St.
Leos’
Parish Community
Inside
Thanksgiving
NOVEMBER 2020
A Time for Serving and
Sharing
in
Gratitude
T
his month, amid a time of uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, we celebrate a day focused on gratitude. The national holiday of Thanksgiving is a day where religious and non-religious individuals all come together to be thankful. Fr. Don Buhrman says, as Catholics, we celebrate thanksgiving each time we celebrate the Eucharist. In fact, “Eucharist” is the Greek word for “thank you.” Fr. Don urges us to carry our “attitude of gratitude” with us all year, constantly thanking God for all the gifts He has given us. We also can take the time to thank our family and friends for the ways they bless us. “Much of the time, society and religion clash,” Fr. Don says. “Thanksgiving is a chance for religion and society to come together.” Fr. Don urges parishioners, especially in these uncertain times, to lean into our faith and find ways to give back and get involved. “There are a lot of ways to get involved like contributing to our parish, looking for ways to get involved as a good steward, and looking for what the needs of other people are and responding to those needs,” he says. continued on page 5
2 Formation Transformed through Christ 3 November is a Time for Thanksgiving 4 The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick Filled with Grace and Strength in Moments of Suffering 6 St. Charles Borromeo: An Example of Living Completely for the Lord 7
The Church is More than a Building — It is Our Spiritual Home
FORMATION
Transformed Through Christ “Jesus not only calls people to him but also forms them and sends them out in his service.” From Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response
T
his month, we are emphasizing the third pillar of parish stewardship — formation. Formation is the process of studying Christ’s teachings and incorporating them deeply into our lives. It is a lifelong effort by which we “put on Christ” (Rom 13:14) and are “transformed by the renewal of our minds” (Rom 12:2). Above all, our formation should include studying Scripture and Church teaching. It should also include discussions with other Catholics and honest self-assessment. Its goal is to “discern the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Rom 12:2). Because formation helps us understand God’s will, it, therefore, leads naturally to good stewardship. When our minds are transformed through Christ, we become like Him — as Christ gave His life for us, so we give our lives to others. Formation is not just an individual task. Instead, it is a communal responsibility that, when applied, will further help St. Leo’s to grow as a stewardship parish. Each one of us has an inherent need to give — to move from “selfishness to
“
selflessness,” as the Diocese of Wichita’s document The Pillars of Parish Stewardship aptly states. Formation is a process of spiritual growth, and it leads to a deeper understanding of loving others as God loves us. Naturally, then, our Catholic formation should not end upon celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation, or turning 18 years old. Formation is a formidable task that we as Catholics should participate in for the duration of our lives. It involves “education of the mind and conversion of the heart” (The Pillars of Parish Stewardship), and helps us to lead the stewardship way of life rather than just understand it. As you prepare for the season of Advent, why not make formation a part of your penitential renewal to Christ? Start off by reading 10 minutes of Sacred Scripture a day, or by studying a chapter of the Catechism of the Catholic Church daily. Read a biography of your favorite saint for an example of an individual who lived as a disciple of Christ, and use this person as a role model when tending to your daily tasks. Keep an eye on our weekly parish bulletin for faith formation opportunities at the parish. Before long, your commitment to formation will lead you to naturally live the Catholic faith and understand stewardship in ways that you never imagined before.
Formation is the process of studying Christ’s teachings and incorporating them deeply into our lives. It is a lifelong effort by which we “put on Christ” (Rom 13:14) and are “transformed by the renewal of our minds” (Rom 12:2). Above all, our formation should include studying Scripture and Church teaching. It should also include discussion with other Catholics and honest self-assessment. Its goal is to “discern the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Rom 12:2).
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A Letter From Our Pastor
NOVEMBER IS A TIME FOR THANKSGIVING Dear Parishioners,
N
ovember seems to automatically bring us to thoughts of thanksgiving and Thanksgiving — it is both a time of year when we tend to think in terms of gratitude to God, and a time when we also formally celebrate our American holiday. My memories of Thanksgiving are filled with food, of course, but they are also filled with thoughts of family and a sense of togetherness and a sense of my faith. But this is also a significant month in the Church from several perspectives. Nov. 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints. The next day is All Souls Day, a day devoted to all the saints in our lives — living, not living, known, and unknown. Most of us have people in our lives who have had a profound impact on us – people we can consider our own personal saints. This month is a wonderful reminder to think of them, thank them, and thank God for making them a part of our lives. Our Thanksgiving holiday falls on Nov. 26, and is a time for families and gratitude. Thanksgiving became official in the United States in 1863, and in his proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln made very clear Whom we needed to thank. “To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of
so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God,” Lincoln said. In other words, we all need to thank Almighty God for our many blessings. Finally, November also brings us to the end of one Church year and the beginning of a new one. The Feast of Christ the King on Nov. 22 officially begins the final week of our liturgical year, and the First Sunday of Advent is on Nov. 29. From the beginning of the month when we thank God for the example of the saints and the saintly people in our lives, to the end of the month when we thank God for everything we have and everything we are, November is a time to approach the Lord with a grateful heart. That is what stewardship truly is all about — about approaching God, about approaching each day, and about approaching all those with whom we come in contact with hearts filled with gratitude and love. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Donald A. Buhrman Pastor 3
The Sacrament of A Filled
with
Grace
and
Streng
M
ost of us have witnessed a Bapand I just felt lighter, I felt more faithtism, a wedding or a Confirful,” Kathy says. “All of a sudden, I mation Mass. Perhaps you’ve couldn’t think about how sick I even been present at a priest was — I just thought about my or deacon’s Ordination faith. Mass. And, as practicing “It does bring me closer Catholics, we are blessed to God and it is a very faithto receive the Sacraments filled experience,” she adds. of Reconciliation and the “I am grateful to have been Eucharist. However, there blessed those times I was is one of the seven sacsick, it was just a huge gift raments with which the from God.” majority of Catholics are far Anointing of the Sick, less familiar — Anointing of along with Reconciliation, is a the Sick. Sacrament of Healing. Although You may recognize this sacthe healing may take different rament under a different name forms — sometimes physical, — “Extreme Unction” or “Last Rites.” sometimes mental, emotional Today, it is celebrated with greater or spiritual — the sacrament is Parishioner Kathy Dieckman (left) always an opportunity for the frequency than in times past, and her twin sister at the River including any time someone is seperson to have an encounter with Jordan, on their pilgrimage to the riously ill or approaching surgery, God, the Divine Physician. Holy Land, where Kathy fell ill advanced in age, as well as when Parishioner Delores Koskovich and received the Sacrament of a person is nearing death. lost her beloved husband, Donald, Anointing of the Sick Parishioner Kathy Dieckman earlier this year. However, before has received Anointing of the Sick several times, his passing, he was able to receive Anointing of while ill or in preparation for medical procedures. the Sick, which not only brought him a sense of For her, this sacrament has always brought a peace and comfort but also helped his family in sense of comfort and strength. their grief. “When I’m in the hospital getting Anointing, I “I think it really comforted him because it feel like God is giving me extra blessings,” Kathy seemed like he was really at peace,” Delores says. says. “It always feels good — it lifts your heart.” “He kept saying, ‘What’s taking so long?’ He knew Almost two years ago, Kathy fell ill while on a he was going and he seemed like he was ready to pilgrimage to the Holy Land and received the sac- go. rament from the priest chaplain who was travel“It was also comforting to the family and very ing with the group. peaceful to know that he received the sacrament “Father gave me the Anointing of the Sick and he went with God’s blessings,” she says. continued on page 5
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Anointing of the Sick
gth in
Moments
of
Suffering
Experiencing a sense of peace seems to be a common experience among those who receive this sacrament. “I couldn’t believe how peacefully he went,” Delores says of her husband. “He was at peace — he was ready.” Kathy encourages her fellow parishioners who are ill or preparing for serious medical procedures to be anointed as well and feel the power
of God’s Presence and love, as He draws them closer to Himself in difficult moments of suffering. “The graces, the strength you get — for me, it helps me get stronger,” Kathy says. “I feel I got enough grace and strength to go on. I don’t want to give up — Somebody is here helping me get through it. Anointing of the Sick is such an emotional, faith-filled experience.”
If you or a loved one would like to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office at 308-382-4753 for more information.
Thanksgiving: A Time for Serving and Sharing in Gratitude continued from front cover As Catholics, we are urged to give 10 percent of our treasure back to the Lord out of gratitude. Fr. Don also reminds parishioners that five percent of the weekly collection is given to the Outreach Department at our parish. Checks can also be added to the collection indicating on the memo they are meant for the Outreach Department. The Outreach Department works with social service organizations across Grand Island. There are also many ways to get involved with the Outreach Department. “Sometimes we have people that we help directly,” Fr. Don says. “We might provide a bus ticket, glasses or clothes. We also help get them get connected with
a social service organization that can help them.” And, right now, something as simple as writing a “thank you” note is another way to spread love and gratitude. “You can use that old tradition of gratitude to make a phone call, write a note or send a text,” Fr. Don says. “Just a little bit of humility can go a long way.” As Fr. Don reminds us, through all the uncertainty in our world right now, and as much as society may tell us to live in fear, we can always trust and hope in the Lord. “John Paul II said, ‘Be not afraid,’” Fr. Don says. “Let’s follow that and walk with our Lord.”
Please be sure to refer to the church bulletin for ways to get involved this Thanksgiving and Advent.
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ST. CHARLES BORROMEO: An Example of Living Completely for the Lord
O
ne important aspect of stewardship — of involvement in parish life and our community — is understanding our own personal vocation. One saint especially embodies this key aspect of stewardship. St. Charles was a model priest, and many priests and clergy-intraining look to his life as an example of how to live completely for the Lord. Let us look to his example as we serve our own faith family and community. When St. Charles Borromeo died at the age of 46, he had accomplished more than most clergy twice his age. St. Charles is credited with the continuation and completion of the Council of Trent in 1562, extensive reformation within the Archdiocese of Milan and beyond, and the creation of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine — the forerunner of the modern Religious Education system. St. Charles possessed a fierce love for the Church, especially for the people under his spiritual care — the Archdiocese of Milan. He was born in 1538 to the powerful noble family Borromeo. But rather than live the life of a noble, St. Charles chose instead to serve the Church. As a young man, St. Charles received the clerical tonsure — a hairstyle where the top of the head is shaved, common among religious orders — and studied at a Benedictine abbey near his hometown of Arona, Italy. His uncle, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo de’ Medici, was elected Pope in 1559, and took the name Pius IV. Shortly after becoming pope, Pius IV appointed St. Charles to serve as secretary of state, as well as cardinal and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan. At the time, St. Charles was still a layperson. While serving in these positions, he encouraged the pope to reconvene the Council of Trent, an ecumenical gathering during which Church leaders corrected various abuses and sought to 6
more clearly define elements of Catholic doctrine. In 1563, St. Charles was ordained to the priesthood during a secret ordination ceremony. Following the death of his older brother, Count Federico Borromeo, St. Charles’ family had urged him to marry and carry on the Borromeo name. However, St. Charles felt that God was calling him to serve the Church, and continued to fulfill his vocation. Shortly after becoming a priest, St. Charles was appointed by Pope Pius IV as Archbishop of Milan. Historians say the people of Milan rejoiced under St. Charles’ leadership and spiritual guidance — he was the first bishop in 80 years to actually live in Milan and minister to its people himself. Under his rule, Milan became a model diocese that was revered throughout the Catholic world. Due to his great intellect, St. Charles was often called away from Milan to help the pope in various ways. However, despite his busy life, St. Charles continued to push reformation among clergy and sought to continually improve the ministry of the Church. He often encouraged clergy to spend time educating and spiritually renewing themselves. During a homily at a diocesan synod, St. Charles addressed the priests saying, “Are you in charge of a parish? If so, do not neglect the parish of your own soul, do not give yourself to others so completely that you have nothing left for yourself. You have to be mindful of your people without becoming forgetful of yourself.” St. Charles was a true servant of the people. As the plague of 1576 ravaged much of Milan, he remained with his people, serving the sick and dying in hospitals throughout the archdiocese. St. Charles Borromeo died Nov. 3, 1584. He was canonized in 1610, and his feast day is celebrated each year on Nov. 4.
The Church is More than a Building — It is Our Spiritual Home
W
here do you go to church? We’ve all answered that question hundreds of times before. But have you ever stopped to think about what it truly means? “I go to St. Leo’s,” is the usual response, and rightly so, because we do “go to” the church to celebrate Mass together. But as Catholics and as stewards of God’s gifts, the Church is much more than a building within which we worship. The Church, as we understand it, is the universal body of believers, the society that Christ established to help us grow in holiness, to bring us closer to Him through the giving of our time, talent, and treasure, and to lead the world to the truth. Before Jesus ascended to the Father, He commissioned the disciples, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:19-20). That is the Church’s mission in the world today — to make disciples of all nations, to bring all to Christ. Our parish plays a key part in that. As members of St. Leo’s, we are local representatives of
the universal Church. Together, as members of this parish family, we work to carry out the Church’s mission on a local level. We worship the Lord at Mass, offering Him our praise and thanksgiving, and then we go forth on a mission to make disciples — to encourage our fellow parishioners in their lives of faith and to bring unbelievers into knowledge of the truth. In addition to being a “local representation of the universal Church,” the parish is much like a family. We are communal beings, and we are created to live with others. So, as Catholics, we are members of the Church and, on a more immediate level, of the parish. As such, we gather together for the Eucharistic meal; and we grow in faith together throughout the week, supporting one another through our participation in many parish ministries, through prayer, and through the friendships that many of us share. In a letter written to parish priests throughout the nation, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops explained the important place of the parish in the lives of Catholic faithful: “The parish is a privileged place to announce the Word of God. It includes a variety of forms; and each of the continued on back cover
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2410 S. Blaine Street Grand Island, NE 68801 (308) 382-4753 | www.saintleos.org
OUR SPIRITUAL HOME
continued from page 7
faithful is called to take an active part, especially with the witness of a Christian life and the explicit proclamation of the Gospel to non-believers to lead them to the faith, or to believers to instruct them, confirm them and encourage them to a more fervent life.” So, we ought to feel truly blessed to be a part of this parish family. We ought to make a
conscious effort to be actively involved, to build relationships with our fellow parishioners and to celebrate the Mass together as often as possible — most especially every Sunday. Consequently, we grow closer to Christ, to each other, and deeper in our faith. Together as a parish family, we proclaim the Gospel to others and invite them to a life of discipleship, thereby building the kingdom of God.
He [Jesus] commissioned the disciples, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:19-20). That is the Church’s mission in the world today — to make disciples of all nations, to bring all to Christ.
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.