S T. A L E X I U S - O U R L A D Y O F T H E A N G E L S - S T. PA U L ’S
Welcome Kaylee Hanson Meet Our New Kindergarten Teacher at Holy Family School
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t Holy Family School and our “The reason why I wanted to come parishes, we work to make back to Holy Family School is that I felt everyone feel welcome. The same goes a bond with the staff when I attended for Kaylee Hanson, who started as school here,” she says. “They were great a kindergarten teacher for the 2020role models for me.” 21 school year. However, in this case, Although she says it’s been a difficult it’s more of a “welcome back,” as Ms. year, particularly in managing all of the Hanson attended Holy Family School COVID-19 rules, Ms. Hanson loves beas a student. Ms. Hanson’s co-teacher, ing back at the school where she spent a Mrs. Deb Spanier, was her kindergarten lot of her childhood. Teaching the Cathoteacher! lic faith to her students and being able to Holy Family School is also a fampractice it with staff is such a joy to her. ily affair for Ms. Hanson. Her cousin, “I love that there is a connection with Ms. Kaylee Hanson started at Ms. Morgan Gamradt, and aunt, Mrs. religion at Holy Family School,” she says. Holy Family School teaching JoAnn Kohorst, both teach at the school. “The students enjoy learning more about kindergarten in 2020. Ms. Hanson’s parents and grandparents it and it is rewarding to see them grow in have been longtime supporters of the school, as well. their faith. With my fellow staff members, we discuss “My grandparents, Ed and Marlene Klaphake, the Catholic faith every single day. We also pray every were very strong in the Catholic faith,” she says. “My morning, and that is something that I haven’t always mom’s side of the family has always been proud sup- done in the past.” porters of Holy Family School in the form of donations Ms. Hanson says the staff is there for one another and time.” and they are truly a team. Her former kindergarten Ms. Hanson graduated from Minnesota State Uni- teacher, Mrs. Spanier, has served as her mentor. versity Moorhead and is so thankful to start her teach“She has so much experience, which helps,” Ms. ing career at our school. Hanson says. “When I have a question, she knows the continued on page 5
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ST. ALEXIUS - OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS - ST. PAUL’S
The Liturgy of the Hours
“Sanctifying the Day With Prayer”
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hat if the busy present moments that constitute our daily lives were consecrated to Christ? Each insignificant moment or mundane activity becomes another opportunity to glorify Him. The Liturgy of the Hours is a means of not only centering the day on Christ, but also sanctifying the day, offering these moments to Him. It is a prayerful, habitual practice of the clergy and religious — yet, in ever increasing numbers, the laity are also gravitating towards these daily prayers. Though it has undergone various developments over the years, the Liturgy of the Hours — also known as the Divine Office or the Breviary — has remained relatively the same since the 11th century. The Hours are divided into five parts of “canonical hours” — Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, Daytime Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Night Prayer. Each of the Hours includes readings of the psalms. Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer include a Gospel canticle. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the prayers as “a meditative dialogue on the mystery of Christ.” Through Scripture, the Hours invite us into this dialogue, a prayerful conversation that can undergird our daily moments. From helpful instructional videos on YouTube, to written resources through EWTN and the USCCB, there is a wealth of resources for the laity on learning how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. Many Catholic bookstores and even Amazon.com sell the four-volume book set that contains the complete Hours. And if using the actual four-volume set seems daunting, the website divineoffice.org offers the entire Liturgy of the Hours for free. An app is also available to download, therefore providing us with a means of keeping the prayers within reach throughout the day. Whether with a faith community or in solitary prayer, saying the Liturgy of the Hours situates us within a rich tradition of Catholic prayer and consecrates the present moments of our lives to Christ.
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Whether with a faith community or in solitary prayer, saying the Liturgy of the Hours situates us within a rich tradition of Catholic prayer and consecrates the present moments of our lives to Christ.
A Letter From Our Pastor
A Month and Year to Honor St. Joseph
My Dear Friends in Christ, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ chose to enter the world through the human family. He came as an infant born into the marriage and home of the two holiest people who ever lived — Joseph and Mary. At a time when our world and our Church needs family and faithful disciples now more than ever, could there be a more fitting time to venerate the man who gave his life and his love to the Blessed Mother and the Son of God? Pope Francis has declared 2021 the Year of St. Joseph in honor of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church. Our pope said he established the year so that “every member of the faithful, following his example, may strengthen their life of faith daily in the complete fulfillment of God’s will.” As Christians, we are blessed to have Mary as our spiritual mother and Joseph as our spiritual father. Just as Mary guides us from heaven with loving devotion, so too St. Joseph diligently provides for the needs of the family of God, the Holy Catholic Church. Because of his special role as the earthly father of the Child Jesus, St. Joseph has merited singular privileges in heaven unmatched by any saint aside from the Blessed Virgin Mary. To give some modern-day perspective to the significance of this special year, Pope Francis has said the coronavirus pandemic heightened his desire to reflect on St. Joseph, as so many people during the pandemic have made hidden sacrifices to protect others, just as St. Joseph quietly protected and cared for Mary and Jesus. “Each of us can discover in Joseph — the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence — an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble,” the pope wrote. At the end of the First Vatican Council in 1870, Pope Pius IX declared St. Joseph the patron of the Universal Church. He is also the patron of carpenters, workers, fathers, and a happy death because he died in the presence of Mary and Jesus. On March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph the Husband of Mary, you are welcome to join our parish communities
Visit the St. Joseph page on our website at www.parishesontheprairie.org/st-joseph Read more about Pope Francis’ declaration on the Year of St. Joseph at www.bit.ly/StJoseph2021
in a public Consecration to St. Joseph. Why consecrate to St. Joseph? God the Father entrusted the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ His Only Begotten Son to the complete care of St. Joseph. We too can entrust ourselves to him. How does this work? Follow these three steps: 1. Get the book: Consecration to St. Joseph: the Wonders of our Spiritual Father is available for $15. There are copies available at our parish offices, at the Hidden Treasures Christian Bookstore in Sauk Centre, or online. 2. Watch the videos on our website: We began posting weekly videos on Feb. 7 and post a new one each Sunday through March 14. Go to www.parishesontheprairie.org/ st-joseph/ to view the videos. 3. Consecrate to St. Joseph: On Friday, March 19, make your public consecration to St. Joseph by attending Mass on the Solemnity Feast of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary. After Mass, there will be a 15-minute formal ceremony with a priest as your witness. To make it special you are asked to dress up for the occasion. Masses with Consecration to St. Joseph will be: 7:00 p.m. – March 18 • St. Francis de Sales 7:00 a.m. – March 19 • Our Lady of the Angels 8:15 a.m. – March 19 • Sts. Peter & Paul 7:00 p.m. – March 19 • St. Paul’s As we devote 2021 to St. Joseph’s honor, we will undoubtedly unlock many special graces — not only for our parish but for each of the faithful who increase their devotion to him during this special year. There is no greater model than St. Joseph from whom we can learn how to live virtuously in imitation of Jesus and Mary. In our Father’s hands,
Fr. Greg Paffel Pastor
Pope Francis’ Prayer to St. Joseph
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen. 3
ST. ALEXIUS - OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS - ST. PAUL’S
IS A PLACE FOR YOUT
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This school year, EDGE has consisted of a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, and the group has been split based on the hybrid learning model schedule at the public school.
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t’s no secret — when youth have positive adult role models in their lives, they do better in the long run. When these adults are modeling the faith, all the better. Today’s youth are under a lot of pressure and stress, so anything that can be done to build a strong faith foundation is worth the effort. To meet this need, we are blessed with the EDGE program. Produced by Life Teen, EDGE offers a place for sixth to eighth-grade youth to socialize, learn about the Catholic faith and have fun. There are also adults present with the youth during these events. Kathy Knoblach and Rachel Bosl lead the EDGE program, which takes place at the Centre for Christ. As with so many other parish activities, adjustments have been made to the program due to COVID-19 restrictions. This school year, EDGE has consisted of a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, and the group has been split based on the hybrid learning model schedule at the public school. “EDGE is a place where sixth to eighth-grade youth can gather with their friends and build up their faith in a fun and interactive way,” Kathy says. The EDGE program covers topics that usually run for six weeks. The group has focused on prayer, Jesus, stress and friendships, just to name a few. This is the second year of the EDGE program. Kathy and Rachel invite sixth to eighth-grade students to join at any point during the school year. In addition to the weekly meetings, there are service projects which will resume after the pandemic. Sixth-graders Addy Bromenshenkel, Brooke Sunderman and Lily Sunderman are good friends who enjoy the EDGE program. They’ve all enjoyed participating in the program this year, despite the different format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, they appreciate having a place to discuss Catholic topics together. “I like that this is a place where I can be open about my faith,” Addy says. “I can just be myself with no judgment.”
“I like that this is a place where I can be open about my faith. I can just be myself with no judgment.” — Addy Bromenshenkel
TH TO SHARE IN FAITH, FRIENDSHIP AND FUN Lily enjoys the chance to play games with friends and other youth in the program. She also enjoys being in an environment centered on faith. “It is fun to be able to play games and learn about my faith at the same time,” Lily says. Brooke says this program has helped her to pray more and learn more about God. “I’ve enjoyed playing games outside,” Brooke says. “It’s also a really good way to make friends.” Addy’s mom, Paula, appreciates knowing the girls are having fun in a safe, religious environment. It also opens the door for them to discuss Catholic topics together. “This is a great program,” Paula says. “I appreciate knowing the girls can be together learning about their faith.”
This is the second year of the EDGE program sixth to eighthgrade students are invited to join at any point during the school year.
Public school students take a bus after school to the Centre for Christ, and Holy Family School students walk. If you would like to learn more, or to register for the program, please contact Kathy Knoblach at kathy@centreforchrist.com, or Rachel Bosl at rachel@centreforchrist.com.
Welcome Kaylee Hanson continued from front cover answer. She’s always willing to help me out.” In her free time, Ms. Hanson enjoys travel, being on the lake, and spending time with friends. As for what she enjoys about teaching, the answer is easy — reading and the alphabet. “Watching the progression my students make as they learn new words is rewarding to me,” Miss Hanson says. So, we want to take this opportunity to say a big welcome back to Ms. Kaylee Hanson!
“The reason why I wanted to come back to Holy Family School is because I felt a bond with the staff when I attended school here. They were great role models for me.” — Kaylee Hanson
Ms. Kaylee Hanson with her parents and sister.
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ST. ALEXIUS - OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS - ST. PAUL’S
From the Catechism What is Almsgiving?
“Giving alms to the poor is a witness to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2462).
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uring the seasons of Advent and Lent, it is not uncommon to hear about fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Most of us are familiar with at least two of the three penitential practices — prayer and fasting. We engage in prayer each day, while fasting becomes a regular part of our Lenten routines. But what is almsgiving? It is simply giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. This can be through donations of canned goods to the local food pantry, spare change to the Salvation Army during the Christmas season, or even through person-to-person contact with the poor. This Lent, if your family has not regularly engaged in almsgiving, consider making a change. Search for opportunities to serve the poor and vulnerable, making their lives easier — even if in a small way.
Things to do with your family: Place a coffee can in a prominent place in your home, and commit to filling it with loose change throughout the week. Then, donate the money to a local charity.
The next time you shop for groceries, buy a few extra canned goods and donate them to a food pantry or food bank.
Research a charity that works with
the poor, and make a commitment to regularly give to that organization.
Resolve to never judge those who are
less fortunate, and teach your children the same.
Upcoming EventS SATURDAY, MARCH 6 Marriage Course (for Engaged Couples), Centre for Christ YOUTH GROUP, CREW (Grades 9-12) are March 7 and 21 SUNDAY, MARCH 7 — Springfest Access to online bid portal — bidpal.net/hfsspringfest
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MONDAY, MARCH 8 Baptism Instructional Class — 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Meeting Room
SUNDAY, MARCH 14 — Sacrament of Confirmation 2 p.m. — St. Francis de Sales, Belgrade 2 p.m. — St. Paul’s, Sauk Centre FRIDAY, MARCH 19 — Consecration to St. Joseph Mass, Thursday, March 18 — 7 p.m., St. Francis de Sales, Belgrade Mass, Friday, March 19 — 7 a.m., Our Lady of the Angels, Sauk Centre Mass, Friday, March 19 — 8:15 a.m., Sts. Peter and Paul, Elrosa Mass, Friday, March 19 — 7 p.m., St. Paul’s, Sauk Centre
Meet Jessica Minette, St. Alexius’ New Secretary From the Pew to the Office
Jessica Minette and her husband, Marcus, and their children Olen (10), Clare (8), Levi (5), and Nora (3). Jessica has enjoyed the past year of working as the parish secretary at St. Alexius.
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here’s something beautiful that happens when you make the transition from sitting in your pew every Sunday, to getting a little more involved and going behind the scenes of what makes a parish what it is. For many, that shift takes place as they get involved as a volunteer, and for a few, it happens when they become part of the parish staff. Last year, St. Alexius parishioner Jessica Minette took a position as the secretary, and what a first year it has been! Initially unsure whether she was ready to go back to work when Jessica saw the open position at St. Alexius, she knew it was what she was looking for. “I thought and prayed about it,” she says. “I just kept feeling drawn to it, so I gave it a shot. “I started in March,” she adds, with a smile. “The opportunity was there, and I thought ‘I’ll jump into it,’ and then quarantine started!” Jessica originally joined St. Alexius upon marrying
her husband, Marcus, a farmer and longtime parishioner. The unlikely couple met on a blind date to the movies, orchestrated by their sisters. And the rest, as they say, is history. The couple now has four children, ranging in age from 3 to 10, and they farm corn, beans, and beef. Although their children have attended Holy Family School, this year, they decided to homeschool and spend more time enjoying life on the farm. In the midst of a strange year, they’ve also had the opportunity to grow in feeling more connected and engaged in the life of the parish through Jessica’s job. “It’s fun that even though I’m working, I can still be a mom at the same time,” Jessica says. “They come along with me to do the bulletins, they come along with me to do the mail, and when I set up for Mass. My littlest, she’s getting so comfortable in the church.” For Jessica, taking the position was an eye-opening continued on back cover
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ST. ALEXIUS - OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS - ST. PAUL’S Parish Office: 304 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 (320) 352-2196 www.catholic-sc.org Mass Schedule
Saturday 4:00 p.m. - St. Paul’s Saturday 5:00 p.m. - Our Lady of the Angels Saturday 8:00 p.m. - St. Paul’s Sunday 8:00 a.m. - St. Paul’s Sunday 8:30 a.m. - St. Alexius Sunday 10:00 a.m. - St. Paul’s Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Our Lady of the Angels
Reconciliation Schedule
Thursday 4:00 p.m. - St. Paul’s Saturday 3:00 p.m. - St. Paul’s Saturday 4:00 p.m. - Our Lady of the Angels Sunday 8:00 a.m. - St. Alexius
Meet Jessica Minette continued from page 7 experience of realizing all the moving parts that come together within the parish community. From everything in the office, to all the ministries and ways that people serve — funerals, cleaning and decorating the church, the Christian Mothers group, St. Joseph Society, Faith Formation and youth group — she has loved seeing how it all comes together. “Seeing everything that happens behind the scenes — before, I was just a mom in the pew — now that the curtain has been pulled, I see everything that goes on to get Mass going,” she says. “That has been a humbling experience for me, to see all that is done.
“We have so many great groups,” she adds. “We’re looking forward for some normalcy to come back.” Jessica hopes that, in her role as secretary, she’ll be able to provide a welcoming presence, while also getting to know more of her fellow parishioners and assisting people in whatever ways they need. In particular, she encourages other young families to prioritize their faith, even when it’s challenging. “Sometimes it’s exhausting going to church with kids and you wonder, ‘Why do we do this?’” she says. “We have so many beautiful, young families! Stick it through. Just keep going.”
“Seeing everything that happens behind the scenes — before, I was just a mom in the pew — now that the curtain has been pulled, I see everything that goes on to get Mass going. That has been a humbling experience for me, to see all that is done.” — Jessica Minette
Thank you, Jessica, for your service to our parish! We look forward to getting to know you more, as you serve the community at St. Alexius and beyond. We also extend our special thanks to retired secretary Barb Bentfield, who has faithfully and generously helped Jessica in the transition to her new role.