B E R 2 0 21 NOVEM
ST. peter C ath athoo lic li c CHu r ch Monthly Newsletter
E S TATE P L A N N I N G S E MI N A R : N O V. 9
Ensuring the Good Stewardship of Our Life’s Gifts
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Michael Lafleur will be one of the presenters for the Estate Planning Seminar, set for Nov. 9 at Bishop Vasa Hall.
he upcoming Estate Planning Seminar — set for 7 p.m., on Nov. 9 at Bishop Vasa Hall — will cover many facets of planning for one’s future. Besides the practical aspects that will be discussed, participants will also be given the opportunity to view their planning through the lens of stewardship. Michael Lafleur of St. Peter Parish will be one of the presenters, offering “Planning Your Estate,” with his firm, Endacott, Peetz, Timmer & Koerwitz. Other presenters and their topics are “Planning Your Catholic Funeral,” by Pat McCashland from Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home; and “Purchasing Your Burial Space,” by Msgr. Thorburn of Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The seminar is for anyone who wants to draw up an estate plan for the first time, or someone who has one in place. No registration is required. Estate planning is making a plan for the management of one’s assets in life and distribution upon death. “To expand on it, estate planning is preparing for your absence, disability, or death,” Mike says. “Estate planning includes documents such as Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney for Finances and Powers of Attorney for Health Care. Other issues include continued on page 2
S t. pet er C atholiC Ch ur ch E S TATE P L A N N I N G S E MI N A R continued from front cover
preparing for and minimizing state and federal taxes.” Important moments to prepare an estate plan are when you get married or have children. However, after your estate plan is prepared, it should be reviewed and updated over time. Updates to your plan can be a result of changes in your life or it can be due to changes in our laws. Mike said that unfortunately, for some families, heartache, time, and expense could have been avoided by proper reviews of their estate plans. Stewardship should be an integral part of your estate plan. Mike points to a quote from Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen, “Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love?” Mike says, “Bishop Sheen directing us to the wounds of Christ describes the Christian life. Giving of ourselves in service to others, giving from our financial gifts, and most importantly, giving our lives to God.” A well-thought-out estate plan can further the use of those financial gifts that God has entrusted to us. Mike lists four points to follow as you begin making an estate plan: (1) list who you currently support; (2) consider who you wish to support in the future; (3) describe your assets and liabilities; and (4) consult with your attorney, accountant, financial advisor, insurance agent, and funeral director. Working with a team of advisors helps ensure that you have a proper estate plan in place. Estate planning can assure that your family will have adequate support after your death. You can also
plan to maximize the distribution of your assets to your family or to charities. Mike provides that with proper planning you can be sure you and your beneficiaries will be provided for in an efficient manner should you become incapacitated or pass away. Mike says, “When preparing our estate plans, we should remember that because of our baptism we are members of the Body of Christ. From our baptism we gain a church family, and we should consider providing for our church family in our estate plans. Our parish and church need our support.” Through thoughtful planning, you have opportunities to maximize distributions to family members and charities. For anyone considering charitable giving, there are tax factors to consider. Mike says, “Everyone has an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy; therefore, it is important to take time to prayerfully consider your estate plan.”
“When preparing our estate plans, we should remember that because of our baptism we are members of the Body of Christ. From our baptism we gain a church family, and we should consider providing for our church family in our estate plans. Our parish and church need our support.” — Michael Lafleur
If you would like more information about the upcoming Estate Planning Seminar, please call the parish office at 402-423-1239.
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A Letter from Our Pastor
WHAT IS THE REAL PURPOSE OF OUR LIVES? Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
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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 uncertainty when I think, “What does God want me to do? Why am I here? Where am I going?” For eons, philosophers have considered these very questions and written about them. Our purpose in life is to become the saint God has created us to be. The French novelist Leon Bloy once wrote, “The only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint.” November is the month dedicated to remembering those who have entered eternity. We remember those who have died by offering them our prayers and Mass intentions. We also look to the saints as models for our life. They figured out the real purpose of life, which is to live a life for God and others. When we consider the many facets of life in our parish community, some activities and endeavors 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 to be saints. 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. 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, of being a saint in heaven or suffer in hell for all eternity. 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 their questions in life. I am surrounded by the memories of those who have gone before us, as most of you are, too. 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 entered eternity, hoping they have made it home. For our Savior has gone before us to prepare a place for us in our Father’s house (John 14:2). May the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor
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S t. pet er C atholiC Ch ur ch
SC HO O L SIS T E RS OF CHR
A Gif
Sr. John Marion and our second-graders meeting a guinea pig
Sister John Marion
Sr. Mary Clare teaching fifth-grade Religion class
Sister Mary Clare
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n Nov. 21, the Church celebrates the Feast of Christ the King. As we join in her jubilant celebration of the sovereign reign of Our Lord over all of creation, we should also celebrate the fact that we have faithful followers of this same King, dwelling in our midst. Over the years, our parish school has been richly blessed with the presence of the School Sisters of Christ the King. The light, peace, grace, and wisdom they bring to our faith community is truly a unique gift from God. The School Sisters of Christ the King are a Roman Catholic community of contemplative/active women religious who consecrate themselves in a special way to Jesus Christ the King. As they explain on their official website: “The spirit of our community is joyful fidelity to Christ the King. This spirit flows from a constant awareness of our total belonging to Him: He has loved us into existence, redeemed us at the price of His Blood, and has called us to lay down our lives totally as a holocaust of love with Him to our Heavenly Father.” Their charism involves a profound love and veneration for the Holy Eucharist and for the priesthood. They also cherish a special devotion to Mary as Queen and to the Passion of the Crucified King, in the spirit of St. Alphonsus Liguori. Presently, five School Sisters of Christ the King live at St. Peter Convent and four of them work at St. Peter School – Sr. Mary Michael, Sr. John Marion, Sr. Mary Clare, and Sr. Mary Guadalupe. “In all of our schools, we typically teach the sacramental grades, so as to emphasize the importance of these formative years and help children learn the Catholic faith well during that time,” says Sr. Mary Michael, Principal of St. Peter School. “I appreciate the support that the parents and parishioners give to our school. It is such a blessing. Our
R I S T T H E KI NG:
ft to Our Parish Community school could not exist without them. I also appreciate the willingness that our parish priest has to bring our children the sacraments.” Their teaching apostolate flows from the purpose of their existence — that Christ may reign in the hearts of all. As their website further explains, “In our apostolate of Catholic education, we share in a particular way the heart of the Church’s existence. In his encyclical Redemptoris Missio, the mission of Christ the Redeemer, Pope Saint John Paul II states, ‘The Church is missionary by her very nature’ (§ 5). According to the spirit of our charism, we are contemplatives who teach. Though we strive for excellence in teaching, it is our interior life that ultimately makes our apostolate fruitful. By our manner with those whom we serve, we make Christ the Teacher present: His wisdom, knowledge, patience, and most especially His special love for children.” “Catholic education is so important, especially because of the culture we live in, which is becoming more and more separated from the daily life of a Christian,” Sr. Mary Michael says. “As Catholics, we not only have to be different, but we have to be bold in our willingness to be different. Children need a strong foundation in order to move toward that goal, and our families need the support of a Catholic school.”
For more information about St. Peter School, please contact the school office at 402-421-6299.
Sister Mary Michael
Sr. Mary Michael and Mr. Widoe
Sister Mary Guadalupe
St. Peter’s seventhgrade Math class with Sr. Mary Guadalupe
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S t. pet er C atholiC Ch ur ch JOIN US FOR THE PARISH COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN CRAFT FAIR Come, Shop and See on Nov. 6
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omen don’t always have a chance to be together and share their faith. Life, work, and other commitments can get in the way. The Parish Council of Catholic Women, or PCCW, is offering an opportunity for fun, shopping, and fellowship from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6. All of the funds made at the Craft Fair will go right to St. Peter Catholic Church for needs at the altar, sanctuary, and various other items. The Craft Fair will have a wide variety of vendors, for which PCCW President Anne Hatch is excited. There will also be breakfast, lunch, and a raffle. “The success of our craft fair now will really count on people coming and bringing their friends for a fun fall experience,” Anne says. “We will have many fun options to look through.” Anne hopes this can be a way for friends — and even strangers — to spend time together to benefit St. Peter Catholic Church. All women of the parish are automatically members of the PCCW. For Anne, it has been a great way to meet women, having not grown up in Lincoln. She became active in the PCCW in 2017 and says that it’s made her feel at home at St. Peter Catholic Church. “All are invited to join us for fellowship, prayer, and in supporting the needs of our parish community,” Anne says. “Our objective is to serve the needs of the women of our parish and to unite all women of St. Peter Catholic Church in spiritual, educational, and social activities.” The PCCW is organized into circles, and the purpose of the group is prayer, fellowship, study, and
service. Anne loves having a group where she knows she shares the same faith with each member. She admits that, at first, she was a little nervous to start attending PCCW. But when she went to play the dice game Bunco, she found that she enjoyed herself and the company of the other women. “The women bring out some of the most beautiful parts of who I am and who I aspire to be,” Anne says. “It has been a blessing to get to know so many women and their families.”
“All are invited to join us for fellowship, prayer, and in supporting the needs of our parish community. Our objective is to serve the needs of the women of our parish and to unite all women of St. Peter Catholic Church in spiritual, educational, and social activities.” — Anne Hatch, PCCW President
All are invited to come and check out the Craft Fair on Nov. 6. All women of the parish are invited to get more involved at St. Peter Catholic Church, and become actively involved with the PCCW — please send an email to stpeterspccw@gmail.com to learn more. 6
THE IMPORTANCE OF
Loving God
More Deeply
AT MASS
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hen young people see a person that intrigues them, that attraction becomes the topic of conversation at every opportunity. This attraction alters behavior so that we become enthralled with the other and desire to share our enthusiasm. Imagine if we were more enthralled with the presence of Christ in our lives. Imagine if we fully recognized that Christ is truly present to us in His precious Body and Blood, and present as well in the proclamation of His Word and in the gathering of our community, praying and singing (see Sacrosanctum Concilium [Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy], para. 14). Recognizing the living Christ in all these ways would awaken in us the desire to be with the One who is the object of our most fundamental, pure, and holy attraction to our merciful, loving, and gracious Savior. If we were to recognize the presence of Christ in these beautiful ways, wouldn’t our desire to be more completely in His presence increase? Surely our desire to be better stewards of our time with the Lord would grow. Our attention to the readings and other prayers of the Mass would bring about within us deeper communion with the One who suffered and died for us. If I recognized that God is the answer to all my pangs of hunger, that Christ is my way to the Father, and that the Holy Spirit works to convert my heart and soul every day, would I not seek to fill that hunger at the banquet of the Lamb? While active participation in Sunday Mass is an obligation for Catholics, we also will do well to see the lovely, motherly care the Church shows us in establishing that requirement. The Code of Canon Law states clearly in paragraph 1247, “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass.” Sometimes, we might hear that as an overbearing rule. But it might more correctly be understood as our Mother, the Church, helping us learn what is best for us. At Mass, we hear the living Word of God proclaimed. He speaks to us. We receive as hungry, needy sinners, the precious Body and Blood of Christ. We encounter Christ’s living presence in our brothers and sisters worshiping God with us. If we truly understood that amazing truth, then how might it affect our lives? How might it affect our relationships? How might it impact our decision to bring our children along continued on back cover
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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.
L OV ING GO D M O R E D E E P LY AT MA S S continued from page 7
to Mass? How might it awaken within us a deeper attraction, fascination, desire for the Lord? Generally, when we find ourselves fascinated with someone, we do not decide to spend as little time as possible with them. We do not ration our time with them. We want to spend time with them, to see them, to listen to them, to get to know them, to develop a healthy, loving relationship with them. Considering our reliance on the Lord of life and love, our fascination with His mercy, His goodness, His willingness to call us to Himself, maybe we should ask ourselves about what happens in us at Mass. As I prepare to come to Church, do I find my mind turning to a receptive welcome of the Lord, just as I’ll be welcomed at the door of Church? Have I dressed for the important weekly (or daily) moment of meeting my King? Do I expect some profound wisdom from God in the readings? Am I open to correction, to challenge, to affirmation in the readings of God’s Word? Do I intently pray along with the priest
presider throughout the Mass? Do I make an offering of my life, along with the bread and wine? Do I genuinely hunger for the Body and Blood of Christ? And do I long for that blessing that sends me on my way with the mission to build the Kingdom? Instead of worrying about what “counts” when it comes to Sunday Mass, maybe we should work hard at fostering our love for the Eucharist, our desire for eternal life, our attraction to the Master who calls us into a life of active discipleship. Instead of a merely heavy-handed requirement, maybe we can see more clearly that being at Mass together helps nourish us for a whole week of building God’s Kingdom. Coming with those expectations, desires, and hopes, leaving early when unnecessary would disappear as a temptation instantly. Coming late because other things have taken priority would not typically happen, other obligations notwithstanding. Christ desires our company at Mass, from beginning to end. Let’s draw near to Him.