St. John Before the Latin Gate Catholic Parish Newsletter — October 2020

Contents 2 How Can I Give Today?

St.John

Before the Latin Gate Roman Catholic Church

Deacon Dan and Sandy Pickett

Bringing the True Servant’s Heart of Jesus to Our Parish Family

W

4 Our Annual

Stewardship Renewal:

Thanking God

for the

Blessings He

has Bestowed

on Us 4 October:

A Month to

Turn to Our

Lady of

the Rosary 6 Knights of

Columbus Continue

Legacy of

Joyful Service

in Bartlesville

and Beyond

OCTOBER 2020

Sandy and Deacon Dan Pickett have spent many years serving our parish community at St. John Before the Latin Gate.

hether serving in front of the congregation at Mass or sharing their time and talents to do God’s work behind the scenes, Deacon Dan Pickett and his wife, Sandy, exemplify what living the stewardship way of life is truly all about.

“I believe that the essence of who I am as a deacon is to bring the true servant’s heart of Jesus to others through my ministry,” Deacon Dan says. “I love to bring Christ to others through teaching and helping others in their faith journey.”

Originally from New York City, Dan moved to Bartlesville, his mother’s hometown, at the end of high school.

He met his future bride, Sandy, before leaving to attend college at Notre Dame in Indiana, and after four “long-distance” years together, they were married in 1975. The Picketts then spent the next 15 years at St. John Before the Latin Gate, until Dan’s career with Phillips Petroleum — and then continued on page 3

A Letter From Our Pastor

How Can I

Give

Today?

Dear Parishioners,

I

n these times, it is helpful to begin the day with the question, “How can I give today?”

As we continue to do our best to live stewardship during these difficult times, I have been thinking of ways for us all to share our Time, Talent and Treasure with our family, our parish, our community, and even ourselves.

So, I would like to share with you my list of 10 ways to be a giver in these days that challenge us to be upbeat, or even to remain on an even keel. And, as we give effectively, we will spread and experience joy.

1. Give encouragement. Many folks are struggling as they adjust to a new normal, which keeps changing — but they are moving along, trying to do what is right and good.

Encouragement helps us all to keep making good decisions and to give and find zest.

2. Give gratitude. Be grateful to God, to family and friends, and to professionals who are helping us through the pandemic. Find a way to express gratitude — maybe send a hand-written note.

3. Forgive others. We are all victims in one way or another.

People who have hurt us are 2

usually victims themselves.

Holding on to the hurt or harboring resentment does no one any good. Start forgiving by praying for the one who has hurt you or a loved one. This is a good time to mend fences by expressing care and the desire to see beyond the rift.

4. Forgive yourself. During these days, many people report that memories of their own foolish and hurtful actions are flooding them with a vengeance. If others have forgiven us, if God and the Church have forgiven us, if we would forgive someone who did to us what we cannot forgive ourselves for, well then, what good reason is there to withhold forgiving ourselves?

5. Give the gift of volunteer time. There are many needs out there for folks to share their time and talents in one way or another. We know this in our Church, our neighborhood, our places of work. In our bulletin, we regularly invite folks to volunteer, to make another person’s life healthier and safer. Seldom do we volunteer as a solitary person — we can make great friends among our fellow volunteers.

6. Give financial support.

These are uncertain times.

Many charitable organizations are offering assistance to those in need. Our Church and parish face the challenge of managing our budget while there are less people attending Mass and giving less of their treasure. There is a joy and a sense of peace when we give, when we trust God to provide enough for our well-being, and when we can see the good our generosity and sacrifices are accomplishing.

7. Give the gift of self-care.

Balance exercise, healthy meals, rest, staying in touch with family and friends, intellectual stimulation, finding ways to enjoy life with virtual assistance, staying safe and keeping others safe. Find ways to enjoy nature. Self-care is important so we can be our best self in our relationships with others and as we encounter life’s challenges.

8. Give time to listen to God. Trust that God has words of encouragement, direction, clarification and peace for us. We pray speaking to God from our hearts, but also by listening to the Divine Message which penetrates our hearts. continued on page 3

How Can I Give Today?

9. Give the gift of petitionary prayer. Petitionary prayer works — the result is not always that our will is done, but petitionary prayer leads us to look for God, to trust in God, and to compassionately put those for whom we pray in the hands of God. Petitionary prayer unites us with those for whom we are praying and those who are also praying.

We give a great gift when we

continued from page 2

pray for someone — we have the joy of bringing our hopes to God and feeling His Divine Presence.

10. Give the gift of the desire to give. If we start every day with the desire and the question “How can I give today?” we will have a spirit of dedication and build on the joy of giving day by day as we gradually work our way through this

pandemic and all the fears, issues and problems which have surfaced.

Let us trust the joy of giving as we move forward.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. John O’Neill Pastor

Deacon Dan and Sandy Pickett ConocoPhillips — brought them to Tulsa and then Houston.

But in 2006, he was transferred back to Bartlesville and the couple came “home” to St. John’s.

Soon after, a call to the permanent diaconate — a call that had been growing for several years — came to fruition, and Dan began formation in 2007. He was ordained to the diaconate seven years later, on he and Sandy’s wedding anniversary in 2014.

“I always thought he had a love and reverence for God and a true servant’s heart,” says Sandy, who was praying for his vocation to the diaconate for over 10 years.

Since his ordination, Deacon Dan has served in several different ways, from being part of the diocesan tribunal that handles annulments, serving at Mass and funeral liturgies, to teaching the faith to those becoming Catholic through the RCIA process.

To his surprise, Deacon Dan has also used his professional background in business and finance to serve the parish.

“I love to apply my secular skills in finance and accounting to the ‘business’ of running the church and the school and to enable, in a financial way, all the ministries of our parish and, in particular, the ministry of our school,” Deacon Dan says. “I’d like to tell people that their stewardship dollars are managed and accounted for in a transparent and

continued from front cover

effective way that brings Christ to all we reach out to in our community and beyond.”

Sandy has also served the parish in several different ways over the years — in particular, using her charism of intercessory prayer to bless the community through the Divine Mercy Ministry, as well as praying as a consecrated spiritual mother for priests, since 2009. She has also facilitated Bible studies, helping parishioners grow in their knowledge of the faith.

And despite the many ways they serve individually, the Picketts — who have three adult sons and soon-to-be nine grandchildren — also pray Liturgy of the Hours and often attend daily Mass together.

“I think our call to our own chosen ministries, and my call to be a deacon, are enhanced by our Sacrament of Marriage,” Deacon Dan says.

Deacon Dan encourages other men to be open to God’s call to serve the parish and Church as an ordained deacon.

“If a man has on his heart a call to serve the people in some way, don’t brush that thought or feeling aside, but explore it and to ask a deacon what the deacon’s life is about,” Deacon Dan says.

“If you think you have a call, try to discern it.

“I do it for the Lord and the joy that comes from seeing people grow in their faith and get more involved,” he adds. “It is very satisfying.”

If you are considering a vocation to the permanent diaconate or would like to learn more about this call, please feel free to contact Deacon Dan Pickett at dcn.dan.pickett@stjohn-bartlesville.org.

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Our Annual Stew

Thanking God for the Bless

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ou have to take care of yourself before you can take care of those you love. This rationale is difficult for many of us to accept. Mothers and fathers routinely place the needs of their children before their own; soldiers at war often throw their own safety to the wind in the interest of protecting their fellow soldiers. The story of Jesus also focuses on giving to others. If Christ calls us to imitate Him – to become completely selfless – then it would seem that focusing on ourselves might counteract our efforts as Christians.

Nevertheless, as we wrap up our annual Stewardship Renewal, Fr. John O’Neill is asking us all to focus a bit more on ourselves. No, he’s not encouraging self-centeredness; he’s asking us to examine our own lives and determine the areas that are in need of growth. Before the stewardship way of life can totally transform our parish, it must begin in each of our hearts. As each individual’s spiritual life blossoms and grows, so will our parish as a whole. Will you plant the seed of stewardship in your own heart?

This has most certainly been a trying and unusual year, as we have navigated through uncharted waters. In the face of great uncertainty or difficulty, it is easy to become complacent. Yet, this is not what God calls us to do. We are called to live stewardship as a way of life — in the good, bad or uncertain times.

Let’s use this Stewardship Renewal as our chance to do that!

How do I use my Commitment Card?

HEARTS LIFT UP YOUR

in Prayer

ng

2020 MENT CARD T I M M CO nt & Treasure

p

e, Tale

My Offering of Tim

First & Last Name Phone

riests y n’s

Email

h Group

or me.

_________ _________ _________

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Spouse: First & Last

Your commitment card allows you to make commitments to prayer, parish ministries, and offertory giving. It is designed to be used by the whole family.

Time Section: Everyone should be able to check the boxes to commit to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days or to view the Masses online during the crisis. In addition to those commitments, try to check at least a few other items. Daily prayer should be a priority for every person trying to grow closer to God. We recognize that the current crisis may impact your ability to carry out your commitments. Know the Lord sees what is in your heart and is pleased with your best efforts.

Talent Section: You can either sign up for new ministries or re-commit to your current ministries. Be sure to write your first name next to the ministry! This is especially important if the card is being used by more than one person.

Treasure Section: Clearly print how much money you plan to give each week or month to our parish. Try to take a step toward giving five percent of your income to St. John Before the Latin Gate. continued on page 5

Name

Spouse: Phone Spouse: Email

Address City

State

ZIP

Our Stewardship Renewal is ongoing. Please remember to turn in your commitment cards to the parish as soon as possible. You can also complete a commitment card on our website, www.stjohn-bartlesville.org. We appreciate your willingness to discern how God is calling you during this year’s renewal.

wardship Renewal:

sings He has Bestowed on Us Is your prayer life in need of a tune-up?

Honestly ask yourself, “How much time do I spend in prayer each week?” The answer is probably a bit embarrassing. Everyone wants to spend more time in prayer, but there’s just never enough time to do everything we want to do. Good intentions are just that: intentions. This year, as you’re discerning how you will offer your time to God, resolve to follow through with your commitments. Consider each moment you spend in prayer as nourishment for your soul. The spiritual health of our parish is only as strong as the sum of its parts (individual parishioners).

Is your level of parish involvement in need of a boost?

We give our talents back to God when we get involved in ministries at St. John Before the Latin Gate. And, with a host of ministries to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Sure, ministries give parishioners opportunities to serve others in the community, but they also benefit those in the ministry itself. Ask anyone who actively participates in a ministry at St. John Before the Latin Gate, “Why do you enjoy serving in this way?” They’ll probably say, “I get more out of the ministry than the people I serve.” This year, as you’re discerning how you will offer your talents to God, consider signing up for a ministry that may benefit you, like a Bible study, prayer group, or retreat. Or, contribute to an outreach ministry where your good deeds not only help others in the community, but also give you feelings of satisfaction and thankfulness.

most savvy businessperson worries about his or her personal finances from time to time. Adding a weekly offertory check to the list of monthly bills may seem tough but, ultimately, sacrificial giving forces us to cut unnecessary spending, create a budget and have faith that God will help us make it through the month. All of these are good things for each of us, individually. After faithfully giving to the offertory for a few months, many Catholics find that it’s not only possible to give a weekly offering, but that the fruits of their gift far outweigh the expense.

At St. John Before the Latin Gate, we ask that you give five percent to the parish, one percent to the diocese, and four percent to other charities.

Why a percentage of income? First, because the tithe (10 percent) is a scriptural benchmark that the Church has honored for centuries (see Malachi 3:10). Secondly, we give a percentage of income because it is a common-sense standard by which everyone can equitably support the parish. Most of all, we give because we believe God comes first in everything, even finances.

Do you give a percentage of your income to the offertory?

It may be hard to see offertory giving as a way to “help yourself,” but when we approach the subject from a spiritual viewpoint, it can lead to individual spiritual growth and an increase in faith. Even the 5

October:

A Month to Turn to Our Lady of the Rosary

D

6

ay by day, our heavenly Father provides spiritual food and graces to His beloved children, nourishing us on our earthly pilgrimage. October brings us the grace of the Holy Rosary, a prayer buried deeply in the heart of the Church, as one of its most precious treasures.

The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which takes place Oct. 7, is a commemorative feast established by St. Pius V on the anniversary of the naval victory won by the Christian fleet at Lepanto. The victory was attributed to the help of the Mother of God, whose aid was invoked by praying the Rosary.

This victory revealed the power of the Holy Rosary more than ever. Catholics who were open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit took with deep resolve the Rosary as their link to God. Pope St. John Paul II, in his 2002 Apostolic Letter, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, writes: “The Church has always attributed particular efficacy to this prayer, entrusting to the Rosary ... the most difficult problems. At times when Christianity itself seemed under threat, its deliverance was attributed to the power of this prayer, and Our Lady of the Rosary was acclaimed as the one whose intercession brought salvation” (39).

Thus, not merely through the Rosary, but more significantly, through the woman behind the Rosary – the glorious Mother of our Savior, Christ the Lord – a wellspring of God’s love has been discovered.

Indeed, the Rosary is truly a way to discover Christ’s infinite love by means of the tender heart of His Mother.

“With the Rosary, the Christian people sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love. Through the Rosary the faithful receive abundant grace, as though from the very hands of the Mother of the Redeemer” (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 1).

A great number of saints, such as Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who had a special concern for the preservation of the Christian family, sensed that its salvation would be through the Holy Rosary. And as Pope St. John Paul II wrote, “Today I willingly entrust to the power of this prayer ... the cause of peace in the world and the cause of the family” (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 39). Our Lady of Fatima, who pleaded with families to pray the daily Rosary, would agree with him!

Let us entrust everything to the Rosary along with the saints. As our hearts burn with hope, let us give to the Mother of God every concern that we bear, each cross we carry, piece by piece, worry by worry. She will be there to offer everything to our Heavenly Father, whose care for each one of His children reaches beyond anything we could ever imagine.

Knights of Columbus Continue

Legacy of Joyful Service

in Bartlesville and Beyond

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hether it’s serving up family meals at their annual Lenten Fish Frys, hosting their Pancake Breakfasts, coordinating the Youth Free-Throw Contest, or collecting supplies and funds for those in need, the members of the Knights of Columbus of Bartlesville, Okla., have spent more than 100 years serving our church and community in seemingly endless ways.

“Our organization is founded on the core beliefs of unity, fraternity and charity,” says current Grand Knight James Huettenmueller. “We’re here to help the priests, help the parish, help the Church and help the family. If there is a need we can help fill, then we do.”

The Knights of Columbus enables Catholic laymen to make a lasting difference in their community and world. Working together within the context of Christian brotherhood, they help support local Catholic parishes,

provide emergency relief to those in need, advocate for family life, support youth and religious vocations, and work to uphold the sacred dignity of all human life.

In the process, says James, the Knights themselves are supported by a spiritual brotherhood that challenges them to go deeper in the spiritual journey while supporting them during life’s inevitable struggles. It’s this element of spiritual fraternity that makes the organization

so rewarding for its members, drawing men and their families more deeply into the life of the Church.

“I think one thing that has really kept me involved is being around other men and working on projects together — being able to discuss things in faith and prayer,” James says. “Having the priests as part of our leadership is also a huge blessing. Fr. John is so supportive and is a Knight himself. He helps keeps continued on back cover

“I think one of the things that has really kept me involved is being around other men and working on projects together — being able to discuss things in faith and prayer. Having the priests as part of our leadership is also a huge blessing. Fr. John is so supportive and is a Knight himself. He helps keeps us informed on things coming up in the church and what help they need.”

— James Huettenmueller, Grand Knight 7

715 S. Johnstone Ave. | Bartlesville, OK 74003 ​ Office: (918) 336-4353 | www.stjohn-bartlesville.org

Knights of Columbus

continued from page 7

us informed on things coming up in the church and what help they need.”

Incorporating men from seven different parishes in Dewey, Nowata, Pawhuska, and Bartlesville, Council 1302 helps give men a greater understanding of their belonging to the universal Church. The council meets the second Tuesday of each month for a council-planning meeting, followed by a general assembly meeting, and then again on the third Tuesday of the month for a

council business meeting. These gatherings take place at St. John Before the Latin Gate and are open to anyone interested in joining the Knights.

“We welcome any male who is over 18 years of age and is a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church,” James says. “We’d love to give you a call or have a face-to-face conversation with anyone interested in joining. We want to meet you, your family, and share what this ministry is about — share how this can help your family grow.”

Those interested in joining or simply learning more about the Bartlesville Knights of Columbus may fill out the contact form located on the Council 1302 Knight of Columbus website at www.uknight.org/CouncilSite/index.asp?CNO=1302.

LITURGY SCHEDULE Saturday: 5 p.m. | Sunday: 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (en Español) Tuesday: 7 a.m. | Wednesday: 5:15 p.m. | Thursday: 7 a.m., noon (vulnerable population),7 p.m. (en Español) Friday: 8:15 a.m. (School only Mass), St. James at 8:30 a.m., Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dewey at noon Reconciliation: Saturday: 4-4:45 p.m. | Sunday: 12:30-1:15 p.m.