AUGUST 2020
the phi lipian
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F S T . P H I L I P N E R I C AT H O L I C C H U R C H
St. Philip Neri Gets Ready to Kick Off Another Year of
Faith “T
Formation!
rain the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.” With these words, Proverbs 22:6 instructs us on the great importance of bringing children up in the faith. Here at St. Philip Neri, we have a wonderful faith formation program that ensures our children learn the traditions and doctrines of the Catholic faith. While the format of our Faith Formation classes has changed to accommodate
necessary precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing certainly remains the same — the joy and enthusiasm that our team of dedicated catechists bring to our students as they instruct them in the faith! Taking into account current social distancing guidelines, our Faith Formation program will be seeing some changes. Children will meet in smaller-sized classes only once a month, gathering in the parish hall continued on page 2
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Faith Formation where there is more space to spread out. Lessons and materials will then be sent home with families to work on at their own pace between class meetings. The benefits of this new format include a greater family participation in faith formation, in keeping with the Church’s view of parents as the first teachers of the faith. While the monthly meeting times are changing this fall, many things about our Faith Formation program will remain the same. The curriculum is Biblebased, students will have the opportunity to build a relationship with their catechists, and the program will continue to keep the kids engaged with games, activities, crafts, and visits to the prayer garden. Mary Harden continues on as our Faith Formation Director. After 16 years in this role, Mary still finds her job inspiring and uplifting. “When you see that you’ve reached a student, when you have changed their mindset, there is this joy in knowing that you are changing their lives in some small way,” she says. “When you see that they understand the love of Christ in their life and what they can do with that, it’s just huge.” Having worked in faith formation for many years, Mary has seen firsthand the importance of beginning to form children in the faith from an early age. “I’ve had parents say they want their kids to make their own decision, but if you wait and the children aren’t exposed to anything, they won’t really be able to make a decision,” she says. “But when you give them that foundation, it’s something that — inevitably when they grow up and have their own children — that foundation will be there, and they will come back to it.” Far beyond the textbook learning of Church
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teachings and prayers, Mary and our catechists seek to impart to our students an awareness of the deep love God has for all of His children, an appreciation of His many gifts, and a desire to share the blessings they have received. “We send home collection envelopes with the families, and we talk about the importance of going to Mass every week and helping those that are in need,” Mary says. “We talk about when you’re in the lunchroom and someone new has moved to the school, the importance of making them feel welcome, or if you see someone who forgot their lunch, you might share your sandwich. During our Halloween Trick or Trunk, we collect food for the needy, and we also collect items for a shelter for battered women.” Our Faith Formation program is blessed with many wonderful parishioners who give generously of their time to serve as catechists. With the need for smaller class sizes this year, the parish is in particular need of more helping hands. Mary is grateful for the incredible team of volunteers who come together to provide our youngest parishioners with loving instruction in the faith. “The love, the patience, and the charity that our volunteer teachers show these children is amazing,” Mary says. “Giving of their time — certainly a stewardship pillar — is something that I could never repay them for. Some have been doing this for 10 years, and they enjoy the interaction with the kids and imparting their faith in them and watching it grow. I could not do this without volunteers, so I just want to sing their praises every chance I get. I’m so appreciative of them!”
Interested in learning more about enrolling your child in our Faith Formation program, or are you interested in volunteering as a catechist? Contact Mary Harden at 803-548-7282 or faithformationdirector@saintphilipneri.org. For more info, visit www.saintphilipneri.org/getting-involved/formation-education.
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A Letter From Our Pastor
Understanding God’s Gift of Time Dear Parishioners,
W
ith the arrival of August, I find it hard to believe that summer is just about over! Of course, some of us are trying to squeeze in that last vacation, or just simply enjoying a “staycation” at home, soaking in the glorious summer season for a few more weeks. But for the most part, we’re starting to transition back into the swing of our fall routines. I once heard a quote from a psychologist who said time seems to pass more quickly as we get older because we’re experiencing fewer “firsts.” When we’re continually experiencing new things, time tends to stand still while we’re living them. After we’ve repeated those events numerous times, they don’t faze us much anymore — and before we know it, months have passed, seasons have changed, and it’s time to start the annual cycle again. Yet, we should not allow our time to be something that simply evades our grasp, trickling through our fingers. After all, time itself — every moment on this earth — is a gift from God. We each have 24 hours today and seven days this week to use however we please. At the end of this summer, we have the
opportunity to reflect on how we chose to use our time these last few months. Did we set aside time to pray? Have we allowed for time to serve others? Did we devote time each day to serve God? When we assess the use of our time, we must make a spiritual examination — “Have I been a good steward of the time given to me?” Maybe now is a good time to make some changes in our lives and get more involved. There is no better time than right now to seek out ways to serve God, our parish, and those around us. This is what it means to be a good steward! As the lazy days of summer give way to the routine and activity of fall, remember to keep God in your hearts, in your minds, and on your tongue as we continue our stewardship journey as a parish family. Please pray for me as I continue to pray for you all. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Fabio Refosco, C.O.
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Four Sisters C
Bu Y
ou have likely heard the popular expression, “the family that prays together, stays together.” And one might also say that the family that prays together stays close to Christ. In the case of four sisters who are all parishioners here at St. Philip Neri, both of these claims are true. Janet Norton, Eileen Bridges, Trish Baker and Maureen Clary are all active in parish life here, following the example of their parents, Jim and Pat Donlevy, who raised them to live as intentional disciples in the Catholic faith. Carrying on this family tradition, the children of both Janet and Eileen participate in parish activities, as well. “Our parents were always very faith-centered,” Janet says. “I’m number seven of 10 children, and Eileen is number eight, Maureen is number one of 10 and Trish is number four, and we all have done different ministries at the church. Our parents were always reading the Bible and saying the Rosary. We had very good role models of being part of the parish, being taught that we the people are the body of Christ and each have our own special spot.” Janet and her husband, Clay, have three children — Alyssa, 22; Breanna, 19; and Catherine, 15. When the girls were young, Janet helped with our parish Vacation Bible School and served as an Edge core member. She was also actively involved at St. Anne Catholic School. “Being part of my kids’ faith formation was always important to me, so I would volunteer very frequently at St. Anne Catholic School,” Janet says. “I became their first cross country coach and was on the technology board with my sister, Eileen. All my kids had Catholic education for 12 years. I can definitely see the virtues in my children, and it’s so inspiring to see that and the notes they have written, thanking me for raising them in the faith.”
Eileen Bridges with her family — (from left) Dalton, Larry, Eileen and Declan.
Like Janet, Eileen volunteered regularly at St. Philip Neri Preschool, St. Anne Catholic School, St. Matthew Catholic School, and with our parish youth programs to support her two sons in their faith journey. Both Dalton, 19 and Declan, 15, have followed in their mom’s footsteps to be actively involved in serving at St. Philip Neri. Dalton was an altar server from third grade through 12th grade, and also ushered in ninth grade through 12th grade. Declan also altar served from third grade through ninth grade, and has become an usher in the past few years. For Eileen, watching her boys participate in the Mass brings back a lot of fond childhood memories. “I just think about how it was when I grew up and we always tried to go to Mass together,” Eileen says. “There were eight of us born in the span of 10 years, then my sister seven years later and brother nine years later, so I’m sure we were quite a sight! I have fond memories of that, so it’s just something that my husband and I have continued on page 5
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I think the people are the Church. When you are more engaged, you feel more a part of things, and the people here are wonderful. I feel like we’re really very fortunate at St. Philip Neri, and there is something for everybody.
Eileen Bridges
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Cherish an Extended Family
uilt on Faith always done with our kids. And I can remember my parents talking about how special it is to serve at Mass, which is why I’m thankful that my sons both served. So hopefully they’ll have some good memories, too, for their kids.” Thankful for the firm foundation in the faith passed on to them by their parents, Janet, Eileen, Maureen and Trish hope that their children — and all the youth of the parish — will grow ever closer to the Lord and His Church. “As a parent, you make the recommendation, and your kids have to be the ones to take the step,” Janet says. “Having that foundation in the faith was the number-one priority for me, because that is the tool that will get them what they really need in life. What I hope is that our parish can continue to be so loving, caring and inviting to all young people.” “I think the youth is the future of our Church,” Eileen agrees. “So we have to give them a strong foundation and help them understand their faith and make it interesting for them, too. We’re fortunate at St. Philip Neri because we’ve got a good youth group and a good coordinator for Edge and for Life Teen.” Well into their adulthood, Janet, Eileen, Maureen and Trish have continued to be inspired by their parents’ dedication to staying active in their parish of St. Matthew. Jim was a longtime lector, Eucharistic Minister and sacristan until his passing. Now in her 80s, Pat continues to serve as a spiritual director and sacristan. Here at St. Philip Neri, the fruits of faith and service planted and nurtured by the Donlevys are evident in Maureen, Trish, Janet and Eileen as they as serve as lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Adoration participants and other various other ministries. Down through the generations, this family that prays — and serves — together is sure to continue to touch the hearts and lives of many! In turn, they find themselves abundantly blessed here in our faith community. “I think being involved in the church has given me more a sense of belonging, support and wisdom,” Janet says. “By being connected, I get stronger.” “I think the people are the Church,” Eileen says. “When you are more engaged, you feel more a part of things, and the people here are wonderful. I feel like we’re really very fortunate at St. Philip Neri, and there is something for everybody.”
Jim and Pat Donlevy (center) with their 10 children — four of the Donlevy sisters are parishioners at St. Philip Neri.
Janet Norton and her family — (from left) Clay, Alyssa, Cat, Bre and Janet. Clay joined the Catholic Church in April 2019.
In addition to Janet Norton and Eileen Bridges, two other Donlevy sisters are St. Philip Neri parishioners. Pictured here are sisters Trish Baker (left) and Maureen Clary (right) with Maureen’s daughter, Lauren (middle), whose three children have been baptized in our parish.
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Stewardship of Treasure
Giving to God First H
ave you ever wondered why no one really becomes uneasy when someone brings up the first two “Ts” of stewardship — giving of your time or talents — but when the third “T” comes up, many of us become uncomfortable? That third “T” is treasure, and some people simply become so annoyed by the subject, they tune out the words from the pulpit. Why is there seemingly such an adverse reaction? Our finances are such a personal subject. Discussing money issues with others is not easy, and having someone tell us what to do with our finances is even worse. We earn the money, after all. So shouldn’t we decide what to do with it? Of course, the answer is “yes” — we decide every day how to spend our hard-earned dollars. Indeed, the monetary choices we make will either keep our finances in check, or put us into the red. The average American family has about $7,000 in credit card debt — so finances certainly represent a challenge to our current society. Tight budgets, trying to “keep up with the Joneses” or poor financial management may be to blame for our tight resources. Does this mean we do not have anything left over for God? Stewardship, at its roots, teaches that we are not supposed to give God our “leftovers.” We should instead strive to return to God a portion of our “first fruits” — giving to God first and then using the rest for our other needs. God gave us our talents that help us earn a living, after all. He should come first. This idea can be worrisome for many. If our finances are already strained, how will we ever find enough to give back to God? Or, if we do try to give God our “first fruits,” will there be enough left over to cover our required expenses? Taking the correct financial steps toward good stewardship simply boils down to trust — believing that God, who takes care of all of His creation, will take care of us. Trust that in giving to God first, we are both acknowledging that our multitude of blessings come from Him, and that we are thankful He chose to give them to us. And finally, trust that if we give to Him first, that all else will fall into place — because He is in ultimate control.
STEWARDSHIP at its roots, teaches that we are not supposed to give God our “leftovers.” We should instead strive to return to God a portion of our “first fruits” — giving to God first and then using the rest for our other needs.
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More than Just the “Future Church”
Life Teen Mass and Lifenotes Band I
n many homes, it’s a familiar debate. As children turn into teenagers, most start to consider the role of faith in their lives — and with that, they may question the importance of Mass. For many young people, it seems easier to connect with God while out in nature, or from the comfort of their room. However, here at St. Philip Neri, we hope to help our young people appreciate the Mass as the “source and summit” of our faith, while also creating an opportunity for them to fully enter into prayer — and service — at our Life Teen Mass. The Life Teen Mass takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays, and is designed to provide an engaging worship experience, as well as give young people the chance to help with the liturgy. “I dislike the saying, ‘The youth are the future of the Church,’ because that’s not true,” says Tayler Howie, Director of Youth Ministry and Confirmation. “They are the Church. They’re no less the body of Christ than any of the rest of us. They don’t need to wait until they’re older to be involved in ministry during the Mass — they can be doing that now. I think it helps them take their faith more seriously.”
In addition to serving as lectors, ushers and Eucharistic Ministers, one of the ways that teens — and anyone “young at heart” — are encouraged to use their gifts is through our Lifenotes Band. This ensemble provides music for our Life Teen Mass, and is a bit different from other groups within our parish Music Ministry, both in the selection of songs and the style of worship. “The Lifenotes Band mainly performs contemporary Christian music, whereas the other Masses are more traditional,” says Zinorl Bronola, who serves as band director and has a master’s degree in piano performance. “It’s aimed at engaging young people, but we believe that anybody who is young at heart can be part of the band.” The Lifenotes Band provides a way for people to use their gifts in service to the parish community, while also drawing others into prayer. “Music is the accompaniment of your prayer,” Zinorl says. “Being in the band is like using a megaphone. The teens, they can obviously pray by themselves, but when they are singing, it’s like their continued on back cover
The Lifenotes Band gives both young people — and those young at heart — a chance to use their musical gifts to worship God.
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The Life Teen Mass and Lifenotes Band continued from page 7 prayer is heard by everybody and it uplifts them. Their music is being heard for the common good of exalting God.” In addition to prayer and service, the Life Teen Mass also provides an opportunity for young people to be reminded that they are not alone in practicing their faith. In a world where many youth choose not to prioritize God, it can be particularly encouraging — for teens and adults alike — to look around and see young people engaged in worship each week. “In attending that Mass, they can look around and see they’re not the only youth in this parish — there are other teens attending Mass and taking their faith seriously,” Tayler says. “It’s the idea of growing in holiness as a community. It’s easier when you look around and see the support of your peers who are also practicing their faith.” Tayler encourages youth to consider using their gifts to serve the parish community at the Life Teen Mass. “Do not be afraid,” Tayler says. “The main reservation teens often have is the anxiety of messing up. This is a
way to actively take hold of your faith — don’t be afraid. If you have a desire to serve the church community, that’s what we’re looking for.” “Keep on using the talents that God has given you,” Zinorl adds. “Do not be ashamed of sharing it with others.” For more information, or to become involved with the Life Teen Mass, contact Director of Youth Ministry and Confirmation Tayler Howie at youthministry@saintphilipneri.org or 803-548-7282, ext. 227. If you have musical talent you would like to share as part of the Lifenotes Band, contact director Zinorl Bronola at zinorl@gmail.com or 803-448-2775.