B E R 2 0 21 DECEM
ST. peter C ath athoo lic li c CHu r ch Monthly Newsletter
THE ADVENT SEASON: A TIME TO PREPARE AND OPEN OUR HEAR T S FOR CHRIS TMAS
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dvent is a time of preparation, as we look forward to the coming of the Christ as child at Christmas and as King at the end of time. After all, we don’t want to get so involved in the shopping and decorating that we don’t set aside time to be ready for the birth of Jesus — when God revealed His closeness. As Pope Francis has said, “Advent is the season for remembering the closeness of God who came down to dwell in our midst.” So, here at St. Peter, we are blessed with many opportunities to prepare during this Advent season. Parish Catechist Blake Vajgrt asks all parishioners to focus on at-home prayer. Advent offers us an especially great time to practice daily prayer. Parishioners can also purchase or make an Advent wreath and light it each day at dinner. If we each take the time to prepare in this way, then Christmas can be extra special. “Mary was a woman of prayer, so she was prepared to say ‘yes’ to the coming of the Lord, when Gabriel appeared to her,” Blake says. “If we focus on prayer, we can be more prepared to say ‘yes’ to what God is calling us to.” Fr. Benjamin Holdren will visit the parish as guest
preacher on December 11-12. Fr. Holdren will preach on how to grow spiritually in the Advent season. As you enter into the season of Advent remember small preparations can have large impacts. Something as simple as spending five minutes on FORMED.org during this full season can help you prepare well. Thanks to a generous donation, we will also have free copies of Do Something Beautiful for God, a daily devotional based on the teachings of St. Teresa of Calcutta to start your new liturgical year off right. Fr. Eric Clark will lead us through the Stations of the Nativity, which he compiled, on Dec. 3. A social with continued on page 5
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t is not uncommon to give gifts during Advent and Christmas, but it is never enough just to leave it at that. True, Jesus gave Himself to us at the first Christmas. And, as always, we should strive to imitate Him by giving of ourselves in some way as we celebrate the anniversary of His birth. But there is a way to give even more than just ourselves — by giving the gift of Christ to others. The seasons of Advent and Christmas are perfect opportunities to share the love and message of Jesus with others in a beautiful way. Of course, giving of ourselves in imitation of Jesus is a beautiful thing. But it is just as important to remember that, as human beings, we bear the likeness of God. As Christians, Jesus Himself inhabits our very souls. As Catholics, our Lord literally dwells within us when we receive Him in the Eucharist. Based upon this logic, we do so much more than imitate Jesus when we selflessly give of ourselves to others. Indeed, just as Mary carried Christ in her womb when she visited her cousin, Elizabeth, and just as she brought Him in her arms to Simeon as a newborn child, we can also literally bring Jesus Christ to the world. What a profound task Our Lord has laid out for us this season! As He grew in Mary’s womb, Jesus could only go where Mary chose to take Him. Of course, He couldn’t do anything — He couldn’t even speak. Mary became His hands and feet, and even His voice. Mary could have stayed at home during her pregnancy, resting and preparing for life with a newborn, as most mothers do. But instead, the Blessed Mother helped her Son begin His mission by bringing Him to her cousin, Elizabeth. Today, in much the same way, Christ invites us to share Him with the rest of the world. He chooses to make His presence known through us. And so, as the spiritual writer Caryll Houselander beautifully stated, “We must carry Jesus in our hearts wherever He wants us to go, 2
and there are many places to which He may never go unless we take Him to them.” How do we bring Jesus to those in our parish and community? There are many ways. We might visit with a sick parishioner over the holidays, providing fellowship and support in their time of need. We may consider serving a local soup kitchen or food bank, and doing our part to make sure that the hungry are fed. We can sing Christmas carols for our neighbors, bringing true joy and love to their homes. Perhaps we could help a tired friend clean her house, making her life a little bit easier during this busy season. Or we can share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. We might even try going to work with a cheery disposition, or donating money so that a starving child in a poor country can have something to eat. These are just a few examples of how we can practice stewardship. We may sometimes feel as if our efforts are in vain — especially when it is hard to see the effects of our evangelization. This temptation is particularly strong when we offer our treasure as a gift to God. The positive effects of monetary gifts aren’t always as visible as gifts of time or talent. But when we give of our treasure, the love of Jesus can travel to places we could never go. While our gift may not directly affect someone in a positive way, it very well may enable someone else to do it for us. Sometimes, God doesn’t just ask us to be His hands and feet, but to enable someone else to be them, as well. Advent and Christmas give us the opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ call to live as stewards and disciples of His Word. God has put us in a particular place, given us a certain amount of time, and asked us to perform particular tasks and selflessly share a portion of our gifts. This is all for a singular purpose — to bring His Son into the world, and make Christ’s presence just as real as when He first became man more than 2,000 years ago.
A Letter from Our Pastor
STEWARDSHIP POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS AT CHRIS TMAS Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
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hen I think of December, the first thing that comes to my mind is Christmas. While that may seem obvious, there are several other possibilities. I could think of Advent, which prepares us for Christmas. I could think of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation, and the patronal festival of the United States. I could think of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose popularity has spread far beyond the Hispanic community. December also brings the winter solstice. And it brings the end of the secular calendar year, which means getting my financials together for the upcoming income tax season. But instead, I think of Christmas — one of the greatest feasts of the Christian year, along with Easter and Pentecost. The basic truth of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus the Messiah, God Incarnate, is plenty of reason for us all to rejoice and worship. But we’ve piled so much extra baggage on our Christmas observance, and worship is often almost lost in the shuffle. We send Christmas cards to people we contact at no other time of the year. We put up wreaths, Christmas trees, and lights. We host parties for family and friends. We visit relatives. We plan and prepare Christmas meals. And we have Christmas gifts to buy. No wonder the Christ Mass becomes an afterthought! Maybe, though, we can combine our Christmas activities with our stewardship commitments. Treasure is the simplest. Shouldn’t the most expensive Christmas present we give be the one to Jesus whose birthday we’re celebrating? Risen and glorified, He
needs nothing we have. But His Body — the Church — continues Jesus’ mission here on earth and always needs additional resources. Time and Talent may be a little more complicated, but can’t we spend a little more of our time in worship and prayer? Stop by the church for a visit to the Christmas Crib and offer a prayer of thanks for the gift of God’s Son. Attend Mass each day of the Christmas Octave. Gather your family for prayers together in the morning or at dinner in preparation for Christmas Day and through the Christmas season. And Talent? There are lots of possibilities: Sing in the choir for the Christmas Masses. Help decorate the Church. Cook or bake for someone who is homebound. Invite someone who will be alone to share Christmas dinner with your family. Offer to work in a soup kitchen if you will be alone. The possibilities are endless. Yes, December means Christmas. But with some planning, we can make this hectic time a real blessing both for ourselves and others. Pray for me that I can keep Christmas properly, and I’ll pray for you. And by the way, have a Merry Christmas! In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor
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THE CHURCH DECOR
WORKING TO HONOR GOD
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ur Church Decorating Ministry works every week, and especially during the seasons of Christmas and Easter, to make St. Peter Church a place of beauty and worship, all for the glory of God. The ministry members’ goal is to follow the direction of Dr. Denis McNamara, noted church architectural historian and liturgical design consultant, who recently addressed our parish. He has said that “a church should manifest heavenly realities.” “That’s our goal for when parishioners walk in the church — they recognize it’s a sacred space,” says Karen Largen, ministry co-coordinator. “It will help us pray better, and worship better to the glory of God. Beauty and the decorations can help facilitate that and honor the Lord. That’s what we’re trying to do.” During a recent update of the Strategic Plan, the major principle of incorporating beauty into our sacred Liturgy and sacred space was included. Karen works closely with Kathleen Noonan, a longtime leader of the ministry, to appropriately prepare our church each week for worship. Every week, the ministry will use artificial arrangements to minimize labor and cleaning. However, those having weddings and funerals often will allow their flowers to remain on the altar. “Our sanctuary right now has been beautifully adorned and smells great!” Karen says. The ministry follows the liturgical calendar in order to use the appropriate colors throughout the year. For example, no reds are used until immediately before Christmas and Advent colors are typically in the rose and purple hues. “We try to keep it seasonally appropriate,” Karen says. “We’re happy to receive whatever décor comes our way. Fr. Clark will have ideas and make suggestions or requests for certain colors that will work better against the red granite behind the tabernacle.” The ministry totals about 30 members, having had continued on page 5
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RATING MINISTRY:
D THROUGH ALL SEASONS 10 sign on through their stewardship commitment cards. The seasons of Holy Week/Easter and Christmas are the times when many hands are needed to decorate the church. Other organizations also help, with the Knights of Columbus members setting up the outdoors Nativity scene. Women’s groups also take care of the potted arrangements outside the church. Even though there is literally heavy lifting involved, Christmas is Karen’s personal favorite time of year for decorating. “I think everyone loves decorating for Christmas,” she says. “It’s perhaps the most extensive, with the trees decorated with lights. This past Christmas, we had an Advent tree in
the narthex, and it was so warm and welcoming. Families posed with it for family photos. I was pleased to see the parishioners using it. This was the tree Fr. Clark donated and Kathleen Noonan decorated.” Karen especially appreciates that the Christmas tree lights are left shining all day and night throughout the season. “It’s so warm and cozy, especially in the evening for adoration,” she says. Easter is also a time when the ministry makes sure that the church reflects the joy and glory of the season. The fact that parishioners can make online donations to help pay for the lilies used is very helpful to the ministry. “We try to use the money well,” Karen says.
As the decorating plans for Christmas are put together, extra help is always welcome. Help is also welcome for Easter. Anyone interested in assisting may contact Karen Largen at 402-450-1008.
THE ADVENT SEASON
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Christmas cookies, fellowship, and games will follow. There will also be expanded and additional times for parishioners to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Consider attending to have a clear mind and heart going into Christmas. “Sin prevents us from receiving grace,” Blake says. “God’s grace comes into the world — we don’t want to have any stain of sin that would prevent us from receiving God’s grace at Christmas. This is the greatest gift we can give our Lord.” We also want to take the time to help those who are
less fortunate. Blake asks us to be aware of those around us who are vulnerable and in need. “Don’t discredit the value of helping the person closest to you that God has placed in your life,” Blake says. “Put your faith into action by helping those around you.” Most of all, we want to focus on the domestic church — that is, our families. “Make sure you aren’t going from one thing to the next all through Advent,” Blake says. “St. Joseph and Mary had quiet time for reflection during this time of preparation for the birth of Jesus.”
Please be sure to refer to the parish bulletin for further information on upcoming Advent events. 5
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Wish List
CHRISTMAS
School
Parish
• Pascal Candle with 4” Diameter ($750) • Drinking Fountain with Water Bottle Refill for Church Hallway ($3,000) • Multipurpose Utility Cart for Music Ministry ($125) • Update Ministry Office Computers (2 @ $1,500 each = $3,000) • Refrigerator for St. Paul Room ($1,400) • 15 Round Tables for Fellowship Use ($125 each) • Paint and Materials for St. Paul Outside the Walls ($1,000) • St. Paul Statue ($2,000) • Music Issues ($3,000) • Artwork for Parish Office and Meeting Room ($1,000)
• School Tuition for a Family in Need ($3,100 or any part of that) • Carpet a Classroom ($3,800) • Vacuums (2 @ $500 each = $1,000) • Cork Strips for Displaying Student Art (24 @ $150 each = $3,600) • Recess Equipment ($100) • Supplemental Materials for Study of Rome; Roman Soldier, St. Cecilia and Toga Costuming (5 at $75 each) • Window Treatments/Blinds for Classrooms ($75 each - 3 needed per classroom) • Glazes and Clay for Ceramics Pieces in Art (4 at $200 each) • Catholic Art Prints Framed ($150)
• Purple Cope for Stations of the Cross ($500)
• Heavy Duty Pencil Sharpener Replacements (15 at $35 each)
• Professional Exterior Washing for Church, School and Courtyard ($3,000)
• Thermal Window Treatments for Classrooms (12 at $126 each) • Sponsoring a Personal Bible for Those in Need ($20 each) • Additional Supplemental Math Materials ($450)
Your donations toward the purchase of one or more of these items would be greatly appreciated. All donations are welcome, no matter the amount. If you have questions regarding donations please contact Brenda Shields at 402-423-1239. Go to www.saintpeterslincoln.com to donate online, or write a check with the donation item written in the memo line and place in the collection basket or drop off at the Parish Office.
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THE MASS GREETERS MINISTRY: A SIMPLE GES TURE OF HOSPITALIT Y MAKING A GREAT IMPACT
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t. Peter Catholic Church has a beautiful vision statement for the parish. That vision statement is, “St. Peter Catholic Church will give glory to God and make saints.” From this vision statement flows the parish’s defining characteristics: Teaching of the Apostles, Fellowship, Breaking of the Bread, and Prayer. Hospitality is an important part of Fellowship and is defined as the friendly and generous reception of guests, visitors, or strangers. Since the church has such a focus on hospitality, it only makes sense that the Mass Greeters Ministry is a vital part of the parish. For parishioner Becky Huebner, her experience with the welcoming environment at the parish was a key component to her conversion to the Catholic faith. “I know from experience how important a ‘you are welcome here’ is,” Becky says. “Everyone who is approaching the church doors is either committed or curious. We want this to be a mustard seed that grows. Whatever people are looking for within the church, I want to help that grow.”
Fr. Clark, Becky Huebner and Gary Bouc enjoy welcoming parishioners.
Becky joined the church at Easter Vigil in 2019. Now she is the coordinator for the Mass Greeters Ministry. “When I was visiting, there was a greeter who eventually learned my name and I felt seen and welcomed,” she says. “It can really be something as simple as that.” Being a greeter is a very straightforward role. Greeters arrive 20 minutes early and wear a name badge. Depending on the weather, they stand outside or inside the doors and visit or assist anyone coming into the church. A greeter’s job is to be a welcoming presence at the church and to answer any questions that someone might have or know who to ask to find out the answers. “We want to greet people in a friendly way and make connections,” Becky says. “We want to learn peoples’ names so all feel welcome. And a humble ‘hello’ is just the beginning of that. “Ultimately, this is a very simple ministry with a possibility for a great impact,” she adds. “We put a smile and a welcome out there and see what the Lord does with it.”
Jean Bouc welcomes parishioners and visitors alike to St. Peter.
If you are interested in getting involved in the Mass Greeters Ministry, please contact Becky Huebner at beckyhuebner6@gmail.com or 402-770-1340. 7
S t. pet er C atholiC Ch ur ch 4500 Duxhall Dr. │ Lincoln, NE 68516 402-423-1239 │ www.saintpeterslincoln.com
MASS SCHEDULE:
Saturday: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. DAILY MASS Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m., 8:15 a.m. Saturday: 8:15 a.m. CONFESSION: Monday & Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Saturday: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
C HRISTMAS N EW YEAR’S AND
MASS SCHEDULE
Friday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 25 — Christmas 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m.
Friday, Dec 31 — New Year’s Eve 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan 1 — Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m.