St. Leo's Catholic Parish Community Newsletter — November 2021

St.

Leos’

Parish Community

ALL SAINTS’ DAY AND ALL SOULS’ DAY:

T

Remembering Those Who Have Gone Before Us

he first two days of November offer us a valuable opportunity to remember and reflect upon those who have passed away. All Saints’ Day, celebrated on Nov. 1, is typically a Holy Day of Obligation and a time to honor those who have lived a holy life and have earned their eternal reward in heaven. As Pope Francis reminds us, “To be saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone” — thus, we remember those holy men and women who are examples for us to live holy everyday lives.

“All Saints’ Day is our annual day to honor those who have gone before us who have lived an exemplary life,” says Fr. Don Buhrman. “Every year we honor These feasts are the church’s way them because they modeled for us a life of honoring and remembering those who have gone before us. This honor of discipleship to God in their own gifts can be continued through the entire and talents. We give thanks for them bemonth of November. cause they modeled for us to be faithful disciples to Jesus.”

All Souls’ Day is the day that we remember those who have gone before us. We pray for their souls to achieve eternal glory in heaven.

“All Souls’ Day is sort of like the Church’s version of Memorial Day,” continued on page 5

Inside

NOVEMBER 2021

2

Teaching Our Children the True Meaning of Stewardship

3

A Letter From Our Pastor: Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Time

4

Meet Norbert Wenzl: A Heart and Passion for Service

6 Brothers in Christ:

Sharing in

Fellowship With

the Men of our Faith Communities 7

The Sign of the Cross: A Powerful Prayer Tradition in the Catholic Church

TEACHING OUR CHILDREN THE TRUE MEANING OF STEWARDSHIP

W

hat is your response when someone compliments your child’s achievements in art, music, or sports? Do you say “thank you” as a kind response, or do you thank God for granting your child the gifts necessary for success?

As parents, we serve as the primary educators of our children. Teaching them from a young age that their talents — whether in soccer, chorus or painting — come not from us, but from God, is essential to teaching stewardship. God graciously grants each of us unique skills and abilities, and it is our job to use those gifts to glorify Him. As parents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings, we can guide children in our lives to recognize their God-given gifts.

We can further encourage children to use God’s gifts to their full potential, and then thank Him for bestowing them. This teaches young Catholics how to be good stewards. Indeed, not utilizing our talents brings to mind the parable of the servant who buries the treasure his master gives him, instead of using it to create more treasure. God wants us to use our talents wisely and thankfully.

Teaching children to utilize their talents to build God’s kingdom is only one step of the threefold stewardship message. How your children spend their time is also important. As we move through the hustle and bustle of our day — balancing school, chores, and extracurricular activities — do we find time to spend with God? It often seems as if 24 hours is not long enough to fulfill our many daily tasks.

So, how can we find the time to teach and demonstrate the importance of sharing our time with God? Simple time offerings include praying on the way to school, stopping by the church to pray for a friend in need, or thanking God for a good outcome on a test. Even learning about a saint over dinner and praying as a family before bedtime can be a valuable time offering to the Lord.

2

As parents, finding daily prayer time ourselves is also necessary, both for our roles as good stewards and as an example to our children. How wonderful for a child to witness their parent in quiet prayer devotion!

The third tier of stewardship — treasure — is most frequently overlooked when educating our children. Birthday money from Grandma and allowance money doesn’t count — or does it?

All gifts we receive are really from God, and the “first fruits” of those gifts should be generously returned to God — even if they come from Grandma. Starting as early as grade school, children can understand the concept of giving back to the all-giving God if we simply take the opportunity to teach it to them. Witnessing our weekly tithe is a great start, but encouraging them to give in their own children’s offertory envelope is also important. Knowing they are returning to God in thanksgiving will fill them with joy!

Of the many lessons parents instill in their children, teaching them to be good stewards should be a top priority. Our goal as parents is to get our children to heaven to be with our creator, God. Teaching them to be good stewards is a great way to ensure entry.

A Letter From Our Pastor

Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Time Dear Parishioners,

T

he next several weeks are certainly a busy time for us as Catholics, good stewards, good citizens, and faithful members of the Church and our parish. There are celebrations and commemorations both inside and outside the Church that are momentous in terms of faith, citizenship, and living as people of thanksgiving and gratitude.

We celebrate Veterans Day to honor and thank all those men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces in one capacity or another. Indicative of the importance of this day, every year at 11 a.m. Eastern, the President of the United States lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

We all understand that Americans celebrate a day of Thanksgiving on Nov. 25. What more can we say about this? It is a day that was based in faith from its very beginnings, and it is an indication of how much we have to thank God for in terms of the gifts we have received — our lives, our families, our Church, our Lord and Savior — everything we are and everything we have.

No sooner are Thanksgiving Day celebrations concluded, then we begin that glorious season called Advent on Sunday, Nov. 28. This prepares us for and leads to Christmas. Indeed, this is both a busy and extraordinary time of year! There is, of course, much more on which we could focus and about which we could think, meditate and pray, but that is more than enough for us to consider and absorb.

From a stewardship perspective, I would like

you to not only participate and focus on all the particular things that are about to happen but also on one of our special gifts — the gift of time. The gift of time, which we all receive from God in equal amount, is precious because it is a non-renewable resource. Although some of our time is committed because of family responsibilities, work responsibilities, or simply personal needs, we have an element of freewill with how we spend a certain amount of it.

We need to spend some of that time in prayer, in thanksgiving, in worship, and in works of mercy and ministry. Our time is perhaps more precious than any material gifts we receive from the Lord. How are we doing with that gift?

Sincerely yours in Christ, Rev. Donald A. Buhrman Pastor

3

ME E T

Norbert Wenzl: A

Norbert Wenzl extends his gratitude to every member at St. Leo’s, past and present. He is humbled by all the ways people give of their time, talent and treasure.

4

s a retired pharmacist, Norbert Wenzl knows there are medicines that we need to keep our bodies healthy and functioning. But there are also medicines we need to keep our spiritual lives healthy — the Eucharist is one such medicine, and service is another.

Norbert has served in many ministries at St. Leo’s since he became a member in 1980. He brings the Eucharist to the homebound about twice per month — for some, receiving the Eucharist at home from a ministry member is the only social interaction they have. Norbert is especially glad to be back to this ministry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When you bring the Eucharist, you can just see the gratitude on their faces and the joy they have,” he says. “I always tell people, ‘I am blessed just as much as you.’”

Norbert also blesses all of us by sharing his vocal and trumpet skills at 8 a.m. Sunday Mass.

But he is quick to emphasize that it is not a performance — he is there for God’s glory and to enhance the celebration of the Liturgy. He appreciates that parishioners at St. Leo’s also help by singing along.

“When we have visiting priests, they always say this is really a singing parish,” Norbert says.

The Vocations Ministry Team offers another channel for Norbert to faithfully serve. The team just wrapped up October by leading a Rosary, specifically for vocations, before 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and 9 a.m. weekday Mass. The team focuses on all vocations, but the main goal is to get more young men to consider the priesthood or the consecrated life and encourage young women to consider becoming a religious sister.

Norbert is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, appreciating the many ways he can support the parish and those in need through the Knights. He also attends the Friday morning Brothers in Christ gatherings.

A simple but important ministry where Norbert

A

H E A R T A N D PA S S I O N F O R S E R V I C E also gives his time is the Prayer Chain Ministry, through which people submit names and ministry members pray for them. Norbert finds this ministry to be a blessing, not only to those who are being prayed for but also to the members.

“The Prayer Chain is such a nice way to be aware of the suffering that is going on within the parish, so I can help lift the people up in prayer,” he says. “You can anonymously help these people.”

In his free time, Norbert enjoys cooking and baking — he loves to share his food creations with others, as well. He also enjoys yard work, gardening, and bicycle riding.

Norbert would encourage parishioners to find their passion, and then, find a ministry that fits that passion.

“When you are considering a ministry at St. Leo’s, don’t just do things to do them,” he says.

“Do things that bring joy to you and others.”

Norbert also encourages folks to have the courage to say “no” if they aren’t passionate about something.

“Saying ‘no’ is just allowing someone else to say ‘yes,’” Norbert says. “Find a ministry that brings you joy. If it’s natural for you to do, then it doesn’t feel like work. If a ministry does feel like work, that might be a sign you need a break from it.”

Most of all, Norbert wants to send his gratitude to every member at St. Leo’s, past and present.

He is humbled by all the ways people give of their time, talent, and treasure. He is also especially thankful to be welcomed into the St. Leo’s family, given that many of his immediate family members live quite a distance from Grand Island.

“I love the family spirit at St. Leo’s,” Norbert says. “Everyone is just so welcoming.”

ALL SAINTS’ DAY AND ALL SOULS’ DAY Fr. Don says.

St. Leo’s has a special way of honoring those parishioners who have died in the last year.

There is a display near the sanctuary to remember the parish’s deceased members. On the Sunday closest to All Souls’ Day, the 8 a.m. Mass is a Mass of Remembrance. At the beginning of Mass, a family member or parishioner carries in a candle to represent each of the deceased parishioners. Their names are read in remembrance and are also included in the prayers of the faithful.

During the month of October, the church displays a book of remembrance in the gathering space. Parishioners are encouraged to add the names of any deceased family members.

“When I first arrived at the parish, I established a page in the book for myself,” Fr. Don

continued from front cover

says. “I wrote down the names of my grandparents, cousins, and other family members who have died. We suggest that other parishioners do the same.”

Another way to honor the dead is to offer a Mass for them. Each Mass said at the church has a particular intention. One can offer a Mass by calling the parish office and speaking to Sue Kohles. The suggested gift for a Mass offering is $10.

“When we offer a Mass for a particular person, it is often a source of support for survivors to know that their loved ones are being prayed for by the community,” Fr. Don says.

These feasts are the church’s way of honoring and remembering those who have gone before us. This honor can be continued through the entire month of November.

5

BROTHERS IN CHRIST: Sharing in Fellowship With the Men of Our Faith Communities

I

t can be too easy to get wrapped up in the demands of work and home — in turn, it can also be difficult to find the time to focus on faith and fellowship. It can be particularly hard for men to gather with those who are like-minded and have time to share the Catholic faith.

This is why we are so blessed to have the St. Leo’s and St. Mary’s Brothers in Christ group, which offers a valuable way for men to gather and renew their faith.

On Friday mornings beginning at 5:30 a.m. at Leo’s Parish Hall, men of all ages gather for breakfast, with the meeting taking place from 6 to 7 a.m. Norbert Wenzl has attended Brothers in Christ for many years. He finds the group meetings to be a great way of starting the day.

“It’s a great time of fellowship and a good way to just be vocal about faith and share with other men,” Norbert says. “We are all on this journey together.”

This fall, the group is watching and discussing the internationally renowned and inspiring video series The Chosen, which is about the life of Jesus.

“It’s always nice to see how others view things,” Norbert says. “We all watch the same video. Someone may say one thing that you have never thought about.”

All men in the Brothers in Christ are there to spread the joy of the Gospel and to enjoy

fellowship with one another. Ultimately, men leave these sessions with more knowledge of the faith and the support of friends.

Since this is open to all men of Grand Island, Norbert has gotten to know men he wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity to meet — he has enjoyed having the chance to meet men outside of the immediate St. Leo’s community.

“It’s a great time of fellowship and a good way to just be vocal about faith and share with other men. We are all on this journey together.” — Norbert Wenzl The fall semester takes place here at St. Leo’s with the spring session taking place at St. Mary’s.

You are invited to attend with other men of the parishes on Friday mornings at Leo’s Parish Hall, with breakfast beginning at 5:30 a.m. The session ends at 7 a.m. with Eucharistic Adoration to follow.

Join anytime — men need not attend every session.

6

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS:

A Powerful Prayer Tradition in the Catholic Church

S

ince we say and make the Sign of the Cross so often, it may easily become a rote, perhaps even thoughtless, action. However, it is important to remember that the Sign of the Cross is much more than a simple gesture. Even in its most basic form, the Sign of the Cross — accompanied by the spoken or unspoken words “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” — is a prayer, a creed stating our belief in the Holy Trinity, the dual nature of Jesus Christ, and the dependence of our salvation on His crucifixion and resurrection.

In addition, making the Sign of the Cross is an indication of a willingness to take up our own cross and suffering for the sake of Christ. The prayer is considered one of the greatest weapons against Satan and all demons, and an added strength against the temptations of the flesh.

In the Roman Catholic Church today, the Sign of the Cross is typically made with either three fingers or an open hand touching first the forehead, then the chest, followed by the left shoulder and then the right (in the Eastern Church, the right shoulder is touched before the left). The concept of making a sign, or “setting a

seal,” upon the forehead of those who place their faith in the Lord appears in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible — see Ezek. 9:4 and Rev. 7:3, 9:4, and 14:1.

Early versions of the Sign of the Cross were traced on just the forehead, using the thumb and forefinger held together in the shape of a tiny cross. We still see this version of the blessing performed during Baptisms (with the cross traced on the infant’s forehead) and on Ash Wednesday (with the cross traced in ashes on the foreheads of the faithful). Similarly, when the Gospel is read during the Liturgy of the Word, the priest or deacon leads the congregation in forming this small cross on the forehead, mouth, and chest, indicating a willingness to keep the Word of the Lord in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts.

There is no doubt that our early Church fathers were strong believers in the sanctifying power of the Sign of the Cross. A second-century ecclesiastical scholar, Tertullian, and a third century saint, St. Cyril of Jerusalem, both wrote about the necessity of performing the Sign of the Cross at one’s waking and one’s lying down, continued on back cover

7

2410 S. Blaine Street Grand Island, NE 68801 (308) 382-4753 | www.saintleos.org

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS at entering and leaving a room, at mealtimes, and more. St. Augustine also referenced the importance of marking the cross on the faithful’s forehead during the administration of the sacraments.

It is likely that the sign transformed from the tiny cross on the forehead to the larger, fullbody cross used today sometime in the fifth century, when heretics began questioning both the dual nature of Jesus Christ — fully human and fully divine — and the unity of the Holy Trinity. Believers in these crucial Church doctrines began forming the cross with three extended fingers (representing the Trinity), keeping the ring finger and little finger pressed down into the palm (representing Christ’s dual nature),

continued from page 7

and tracing a cross on their entire upper body so there could be no mistaking the gesture.

Today, the Sign of the Cross still figures predominantly in our prayer life as Roman Catholics. We commonly perform it upon entering a church; at the beginning and end of the Catholic Mass, a Benediction, or the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; when opening and closing our personal prayers; at mealtimes; and when passing by a Catholic Church (in recognition of Christ, present in the tabernacle). As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, the frequent, intentional use of the Sign of the Cross can help the faithful dedicate each day to the glory of God and provide strength in the face of trial and temptation (2157).

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.