dec 2021
Inside 2 Keeping Things in
Perspective During the Christmas Season
3 Stewardship Possibilities are Endless at Christmas
4 The Rosary Walk: A
Wonderful Gathering for Prayer, Exercise and Fellowship
6 What Is the Immaculate Conception?A Closer Look at this Important Feast Day — Dec. 8
7 Grounds Beautification
Ministry Keeps Flowers Blooming on Our Parish Campus
7023 W. 71st Street Overland Park, KS 66204 www.queenoftheholyrosary.org
Honoring
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Our Lady of Guadalupe
as One
Parish Family in Christ
his year on Dec. 12, everyone in our parish family — Hispanic and non-Hispanic alike — has a beautiful, unique opportunity to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, and take her as their heavenly mother. “I once heard a priest explain to a group of children that Mary appeared to the Mexican peasant Juan Diego first, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t for people of other cultures as well,” says The 2020 Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass Vicki Reyes, President of the Society of Guadalupe. “She is for everyone, not just Hispanic people.” From lively Mariachi music that cheers the heart to Mexican hot chocolate that warms the body, members of our parish family enjoy honoring this grace-filled feast day with all of their souls. “As the morning Mass begins (in English), members of the Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe walk in with Father,” Vicki says. “Afterwards, we have authentic Mexican refreshments, pastries, and bread. This celebration is such a wonderful way to help Catholics find out more about their heritage. It is also a great way to preserve the rich traditions of this feast day for our young people and pass it on to them, or they will just die out. Each priest we have had has been supportive of it, which is so helpful.” Normally, outside of years influenced by the pandemic, this annual celebration is funded with the help of a taco supper that is put on each year by the Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Their fundraising efforts cover the costs of the band, refreshments, and decorations. Our parish’s Society of Our Lady Guadalupe has been together since 1987. Over the years, they have fulfilled various continued on page 5
Queen of the Holy Rosary C at h o l i c C h u r c h
Keeping Things in Perspective During the
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Christmas Season
he Christmas season has arrived. Garlands, poinsettias, lights, and Christmas trees are starting to pop up in homes and businesses. Cookies are being baked, holiday guests are arriving, and Christmas cards are flooding our mailboxes. This joyous season is now upon us. But before we know it, in just a few short weeks, the Christmas cards will be replaced with holiday bills and statements reminding us of the money we spent on holiday gifts for our loved ones. So how are you financially handling the holiday season thus far? Perhaps you are staying within your means by planning a detailed budget and remaining within its limits. You may be taking advantage of seasonal sales in order to purchase that otherwise expensive, sought-after item. Maybe you are simply overspending on unnecessary items, having been drawn in by the seasonal marketing campaigns. The financial pressures of creating the perfect holiday scenario can be quite daunting, especially in America, where the “buy now, pay later” philosophy prevails. Of course, we all want to provide a wonderful Christmas experience for our family and friends. But at what cost? As good stewards of our financial resources, we are called to be responsible with our money throughout the entire year, even at Christmas. Take a moment to remember last Christmas. Do you remember all the presents you received? Probably not. Instead, you probably remember the way a certain food tasted, or the smell of the Christmas tree, or how the beautiful lights glistened in the dark. You most likely remember the feelings of joy caused by sharing a special occasion with loved ones. These are the memories that truly matter most, rather than what was packaged under the tree. Though most of us believe this in our hearts, each year we find ourselves focusing on the material aspects of Christmas, sometimes forgetting the true reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
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After all, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas if we didn’t buy nice presents for every person on our long gift list – or would it? Perhaps, instead of just buying and spending, we could use our talents to share with others. Or, as busy as we are these days, maybe we could actually spend more time with those we love. We could make a gingerbread house with our grandchildren, or brew up a cup of hot cocoa and watch It’s A Wonderful Life with our family at our side. We are often so busy shopping, we don’t have time for sharing of ourselves. As good stewards, we are called to share our time and talent with others to glorify God, just as much as we are called to share our treasure. And even if we are fortunate enough to have the financial means to shower our friends and family with gifts, should we so recklessly spend our money? Aren’t there better places to utilize our God-given treasure? Keeping our finances in perspective can be difficult, but asking God’s guidance as we make our financial decisions this holiday season is a perfect way to stay on track. Ask God to help you be a good steward. Ask God to give you the strength not to overspend as a result of guilt or a desire to “show off.” Indeed, true friends and family members will love you for your gesture, rather than the size of their gifts.
A Letter From Our Pastor
Dear Parishioners,
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Stewardship Possibilities are Endless at Christmas
hen I think of December, the first thing that comes to my mind is Christmas. While that may seem obvious, there are several other possibilities. I could think of Advent, which prepares us for Christmas. I could think of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation, and the patronal festival of the United States. I could think of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose popularity has spread far beyond the Hispanic community. December also brings the winter solstice. And it brings the end of the secular calendar year, which means getting my financials together for the upcoming income tax season. But instead, I think of Christmas — one of the greatest feasts of the Christian year, along with Easter and Pentecost. The basic truth of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus the Messiah, God Incarnate, is plenty of reason for us all to rejoice and worship. But we’ve piled so much extra baggage on our Christmas observance, and worship is often almost lost in the shuffle. We send Christmas cards to people we contact at no other time of the year. We put up wreaths, Christmas trees, and lights. We host parties for family and friends. We visit relatives. We plan and prepare Christmas meals. And we have Christmas gifts to buy. No wonder the Christ Mass becomes an afterthought! Maybe, though, we can combine our Christmas activities with our stewardship commitments. Treasure is the simplest. Shouldn’t the most expensive Christmas present we give be the one to Jesus whose birth-
day we’re celebrating? Risen and glorified, He needs nothing we have. But His Body — the Church — continues Jesus’ mission here on earth and always needs additional resources. Time and Talent may be a little more complicated, but can’t we spend a little more of our time in worship and prayer? Stop by the church for a visit to the Christmas Crib and offer a prayer of thanks for the gift of God’s Son. Attend Mass each day of the Christmas Octave. Gather your family for prayers together in the morning or at dinner in preparation for Christmas Day and through the Christmas season. And Talent? There are lots of possibilities! Help decorate the Church. Cook or bake for someone who is homebound. Invite someone who will be alone to share Christmas dinner with your family. Offer to work in a soup kitchen if you will be alone. The possibilities are endless. Yes, December means Christmas. But with some planning, we can make this hectic time a real blessing both for ourselves and others. Pray for me that I can keep Christmas properly, and I’ll pray for you. And by the way, have a Merry Christmas! Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. William Bruning Pastor
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Queen of the Holy Rosary C at h o l i c C h u r c h
The Rosar
A Wonderful Gathering for Praye
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All women of the parish are invited to join in the prayer and walk. It’s a great way to introduce friends to the faith, as well as an excellent way to learn how to pray the Rosary.
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Knowing how important the Rosary is, the Queen’s Ladies gather to pray it each week.
ary has promised that whoever recites the Rosary will receive special graces and protection. The Rosary is a powerful tool against sin and Satan. Knowing how important the Rosary is, the Queen’s Ladies gather to pray it each week. But they don’t just pray, as they also use it as an opportunity to do something else that’s important — exercise. About three years ago, Queen’s Ladies member Phyllis Strobl was serving as the group’s spirituality chair. She had the idea to gather for prayer and a walk at 7:30 a.m. on Saturdays. The women gather in the south parking lot with time for socialization before and after the Rosary. The group gathers no matter the weather. If it’s below 50 degrees, they walk in the church basement. They usually end the walk and prayer by 8 a.m. Phyllis is especially grateful that our parish has so many statues of Mary — this makes the Rosary walk even more fruitful. “The Rosary is so powerful,” Phyllis says. “The more I pray it, the more I discover about Mary, St. Joseph, Jesus, and their lives.” Phyllis says many of the Queen’s Ladies have felt called to start praying a daily Rosary after attending the Rosary Walk. She invites all women to come to join in the prayer and walk. continued on page 5
ry Walk:
er, Exercise and Fellowship It’s a great way to introduce friends to the faith, as well as an excellent way to learn how to pray the Rosary. “We want people to come and feel comfortable and supported in learning how to pray the Rosary,” Phyllis says. “We usually pray the Joyful Mysteries together.” As a convert to our faith, Phyllis admits she didn’t know much about Mary. When she first became Catholic, there was so much to learn. But
as she experienced the Rosary, her heart started to open up to Mary. This is also how she developed a closer relationship with Jesus. “With all that is going on in the world, it’s been a blessing to know how powerful the Rosary is,” Phyllis says. “I really experience peace and joy having the Rosary as part of my life.” Phyllis also appreciates the devotion that Fr. Bill Bruning has to the Rosary. She admits the atten-
tion he places on the Rosary has helped her realize the importance of the prayer. She also wants everyone to know this group isn’t taking the place of the Rosary before Mass — this is just another opportunity to pray while getting some good exercise along the way. “We invite all women to come experience this time of prayer while we walk,” Phyllis says. “This is a beautiful ministry.”
If you would like more information on the Rosary Walk or the Queen’s Ladies, please contact Phyllis Strobl at 816-560-1534 or disneypj@aol.com.
Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe charitable works, prayed the Rosary in common on a monthly basis, and fostered devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. “My parents had such a close devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and it inspired me to do so as well,” Vicki says. “They were both involved in the Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe as well. My father, Abraham, was the past president, and my mother, Amelia, is still a member. New members are very much needed and always welcome to join.” Each year on Dec. 12, Mother Church commemorates the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego in December 1531, along with the subsequent miracle of her image being impressed upon his tilma (a
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rough cloak woven from vegetable fibers). This miraculous image spoke to the hearts of the Aztecs in their symbolic language on many levels, but mainly by revealing who this appearing lady was and her power exemplified by being “clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars,” (Revelation 12:1).
If you would like more information about this beautiful celebration, please call Vicki Reyes at 913-980-9500 or email her at vreyes@twc.com.
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Queen of the Holy Rosary C at h o l i c C h u r c h
What is the Immaculate Conception? A Closer Look at this Important Feast Day — Dec. 8
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hen it comes to Catholic trivia, there is one simple question that often evokes an incorrect response: “What is the Immaculate Conception?” More often than not, this term is believed to designate Christ’s conception within Mary, through the power of the Holy Spirit. A good guess, no doubt. But that is incorrect! The term “Immaculate Conception” describes the state of Mary’s soul within the womb of her mother, St. Anne. It has nothing to do with a special type of generative conception by her parents — Mary’s body was formed in the usual manner by her mother and father. Instead, the term “Immaculate Conception” describes how Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin from the first moment of her existence. Every person since Adam and Eve has been born with the stain of original sin, which can be washed away in the cleansing waters of Baptism. Yet, this fallen state never touched the soul of Mary, the new Eve. She was conceived with original sanctity and innocence, escaping all faults, depraved emotions and passions, and remained sinless. She was not exempt from the temporal penalties of Adam, however — including sorrow.
The belief in Mary’s Immaculate Conception has been held by the Church throughout history, though only officially declared a dogma in 1854 by Pope Pius IX. Highly devoted to the Blessed Virgin, Pius IX hoped the official definition would draw emphasis to the already existing belief, thereby inspiring deeper devotion to Mary. This dogma finds its roots in both Scripture and Tradition, and remains consistent with reason and the teachings of our early Church fathers. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated every year on Dec. 8 and is one of the few declared Holy Days of Obligation on the Church calendar. All Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on this day. It is also the patronal feast of our United States. Why not make this liturgical feast a special day of devotion? Bring a rose to place before an image of the Blessed Virgin in the church sanctuary, or arrange a little altar at home for your children to decorate. Recite the Magnificat and discuss the Church’s teaching on the Immaculate Conception. Once this beautiful feast is brought alive in our hearts and in our homes, we will never again mistakenly answer that “tricky” question, “What is the Immaculate Conception?”
THE MAGNIFICAT My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name. He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.
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He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has come to the help of His servant Israel for He remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and His children for ever.
Grounds Beautification Ministry
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Keeps Flowers Blooming on Our Parish Campus
im Stanker, coordinator of our Grounds Beautification Ministry, is the first one to tell you he knows nothing about flowers. But he also knows the ministry has knowledgeable members who use their time and talents to make sure the garden areas around our church reflect God’s beauty. There are a dozen members who plant and maintain the flowers in the garden plots around the church. Jim and his wife, Terrie, have been serving in the ministry for about four years. Jim actually became the ministry coordinator in a somewhat roundabout way. As a member of the Facilities Committee, Jim agreed to call parishioners who had signed up for the new Grounds Beautification Ministry when it was being organized. “Next thing I know, I’m in charge by default!” Jim says. “There are ladies and guys who volunteer in the group who are Master Gardeners. They don’t mind if I don’t know about flowers, they just ask me to take care of other tasks.” Jim and Terrie care for the plot in the front of the church, where they plant marigolds. “We have no regular schedule,” he says. “Everyone does their own thing. Our group doesn’t have
meetings, but we kind of divided the church areas where flowers are to be planted, and there are 12 gardens. An individual or a couple will ‘adopt’ a garden. They plant and order the flowers, water them, and take care of the maintenance.” The ministry members do gather during the year to do a walk-around and decide what needs to be done to the plots, and what flowers worked best in a particular spot. “It’s sort of a work in progress,” Jim says. The busiest season is in the spring when John Paul II School holds its annual flow er sale. The ministry members decide how many flowers are needed and place an order. The group waits until the danger of snow has passed, then begins planting, usually in May. Other than weeding and watering over the summer, the work eases up until November, when the dead flowers are removed. The plots are turned over and some mulch is worked into the soil. “We have got some really good members in the ministry,” Jim says. “They are dedicated and do what they say they’re going to do. Several folks have signed on to join and I look forward to having them.”
“We have no regular schedule. Everyone does their own thing. Our group doesn’t have meetings, but we kind of divided the church areas where flowers are to be planted, and there are 12 gardens. An individual or a couple will ‘adopt’ a garden. They plant and order the flowers, water them, and take care of the maintenance.” — Jim Stanker
For more information about the Grounds Beautif ication Ministry, or if you are interested in joining, please contact Jim Stanker at Jim.stanker@gmail.com.
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Queen of the Holy Rosary C at h o l i c C h u r c h
7023 W. 71st Street Overland Park, Kansas 66204 (913) 432-4616 | www.queenoftheholyrosary.org
Christmas Schedule Communal Penance Service — Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass — Dec. 12, 9:00 a.m. Mass Friday, Dec. 24 — 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday Dec. 25 — 10 a.m. (No 4:00 Mass for Sunday) Sunday, Dec. 26 — 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.
WEEKEND MASS
Saturday: 4:00 p.m. | Sunday: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.
DAILY MASS
Tuesday - Friday: 8:15 a.m.| First Saturday: 8:15 a.m.