St.
Leos’
Parish Community
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Inside
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What Is the Real Purpose of Our Lives?
KEEPING THE FAITH “ON THE ROAD” How Parishioners Practice Their Faith While Away From St. Leo’s On Summer Vacations
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hile traveling last summer was a challenge, many of us are looking forward to reconnecting with friends and family and making summer trips together during these warm months. Traveling in the summer can be a beautiful reminder of both the universality of the Church and of the differences (From left) Prayer Shawl Ministry in liturgical celebrations as members Vivian Korgel, Judy Brown and Elaine Janulewicz we travel between countries, regions, or even from one side of the state to the other. “I love the fact that all Catholic Masses are the same,” says Elaine Janulewicz, a St. Leo’s parishioner since 2011. “Even when in other countries, with different languages, I can still understand.” Some of the ladies of the Prayer Shawl Ministry offer different perspectives and stories of how they’ve endeavored to keep the faith on the road when traveling with or without children. They speak of the faith as a “way of life” that doesn’t suddenly stop when away from our home parish. “Why wouldn’t you go to Mass?” says Karen Denne, a parishioner since 1985. “Why should it be any different than when you are home?” Ann Goetz, who joined the parish last year, appreciates seeing how continued on page 5
JULY 2021
Stewardship: A Need to Give
4 The myParish App: Keeping Parishioners Connected and Informed 6
What Does “Red, White, and Blue” Mean to You?
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The Lectors Ministry: Bringing Alive the Word and Treasures of the Bible
STEWARDSHIP A Need to Give W
hen the church needs a new roof or the local food bank needs donations, we jump at the chance to give for the sake of the need. It’s part of our human nature — we identify a need, and we want to give of our time, talent and treasure to help. But as a stewardship people, we are called to give of ourselves not simply because the Church has needs, but because each of us has a need to give. As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states in its pastoral letter on stewardship, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, “We need to give our money to individuals and families in need, to the Church, and to other worthwhile charitable organizations because giving money is good for the soul and because we need to return thanks to a loving God for all of the many blessings each of us has received” (67). As fellow members of the Body of Christ, created in God’s image, we should strive to go beyond simply co-existing with one another on earth. The life we live should be fueled by love for each other. This love should dictate how we live — by giving of ourselves. Jesus Christ showed us the perfect example of this self-giving love when He died on the cross. His death was a completely selfless act. He gave of
Himself for our sake, offering us — through that gift — life everlasting. As Christ’s disciples, we follow His example, and we give of ourselves for the sake of others, out of love and an inherent need to give. That’s not to say that we gain nothing through our gifts. In fact, in His goodness, God sees to it that we do. Most of us have experienced what happens when we give of our time, talent or treasure. We feel as though we get more out of it than we give. If you speak to someone who serves at the soup kitchen or someone who has made it a regular practice to tithe to the Church, you are likely to find that he or she feels blessed to be able to give. As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops points out, “To be a Christian disciple is a rewarding way of life, a way of companionship with Jesus, and the practice of stewardship as a part of it is itself a source of deep joy. Those who live this way are happy people who have found the meaning and purpose of living” (Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, 21). Find out for yourself. Get involved in a ministry. Make a commitment to put some money in the collection basket next Sunday. Don’t wait to find out if there is a need — give of yourself right now. You will be richly blessed for doing so.
The Stewardship Parish Prayer My parish is composed of people like me. I help make it what it is. It will be friendly, if I am. It will be holy, if I am. Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them. It will do great work, if I work. It will be prayerful, if I pray. It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver. It will bring others into its worship if I invite and bring them. It will be a parish of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, of compassion, charity, and mercy, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with these same things. Therefore, with the help of God, I now dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want my parish to be. Amen.
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A Letter From Our Pastor
WHAT IS THE REAL
PURPOSE OF OUR LIVES?
Dear Parishioners,
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o you ever think about your purpose in life? Even as a priest, I certainly do. There are days and times of frustration when I think, “What am I really supposed to do? What does God want me to do? Why am I here?” For eons, philosophers have considered these very questions and written about them. But the truth is that we, as Catholics, already know the answers. When we consider the many facets of life in our parish community, there are numerous activities and endeavors that go beyond attending Mass. From fundraising efforts, to social outreach/service, childcare and more, there are many ways in which we serve our community. Yet, as we undertake these important pursuits — both within and outside of the parish — we must always remember that our ultimate goal is salvation. After all, the only reason we exist, the only reason our Church exists, is the same as the reason Jesus joined us and became a part of us here on earth — He came to save humanity. We use the term the “body of Christ” to describe the Church with Christ as the head. We are all parts of that body, and the parts of the body must move in the same direction as the body itself — it simply won’t function if the parts are moving in different directions. We are all in this together.
When our lives are complete, we do not base our success or failure on how much money we have, or whether or not we are famous. Nor does our success or failure depend upon the difference between health and sickness, or pleasure and pain, or even being nice or nasty. Rather, it is the difference between being saved and not being saved. I often think of my family members who have passed away, and as a priest, I deal with that issue with others on a very regular basis. Sometimes, I wonder if they ever fully realized that salvation was the answer to so many of our questions in life. I am surrounded by memories of those who have gone before, as are almost all of you. We are apt to use the term “the communion of saints” in many ways in our Church. Someday, we will know more about the “communion of saints” and how it all works. In the meantime, we pray for everyone who has gone before us, hoping they have made it home. Pray for me as I pray for you! Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Donald A. Buhrman Pastor
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THE MYPA
Keeping Parishioners E
verything you need to know about what’s going on at St. Leo’s is available right on your smartphone with the myParish App. You can even find information that can help you become a stronger Catholic. The app was released in 2018 and quickly gained the support of the Diocese of Grand Island. Jodi Stauffer, Director of Children and Family Ministries, utilized the app to make as much information available as possible for the benefit of our parish. “We jumped on the social media aspect when the pandemic hit,” Jodi says. “When in-person Mass was not possible, we told Fr. Don we’d go live and video the daily Mass. We’d have 20 to 30 people at daily Mass, and if we put it out they can still participate. We’re using social media technology to help the parish.” The app offers hospitality aids if parishioners cannot participate in person. The readings and songs are posted. They can participate in Mass online, or follow the readings on a smartphone during in-person Mass. “If you want to re-read the Sunday Mass readings during the week, you can go back and do that,” Jodi says. “If you can’t get out to Mass, you can still participate. Parishioners have been truly appreciative of the app. They have had a connection with the church. A lot missed the Eucharist, but they were still 4
This is what appears once the user has opened the app — swipe up/ away the two open messages and get the front page.
The front page for St. Leo’s online app has links for a wide offering of helpful resources.
able to stay connected through technology.” The church calendar is also posted on the app, as is the weekly bulletin and parish newsletter. There are links to the parish website, the parish Facebook page, and the parish Instagram account. The ministry schedules are available, along with the parish staff email addresses. Through myParish, St. Leo’s parishioners can access the
FORMED site for valuable faithbuilding resources. Users can call up the Rosary and will have help with the prayers. There are links to “Three Minute Theology,” and links to Spirit radio, Catholic podcasts, the diocesan magazine, and an audio Bible. “The app has a plethora of information and Catholic ‘supplements,’ so if you are feeling you need a little boost of Catholicism, there are so many
RISH APP:
Connected and Informed things you can get from the app,” Jodi says. Another feature of the app allows the user to post when they had Confession. The user can enter the information for when they would like to return for the sacrament and receive
notices. The app can also notify the user when Mass will begin and will silence the phone during Mass. “By getting the app on your phone, it’s a great communication tool, because if there is a snow emergency or some type of
event, we’ll use a text message to your phone,” Jodi says. “We won’t be using it only for announcements, but it is so handy when we need it. “As with anything, if you don’t use it, it won’t work,” she adds. “Take advantage of it!”
To download the app on a smartphone, visit www.myparishapp.com, or go to the Apple App Store or Google Play — search for “My Parish App,” and an icon with a cross will appear. When downloading, the user must specify St. Leo’s Parish. However, the app can be used to locate parishes for Mass when traveling.
KEEPING OUR FAITH “ON THE ROAD”
continued from front cover
other parishes add their own to go to a Mass that was done in subtle “flavors” to the Mass. She both English and Spanish.” recalls a tradition she was told Churches have different as a child about visiting differaesthetics and approaches to ent parishes. the liturgy, and sometimes com“I grew up knowing that monalities remind us of our whenever you visited a new home parish or parishes we’ve church, you got three wishes,” visited before. Ann says. “I loved asking God “I appreciate the ones who (From left) Prayer Shawl Ministry for my special three desires.” sing like we sing,” says Sue members Sue Pfeifer, Karen Denne and Pfeifer, a parishioner since One popular resource for Rose Ann Sindelar Catholics when traveling, or 2014. “Some churches you will even when home, is MassTimes.org, which shows like, and some you will not.” Mass times and frequently Confession times by This summer, we could reframe going to Mass distance from your specified location. during vacation as a time to be still together in It takes some foresight and intentionality the midst of activities and general busyness. to keep the faith and attend Mass even when “Our daughter was very enthused when she traveling. was growing up and we would visit other church“We always scope out the church and Mass es,” says Sue Kohles, St. Leo’s Office Manager. time the night before, so we are ready,” says Patri- “We have visited some wonderful churches. It’s cia Durbin, a parishioner since 1984. “It was fun always interesting to hear the different homilies.” 5
WHAT DOES
“Red, White, and B lue” MEAN TO YOU?
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lthough our nation’s real independence began at the end of the Revolutionary War on Sept. 3, 1783, President John Adams originally thought that the anniversary would be marked on July 2, the day in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence from Great Britain. Ultimately, Americans chose to commemorate the birthday of the United States on July 4, the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted and approved. What does this mean for us as Roman Catholics? The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “The love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity” (2239). As a parish community, we are called by God to respond to this duty to the best of our ability. So, where do we start? The Second Vatican Council document, Apostolicam Actuositatem, states that “In their patriotism and in their fidelity to their civic duties, Catholics will feel themselves bound to promote the true common good: they will make the weight of their convictions so influential that, as a result, civil authority will be justly exercised and laws will accord with moral precepts and the common good” (14). By living our lay vocation and permeat6
ing the secular world with Catholic values, we genuinely honor God and neighbor. As “lamps shining before men,” we need to let our moral convictions – no matter the courage it may take – shine forth to be a guiding light for the world, often left vulnerable in the darkness. Our commitment to a rightly ordered Catholic patriotism begins with our commitment to the formation of our Christian conscience. We must enrich ourselves with the Church’s teachings on the value of human life, the sacred institution of family, Catholic social and moral teachings, Catholic civil duties, and anything that further pertains to the living out of our Catholic faith in our nation today. Once we have done this, we will be able to act upon it. As St. Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Today, more than ever, we need to pray for the light to know the will of God, for the love to accept the will of God, for the way to do the will of God.” This year, let us give our hearts to carrying out this mission of an authentic Catholic patriotism under God. Our nation was founded under God. Let us not allow this precious heritage, this source of true life and liberty, to be lost. Its preservation relies on each one of us.
THE LECTORS MINISTRY:
Bringing Alive the Word and Treasures of the Bible
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s Catholics, we know that we are called to attend Mass each Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligations. The Holy Mass has many important parts, and one of those is the readings — for as stated in the second chapter of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, “In the readings, the table of God’s Word is spread before the faithful, and the treasures of the Bible are opened to them” (57). Since the readings are so important, the person proclaiming them has an essential task. Cheryl O’Curran enjoys filling this key role at our parish. She has served as a lector for more than 30 years, from her start at St. Mary’s in Nenzel, Neb. to her service here at St. Leo’s. “I enjoy making the words I am reading come alive in the minds of parishioners,” Cheryl says. For Cheryl, speaking in front of people is very natural. She earned her master’s degree in Communications and was a speech team coach for many years. It’s important to her to use her speaking skills to serve the Lord. “We are stewards and caretakers of the gifts that God has given us,” she says. “I do this in honor and in praise of God. What better way is there to give back to Him, the gift that He gave to me, than to actually use that gift in His house and in His name?” Cheryl invites those who have skills in public speaking to consider becoming a lector or a commentator. The Commentator Ministry members read the announcements and the Prayers of the Faithful. Lectors receive a book to help them prepare for the readings. They sit with their family during Mass but process forward at the beginning of Mass. Cheryl practices the readings many times before proclaiming the Scripture at Mass. She works to understand what she’s reading, as well. “It’s much harder to make sense of the Second Reading than the First Reading,” Cheryl says. “I figure if I can help it make sense to myself, I can help it make sense to those who are listening.” Overall, serving as a lector has truly helped continued on back cover
Linka Hamik serves as a lector.
Kathy Boroff serves as a commentator.
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2410 S. Blaine Street Grand Island, NE 68801 (308) 382-4753 | www.saintleos.org
THE LECTORS MINISTRY continued from page 7
Cheryl to grow in faith. She spends more time with the readings, especially the week she is a lector, and has a much better understanding of the Bible and the Mass. “There’s two halves to the Mass and I want to be sure they both have equal representation,” Cheryl says. The Eucharist is the Word — you can’t have the Eucharist without the Word, and you can’t have the Word without the Eucharist.”
If you would like to get involved as a lector or commentator, you must be confirmed. Those interested may contact Cheryl O’Curran at 402-460-8679 or cherylocurran@yahoo.com.
LITURGY SCHEDULE Daily Mass: 9 a.m., Saturday: 5 p.m., Sunday: 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Confession: Saturday 4 - 4:30 p.m. Adoration: First Friday of the Month, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Abide Adoration: Fourth Sunday of the Month, 7 - 8 p.m.