Our Lady of Hope Parish Newsletter — June 2023

Our

Lady of HOPE

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Welcoming Seminarian Tyler Underhill Home to Our Faith Community

After three years in Rome, parishioner Tyler Underhill is excited to be back in the Washington area for the summer.

“I have only been back one other time since starting my studies in Rome, “ Tyler says. “It is always such a joy to see fellow parishioners, to celebrate the liturgy with them, and of course to see my family and friends!”

Tyler, a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Hope, has been working on his seminary studies in Rome, and as he nears his diaconate ordination this September, he is back in Indiana to serve Holy Family Parish in Jasper for the summer.

“I am so excited to be home,” Tyler says. “And even though I am not serving at Our Lady of Hope, I plan to visit often. I hope to get to know the parish community well during my time there. I am looking forward to learning a lot about parish life from Holy Family’s pastor, Fr. Jeff Read.”

Tyler says his studies in Rome have deepened his faith in remarkable ways, and he is looking forward to

using what he’s gained in Rome to serve the local church here in Indiana.

“My time in Rome has been filled with great blessings,”

“Be Open to the Lord’s Call”

Tyler Underhill and the Diocese of Evansville Vocations Director, Fr. Tyler Tenbarge, during a lunch at the Pontifical North American College Seminary

Welcoming Seminarian Tyler Underhill Home to Our Faith Community continued from front cover

Tyler says. “I have had the opportunity to see how Catholicism is practiced by many different cultures as many of my classmates are from all around the world. I have had the opportunity to grow closer to many saints while here as well. So many of the saints are buried around the city. Many of the churches here contain a saint’s body or relics. To be able to pray with the saints in such a tangible way has been wonderful for my faith life.”

With a strengthened life of faith and a greater understanding of Christ and His Church, Tyler is thrilled about his ordination.

“I cannot wait to assist at Mass as a deacon,” Tyler says. “Being able to assist the priest and to preach are two elements of diaconal ministry that I am very excited to carry out.”

He will flourish in the role of preacher as he offers us some sound advice.

“Always be open,” Tyler says. “Be open to the Lord’s call in your lives. Be open to where He may be leading you. Be open to the daily encounters you have, not only with the Lord, but with those He has put in your life as well. Our Lady of Hope gives us an incredible example of what it means to be open to the Lord. Her ‘yes,’ and her openness to the Lord, led to our salvation!”

What’s more, speaking specifically to those of us who may be discerning a religious vocation, Tyler offers valuable advice.

“Be not afraid!” he says. “Talk to the Lord. Take time to pray about this calling. Talk to a priest or religious and know that the prayers of the Church are with you.”

Tyler says that our parish’s support, and in a particular way the support of Fr. Paul, has had a huge impact on his ability to hear God’s call and follow it. He prays that the same is true for all Our Lady of Hope parishioners.

“This parish is special,” Tyler says. “The support for vocations here is unlike most other parishes, and it matters. It makes a difference.”

If you see Tyler around the parish over the summer, be sure to tell him “hello” and offer him your love and prayers as he continues his studies. We look forward to seeing Tyler around and are joyfully anticipating having him back as Deacon Tyler very soon!

Tyler Underhill

Tyler Underhill on Easter break at the Abbey of Einsiedeln in Switzerland with two Benedictine Monks of St. Meinrad — Br. Joel Blaize and Fr. Edward Linton

Remember to Keep the Faith This Summer

Dear Parishioners,

Aswe 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 a soup kitchen, 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 religious education class, joining the choir, 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 your carbon footprint, recycle more, or conserve resources.

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.

In Christ,

Fr. Paul Ferguson Pastor

Washington Catholic Robotics’ Club Members Bring A Place for Teamwork and W

orking together as a team towards a specific goal is an important skill the students in the Washington Catholic Robotics’ Club learn from their participation. Thanks to their teamwork and innovation, the club qualified and competed at the 2023 VEX Robotics World Championship, in the Elementary School Event

“There were 800 elementary teams at World,” says Sandy Davis, the team’s advisor. “Students came from all over the world to compete. They were divided into ten divisions and competed with their alliance to crown a champion. Our team was in the Innovative Division.”

To qualify for the international competition, the students competed first at the state tournament here in Indiana. Competing against 133 other groups, the team formed alliances with other teams to get into the final. The top 24 alliances competed in the finals, all of whom were invited to the World Championship.

“We ranked 20th out of 133 teams at state,” Mrs. Davis says. “Indiana has the biggest state tournament in the United States.”

(From left) Hank Haag and Oliver Armstrong at the Indianapolis State Championship

(From left) Adrian Newton, Kinsey Kelso, Hank Haag and Oliver Armstrong in front of the VEX sign

(From left) Adrian Newton, Kinsey Kelso, Hank Haag and Oliver Armstrong with trophy and robot

Bring Ideas to Fruition at World Championship and Innovative Concepts

While the Washington Catholic Robotics Club includes 30 students across elementary, middle school, and high school, the students representing the club in the World Championship were Oliver Armstrong, Hank Haag, Kinsey Kelso, and Adrian Newton.

Oliver was in charge of the programming. He says he most enjoyed “meeting different people at the competition and forming allies with other teams.”

Adrian and Hank built and designed the robot. Adrian’s favorite part was “building the robot and coming up with a design.” Hank says they “have learned to work as a team supporting each other’s ideas.”

And Kinsey acted as manager, saying that “there is no ‘I’ in team. We have to work together to improve the robot.”

The Washington Catholic Robotics Club received a startup grant from VEX Robotics and a grant from Daviess County Community Foundation when Mrs. Davis began the club several years ago. It started with elementary and middle school teams but has now opened up to high schoolers as well.

The club is important to Mrs. Davis because it teaches students important life skills and lessons.

“It is a club where you can build a robot from scratch using VEX products, program the robot through an autonomous program, and compete at competitions based on a game that changes every year,” Mrs. Davis says. “At the competition, teams form alliances with other teams so communication is a key to success. This club builds on STEM. Students who enjoy building, programming, and being part of a team can apply to be on the team and then have a tryout.”

Looking ahead to the future, Mrs. Davis hopes to add more teams and upgrade the technology for the clubs. She remains grateful to the parish community and local businesses who have supported the program over the last seven years and is very proud of all the students involved.

“It is not just about winning a competition,” she says. “It is about what the students take away from the competition, and that they continue to learn and grow in the STEM fields.”

(From left) Oliver Armstrong, Hank Haag, Kinsey Kelso and Adrian Newton at VEX Robotics World Championship

(From left) Oliver Armstrong, Adrian Newton, Kinsey Kelso and Hank Haag in front of Innovate Division

Celebratingthe Sacraments of

First Communion and Confirmation

We congratulate our young parishioners who received the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation this spring. We have enjoyed celebrating with you as you make these important steps on your lifelong faith journeys!

A Catholic’s Guide to Good Summer Reading

Have you been wondering what to read during vacation this year? Why not give spiritual reading a try?

There are thousands of titles out there — too many for any one person — just waiting to make a positive impact on your faith life. Reading is a fantastic opportunity for general spiritual direction and good practice for every searching soul. Choose a title from “you can’t go wrong” authors such as Louis de Wohl, G.K. Chesterton, Peter Kreeft, Francis de Sales, C.S. Lewis, and Scott Hahn. Their works alone should take you well into the summer, and possibly through to the next decade.

Or, choose from this list of great Christian books, in no particular order:

The Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux

In this autobiography and all-time favorite Catholic book, St. Therese teaches her “little way” of spiritual childhood. Millions of copies have been sold worldwide.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

One of the most popular introductions to the Christian faith ever published, this series of broadcast talks has been collected into book fashion. Mere Christianity sets out to “explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times.”

Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism by Scott and Kimberly Hahn

This offers a conversion story of a brilliant, anti-Catholic Scripture scholar and his wife to the Catholic faith. Now well-known speakers and Catholic apologists, Scott and Kimberly recount their story with simplicity and love.

The Good News about Sex & Marriage: Answers to Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching by Christopher West

This down-to-earth application of Pope St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body is an easy-to-read, yet insightful account of the Church’s teaching on sex and marriage.

What Catholics Really Believe by Karl Keating

Addressing 52 of the greatest misconceptions of the Catholic faith, Keating draws upon Scripture and Tradition to dispel errors and explain the rationale behind Church teaching.

No Greater Love by Mother Teresa

This anthology collects the teachings and sayings of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Founder of the Missionaries of Charity and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, St. Teresa of Calcutta speaks joyfully about her work with the poor and God’s call in our lives.

Surprised by Truth edited by Patrick Madrid

Eleven converts give their Biblical and historical reasons for becoming Catholic. These unique personal testimonies continue to transform hearts throughout the world in an insightful read for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Something For Young Catholics

As for the little ones at home, nothing settles them into bed better than a good book. Seek wholesome children’s literature that communicates Christian messages. Be sure they are positive, healthy stories with characters they can emulate that inspire virtues such as courage, justice, charity, patience, generosity and prudence. To name a few:

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

This series of seven fantasy novels is considered a classic in children’s literature. Chronicles of Narnia alludes to traditional Christian ideas within the framework of an exciting tale of adventure.

Little Acts of Grace by Rosemarie Gortler, Mimi Sternhagen (Illustrator) and Donna Piscitelli

This beginning-level book is a fantastic way to introduce 2 to 4-year-olds to Catholic customs. It is written in an age-appropriate, beautifully explained way.

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315 N.E. Third Street

Washington, IN 47501

812-254-2883

www.ccwash.org

A Catholic’s Guide to Good Summer Reading

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All (or just one) of the 20 books of the Mary Fabyan Windeatt saint biographies

This unbeatable collection of saint stories, appropriate for children of all ages, is perfect to read aloud with the whole family.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: Missionary of Charity by Sr. Mary Kathleen Glavich

There is no better way to introduce children to St. Teresa of Calcutta! This book highlights her work with the poor and includes a special prayer for children.

The Story of Easter by Aileen Fisher

Tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and explores how different cultures celebrate Easter. This is recommended for children in first through third grades.

HAPPY SUMMER! HAPPY READING!