Our Lady of Hope Parish Newsletter — Apr 2023

Our

Lady of HOPE

CATHOLIC CHURCH

QUINCEAÑERA MINISTRY

Preparing Young Women for Important Coming-of-Age Milestone

InLatin American culture, a young woman’s 15th birthday is an important time in many ways. In both Latin America as well as many Latin communities here in the United States, it is customary to celebrate this coming-of-age milestone with a special Mass, followed by a grand party. Here at Our Lady of Hope, the Quinceañera Ministry helps to guide the birthday girl and her family through this transition to a young woman of faith.

“Although it’s likely that the custom of celebrating a girl’s transition to womanhood was practiced in ancient times, the particular customs associated with the Quinceañera probably date back to the time when Porfirio Diaz was president of Mexico from 18761911,” says ministry leader Kande Batz. “This celebration traditionally marks a girl’s coming-of-age and afterward she is considered a mature person who is ready to assume family and social responsibilities. It is a very important tradition.”

A Quinceañera celebration usually begins with Mass, known as the Misa de Acción de Gracias, or “Mass of Thanksgiving.” This Mass is to give thanks for the girl making the transition to a young woman. She wears a full-length ball gown in the color of her choice and carries a matching bouquet. Following the Mass, the guests then move to a banquet hall where the party will take place. In rural communities, a tent is often set up outside with chairs and tables for the party.

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For more information about the Quinceañera Ministry, contact Kande Batz at the parish office, 812-254-2883.

TEACHING BY EXAMPLE

The Importance of Prayer in a Child’s Life

“Iwantto be just like Mom and Dad!” Perhaps nothing lifts a parent’s heart like hearing these words. While certainly affirming, such words also remind us of the great responsibility that comes with parenthood.

Children often examine the lives of their parents when making decisions that will affect their own lives. For example, a young boy may dream of becoming a physician one day, just like his father. Or a young girl may hope to become a veterinarian, just like her mother. Could the same be said about their parents’ faith lives?

Just as children learn traits and values from their parents, they should also learn the importance and great joy of developing a personal relationship with Christ. And the foundation of such a relationship is prayer — conversation with God.

How should we go about teaching our children to pray? There are several methods, but none works as

well as teaching by example. Begin teaching the importance of prayer by praying openly with your spouse. This teaches children that prayer is meaningful and important, and not just a ritual. Also, pray with your children — in the morning and in the evening. Show your sons and daughters the importance of beginning and ending each day in prayer.

While a fortunate dilemma, it’s a dilemma nonetheless — Catholics face the challenge of discerning which prayers to use, considering the thousands available. A good rule of thumb is to start simple — maybe an Our Father or Hail Mary, and then move into something more complex — Hail, Holy Queen or Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, among others. Begin with prayers your children can pick up fairly quickly. Not only will this show them that praying can be fun and easy, but shorter prayers are also usually easier to understand.

Teach your children the importance of spontaneous prayer, rather than just prescribed prayers. Spontaneous prayer is any prayer that is created at the same time it is offered. Another way to think of spontaneous prayer is “praying in your own words.” Structure spontaneous prayers according to the ACTS acronym — Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. In layman’s terms, this means beginning each prayer with words of adoration, such as “You are the Lord God Almighty. I love you.” Move into a period of contrition, asking God’s forgiveness for the sins you have committed. Then, give words of thanksgiving, thanking God for the gifts He has given. Finally, spend time sharing with God your heart’s desires. These intentions can be personal or on another’s behalf. Following this format ensures that spontaneous prayer “covers all the bases,” and doesn’t become just a mental wish list. While God wants to hear and grant our wishes, He also expects words of adoration, contrition and thankfulness.

The best time to begin praying with your children is right now. The sooner they learn about prayer, the sooner they can begin cultivating their own relationship with Jesus. Many parents even pray with their children before birth, hoping their unborn son or daughter can hear their words in utero. Remember, there is no better way to teach one’s children about the value of prayer than by example.

The Easter Message Is the Foundation of Our STEWARDSHIP

Dear Parishioners,

How do you feel at the end of the Palm Sunday Mass each year?

Have you ever noticed the abrupt shift of tone during that liturgy? It begins with great joy, as we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to the acclamation of the crowds. But then the mood swings to sorrow, despair even, when the passion Gospel is read, for we hear those same crowds shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” a few days later.

Palm Sunday, of course, begins Holy Week, the most important week in the Christian year. The confusion of conflicting moods is spread through the week, especially during the Easter Triduum from sundown Holy Thursday to sundown Easter Sunday.

Holy Thursday offers us the glorious Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrating the institution of the Eucharist before we pass to the sadness of the betrayal and arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The next day brings us the Good Friday Liturgy of the passion with our recognition of what our sins did to the Incarnate Son of God. Then, after a day of waiting as we mourn Jesus’ burial and repose in the tomb, we celebrate His victory over sin, Satan, and death at the Easter Vigil on Saturday night or at the Masses the next day. If we have participated in all the main services of the Triduum, we arrive at Sunday evening exhausted but joyful.

Our joy comes not only because Christ rose from the dead, but also because we benefit from it. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it, “The Paschal mystery has two aspects: by his death, Christ liberates us from sin; by his

Resurrection, he opens for us the way to a new life” (654).

In other words, Christ’s Resurrection is the source of our own future resurrection. St. Paul wrote about it to the Romans — “For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection” (Romans 6:5).

Eternal life in union with Christ — a hope for a new life beginning now and extending on into heaven — is the result of Jesus’ Resurrection. What greater grounds for thanksgiving can there be than this Easter hope? We should sing with joy about this promise from God!

And how do we show our joy and our gratitude to God for this amazing gift He has given us? We join in worship and praise God by word and song. We share the Good News of Jesus’ victory over death with our family, friends, and neighbors. And we offer back to the Lord a portion of the time, talent, and treasure He has entrusted to us. Yes, the Easter message that we share in the benefits of Christ’s Resurrection is the ultimate foundation for all Christian stewardship.

In Christ, Fr. Paul Ferguson Pastor

A Letter From Our Pastor

Golden Gala Promises Evening of Fun and Fellowship

It’salmost that time of year once again! The annual Gala is soon approaching, with the theme Golden Gala

The Gala serves as a major yearly fundraiser for the Catholic Community of Washington, but it is much more than that. It showcases the talents and generosity of our local community, as parishioners and local businesses come together to support our work. It’s a festive evening for fun and fellowship and all are invited to participate.

Sharon Carie, Gala Chair, has seen the event benefit the community in many ways.

“I hope the Gala will continue to help the Catholic Community thrive and grow,” Sharon says. “Through the generosity of our parishioners as well as many businesses and outside sources, thousands of dollars have been raised over the years to help the Catholic Community.”

The Gala consists of a dinner, a silent auction, and a live auction. The silent auction is also available online for anyone to participate in. The money raised benefits the community and the schools in many ways and every year the needs are different. Over the past 10 years, the Gala has provided tuition assistance, technology upgrades, building maintenance and upgrades, and more. Each year, a need is chosen for the Fund-a-Need. Past needs included the church sound system, church bathroom upgrades, Chromebooks for the school, and a minibus. This year, the Fund-aNeed will go towards improving the soccer field.

The real excitement is in the huge variety of items and experiences for auction. These are limited only by the creativity and talents of our community. From vacations, a party yacht, and tickets to the Kentucky Derby, to Yvonne Evans’ home-baked breads, and reserved parking and pews at the church, the possibilities are endless and exciting.

During the Gala, David King and Donald Wade will be awarded the Loving Legacy award.

“This award is for someone who goes above and beyond, ministering to our Catholic Community,” Sharon says. “It’s very hard to decide and there are so many worthy recipients but these former teachers at the Washington Catholic High School have made impressions on the lives of so many students.”

There are many ways to get involved. Parishioners can purchase tickets, sponsor a table, participate in the silent

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Fellowship in Support of Our Catholic Community

and live auctions, and volunteer in a variety of ways. Details about sponsorships and the auctions have been shared in an informative letter.

“Everyone can be part of it in some way,” Sharon says. “It takes a lot of time and effort to put on the Gala. We not only need financial assistance but also appreciate your prayers in making this year’s Golden Gala a success!”

The Golden Gala will be held at 5 p.m. on April 22. Tickets are $80 and should be purchased by April 7. The silent auction opens online on April 8 and will close at 7 p.m. on April 22 at www.biddingowl.com/ccw

Tickets can be purchased at the parish office. To volunteer or learn more, contact Teresa Joyce at 812-254-2883 or tjoyce@evdio.org, or Sharon Carie at 812-698-0431 or slcarie@hotmail.com.

QUINCEAÑERA MINISTRY

The ministry’s main function is to prepare both the quinceañera and her parents for the event, especially the Mass. Since this birthday is a big step on the path to discipleship, the ministry guides the birthday girl on her spiritual journey. As the ministry leader, Kande meets with the quinceañera and her parents five times before the celebration.

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“We make sure that the quinceañera receives any sacraments she may need, especially Confirmation,” Kande says. “We ask them to join Confirmation class if they haven’t received that sacrament yet. If they have already received the Sacrament of Confirmation, they are encouraged to find a ministry in the parish where they can share their talents and gifts with the community.”

QUINCEAÑERA TERMS

Quinceañera (the 15-year-old) — In Spanish, the term quinceañera is reserved solely for the honoree; in English, primarily in the United States, the term is used to refer to the celebrations and honors surrounding the occasion.

Chambelanes (chamberlains) — Boys or young men who escort the quinceañera and perform a choreographed dance with her. The dance is referred to as a waltz, but often incorporates other dance styles.

La última muñeca (the last doll) — The quinceañera is presented with a doll which is said to be her last doll, because after turning 15, she will be too old to play with dolls. As part of the ritual, she passes the doll on to a sister or other younger family member.

El primer ramo de flores (the first flower bouquet) — The birthday girl is offered a bouquet of flowers, which are symbolically the first flowers she is offered as a young woman.

Washington Catholic Youth Attend Indiana March for Life

Sixteen youths from the Washington Catholic community attended the Indiana March for Life on Jan. 23. Most of the students from our youth group attended, and were chaperoned by Kyle and Hannah Freyberger, along with high school theology teacher Sam Mattingly.

The participating youth shared with us their thoughts and reflections on the event.

What was the most memorable part of the trip for you?

“Mass, because it was crowded, and we fit 10 to a pew,” says Brady Hunter. “I’ve never been to a Mass with that many people — it was loaded.”

“I agree with Mass,” says Chloe Garland. “It was nice to see so many youths there. It’s been a long time since I’ve been at a Mass with that many people my age there.”

“Mass — listening to the choir was so beautiful,” says Stephanie Montoya Meza.

“I agree that the choir was beautiful,” says Mya Cline.

“It was really cool to see all the schools come together,” says Lexi Gootee.

What was it like to be around so many like-minded youths?

“It made me feel backed up in my belief — that my belief was reaffirmed by so many others,” Chloe says.

“It was a relatable time because we were all there together,” Lexi says.

Why did you choose to go on this trip?

“It was going to be a cool experience and I could stand up for life with other people my age,” Brady says.

“I wanted to see what was up, especially since it’s been moved to Indy,” Stephanie says.

How did this increase your resolve to fight for life?

“I definitely feel like it’s important because there were so many people who were our age,” Chloe says.

“The young girl speaker was cool to see because she was so passionate and outspoken about right to life and she was around our age.”

Responding to the Glory of Christ’s Resurrection at Easter Dying, He Destroyed Our Death; Rising, He Restored Our Life

“He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

On the third day He rose again from the dead” – Apostles’ Creed

As we come to the end of our Lenten journey toward Easter, let us take a moment to meditate on three pivotal lines from the ancient creed, which comprise the central events of our redemption.

Far from being a mere myth or legend, in Jerusalem around the year 30 A.D., Jesus Christ — the Son of God made man — was tortured at the hands of the Romans. He was flogged, beaten, spit upon, and crowned with thorns. He was made to carry the cross through the crowded streets to Golgotha and, once there, He was crucified — He was nailed to a cross and died. Just as someday we will each be laid in our graves, Jesus was laid in His.

The most obvious question that confronts the observer of this horrific reality is “why?” Luckily, Christ made the impetus for His self-sacrifice quite clear: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life” (Jn 3:14-15).

The reasons Christ died on the cross are twofold, one negative and one positive. The negative cause is sin. Only in witnessing the cost of redemption — the death of the Son of God — can we begin to comprehend the profound magnitude of sin: “You have been purchased at a price,” says St. Paul (1 Cor 6:20).

Conversely, Christ willingly accepted the cross because of love. St. John famously says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).

Uniting these two causes, St. Paul says, “God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).

In His limitless compassion, Christ entered into the fullness of human suffering — physical torment, emotional agony and utter isolation — so that He might share complete solidarity with mankind. Accordingly, His passion and death not only accomplished our redemption, but by the cross, He also showed us the way to true discipleship. For Christ taught His disciples long before His crucifixion, “if anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Lk 9:23).

Christ’s is the final and perfect covenant between God and man, and it is a covenant of love, with Christ Himself as its high priest. Nevertheless, this covenant is not based on love as popular culture conceives of it, but love as Christ displayed it: “The way we came to know love was that He laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16).

Joined with the passion, Christ’s Resurrection is the key to the entire Gospel — for in rising from the dead, Jesus proved true His bold promises. He had prophesied to the apostles, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again” (Jn 10:18). The Resurrection vindicates this promise and validates His teaching and miracles.

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Washington, IN 47501

812-254-2883

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The Glory of Christ’s Resurrection at Easter

Furthermore, Christ, “the firstborn from the dead,” opened the door to eternal life and to new creation (Col 1:18). Out of the darkness of despair, the scattered and frightened disciples saw the risen Christ and were renewed and transformed. Filled with faith in the crucified and resurrected Savior, they evangelized the known world.

St. Paul summarizes the centrality of the redemptive power of the Easter Triduum with his characteristic zeal: “If Christ has not been raised, then empty (too) is our preaching; empty, too, your faith. Then we are also false witnesses

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to God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins” (1 Cor 15:14-17).

This Easter, let us respond to the glory of Christ’s Resurrection by exclaiming, as St. Thomas the Apostle did, “My Lord and my God!” And may each of us be filled with faith in God of our salvation, hope in the rewards He has won for us, and love for Him who has deigned to bestow them on us.

This Easter, let us respond to the glory of Christ’s Resurrection by exclaiming, as St. Thomas the Apostle did, “My Lord and my God!” And may each of us be filled with faith in God of our salvation, hope in the rewards He has won for us, and love for Him who has deigned to bestow them on us.