St. Jude Thaddeus, Christ the King and St. Paul Catholic Churches Newsletter — October 2022

Christ the King • St. Jude Thaddeus

St. Paul

SACRISTAN MINISTRY: Performing Essential Role in Preparing for the Mass

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith. Many of us come to Mass each Sunday, sit in our pew and partake in this beautiful liturgy. But for things to run smoothly, a little preparation is required. That is where the sacristan ministry comes in.

The role of a sacristan could be compared to prepar ing your home for dinner guests. You prepare the table and the food so that everyone has everything that they need to simply come in and enjoy themselves. Similarly, the sacristan prepares everything so the priest can walk in and celebrate Mass and the parishioners can come in to partake in the liturgy.

While the specific duties of a sacristan can vary based on what is needed for each liturgy and the preferences of each priest, the basic job of a sacristan is to prepare the items needed for that Mass. This typically would include filling the ciborium with the unconsecrated hosts and placing it at the back of the church to be brought forward at the presentation of the gifts, filling the cruets and pitcher, seeing that the purificator, corporal and lavabo towels are all ready to be used during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Finally, they assist with the cleanup after Mass.

Amie and Ray Schultz have been performing the sacristan duties at Christ the King for many years. “Ray and I are both of the mindset that when you see something that needs to be done, you step up and do it,” Amie says.

“There was a need in the parish, so we became sacristans and have been doing it ever since.”

Currently, the Schultzes are the only sacristans in the parish. The hope is to have more of the young ladies of our parishes step up and fill this role.

“Father says that if you have received your First Communion, you are old enough to serve in this way,”

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FALL

Stewardship of Time: The Foundation of Our Faith Lives

A professor stood at the head of the class with a big glass jar. He put six big rocks in the jar with the rocks up to the edge and then asked his students, “Is the jar full?” They replied, “Yes.”

The professor told the students, “No, it’s not.” He then pulled out gravel and put it in the jar. He then asked, “Now is it full?” The students once again replied, “Yes.” The professor responded, “No, it’s not.” He reached down and pulled out sand, which he poured into the jar with the same responses. Then, he reached for a pitcher of water and poured it in, all the way to the brim. Then he asked, “Now is it full?” And the students replied, “Yes.”

The professor then asked, “OK, what did you learn from this?” One student responded, “No matter how many things you’ve got in the jar, there’s always room to put a little more in.” The professor told the class, “No, that’s not the lesson. The lesson is, if I didn’t put the big rocks in first, they would have never fit!”

Most Catholics may ask how this can apply to our own prayer lives. Essentially, every person must decide what the “big rocks” are in his or her life. And prayer should be one of those big rocks in the jar.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has told us stewardship is part of discipleship and is a way of responding to God’s call in every aspect of our lives. We refer to the three facets of stewardship as “Time, Talent and Treasure,” and when we consider the importance of these three Ts of stewardship, the “time” component

comes first by design.

Stewardship spirituality is about trying to become more generous with our Time, Talent, and Treasure. And there’s a reason why “Time” is first. We need to take time to talk to God and take time to be quiet and seek to listen as He expresses His love for us and wants us to know His inspiration in our life.

There are many different forms of prayer. From week ly prayer such as the Mass, to daily personal prayer, such as a daily Rosary. Morning and night prayer are also important disciplines to maintain. Set aside a comfortable place in your home where you can find silence. Focus on a spiritual image and take time to center yourself with Scripture or other spiritual reading.

For many, spending large portions of the day in silent prayer is not possible. But make it a priority to find moments of quiet throughout the day, and find ways to in corporate prayer amid your busy schedule. When you get into a vehicle, pray — before a meal, after a meal, if you’re faced with a tough decision. Just pray!

Just as in any human relationship, communication is a central aspect of a vibrant relationship with God. Prayer is fostering this communion of love with God. He loved us into existence, and He wants us to enter into a loving conversation with Him. We’ve got to talk to Him. And we must listen to Him. He will take care of everything if you just trust Him. He’s knocking at the door and waiting for us to open it in prayer.

A Letter From Father If Not Stewards, Then What Are We?

Dear Parishioners,

As a stewardship community, it is important to ask how well we understand the message of stewardship that keeps surfacing in all we do in our personal life and the life of our parishes. If not stewards, then what are we? If not disciples 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 given to each of us shouldn’t be taken for granted. 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 steward 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 views us to be the stewards He expects us to be. 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. Bishops’ pastoral letter, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, 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 challenging statement to invite us to reflect on what our Catholic 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 given 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 resist seeing ourselves in the way our God sees us?

Connecting stewardship and discipleship is inevitable in my book. For that matter, it is inevitable in the “Good Book,” which we identify and recognize 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?

Your servant in Christ, Rev. Joseph G. Moreno, KHS

Meet Janelle Stahr: “PAYING IT FORWARD”

“P aying it forward” has become a trendy phrase. When someone blesses you, pass it on. That’s exactly what Janelle Stahr is doing through her involvement in the Gabriel Project. This ministry serves moms in need by supporting them through their pregnancy to the child’s first birthday. Janelle was in the same shoes as some of the women served through the Gabriel Project — she was a single teen mom as a junior in high school. Janelle is thankful she had family support when she found out she was pregnant. Her son, Josh, is 36 years old.

“I can remember so clearly the fear that came over me when I found out I was pregnant,” she says.

Janelle recognizes that her parents were a tremen dous support to her and Josh. She was able to finish high school and earn a bachelor’s degree in college. But she knows many women don’t have this help. This is the rea son the Gabriel Project is near and dear to her heart.

“I truly felt called to help support other women in the position that I was in,” Janelle says. “I want to help them keep their baby.”

Janelle was attending Mass at Sacred Heart in Wichita Falls when she learned about this ministry during the homily. She stepped forward to help and is part of the core group for the Gabriel Project. Sacred Heart serves as the hub for this ministry, but all area parishes are wel come to get involved and refer mothers.

With the overturning of Roe v Wade , now is the perfect time to start or reinvigorate ministries that help pregnant mothers.

“Our goal is simple — to help women who are pregnant,” Janelle says. “They are assigned an ‘angel,’ who is with them until the baby’s first birthday to help support them emotionally and help connect them with resources. They provide unconditional love to the mom and baby.”

The Gabriel Project is coordinated through Catholic Charities. Parishioners can get involved by becoming a

trained angel or donating items like crib mattresses, dia pers, baby clothing and wipes. Cash donations are also appreciated. Janelle also wants people to know that this ministry isn’t just for teen mothers. Any mother in a dif ficult pregnancy situation can be paired with an angel, even if they already have several other children.

“This really brings my heart joy,” Janelle says. “This is an awesome program, and it’s wonderful to be a part of it.”

Janelle is paying it forward in every sense of the phrase. She wants to provide love to all moms, and she

“This really brings my heart joy. This is an awesome program, and it’s wonderful to be a part of it.”

JANELLE STAHR

Janelle Stahr

AND SERVING MOTHERS IN NEED

can’t wait to get started.

“Every scenario is different, and it’s the Gabriel Project’s mission — it’s my mission — to be there to support these women,” she says.

Janelle has been a parishioner at St. Jude Thaddeus since she was 13 years old. She and her husband, Ed, moved out of state for two years and recently moved back. She previously

served as a CCD teacher and in the Altar Society.

“There are so many good people here at our parishes,” she says. “When we moved back, we were welcomed with open arms.”

Professionally, Janelle works in child support for the Attorney General’s office. She enjoys spending time with family and their dog, doing yard work, and being outside.

If you would like to learn more about the Gabriel Project, please visit www.stjudeburkburnett.org/local-pregnancy-resources

You can sign up to volunteer or make a donation online.

SACRISTAN MINISTRY

Amie says. “It is such a privilege to assist with Mass in any way, but being a sacristan is special. You are filling this role because you love God and the Eucharist. You are doing it to help the priest and your parish family.

“It gives you this sense of connection to the Mass,” she adds. “Attending Mass is a beautiful thing, but it means so much to be a part of it by assisting.”

There are many opportunities to be involved in our

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parishes and assist at Mass including being a greeter, usher, lector, or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Being a sacristan is a great ministry for those who prefer to serve in a more behind-the-scenes way. It is a quiet role that allows you to serve God and others.

“It is a great way to be involved that doesn’t require you to put yourself out there as much,” Amie says. “It is great for those that are more introverted.”

AMIE SCHULTZ

Training for this ministry is very hands-on. Anyone interested in becoming a sacristan can come to Mass 30 minutes early — the current sacristans will teach the trainees where things are located and how to prepare everything.

Amie Schultz — Christ the King Suzan Tugman — St. Jude Thaddeus

“It is such a privilege to assist with Mass in any way, but being a sacristan is special. You are filling this role because you love God and the Eucharist. You are doing it to help the priest and your parish family.”

Basic Questions About Our STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL

What is a Stewardship Renewal?

This isn’t a parish fundraiser — far from it. Our Stewardship Renewal is the time when we ask each other to reprioritize the way we use God’s gifts in the Church. It is the time we write down how we will grow closer to Christ in the coming year.

Why should I fill out a commitment card?

Your Commitment Card allows you to make commitments to prayer, parish ministries, and offertory giving, or what we call “time, talent, and treasure.” It is an excellent opportunity to move forward spiritually and personally. Pray about how God is calling you to take steps to grow in your faith.

How many parish ministries are there at our parishes?

“Ministry” is a general term for any parish group, organization, or regular activity. There are dozens of ministries in our parishes. You can sign up for certain ministries, or recommit yourself if you’re already involved.

What if I sign up for a ministry, but later find I’m not very interested?

You are not making a solemn promise to participate in a particular ministry when you mark it on your commitment card. If you find that the parish group is different than you thought, or simply that their meeting time doesn’t fit your schedule, you can change your mind. There are plenty of oth er ministries to consider.

I’m hesitant to make a firm financial pledge. What if I lose my job?

If your circumstances change, your gift will change. In Scripture, we are asked to “give according to our means.” So if you lose your job, you may be unable to give at the level you pledged. Likewise, if you get a promotion, you may be able to give more. That is why our standard of giving is based upon a percentage of income.

What happens if I don’t fill out a commitment card?

Returning a card is an important part of being an active parishioner. If for some reason you lose your card, you can complete a card on our website. Please make every effort to return it!

TIME, TALENT AND TREASURE

Please bring your Commitment Card to Mass on Commitment Weekend, November 12-13 . How will you use your time, talent and treasure in our parish?

Stewardship of Time

Our definition of Stewardship of Time: Using my time on earth wisely; making time for personal prayer, family prayer, and quality time with friends and loved ones.

The bottom line about prayer: Without prayer, we cannot thrive spiritually. As Catholic Christians, it is a necessity to spend time each day speaking to God. This includes reading Scripture and saying prayers such as the Our Father and Hail Mary, but even more importantly, it should include a heart-to-heart conversation with Jesus. He wants us to bring him all our fears, longings, needs, and desires.

Stewardship of Talent

Our definition of Stewardship of Talent: Using my God-given abilities to strengthen the Church and help others, especially through parish ministries and activities.

The bottom line about parish ministry: No Catholic Christian exists in a vacuum. Scripture makes it clear that we must function within the wider faith community, putting our gifts in the service of others. It’s not enough to go to Sunday Mass; we need to be involved in parish life and ministry.

Stewardship of Treasure

Our definition of Stewardship of Treasure: The wise and just management of my financial resources; giving a proportionate amount of my income to my parish.

The bottom line about financial support: We need to take seriously the Biblical concept of the tithe, and start giving based on a percentage of income. It’s our calling to support the Church with our personal involvement and our financial support.

An Inside Look at Our Confirmation Preparation Program

Coordinator Emma Brown Ensuring Students Ready for Essential Next Step on Faith Journey

Confirmation is the last big step that a young Catholic takes to be a full, adult member of the Catholic Church. Emma Brown coordinates Confirmation preparation at St. Jude Thaddeus and takes this spiritual mile stone for her students seriously.

“This is the last formal education they get before they’re confirmed,” Emma says. “I tell them that if they have any questions or concerns, now is the time to bring it up. Later, you can always go to your priest or deacon, but that’s going to be up to you. I really try to make sure they’re on a good foot before they become adults in the Church.”

Emma has been a catechist for 10 years and knows the three parishes in the area well. She has been a catechist at St. Jude Thaddeus and Christ the King and has attended all the parishes at some point. While she has worked with different ages in the past, Emma particularly enjoys the Confirmation students and how they are able to think through what they are learning and ask difficult questions.

“I like that age group and their energy,” she says. “I’m glad I can be there for them and I think they feel comfortable coming to me with questions.”

Confirmation preparation is a two-year process. St. Jude Thaddeus uses two different curriculums and Emma rotates each year so that the students can benefit from both programs. Both curriculums involve videos and time for

discussion.

During their second year of preparation, students are asked to complete eight service hours — four can be from service at church. Students could participate in the parish service project in the spring or fall, help with the Food Drive, or volunteer at the Fall Festival. During the summer, students who are entering their second year of Confirmation preparation could volunteer with Vacation Bible School. Outside of church, there are lots of possibilities, such as helping with a little league team, and students can find what interests them.

Confirmation preparation culminates with a retreat hosted by students from the Catholic Campus Center at Midwestern State University. Currently a one-day event, the retreat is a chance for the students to get to know each other better, meet students from other parishes preparing for Confirmation and encounter their faith in a new way.

“Many of them start the retreat apprehensively,” Emma says. “They think it’s going to be boring, but by the time it’s over, there’s this change in them. Their minds are opened up, they come out of their shell. By the end, they’ve had a good time and learned something really positive.”

The latest class was confirmed on Sunday, May 8. Eight students were sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and received as adult members of the Church.

To register your child for Confirmation preparation, contact Deacon Dave Poole through the parish office at 940-569-1222.

Emma Brown