himself back in church on Sundays.

“It motivated me for the next week at school,” he says. “I remember the times I started going more frequently. I found more inner peace — naturally, things fall into place after that.”

Although they have a busy family life, Mike and Alyssa prioritize serving. As their children are getting older, the couple finds that it’s a little easier to carve out the time to help out. Mike is on the Maintenance Committee and hopes to start serving as an usher. Alyssa serves in the Sunday School program at St. Joseph’s. Mike also helps with set-up and tear-

continued on page 5

Mike Amborn and family

PARISHIONER Mike Amborn

Model for Family and Parish

down for events in the parish.

Mike and Alyssa strive to bring faith into their home life, as well. The family eats dinner together, prays before their meals, and goes around the table talking about their day. Everyone has the opportunity to mention something they’re thankful for. To end the evening, they read from their children’s Bibles, say prayers, thank God for their day, and go to sleep. Mike and Alyssa also prioritize Catholic podcasts and spiritual reading.

“I think having kids obviously changes your perspective on life in general, and the scope of what’s important,” Mike says. “That has really driven me to be more attentive to my faith. The little things are important — in faith, those are the big things overall. I’m always trying to be better. Our kids help me as a father to be better.”

“It boils down to a role model mentality — waking up every day being thankful for another day to live out and trying to be mindful. Obviously we have bad days, but we also have a lot of blessings.”

— Mike Amborn

THE FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI

Understanding How Much Jesus Loves Us

If you were to make a list of “famous people from history” to invite for dinner, there’s a good chance Jesus Christ would make the cut.

As a historical figure alone, the meal conversation would no doubt prove interesting.

Yet, the thought of spending personal time with Christ ushers in additional considerations that far exceed a mere “getting to know you” routine. Jesus Christ is the only human being in history who is also your Creator — He already knows you intimately!

You might then imagine that if Christ revealed Himself to you personally, then you would immediately love Him deeply and believe without doubt. You might think to yourself, “If I could just meet Him once, it would be easy to believe.”

There is a bit of truth in this thought. As human beings, we are affected by personal presence, and the most intense communication transpires through physical contact. Just ask the apostle, Doubting Thomas. The sight of Christ alone was not enough – Thomas required physical touch to be satisfied.

The beauty of the Gospel message is that it is universal. Just as the resurrected Christ invited Thomas to touch Him in the flesh, so too does Christ invite us — His disciples in 2023 — to meet Him in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

So, if you would like to share a meal with Christ, the time is here! You have already been given a perpetual, open-ended invitation to dine with Him, in His Father’s house. Through the gift of the Eucharist, we are invited to share in the eternal banquet of heaven. This belief is the incomprehensible glory of our Catholic faith.

We celebrate with great joy, therefore, the night in which Christ instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Although “re-presented” at every Mass, we commemorate this event on two special feast days of the liturgical calendar — on Holy Thursday and on the Feast of Corpus Christi.

The joy of this “holy gift” cannot be adequately expressed on Holy Thursday, due to its nearness to Good

Friday. Therefore, the Feast of Corpus Christi — also known as the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ — is given its own day on the liturgical calendar.

Throughout the rest of the world, the Feast of Corpus Christi is normally celebrated on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday, thereby mirroring Holy Thursday. However, the U.S. does not maintain this feast as a Holy Day of Obligation. It is considered a “movable feast” — this year, the Feast of Corpus Christi occurs on June 8, but the celebration is transferred to the following Sunday, June 11.

On this glorious feast, take the time to thank Our Heavenly Father for the gift He bestows on us through the Sacrament of the Eucharist. In the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: “When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now.” Happy feast day!

ST. JAMES PARISHIONER MARK EVJEN STRIVES TO SET STRONG EXAMPLE

OF FAITH AND STEWARDSHIP

Leaning on Christ in All Aspects of Life

Mother’s Day is a special day when we take time to celebrate the mothers in our lives. Sometimes, Father’s Day doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Let’s us e this Father’s Day to celebrate the dads in our lives, both living and deceased. Dads shouldn’t take second fiddle — they often lay the foundation of a life of faith for our children.

Mark Evjen is a longtime member of St. James. Since 1991, he has strived to set an example for his wife, Joann, and their four children — three sons and one daughter. The couple also has 15 grandchildren. Mark grew up Lutheran but didn’t attend services often after being confirmed. Mark and Joann were married in the Catholic Church in 1977. Mark started attending weekend Mass after their third child was born. He officially came into the church on Feb. 1, 1991.

“My dad was a faithful man, and that always stuck with me,” Mark says. “I realized what an influence that had on me and knew I had to set a good example for our children.”

Mark has some advice for other dads who might think it’s okay for their wives to be “in charge” of Mass attendance and think their involvement doesn’t matter.

“As a dad, you have no idea how much you influence your children,” he says. “They are watching you and listening to you. They will follow your lead.”

Growing in the faith has also helped Mark to recognize his many blessings. He serves as an usher at St. James and helps with maintenance tasks that arise. It’s important to help to give of his time and talents to lend a hand.

“I think being involved here at St. James set a good example to our children and put a priority that our religion

and church is a very important part of our lives,” Mark says.

Mark also gets involved in the Lenten Bible studies. He has found this to be a great way to learn more about the Catholic faith, and it also deepens his faith. Mark has also leaned on the Lord through prayer over the years. His prayer life has helped him through the natural ups and downs of parenting and marriage.

“There are difficult times throughout life, and I’ve learned to lean on Jesus,” he says.

Mark also emphasizes that even if you are busy with work and raising kids, consider ways to get involved, however small or large they may be.

“I encourage all dads in the parish to get involved in our church because so much good comes from it,” he says. “You’re part of the parish family, and you are setting an excellent example to your children.”

Watching his family grow is such a blessing. He’s been proud to watch his children raise families of their own. In his free time, Mark enjoys hunting, fishing, knife-making, and working in his shop.

“I encourage all dads in the parish to get involved in our church because so much good comes from it. You’re part of the parish family, and you are setting an excellent example to your children.” — Mark Evjen

Mark Evjen and family

512 Black Oak Ave.

Montevideo, MN 56265

www.holyfamilyarea.org

MASS TIMES:

Sunday

8:30 a.m. — St. James, Dawson

10:30 a.m. — St. Andrew, Granite Falls

Tuesday

5 p.m. — St. Andrew, Granite Falls

Wednesday

5 p.m. — St. James, Dawson

Thursday

5:30 p.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo

Friday

10 a.m. — St. Andrew, Granite Falls

Saturday

6:30 p.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo (with elements of Spanish)

CONFESSION TIMES:

30 minutes before daily Mass

Sunday

8 a.m. — St. James, Dawson

Saturday

9:30 - 10 a.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo

5:45 - 6:20 p.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo

ART RILLO continued from front cover

talents the best that I can,” he says. “I believe in the sense of community and how that is important.”

It’s so important to Art that he sets an example in both word and deed.

“I hope that I, as the father of the family, am providing a good example for my children,” Art says.

St. Andrew’s has been a springboard for Art’s faith. He feels that over the years, he’s had the chance to grow in faith through his ministry involvement and Mass attendance.

“Attending other functions such as stewardship and mission events has also enriched my knowledge and faith and has helped to confirm my beliefs,” Art says. “Doing this for myself has given my children and family a sense of the importance of our community, church, and faith.”

In his free time, Art enjoys being with his wife and children and attending their daughter’s activities. He also enjoys reading and exercising.