Living the Mission
August/September 2022
Young Adult Ministry:
In this Issue
Building a Community Rooted in Fellowship and Accountability
M
ost Catholic parishes do a great job of ministering to children, youth, people with older children, and senior citizens. However, one group of people that sometimes falls into a gap is young adults. Here at St. Timothy Catholic Church, we're aware of young adults' needs for spiritual fellowship, and we are blessed with the Young Adult Ministry to serve that group. St. Timothy Formation Specialist, Randolph Davidson, leads this ministry and is a young adult himself. “After graduating from college, some young people are at a loss for what to do next,” Randolph says. “If you live in a new area, that can be hard.” The group meets weekly at 7 p.m. on Monday nights in the Youth Center for Bible study or another faith-based study. In the summer, many college students who are home for the summer join the group. About once a month, they do a fun activity like go to Disney World or
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a baseball game, play Bingo, or enjoy a movie or trivia night. In addition, they often collaborate with other local, Catholic young adult groups. “All times are critical, but it can be lonely as a young adult,” Randolph says. “It’s important to keep your faith up and find your solid faith community.” Randolph says that, as a young adult, it can be easy to unintentionally fall away from the faith. Suddenly, there’s no community or accountability. With this very much in mind, any young adult is welcome — most members are single adults between the ages of 23 and 32. “The Young Adult Ministry helps you keep up your faith,” Randolph says. “It’s a way to seek out that faith community, which is necessary to live a good Catholic life.” Randolph has been in his position here at the parish for about three years. Being the leader of this group helps him grow in his own faith. He says it’s very humbling to be continued on page 5
Following Christ’s Example
15 – 3 August Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
the 4 Celebrating Sacrament of
Confirmation Students Sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit St. Pius X: A 6 Pope Modern Traditionalist United in 7 Brothers Christ: Transforming Men's Lives in Our Parish Community
17512 Lakeshore Rd. Lutz, FL 33558 www.sainttims.org
Stewardship’s “Supreme Teacher”
Following Christ’s Example
F
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ormer President and Five-Star General Dwight D. Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, “In Jesus’ teaching and life Eisenhower once said, “You don’t lead by hitting peo- self-emptying is fundamental. Now, it might seem that selfple over the head — that’s assault, not leadership.” Presi- emptying has little to do with stewardship, but in Jesus' case dent Eisenhower’s words are both blunt and humorous, but that is not so. His self-emptying is not sterile self-denial for he makes a great point. Almost any successful endeavor in its own sake; rather, in setting aside self, he is filled with the life requires the benefit of strong leadership. And a truly Father’s will, and he is fulfilled in just this way” (19). effective leader does not lead by simply telling others what Jesus points out to Peter in Mark’s Gospel that this “selfto do, but by providing a strong example of how to carry emptying” requires sacrifice, but ultimately leads to “eternal oneself on a daily basis. life in the age to come” (Mk 10:30). Christ’s life as documented in the This is no different for us in The Christian steward’s ultimate reGospels is a model that we should our lives as Catholic Christians. As ward is not his or her only benefit individuals who face numerous diffrom living the stewardship way of strive to imitate in living as good ficult choices every day, we require Christians. And as we have learned, life. By sharing our time, talent and a leader who, through word and extreasure, and living in imitation of stewardship — the sharing of the ample, can show us the path to livChrist, we can relate more closely gifts that God has given to us — is ing according to God’s will. For us, to Him in sharing, in a small way, in Jesus is the supreme teacher of ev- a big part of Christian life, and one His sacrifice. “To be a Christian disery aspect of Christian life, and His for which Jesus left many examples of ciple is a rewarding way of life, a way life, as documented in the Gospels, of companionship with Jesus, and successful living. is a model that we should strive to the practice of stewardship as a part imitate in living as good Christians. As we have learned, of it, is itself a source of deep joy. Those who live this way are stewardship — the sharing of the gifts that God has given happy people who have found the meaning and purpose of to us — is a big part of Christian life, and one for which living” (Stewardship: A Disciple's Response, 21). Jesus left many examples of successful living. The next time you are frustrated or unsure of how to Jesus’ nature of selfless service, documented many times best respond to God’s gifts in stewardship, take a moment throughout the New Testament and culminating with His to open up the Bible. Jesus may not “hit us over the head” death for our sins, is an underlying aspect of living the in His leadership, but He does provide numerous examples stewardship way of life. As the United States Conference through His actions and teachings of how to live as one of of Catholic Bishops points out in its pastoral document His disciples.
A Letter From Our Pastor
August 15 – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Dear Friends in Christ,
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ne of the great Marian Solemnities celebrated on our Church’s liturgical calendar falls on Aug. 15 — the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is our belief that Mary, at the end of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory by a singular privilege and grace of God. Biblical evidence for Mary’s Assumption is implied in the Book of Revelation chapter 12. St. John the Beloved records a vision of heavenly glory where he sees “a woman clothed with the sun…” The Church has interpreted this passage as a reference to Mary, the Mother of God. Apostolic Tradition down through the centuries has also held the belief in Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven. It is a truth confirmed by saints and theologians since the earliest days of the Church, leading to Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic proclamation of Mary’s Assumption in 1950. Mary was freed from the effects of sin in her Immaculate Conception and therefore, she was freed from the effects of death in her Assumption. Mary was specially graced at the beginning of her life in her Immaculate Conception. Mary was specially graced during her life at the Annunciation and Nativity of Our Lord Jesus. The Assumption reminds us that Mary was specially graced at the conclusion of her life. Her Assumption complements and completes her Immaculate Conception! Mary's destiny is our destiny! The Assumption is a sign of sure hope and comfort to us, a pilgrim people that where Mary has gone, we hope to follow! Mary, Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us! Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. John Blum Pastor
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Celebrating
I
t's something of an understatement to simply say that the Sacrament of Confirmation is an important step in our walk of faith. The final among the three Sacraments of Initiation, Confirmation seals us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, providing the opportunity to make personal, our own Catholic faith.
the Sacrament of
On May 10 of this year, Jacqueline Cottle and Dominick Maggio, among many other peers, received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The group had gathered regularly over the course of a year for learning and meeting together in order to prepare for reception of the sacrament. This included meeting during Life Teen nights, as well as retreats, and completing at least 10 hours of community service, and a written reflection on the experience. “This past year, participating in Life Teen events and other activities related to my Confirmation preparation helped me to strengthen and renew my relationship with Jesus,” Jacqueline says. Leaving behind the familiarity of her school, church and friends, Jacqueline and her family moved here in 2018. The move caused her to drift away from her relationship with Jesus and the Church for a period of time. But the preparation time she spent devoted to her Confirmation helped her to come back into her faith. “My life as a Catholic has been a lifelong process,” she says. Jacqueline chose St. Joan of Arc as her patron saint for The process of preparing for his Confirmation brought Dominick Maggio into her Confirmation. She felt this was an appropriate choice, a deeper prayer life. given her aspirations of fighting for her country. While Joan of Arc did it by going to war with the English during Medieval times, Jacqueline desires to pursue a career in catching dangerous criminals here in the United States. Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation was a significant moment for Jacqueline’s faith journey. “Confirmation means that I can move forward in my own faith, independently, and Jacqueline Cottle was one of the Confirmation candidates from this past Easter. The highlight of the day was not just follow the faith of my when Fr. Blum gave her the formal blessing.
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Confirmation Students Sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit parents," she says. "The highlight of my Confirmation Day was the formal blessing given to me by Fr. Blum during the Mass.” Dominick similarly recognizes the significance of the sacrament he received in May. “The Confirmation itself, a lot of people view it as another sacrament,” he says. “But I feel like it’s kind of that confirmation of your faith that, 'This is what I believe, what I want to believe in, this is the path I want to take in my life.' You can’t do much without God. People think you can, but I don’t think that you can. I feel like no matter where you end up going, it’ll help you either way.”
Young Adult Ministry
The process of preparing for his Confirmation brought Dominick into a deeper prayer life, as he read his Bible and solidified his faith in God. “It's easier now to pray than it was a couple of years ago, before I started preparing for Confirmation," he says. "I don’t find myself doubting as much anymore.” Dominick chose St. Andrew as his patron saint because they both share a love for fishing. Now that he has been confirmed in the faith, Dominick looks forward to joining as a mentor in the youth group, sharing about his faith and speaking to others. We congratulate all those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation this spring!
continued from front cover
leading his peers and others who are older than him in this program — he doesn’t feel that he knows more than anyone else. “It has helped me to try to see myself how the Lord sees me,” Randolph says. “He sees, for now, that I am called to do this work. I am willing to help this group of people grow in faith.”
Randolph is thankful to have met many new people through this ministry. He feels blessed by all those he’s interacted with over the years. “Every year, it has been a different group of people,” Randolph says. “It’s very fluid as far as who is here, and that’s okay. You don’t have to attend every event to be part of this group.”
“All times are critical, but it can be lonely as a young adult. It’s important to keep your faith up and find your solid faith community.” — Randolph Davidson
All young adults 18-39 years old are invited to join the weekly gatherings at 7 p.m. on Monday nights in the Youth Center. Be sure to refer to the bulletin for information on future events.
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POPE ST. PIUS X: A Modern Traditionalist
n Aug. 21, the Church commemorates the feast of a great saint — St. Pius X, the peasant boy who became the Vicar of Christ. St. Pius X is a wonderful saint for our times because he effectively and definitively worked for a balance between upholding the Tradition and Faith of the Church and adapting to the Modern Age. St. Pius X — Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto — was born in 1835, one of eight children in an impoverished peasant family. He pursued God’s call on him to the priesthood from an early age. Even as a young priest, he possessed great personal and pastoral skills. In addition to his deep holiness and virtue, St. Pius had a passion for defending and preserving the truth of the faith, which he carried with him into his pontificate. As pope, he gave as his motto: “Instaurare Omnia in Christo” — “to restore all things in Christ” — a mission proclaimed not a moment too soon. Already in Europe, secular governments, social institutions, and the mass media were driving the faith out of public life and education, all the while upholding individual freedom — understood as unlimited license — as the ultimate good. Worst of all, these philosophies had made their way into the minds of many clergy and Catholic laity, who claimed that modern science had discredited many dogmas of the Church. They proposed a new Christianity based what they called the “religious experience,” a continually changing and evolving human experience that would in turn continually transform the meaning of Catholic teachings. The problem was that the new teachings proposed by these modernists
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contradicted the very foundations of the faith established by Jesus Christ. Fortunately, the Holy Father saw through the modern theories immediately and exposed the false doctrines, all the while acting with extreme discretion and pastoral charity. Pope Pius X reminded us that God, the Author of both faith and reason, and in Whom there is no contradiction, cannot allow science and true religion to contradict. Moreover, he declared that all the essential teachings of the Catholic faith and of Scripture could be defended rationally, and he encouraged the faithful to study the faith and read the Scriptures daily. While Pius X spent much of his pontificate defending Catholic dogma from the threat of Modernism, he recognized the need for legitimate modern reforms within the Church. For instance, he initiated the codification of Canon Law, because the laws of the Church had little organization up to that time. He reformed the administrative offices of the Church. He also reformed the Liturgical Calendar, giving precedence back to the Sunday liturgies, which were too often being trumped by celebration of the daily saint’s feast. Pius X initiated a renewal in liturgical music, as well, bringing back Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony to their primary place within the liturgy. Two of this saint's most noted acts are reassigning the time of First Communion of children to the age of reason (about 7 years), and advising and promoting daily Communion, saying, “Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to heaven.”
Brothers United in Christ: Transforming Men's Lives in Our Parish Community
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arishioner George Armenia, Jr. knows just how important accountability and community are when it comes to living out the faith. He experienced great healing and conversion when he said "yes" to an invitation to attend a men’s group at another church. At the time, George was going through some significant personal struggles and was feeling quite hopeless. “I had hit rock bottom in my life and felt alone — as if I was the only one going through what I was faced with at the time,” George says. “But when I went to the men’s group everything started to turn around for me and I learned that I could lean on these men as brothers and didn’t have to struggle alone.” This profound experience of Christian brotherhood led George to form a similar group here at St. Timothy’s called Brothers United in Christ. “Brothers United in Christ is an accountability group for men rooted
The men gather at their most recent retreat.
in our faith,” George says. “Our mission is to provide a safe, trusting and non-judgmental forum for men who are striving to increase their faith and relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ.” The group meets every Wednesday night in the St. Barnabas Room of the Parish Hall, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The meetings start with an opening
“Brothers United in Christ is an accountability group for men rooted in our faith. Our mission is to provide a safe, trusting and nonjudgmental forum to men who are striving to increase their faith and relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ.” — George Armenia, Jr.
prayer and some remarks from George about the confidentiality of the group, then the men jump into the discussion and some roundtable accountability, and end in a closing prayer. “Sometimes we use videos and books to kick off our discussions,” George says. “Our goal is to hold each other accountable in our journey to living out God’s will for our lives.” In addition, the men will meet every four to six weeks at a restaurant for dinner, to spend time outside of the Church setting and enjoy each other’s fellowship. They frequently serve the local community in many capacities as they volunteer at Trinity Café and other local service programs, and they attend two retreats every year. “The motto we use is ‘iron sharpens iron,’” George says. “We are a very transparent and supportive group of guys who want to help each other grow closer to Christ.” continued on back cover
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17512 Lakeshore Road Lutz, FL 33558 813-968-1077 www.sainttims.org
Brothers United in Christ George has seen the Holy Spirit work in powerful ways through this group. Personally, he has been encouraged by the group to pray without ceasing. “This group has shown me that there is so much to pray for in this world and that everyone needs prayers,” George says. “The weekly meetings help me to stay in communion with my Lord, Jesus Christ. “Before I ever got involved in men’s ministry at the other church, I was lost and living a life that glorified this world,” he adds. “Now, I no longer live as though my life is my own. I let Christ live
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within me. He is now my top priority and I have devoted myself to serving Him.” George is not unique among the members of the Brothers United in Christ. The Holy Spirit is moving in this group, and He is healing and sanctifying its members through this fraternal ministry. All men are welcome to join Brothers United in Christ! There is no formal registration. All you need to do is show up to the Wednesday night meetings. There, you will be welcomed and immersed into an authentic group of men striving to follow Christ.
Mass Schedule
No man is an island, and our Catholic faith is to be lived in community with one another. If you are a man who wants to grow in holiness, you are invited to check out Brothers United in Christ. For more information, please reach out to George Armenia, Jr. by calling 813-924-3464.
Saturday Vigil: 5:30 p.m. • Sunday: 7:30, 9, 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. • Daily: Mon-Sat 9 a.m., Wed 6 p.m. • Holy Days: 9 a.m. & 7 p.m. Vigil: 7 p.m.