St. Leo's Catholic Parish Community Newsletter — November 2022

Leos ’ St.

Parish Community

MEET ANITA AND PAUL POLANSKY

Sharing a Life of Faith, Gratitude and Stewardship

If you woke up in the morning with only the things for which you had thanked God the previous day, what would your life look like? When someone asked this question to Anita Polansky, something shifted in her.

“That really got me thinking and I have determined to be constantly grateful and thankful on a daily basis,” she says.

“Some days, I will have to admit, are easier than others to do that.”

Anita and her husband, Paul, have been parishioners at St. Leo’s for 23 years. Over the years, and still today, they have been involved in numerous ministries and activities in our parish. From the time they joined the parish, Paul immediately found him self involved in serving the community.

“No matter what town I lived in, I al ways joined a church,” Paul says. “It gave me a church family and automatic connection to the community.”

Anita and Paul Polansky have been parishioners at St. Leo’s for 23 years.

Both Anita and Paul have taught CCD, and serve as greeters and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Paul is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Brothers in Christ, and Empower Youth, and he serves as a lector and commentator. Anita has been involved with Ladies of St. Leo’s, funeral dinners, linen laundry, the Liturgy Committee, prayer

2022

out Gratitude and Stewardship, During Thanksgiving and Beyond

Time to Be Grateful

Council:

Our Pastor in Serving the Faith Community

for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

Human Concerns Ministry: Putting Christ’s Mission into Action

LIVING OUT GRATITUDE AND STEWARDSHIP, During Thanksgiving and Beyond

E very November, as the holiday season fast approaches, we are filled with a deep sense of gratitude for all of our blessings. At the same time, we encounter many wonderful ways to give — to cheerfully share our own gifts during this time of Thanksgiving.

It is with this spirit of gratitude that we can truly live out the stewardship way of life. This Thanksgiving, there are plenty of opportuni ties to do this in a direct way. Is there a family member or friend you haven’t spoken to for a long time, or someone who might be spend ing the holiday alone? Drop them an email, pick up the phone and call, or even catch up with them via Zoom or FaceTime. Perhaps you may volunteer at a soup kitchen, or you might donate a Thanksgiving meal to a family in need who wouldn’t have one otherwise.

For Black Friday, make it a point to donate old clothes that you or your family members no longer need. And as the winter draws closer, you might participate in — or even organize — a coat drive, and then go out into the commu

nity to give the coats away to homeless shelters and those in need during the winter months. There are countless such opportunities to live in gratitude and thanksgiving — opportunities that go beyond just having a meal at home.

Of course, we must remember that this spirit of thanksgiving does not end after Thanksgiving, nor does it end following Advent and Christmas. We must always consider how to give, even as the glow of the holiday season fades after the New Year. In January, if there is abundance in your closet, give away from that abundance. In February, if there are volun teers needed at the soup kitchen, give of your time. We need a renewed spirit of stewardship and thanksgiving that lasts the whole year so that our giving becomes habitual, and not just seasonal.

This Thanksgiving, ask the Holy Spirit where He is calling you to give. And may the joy of the Thanksgiving season flow into our lives as good stewards, every day and through out the entire year.

Of course, we must remember that this spirit of thanksgiving does not end after Thanksgiving, nor does it end following Advent and Christmas. We must always consider how to give, even as the glow of the holiday season fades after the New Year. In January, if there is abundance in your closet, give away from that abundance. In February, if there are volunteers needed at the soup kitchen, give of your time. We need a renewed spirit of stewardship and thanksgiving that lasts the whole year so that our giving becomes habitual, and not just seasonal.

A Letter From Our Pastor

NOVEMBER: TIME TO BE GRATEFUL

Dear Parishioners,

Ithank God every day for my priest hood. I thank God every day for each one of you. I thank God when I say the Mass. I thank God for every day.

There are so many ways that the Lord has blessed me that I cannot mention them all. That is a lot of gratitude, I know, but it is that kind of attitude of appreciation for God’s presence in our lives, and His many gifts to us, that we need to concen trate on — not just this month when Thanksgiving is so much on our minds, but throughout the year.

It has been said many times that people who are good stewards are grateful people and, as a result, are happy people. If we think about the good things in our lives — no matter how many challenges and sorrows there may be — and make them the center of our thoughts, it makes every thing better.

As Catholics, we are thankful people by na ture. We share the Eucharist regularly, and this is a gift from God on which we should always unite. You are probably aware that the word “Eucha rist” itself comes from the Greek word eucharistia, which means, quite simply, “thanksgiving.” As a faith family, we share this meal of “thanksgiving” often, and certainly at every Holy Mass.

Thus, my thoughts of thanksgiv ing are not confined to one time of year, but every day of the year. That should be the goal for each of us. I heard someone say recently that our Thanksgiving holiday has Protestant roots, but there are Catholic roots to the tradition, as well. Were you aware that in 1565 — 56 years before the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanks giving — Spanish Catholic settlers and Native Americans celebrated a Thanksgiving at a Holy Mass in St. Augustine, Fla.?

Thanksgiving is a way of life for us. Every time we gather to celebrate Mass, pray, or just enjoy one another’s company, it is a time for that eternal gratitude. Everything we have is a gift from God. It may be something basic like fresh air and clean water. It may be food. It is certainly family, friends, and our very parish. Let us thank God not just at this time of year, but always. You and I are blessed.

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

PARISH COUNCIL:

Assisting Our

There are many details to consider in the day-to-day workings of a parish. Events are organized, liturgies are planned, facilities are cleaned and maintained, budgets are made, and numerous ministries reach out to the youth, the parishioners, and the community. As pastor, Fr. Don Buhrman oversees it all and makes decisions that impact the whole com munity. But he doesn’t do this alone — behind him stands the Parish Council, which advises Fr. Don as he leads our community.

“I want as broad a perspective as I possibly can,” Fr. Don says. “If I only listen to my staff, I’ll have a limited perspective.”

The nine Parish Council members hear about needs that might not reach Fr. Don. There are often details that impact parishio ners and Fr. Don relies on the Parish Coun cil to bring these things to light. He recalls a council member once telling him that the bath rooms weren’t set up for children. The solu tion was simple — step stools were purchased

so that children could reach the sink. It was a small detail, but it makes a big difference to families.

Canon law requires that every parish have a Finance Council, and the diocesan policy recommends a Parish Council as well. The Church recognizes that priests have different strengths and need well-rounded advisors to ensure that things run smoothly.

“Priests aren’t necessarily trained to be businessmen,” Fr. Don says. “We try hard to keep the council members informed about what is going on in the parish, so they can give the best advice.”

The Parish Council reviews minutes from other ministries, councils, or task forces. They are able to see how the ministries interplay and build the parish culture and can offer sug gestions to the groups and advice to Fr. Don.

Our Parish Council members serve threeyear terms. At the beginning of the fiscal year, all nominations for members are put into a hat and

“Priests aren’t necessarily trained to be businessmen. We try hard to keep the council members informed about what is going on in the parish, so they can give the best advice.”

FR. DON BUHRMAN

Pastor in Serving the Faith Community

prayed over. Then three new members are drawn.

“It’s designed to bring new ideas, opinions, and perspectives into the consult of the pas tor,” Fr. Don says.

Parishioner Andy Wede is in his second year on the Parish Council. He sees this as a way to give back to the parish. Serving on St. Leo’s Parish Council, and his past experiences on councils at other parishes, have shown him his faith community in a new light.

“You get your eyes opened up a little bit to things you might not see sitting in the pew on Sunday morning,” Andy says. “People will say things to council members that they might not say to the priest.”

The approachability of the council members is a large part of their role. All of their names are listed in the bulletin so that if parishioners have any questions or ideas, they know with whom to speak.

MEET ANITA AND PAUL POLANSKY

chains, and the 31 Club.

Anita notes that she particularly enjoys serving as a greeter at Mass.

“I love to welcome each person as they come in and to wish them a good day or week as they leave,” she says. “They may come in a little rushed or maybe even a little cranky, but when I smile and tell them ‘Welcome. Glad you could come today,’ they always smile back and it makes me feel like I’ve improved their day a little and maybe set the mood for them to be open to what God may have for them to hear at that time.”

Paul also enjoys serving in the ministries that are part of the Mass.

“The Word and the Eucharist are at the very center of our faith,” he says.

Both Paul and Anita were raised Catholic by

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their parents. As such, they have prioritized their relationship with God in their marriage and fam ily life. While it can be challenging to work around their schedules, the Polansky family recognizes the importance of stewardship in their life. They attend Mass together as a family and teach their children the importance of God. Paul and Anita also pray for each other and try to serve together when possible.

“To me, stewardship is important because it’s showing my gratitude to God for His great faithful ness to us,” Anita says. “You can never outgive God, either in money or our time and talents. Everything we have, either in talent, passions, income, or ‘stuff,’ is ours because of God’s love and mercy toward us. He has given us everything. Stewardship is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to God.”

ANITA POLANSKY

Parishioners are welcome to bring their thoughts to our Parish Council members. If you are interested in serving on the Parish Council, please contact the parish office at 308-382-4753.

“Everything we have, either in talent, passions, income, or ‘stuff,’ is ours because of God’s love and mercy toward us. He has given us everything. Stewardship is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to God.”

PRAYING FOR THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY

Many Catholics are aware that the Church dedicates the first two days of November — All Saints Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls Day on Nov. 2 — to commemorating and praying for the souls of the faithful departed. But did you know that during the entire month of November, the Church places a special emphasis on praying for the souls in purgatory?

The Church has always taught us to pray for the souls of those who have passed on from this life. Even in Old Testament times, prayers and alms were offered for the souls of the dead by those who thought “well and religiously con cerning the resurrection” (Liturgical Meditations, The Sisters of St. Dominic). And in the early days of the Church, St. Paul further emphasized the importance and responsibility of not only remem bering our brothers and sisters who have passed away, but actively praying for them: “For the Lord

himself... will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will first rise” (1 Thess 4:16).

Because of the very state of the holy souls in purgatory, we as earthly brothers and sisters in Christ are closely connected to those who passed on from this life. We share in the peace of know ing that salvation will one day be obtained, but are simultaneously suffering in separation from God. The Church also teaches that we have the opportunity to play a big part in helping these souls through their period of purgation, so that they may soon enjoy eternal glory with the Lord.

This month, please make a special effort to offer prayers for your deceased friends and loved ones, and all those who have passed away in the grace and friendship of God. Offering a Mass for someone who has passed away is an especially fruitful way to honor the memory and bring com fort to a holy soul in purgatory.

PRAYER FOR THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY

O Lord, who art ever merciful and bounteous with Thy gifts, look down upon the suffering souls in purgatory. Remember not their offenses and negligences, but be mindful of Thy loving mercy, which is from all eternity. Cleanse them of their sins and fulfill their ardent desires that they may be made worthy to behold Thee face to face in Thy glory. May they soon be united with Thee and hear those blessed words which will call them to their heavenly home: “Come, blessed of My Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Amen.

HUMAN CONCERNS MINISTRY:

Putting Christ’s Mission into Action

When we look at the teachings of Jesus Christ through the Gospels, caring for the poor and underprivileged is a very prominent theme. His mission brought dignity to every human life. Every human being is created in the image of God, thus giving them inherent dignity. In the fourth chapter of John, Jesus gives dignity to the Samaritan woman at the well when He asks her for a drink and then shares the message of the living water.

For the Human Concerns Ministry, their mis sion is educating others and living out the prin ciples of Catholic social teaching.

“Our members are focused on being aware of Catholic social teaching and trying to fit the prin ciples into their daily lives and their decisions,” says Donna Douglass. “We are really trying to think like Christ and realize how our choices im pact others.”

All parishioners in the parish are encouraged

to join this ministry that makes an effort to serve others and treat them with the dignity that God has given them.

The Human Concerns Ministry is wonder fully active in the community, frequently hosting events to serve others. These events include:

February — Collecting bottled water and sports drinks for the American Red Cross to use when they respond to emergencies.

March — Delivering flowers to the homebound parishioners, hosting a Habitat for Humanity Build Day, encouraging parishioners to participate in the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl.

June — Participating in the Can Care-aVan event.

July — Participating in the Stuff the Bus event.

“Our members are focused on being aware of Catholic social teaching and trying to fit the principles into their daily lives and their decisions. We are really trying to think like Christ and realize how our choices impact others.”

DONNA DOUGLASS

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

HUMAN CONCERNS MINISTRY continued from page 7

September — Collecting cookies for Red Cross blood drives.

October — Collecting, repairing, washing, and distributing coats to those in need.

December — Organizing the Giving Tree to support the local homeless shelters.

Each month, the ministry also collects food for St. Mary’s food pantry and also holds extra food collections three times each year. They also collect aluminum cans for Habitat for Hu manity.

“As a ministry, we are always looking at current events and figuring out if there is a way to intertwine our faith,” Donna says.

During his missionary years, Jesus had a great love for the poor. He was frequently preaching about the importance of caring for those less fortunate. As we are a part of our parish community where we find support and friendship, we grow in holiness as we receive Christ in the Eucharist at Mass, thus giving us the strength to go out into the world to serve others as Christ calls us to do. By being a part of the Human Concerns Ministry, we are given opportunities to serve and love those around us.

Meetings for this ministry are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend meetings or participate in the events that this ministry sponsors. If you would like more information, or to get involved, please contact Donna Douglass at Donna@saintleos.org or 308-382-4753.

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.