St.
Patrick’s P A R I SH m o n t h ly n e w s l e t t e r
Inside This Issue: 2 Highlights of Our 2021 Stewardship Renewal
3 A Letter From Father
Christmas: Keeping Holy the Season
4 Plans Underway to
Establish a New Catholic High School for Fall 2022 A Common Vision to Form Students in the Faith
6 The Origin and Beauty of the Nativity Scene
7 Meet Dr. Byron Lake and
Dr. Neva Monigatti-Lake: Using Talents for God's Glory
DECEMBER 2021
The Altar Ministry: Faithfully Preparing Our Church for the Liturgies
T
he liturgy is essential to the Catholic faith. At each Mass, we experience the Last Supper, as Jesus gives of His Body and Blood. Central to the celebration of the Mass is the altar. It takes a dedicated group to keep the altar and the entire church prepared for each liturgy. Thankfully, we are blessed with a committed team at St. Patrick that gives of their time and talent to ensure that everything is in place throughout the church. Peggy Griffin has been coordinating our Altar The Altar Ministry Ministry at St. Patrick for about seven years. She is keeps our parish looking quick to credit her great team of 14 members for all their work, as she certainly couldn’t carry out the beautiful all year. ministry's work alone. “This makes you part of the liturgy in a different sense than some other ministries,” Peggy says. “The liturgy is the summit of our faith.” The group's work includes everything from cleaning the holy water fonts to switching out the flowers and washing the altar linens. A few continued on page 5
St.
Patrick’s P A R I SH Highlights of Our 2021 Stewardship Renewal
R
ecently, St. Patrick's Parish conducted the 2021 Stewardship Renewal, which gave our parish community the opportunity to discern how we are using our gifts of time, talent, and treasure in gratitude to God. This month, we are happy to share with you some of the highlights of the Stewardship Renewal. - There were 138 commitment cards received from 18 percent of parish households. - There were 1,311 prayer commitments — the stewardship of time — from 127 parish households. - There were 584 ministry commitments — the stewardship of talent. Of these, 179 were new ministry commitments, while 405 were re-commitments to parish ministries. - There were 107 offertory commitments — the stewardship of treasure — with an average pledge of $2,557.
We thank all those who participated in our 2021 Stewardship Renewal at St. Patrick's. If you did not have the opportunity to fill out and return a commitment card, we invite you to consider the ways you may share your gifts of time, talent, and treasure with God and the parish community!
TALENT
(con tinu
ed) = Currently Involved = Inte rested in Joining
Clearly write the first name of family mem ber on the line.
PRAYER TIME
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TALENT
(con tinu
ed) = Currently Involved = Inte rested in Joining
TALENT SERVICE
TREASURE
Clearly write the first name of family mem ber on the line.
St. Patrick's Pari sh
Spending Time withMus God Using My Talentscontinued ic Ministry — Adult choirs Community Meal My Offertory Gift to God in Prayer Music Ministry — Children’s in Parish Ministries cho
ir Love raordinary Min Mus “Love the Lord your God with allicyour “For they gave according to their means, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Ext iste Ministry — Teen rs of Holy choir Commu heart.” In order to keep this commandment, testify, requires that we act in the best interests of nion to as theI can Hospita l and beyond their means, Pilgrim Virgin of Fat ima we must spend time in prayer, talking to of their own free will... but first they gave others. How Hom Extyour e can you serve others by raordinary Min isters of Holy Visi on with Enthro the One we love most. Below aretati some to the Lord” (2nd Cor. 8:3-5). involvement sign nement in our parish? When you Com munion to themselves the of athe and Sacred Heartup for a program, the leader will call suggested ways to make prayer priority. return to the Lord, we at St. Patrick's youebo to und As a Sick Hom Prayer Warriors Parish ask each household to give: explain how to become involved. Gabriel Project Please check the circles below to mark Rosary Group = Currently Involved = Interested in Joining your prayer commitments: Hab itat for Hum 5% to anity the Offertory at St. Patrick's Parish Please clearly write the first name(s) of and SecHoly ular Day Franciscans Interfaith Food Ministr1% to the diocese (e.g. ACA) Attend Mass every Sunday interested family member(s) on the line. y Mass at least once a Attend weekday Knights of Columbus 4% to other charities FORM ATION week My Offering of Time, HOSPITALITY Talent & Treasure Prison Ministry month Go to confession every Adult Faith Format Circle of Friends ion in personal prayer AD Spend 15 minutes a day ORY COUNCILS My Offertory pledge to St. Patrick's Parish: Bible Study FellowshipVIS Ministry Eucharistic Increase time spent in Greeters Book Club Gathering Faith Formation Commit Adoration by one hour a month First & Last Name tee of household income: % Percentage Helping Hands Finance loved ones Chi ldren's Faith Format Pray together with my Council ion Senior Outreach Ministry Vol unt Have an extra meal a week with my family eer weekly or monthly Pastoral Council Please complete either a Pho ne Ushers offertory gift: hourFait a week h-Sharing Groups Read the Bible for one Stewardship Committee Welcoming Committee a week Pray an extra Rosary Marriage Encounter Weekly gift $ x52Ema = $ il annually I wo uld like Widows Wisdom Circle Chaplet weekly to offer to share the Pray the Divine Mercy Mt. St. Mary Academy Volunt eer foll ow retreat ing tale Schedule time for a spiritual or nts /skills with my parish Opening Doors for PerPRAYER : sons Perform a weekly act of kindness Who Have Develop _____________________ gift $ x12Spo = $use: First annually mental & Last Name ______Monthly Altar Ministry Pray for my country daily _____________ Disabilities or Special Needs ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Altar Servers _____________________ in vocations Pray for an increase RCIA — Rite of Christia ___ _ n ______ ______Mercy Chaplet of Divine use: _____________________ Weekly givingSpo Initiation of Adults, Pray for our priests participant basedPho onne _______ sinfulRCI habit Culture of Life ___ ___ Work to overcome 1 ___ _____________________ A — Sponsor/catec proportion of income hist ___ _______ natural Eucharistic Adoration Pray for life from conception _________ Youto Spouse: Email _____________________ th Ministry: High Sch death ool Extraordinary Ministers Giving Chart _________Weekly of _ ___ _____________________ serving in the military Pray for those Holy Communion SERVIC ___ E ___%___ of Hshld Income: 10% 5% 4% 1% ______ _ Pray for Fallen-Away Catholics Lectors Household Income Amount of Weekly Gift Add ress Ber eav em Read a Spiritual Book for 30 minutes a ent Ministry Mercy Associates $30,000 $58 $29 $23 $6 week Bill's Wheels $96 $48 $38 $10 Ministry of Consolation ST . PA TR ICK 'S PA $50,000 RIS H $70,000 $134City$67 $54 $14 Catholic Ladies Relief State Society Ministry of Praise ZIP $100,000 $192 $96 $76 $19 235 Cha pel St. • Gra ss Vall ey, CA Plea$153 se brin$38 continued on next pane g this continued on back panels 959 card $200,000 $384 $192 45 to Mass or mail l (530 ) 273 -234 7 • stpa using the envelope prov tric kgra ssva lley.org ided. Thank you and God bless you!
2021 CO MM IT ME NT CA RD
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A L e t t e r F ro m F at h e r
CHRISTMAS: Keeping Holy the Season Dear Family,
F
r. Ramos and I talk about a lot of different things and around half of our discussions cover actual serious parish business. Recently, we have been talking quite a bit about what we call in Spanish, “the December Feasts.” These include the feast (and holy day of obligation) of the Immaculate Conception — Our Lady under this title is the patroness of the United States. Then there is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of our diocese. In early December, the priests of our deanery will begin the circuit of penance services, helping each other with communal Penance Services. With much trembling and trepidation, I have to start thinking about tax season and making sure that’s in order. But I think like many, what takes center stage is one of the greatest feasts of the year — Christmas! The Messiah born an infant, so that we might know and love Him, the wondrous fact that God would want to share our lives so intimately He became flesh and dwelt among us. This is reason enough for us all to rejoice and celebrate. But Christmas has been ladened with so many extra things that the “reason for the season” seems to be disconnected more and more as the years go by. There are Christmas cards to write and send out, and for some, this will be our only communication with them all year — don’t get me wrong, I love taping all my cards to my office door! There are parties to plan, meals to shop for, gifts to buy and wrap. Who is hosting? Who is visiting? All of this and more as we get closer to the season. It’s no wonder the Christ Mass becomes an afterthought! Maybe, though, we can weave our commitment to stewardship into our Christmas activities. Treasure is the simplest. Shouldn’t the most
expensive present to any one person be Whose birth we are celebrating, our Lord Himself? Risen and Glorified, He needs nothing we have, but His Body, the Church continues His mission and always needs resources. Just as with every Christmas, there will be families who need a little help to have a merry Christmas. Someone will ring the rectory bell needing just a bit of help to make things reach. Time might be a little more complicated, but can’t we find the time for worship and prayer? My favorite part of Christmas Day, after all the Masses and family time, is when I lock the church up and steal a few moments at the crib with the Christ child before turning the lights off. Drop in for a visit to the manger this Christmas, marvel at Love Incarnate. There can be a special grace before Christmas dinner. Many people attend Mass daily during Advent — why not during the Christmas Octave? And Talent? The possibilities are endless — not only in sharing home-baked goodies with friends and neighbors but dropping off a meal to someone who won’t have a Christmas dinner. Invite a neighbor to Christmas dinner, help at a local charity serving the poor. December means Christmas, but with some planning, this hectic time can be a time of grace and blessing for all. Please pray for me that I may keep Christmas well and I shall do the same for you. Your Father in Christ,
Fr. Estrella, Pastor
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St.
Patrick’s P A R I SH Plans Underway to Establish a New Catholic High School for Fall 2022
H
igh school is a pivotal time for teenagers, in which they begin to explore and question their beliefs and begin to solidify their places in their communities. Although our teens are growing older and more independent, at this time, they also need guidance more than ever. Over the past two years, Fr. Alexander Estrella — as well as many in the parish and community — have identified the need for a Catholic option for high school in our area. Next fall, the parish hopes to start the first school year of a brand-new Catholic high school, as part of the Chesterton Schools Network. “We all saw this need, and the Chesterton Schools Network gives us the opportunity to implement it," Fr. Estrella says. "It was a common vision, and I’ve been assisted by some great members of the parish who are very supportive and want to help. I think it can be hard for young people to be faithful believers in today’s society, and we want to provide an environment where
A Common Vision to Form S teenagers can question openly and honestly, and be led to truth.” The first Chesterton Academy was founded in 2007 near Minneapolis, Minn., with the mission to offer a classical, integrated, and Catholic high school education that was also affordable for families of average means. In 2013, the Chesterton Schools Network was established as a way to help other groups start schools in their own local areas, following the model of the original Chesterton Academy curriculum and approach. “One of the main features of a classical curriculum is an integration of curriculum, where all the classes relate to each other,” Fr. Estrella says. “So, for example, the literature you’re reading is going to be from the period of history that you’re studying. You’re not going to be studying ancient history and modern literature at the same time. Another feature is that it includes primary texts —
you’re reading the works from the writers and thinkers themselves, instead of reading books about them. So, there is synchronization to the curriculum, where you’re relating them to each other in regard to history and timeline, and developing critical thinking and discussion skills. There is a focus on the Socratic method, and many of the classes and seminars are done using that method.” Another aspect of Chesterton schools that appealed to Fr. Estrella was the strong Catholic foundation. “You’re not only receiving a comprehensive education but also learning to engage with these things within the light of the Church — you have the fullness of grace to illuminate what you’re learning,” he says. “There is also a focus on the development of character, and there is daily Mass, and opportunities for adoration, confession, and retreats. They learn to take their place in the parish and community. During these years,
"During these years, when teenagers want real reasons and real explanations, this type of education can provide them the material to get the answers to their questions. We want them to be able to say why they are Catholic, and that their faith is important to them and part of their identity." — Fr. Alexander Estrella
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The Altar Ministry
Students in the Faith when teenagers want real reasons and real explanations, this type of education can provide them the material to get the answers to their questions. We want them to be able to say why they are Catholic, and that their faith is important to them and part of their identity.” A Chesterton school is also designed to be financially accessible — an aspect that encouraged the parish to pursue this route. “Catholic high school can be very expensive,” Fr. Estrella says. “God willing, our tuition will be 40 to 60 percent less than a typical Catholic high school in our diocese.” The parish plans to modify existing parish spaces to house the school at the start. “Our immediate plan is to use some of the current facilities of the parish, and modify them so the students are able to have a sense of being in high school,” Fr. Estrella says. "We are discerning a long-term solution for a proper school, and we have some ideas already. It’s a labor of love and an act of faith, and we believe God is calling us to do this and will give us the means of opportunity.”
If you would like more information about the school, or about upcoming recruitment nights, please visit www.caofstpatrick.org or contact the parish office at 530-273-2347.
continued from front cover times a year, the members perform a deep cleaning of the parish and they also change out the decorations to match the liturgical season. Each person on the team has a task which they do alone or with a few others. For instance, someone keeps track of swapping out candles while another group cleans the corporals and purificators. It’s these small, simple tasks that make all the difference at St. Patrick. Peggy points out that none of this work is hard, but it all has to get done. “Some members love taking care of flowers and would have no interest in doing the ironing of the altar linens,” she says. The team gathers to do the work together when it comes to decorating for a holiday or deep cleaning. In these instances, there is a lot to be done at once, but every part of it is essential to the life of St. Patrick’s. “When I was first asked, I didn’t know what this all involved,” Peggy says. “It’s such an honor to know that we are able to give the sanctuary the dignity it deserves.” Peggy asks all parishioners to consider how they might be able to give of their time, talent and treasure at our parish. It could be through serving as a lector or choir member, or something that takes place behind the scenes, like the Altar Ministry. “To be involved in a ministry, you should be asking what you are called to do, not what you have to do,” she says. In addition to being thankful for the opportunity to do this work, Peggy is also grateful to the people she has met through this ministry — their faith is a continual inspiration to her. Altar Ministry members are always willing to take on extra tasks, doing what needs to be done without asking for anything in return. “There are so many faith-filled people in this ministry,” Peggy says. “They are good people to be around. They are responsible and reliable. They want to be there. I am blessed to be part of a great team.” If you would like to get involved with the Altar Ministry, please contact Peggy Griffin at peggygriff@att.net or 530-263-6777.
St.
Patrick’s P A R I SH The Origin and Beauty of the Nativity Scene W ith all the commercialism surrounding Christmastime, it’s far too easy for us to lose sight of the true reason behind the season. Overwhelmed by our endless to-do lists and the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping, our focus quickly shifts away from the Christ Child’s birth. And yet, hidden amongst the holly wreaths and garlands, the Christmas Nativity remains a tangible reminder of the Incarnation, pulling us back into time for a moment as we reflect upon the incredible gift of Christ’s birth. Interestingly, it was circumstances much like our own today which first led St. Francis of Assisi to recreate the Nativity scene nearly 800 years ago. Frustrated with the growing materialism and greed that seemed to pervade 13th century Italy, St. Francis wanted a way to visually remind people of Christ’s humble beginnings — to show them that Christmas isn’t about pomp and circumstance or material goods, but rather about unselfish love. Describing the idea to his friend Giovanni, St. Francis wrote, “I want to do something that will recall the memory of that child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger...” And so St. Francis’ idea took form on
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Christmas Eve in 1223. This original Nativity scene was a living one, even including live animals. Villagers were deeply moved by the silent display of humble beauty, and the Nativity tradition soon spread throughout Italy and surrounding Europe. It is a tradition that remains today in nearly every Christian church and in many homes. In fact, it’s hard to imagine Christmas without a Nativity scene somewhere. Coming in various sizes and styles, each Nativity replica continues to focus our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas — to help us remember that Christmas isn’t about the amount of gifts under the tree or the festive decorations, but rather about celebrating Christ’s birth. Many families have a tradition of hiding the Infant Jesus, only placing Him in the crib on Christmas morning. This helps build anticipation during the Advent season as we anxiously await the Divine’s birth. Others go a step further, actually wrapping up the Christ Child to be opened as the very first gift of Christmas. Yet, whatever your family’s particular traditions, we hope that the Christmas Nativity continues to draw your heart heavenward this Christmas season — to center us all on the greatest gift ever given, our Incarnate Lord.
Meet Dr. Byron Lake and Dr. Neva Monigatti-Lake: Using Talents for God's Glory
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fter Dr. Byron Lake and Dr. Neva Monigatti-Lake finished their medical school residency, they traveled around the world for about a year, from 1988 to 1989. During that time, God touched their hearts in an extraordinary way and revealed to them what their medical profession was truly all about. “We spent about three months as missionary doctors, working with St. Mother Teresa's sisters, the Missionaries of Charity, in Calcutta, India,” Neva says. “Byron worked with a British physician for a street clinic for lepers. It was wonderful. Each morning at 6:30 a.m., we went to Mass with the sisters, and in the evening, we all had adoration along with the Rosary.” They savor many memories from this time of service, but especially that of being in the company of Mother Teresa herself. “We got to meet Mother Teresa,” Neva says. “She used to meet with us volunteers in the morning before we would go out and work in the various apostolates. After Mass, she would talk to us for about five minutes to encourage us. Once, one of the volunteers who was there along with us asked her, 'Mother Teresa, how do we keep from getting lice? The street people we are helping are covered with it.' She said, 'If the good Lord should choose to bless you with lice, it would be so you can share in your poor neighbor's sufferings.'” This beautiful experience helped shape the direction that they would both embrace as physicians using their talents for God's glory. “We met when we were very young, and we both felt we had a calling to the ministry of serving God through medicine,” Neva says. In addition to being faithful stewards of their careers as doctors, they also strive to be loyal to their mission as Catholic parents to their grown children — Michaela, Camille, Sophie, Kellen, and Isabella. Their first grandchild was born recently, as well. When their children were growing up, they
Dr. Byron Lake and Dr. Neva Monigatti-Lake feel blessed to use their talents for God's glory. cherished the opportunity to belong to our parish school family. “All of our children went to Mt. St. Mary's School from preschool through the eighth grade,” Neva says. “We were part of the school community for 20 years. We did a lot of volunteer work for the school at the time, and I always really enjoyed it.” What's more, Neva previously taught St. Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body to high school students. “It was a fabulous program, and I loved teaching it,” she says. “It was open to students in our parish as well as in the local community. The program involved taking an overnight weekend
continued on back cover
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St.
Patrick’s P A R I SH 235 Chapel Street Grass Valley, CA 95945 (530) 273-2347 stpatrickgrassvalley.org
Meet Dr. Byron Lake and Dr. Neva Monigatti-Lake continued from page 7
retreat with them to further establish their understanding of Theology of the Body, and provide them with more in-depth time to study it. It was all so rewarding and wonderful!” These days, Neva loves spending time with Jesus in Adoration and serving as a lector along with Byron. Both of them deeply appreciate our parish community. “I love the sense of community at our parish, and the real love for the Catholic faith that the parishioners have,” Neva says. “There are so many faithful parishioners who love going to daily Mass and are very devoted to their faith.” When asked what words of wisdom they would offer to someone who is considering getting involved in our parish for the first time, Neva responds with advice rooted in stewardship and fellowship. “I would say, you are going to get back so much more than you give," she says. "You are going to find a community of wonderful people whom you love. Through whatever ways you end up helping at the parish, you will find like-minded people who enjoy doing the same thing, and they will become wonderful, encouraging friends.”
“I love the sense of community at our parish, and the real love for the Catholic faith that the parishioners have. There are so many faithful parishioners who love going to daily Mass and are very devoted to their faith.” — Dr. Neva Monigatti-Lake
MASS SCHEDULE Monday-Saturday: Daily Mass at 8:30 a.m. | Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m. | Sunday Mass: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. (Spanish)