Holy Family Area Catholic Community Newsletter — October 2022

Holy Family Area

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

GETTING TO KNOW NANCY ST. SAUVER

“Nothing Happens Without Prayer”

No small effort goes unnoticed in the eyes of God. Giving to His Church sometimes means assisting with tasks that may not be at the forefront of the congregation, but are no less important to building His Kingdom. Nan cy St. Sauver has been a parishioner at St. Andrew for 38 years and extends her service to the parish in several hidden ways. She first got involved when Fr. Moran asked her to be a lector and she agreed.

“Susan VanHoof always performed the Word and Communion service at the Nursing Home,” Nancy says. “She was moving out of the area and needed someone to take over for her and I did. Then Connie Bremmer moved out of the area and needed someone to launder the Mass linens. So I picked up that need.”

Nancy serves as a weekday sacristan, as well as a sacristan for the Nursing Home Mass. She set up the Seven Sisters Apostolate in Granite Falls, and she put together a procedure manual that provides guidelines for setting up different Masses, from Baptisms to funerals, to weekday Masses and weekend Masses.

Beyond these tasks, Nancy also takes care of laundry for the Mass linens and she is on the Prayer Chain list. During Lent, Nancy arranges the Stations of the Cross with some of the other parishio ners, and recently she began counting the weekly collection. She has also used her talents in providing some materials for the Holy Family Area parishes.

Nancy (holding procedure book) with Kristy Rasmusson and Joe Fagnano

“I like to sew, so I made up some finger towels that were needed,” she says. “I made amices for all three parishes. I made bean bags — a first for me — for the religious education program along with costumes for the Christmas pageant.”

When she took over the Word and Communion services at the nursing home, Nancy remembers spending more time with

Stewardship: WHAT TO DO WITH A WINDFALL?

A businessman sells some property for a nice prof it. A woman retires from a 20-year career at age 43. A high school student discovers he has an excep tional talent for playing the piano. What do they have in common?

Each person has recently received a windfall — an unusually large gain of money, time, or talent. Now each must answer a question — what to do with this newfound gain?

The businessman, already somewhat financial ly successful, finds that the profit from the sale of rental property is unexpectedly large. For the first time, he feels an urge not to save it, but to share it. The next Sunday, even though he already contributes to his parish, he puts a larger sum in the offertory basket. He also knows of a local charity that supports low-income mothers, and mails them a generous donation.

After her retirement from the Air Force, a woman finds she has a large amount of time during the day. Her husband works full-time and her two children are in high school. She hears a quiet voice asking, “How can you give back for all that you have re ceived?” She calls her pastor and explains that she has the time to play a significant role in a parish

ministry. He asks her to re-invigorate their newcom er’s ministry and visit each new family, to which she happily agrees.

In his high school music class, a 10th-grader dis covers an amazing talent to play piano. After encour agement from family and friends, he joins the ensem ble at the Sunday morning Mass. He even volunteers to play at special functions at the parish when needed.

In all three cases, the businessman, retiree and student have received something of value, and have made deliberate choices to share it with others, partic ularly within their parish.

Of course, it could have been different. The busi nessman could have taken an especially extravagant vacation. The woman could have done any number of things with her free time (couldn’t we all?). The young pianist could have used his talent to form a band or make a recording. And the truth is that they can still do all those things. But having received such won derful gifts, their gratitude compels them to share a portion of them. After all, what do they lose by sharing what was already a gift to them from God?

We’re all gifted and are called to share on a daily basis. But when the big blessings come, let’s pray for the grace to be even more generous than ever.

Letter From Our Pastor

IF NOT STEWARDS , THEN WHAT ARE WE?

My Dear Friends in Christ,

As a stewardship parish, it is import ant to ask how well we understand the message of stewardship that keeps surfacing in all we do in our person al life and the life of our parish. If not stewards, then what are we? If not disci ples of Jesus Christ, then what purpose do we serve as members of His Holy Catholic Church? Aren’t these intriguing questions for any believer? And if not, why aren’t they?

God’s goodness and the gifts giv en to each of us shouldn’t be taken for granted and our lives should be motivated by our gratitude for all we have, including every opportunity that gives glory and honor to God. Those opportunities are given at each moment of each day. Wait for them and expect them to become obvious. The idea of being a stew ard of those gifts and opportunities isn’t new to the realm of believers in the Old Testament or the New Testament. And certainly, the Gospels of Jesus Christ make it quite clear that our Lord calls us to be good stewards. His stories and parables confirm it. So, if you cannot or will not see yourself as “that” steward He invites you to be, then what are you? I am curious about those who reject being that steward. I am even more curious about what they believe are the other options.

I am still in awe of the first line in the U.S. Bish ops’ pastoral letter, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Re sponse, that boldly states: “Once one has decided to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, stewardship is not an option.” They were so convinced that the stewardship way of life is a disciple’s way of life. And yet, that is what we are and have always been.

“If not stewards, then what?” remains a challeng ing statement to invite us to reflect on what our Cath olic faith is calling us to experience and participate in for the time we are given on this earth. It challenges us to face our reflection in the mirror of this life giv en to us by God and see what our Lord sees in us, and then embrace the opportunities being handed to us each day of our lives. Blessings and challenges await

us, and no matter what the balance may be from day to day, our God equips us with all we need. He created us and sees us as stewards. Why would we dare re sist seeing ourselves in the way our God sees us?

Connecting stewardship and dis cipleship is inevitable in my book. For that matter, it is inevitable in the “Good Book,” which we identify and recog nize as the Word of God. It matters to our God what we do with the gifts He so generously gives to each of us. Why would it not matter to us? I ask you to take some time to refocus, reevaluate and re-commit yourself to the faithfulness of the life, the time, the talent, and the treasure you have been given.

We are the stewards of those precious gifts. What are we doing with them?

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Paul Timmerman, Pastor

Meet Parishioner

For Janice Savoye, a dedicated parishioner of St. James Parish, stewardship means more than just dropping money in the offertory plate. It means giving her heart to all of those around her, especially those in her own home and family.

“I have discovered that stewardship isn’t just a monetary thing, but it involves so much more,” Janice says. “It is in all the little things that we do each day.”

Janice and her husband, Kevin, have been mar ried for 47 years, and they have five children and 14 grandchildren. They enjoy giving their time and talent to taking care of their family members.

“We have one of our daughters and her four children living with us, and sharing the same home brings both benefits and challenges,” Janice says. “It is a matter of seeing and hearing our calling — un derstanding where we are needed each day.”

Janice deeply appreciates the opportunity to help take care of her parents, Leon, 93, and MaryAnn, 90, who still live on the family farm.

“Since COVID hit in 2020, we started to help them out with running errands, etc.,” Janice says. “My mom is still the main caregiver for my dad, but she appreciates help with pills, setting up doctor’s appointments, and other household chores. They really enjoy me just being there to visit and to take them for short rides around the lake. I am also fortunate to have siblings and their spouses that are available to be there for them as well. I see Jesus in my parents as well as in my siblings.”

By doing so, Janice feels she is making a return to God for His generosity and that of her parents.

“Because my parents have always been active in their faith life and parish life, and have carried out that faith by being there and helping out my family at different times over the years, it only seems right to give back to them now in their time of need,” she says. “Being around them has given me the opportu nity to hear stories from their past that I didn’t know about. It is also teaching me patience as I see how we move much slower as we get older, as well as humili

ty as I help them take care of themselves.”

In addition to caring for family members, Janice has also enjoyed giving her time to our parish in vari ous ways over the years. On most Sundays, she serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and visits a homebound couple named Robert and Arvella Kellen.

“I bring them Communion, and we watch Mass on television,” Janice says. “This gives me a chance to hear a second homily, which is always interesting. Some days we pray the Rosary together, while other days we enjoy just sitting on the deck and looking at God’s gifts of creation in nature all around us. I really enjoy being able to take time to visit them and hear

Janice Savoye and family

Janice Savoye:

STEWARDSHIP STARTS AT HOME

how they and their family members are doing.”

Ultimately, it is Janice’s union with Christ, the Blessed Mother, and the saints that give her the strength to be a faithful steward of God’s love to all of those in her life. In the past, Janice taught catechism classes and served as a lector.

“I start out my day early in the morning by read ing Scriptures, saying prayers, and going for a walk,”

Janice says. “It is my time to reflect and listen to what God may be calling me to do. I also love praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, reading the book, Do Some thing Beautiful for God by St. Mother Teresa, and reflecting on the wisdom of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Each day I try hard to be thankful because even though life can seem crazy and hard, there are still so many things to be thankful for!”

GETTING TO KNOW NANCY ST. SAUVER

continued from front cover

Scripture. This is one of the ways in which she has grown spiritually as a result of her membership in the parish.

“I continue to spend time with the Bible and learning more and more since then,” she says. “It also gives me a chance to provide service to God and the Church.”

Most important in Nancy’s walk with Christ is her dedication to prayer, which is a regular part of her daily life.

“I need the graces of Jesus every single day,” she says. “Nothing happens without prayer.”

Nancy begins her day with two short prayers as soon as she wakes, and she prays the Rosary and Divine Mercy chap lets during the day. Winding down the day, she says bedtime prayers, as well. Nancy attends adoration every week and she dedicates time to praying for the souls in purgatory.

Prayer, for Nancy, is an essential part of her life. And

she especially believes in the power of intercessory prayer.

“There are so many needs and troubles in this world,” she says. “I can’t fix everything but I can pray for the needs.”

The Granite Falls Care Center Mass setup

“There are so many needs and troubles in this world. I can’t fix everything but I can pray for the needs.”

NANCY ST. SAUVER

“I have discovered that stewardship isn’t just a monetary thing, but it involves so much more. It is in all the little things that we do each day.”

JANICE SAVOYE

It’s time for a New Directory!

family, Connections Event

Celebrating faith. Connecting families. Sharing hope. When people enter the doors of our church they are looking for a place to belong. Our directory brings us together to develop new relationships, connect with our own families and reconnect with those we haven’t seen in a while. Join us for this “Connections Event” and be part of what God is doing right here at our church!

Directory Committee

Our church directory will not be complete without you. Join us to celebrate faith and family with our new church family album.

• Schedule your professional photography session when you stop by the sign-up table at church or simply go online and follow the instructions below.

If we don’t see your name on our list of appointments, you will receive a phone call inviting you to participate.

• Everyone who is photographed by Universal will receive a complimentary 8 x 10 portrait and a directory!

• Universal provides a complete professional portrait studio right here at our church! You’ll enjoy a variety of poses, backgrounds, portrait sizes, finish and framing options AND have the opportunity to purchase portraits to give to family and friends.

Set your appointment with Universal today! Gathering families, Connecting generations.

PHOTOGRAPHY DATES (MONDAY-SATURDAY)

Online scheduling Site: www.ucdir.com click on schedule appointment log in on the right side

Church Code: mn291 (this code is for all 3 parishes)

Members password: photos

A - St. Joseph: October 24-25, 27-29

B - St. James: October 31 & November 1

C - St. Andrew: November 3-5

You may sign up to have your portrait taken at any of the parishes, whatever dates work best for your schedule.

Portrait hours will be: Weekdays 2pm - 8:30pm & Saturday 10:30am-5pm. Appointments fill up quickly, so schedule as soon as possible to secure your preferred date. If you have 6 or more in your family, please use 2 consecutive time slots.

Online scheduling is available Monday through Friday.

HOPE PREGNANCY CENTER:

Sharing Christ’s Love With Families in Need

On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court an nounced that the Roe v. Wade ruling was overturned — letting each state decide instead of the federal govern ment whether or not abortion should be legal. This was an exciting day for the pro-life movement, which has persist ed since the original 1973 ruling. There’s still much work to do to ensure mothers and fathers have the support they need to keep their babies. The Hope Pregnancy Center in Willmar is doing that work now and will continue this work far in the future. The Hope Pregnancy Center is a place for families to find support and love as they navigate an unplanned pregnancy.

St. Joseph parishioner Avis Swenson has volunteered at the center for more than eight years. Her involvement started in an unlikely way. She had planned to attend the March for Life at the State Capital, but her husband, Dave, couldn’t attend, and the temperatures were extremely cold. Dave and Avis made a plan to get involved in the pro-life movement locally. Avis became a volun teer at Hope Pregnancy Center. Dave used his Knights of

Columbus connection to spread the word that the center needed a new ultrasound machine. Several Knights helped raise money for one.

“This work has always been meaningful, but now it’s more important than ever,” Avis says. “We need to provide for women and children. This important work is being done at places like this.”

The Hope Pregnancy Center is there to support families, offer classes for families, and provide STI testing. The staff’s goal is to help men and women facing an unplanned pregnancy. Avis goes a few times a month to volunteer for the day. She does everything from answering phone calls to cleaning to watching children while their mother has an ultrasound. There’s a baby boutique where families can earn points, called “baby bucks,” to shop. They receive points by attending prenatal appointments and going through classes. Mothers and fathers also receive a laundry basket full of supplies, called a “baby bundle,” after the baby arrives. As of July, 24 bundles had been distributed this year.

continued on back cover

“This is definitely the most God-centered place I have been honored to work at. We gather in prayer to pray for clients. Each of the staff members is so caring, and so focused on this position and this work and wanting to help others.”

— AVIS SWENSON

512 Black Oak Ave. Montevideo, MN 56265

www.holyfamilyarea.org

MASS TIMES (After Labor Day):

Sunday

8:30 a.m. — St. James, Dawson

10:30 a.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo 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

5 p.m. — St. Andrew, Granite Falls

7 p.m. — St. Joseph, Montevideo in Spanish

CONFESSION TIMES:

30 minutes before daily Mass Sunday

8 a.m. — St. James, Dawson Saturday

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

4:15 - 4:50 p.m. — St. Andrew, Granite Falls

HOPE PREGNANCY CENTER

from page 7

“There are times when women come in and want a specific staff per son to know that the time they spend with them was very meaningful,” Avis says. “They are very thankful that they came to the center.”

One time when Avis was volunteering, a staff member told her that after seeing an ultrasound of the baby, the woman told her, “Yep, I am going to keep this child.”

Avis credits her husband, Dave, for his support of this work. She’s also thankful to Fr. Paul Timmerman for his support of the center.

“This is definitely the most God-centered place I have been honored to work at,” Avis says. “We gather in prayer to pray for clients. Each of the staff members is so caring, and so focused on this position and this work and wanting to help others.”

Volunteers are always accepted at Hope Pregnancy Center — please call 320-235-7619 to get involved. Cash donations are also appreciated. The center always needs baby items for the baby boutique — Avis Swenson can deliver the items. She can be reached at 320-269-7838 or swensonavis@yahoo.com.