Vincen de Paul Saint
catholic church | seward, nebraska Inside this Issue 3 The Blessings of Our
Catholic School
4 Making St. Vincent’s
a Welcoming Parish
6 Living According to
God’s Will Forming a Conscience and Moral Code
7 The Society
of St. Vincent de Paul Volunteers Provide Listening Ear and Support to Those in Need
AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FAITH
THE IMPORTANCE OF RETREATS
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hile there are many ways to make an “investment” in your faith — attending Mass, spending time in prayer, or serving others — sometimes it takes something a little out-ofthe-ordinary to really help you go deeper in your relationship with God. Retreats — whether over a whole weekend or just a few hours, across the country or right in your own backyard — can often be exactly what you need to get out of your everyday routine, allowing God into your life in new ways. However, if you have children, you also know just how difficult it can be to “get away” in the midst of everyday life. But for a number of couples at St. Vincent de Paul, choosing to make the sacrifices necessary to get away on retreat — either as a couple, or as individuals — has been worth it. Parishioners Scott and Camille Wanetka have attended several retreats in continued on page 2
AUGUST 2020
Vincen de Paul Saint
catholic church | seward, nebraska
THE IMPORTANCE OF RETREATS continued from front cover
recent years and found that it is not only a blessing to their faith, but also to their relationship. “Retreats seem to help us to refocus on who we are and why we are here,” Camille says. “They help us to remember the eternal perspective and how important putting God front and center in our lives is vital.” With all the demands of busy work and family life, it can be easy to make excuses. However, for couples who are willing to make the effort, they say it always pays off. “We try to make an annual retreat recently to the Cloisters on the Platte, but it is hard to take the time, and it’s easy to say we are too busy,” Scott says. “Retreats provide rest and a way to reflect on our life,” Camille adds. “For example, asking ‘What is going well? What needs to change? How can I serve God and those around me better?’” Whether designated specifically as a silent retreat or not, getting away from the “noise” and busyness of normal life can provide the space to reflect and listen to God in a unique way. This refueling of one’s faith and relationship with God often leads to deeper and more meaningful prayer after returning home. “The retreats we have been on that are a few days have been silent, which is scary at first, but so good!” Camille says. “God speaks in silence, and retreats have helped us to realize the importance of having a time each day to be silent and let God direct our day. “Retreats have encouraged us in our prayer life
— both as a couple and individually — no matter the demands of the day,” she adds. “When we don’t take time to pray and communicate with each other and Him things seem to derail!” In addition to strengthening their own faith, Scott and Camille hope that their example also helps inspire the faith of their three sons. Despite the fact that it may be challenging to arrange childcare, or for one of them to be parenting solo for a weekend, they hope to witness to their children the importance of prioritizing their prayer and relationship with God. “We make retreats a priority for each of us and sometimes have to encourage each other that we need to get away,” Camille says. “We have found that God provides and gives us the help needed, if we just trust Him.” The Wanetkas encourage other couples to make an effort to get away on a retreat, either together or by themselves. While many couples appreciate the importance of having a weekend away together, or even making time for a “guys’ weekend” or “girls’ getaway,” retreats allow for a break, while also deepening one’s faith and providing meaningful refreshment. “Retreats are so refreshing and provide a different perspective,” Camille says. “We have met many wonderful people at retreats and have grown spiritually from the time away and from the examples of those present. You will never be disappointed when you take time to be with God and deepen your relationship with and love for Him.”
There are a number of retreat opportunities available for both couples and individuals in the area. For more information, please contact the parish office at 402-643-3421 or visit the diocesan website at www.lincolndiocese.org.
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A Letter From Our Pastor
THE BLESSINGS OF OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL Dear Parishioners,
T
his year, St. Vincent de Paul celebrates 20 years of supporting a Catholic school. After having a Catholic school for 20 years, it is now a part of our mission. Parish support and, most importantly, the goodness of God contributes to the continuation of our Catholic school. I have only been your pastor for three years, but I have heard numerous accounts of the blessings of our Catholic school. My first year here, a young high school student told about the blessings received from the school. The knowledge of the Catholic faith, passed on by the School Sisters of Christ the King, helped answer questions from non-Catholic classmates. Other former students recount how their faith grew during their time at our school. The blessings of our Catholic school reach beyond knowledge of our Catholic faith. Knowledge of our faith is the beginning, then we choose to apply it in everyday life. God gives us freedom to choose, and we hope the choice will be to use it. Beyond this gift of faith, there is the gift of community and vitality in parish life. A Catholic school flourishes due to the support of many people. The resources needed to keep a school going are huge and regardless of the size of the school, it relies on the support of everyone. A Catholic school is truly a community effort, and its presence builds and strengthens the community by working together for its success. Many people come together through the activity of the school. Whether it is a Christmas program, a graduation ceremony, or a veterans’ celebration, people from the community come together and encounter the blessings of the school. Through yearly school events, a vibrancy comes to the parish and community and is one of the blessings of a Catholic school. Since I have been a part of this parish, the one thing that sets this community apart is music. This must be a community thing, because I heard the same
thing from other pastors in a recent Ministerial Association meeting that gets all of the minsters in the area together. People in this community love to sing! I noticed this right away when I came to this parish, and I noticed it in the school too. One of the great joys that I miss due to the COVID pandemic is daily Mass with the school kids. I learned early that they like to sing, so I incorporate song into the Mass daily. We sing the Hosanna, the Memorial Acclamation, the Lamb of God and other songs during Mass. Their voices are so beautiful and pure, and they drown out the old, rough voice of their pastor. I enjoy that so much, and it is a true gift, a blessing offered to God each day. This is the greatest part of a Catholic School. I experienced it when I was in McDaid Elementary and St. Patrick’s High School as a child. The greatest moment for me then was Mass, and it is still today. The adage “those who sing pray twice” is true, and the kids of St. Vincent de Paul School love to sing and offer a tremendous blessing to all in their gift of prayer. As we begin our 20th year of Catholic school education, this is the beginning of gratitude and reflection on the blessings of the school, and we will continue throughout the year. Thank you for your support and continue to pray for our school and its staff. God Bless you. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Msgr. Robert Tucker Pastor 3
Vincen de Paul Saint
catholic church | seward, nebraska
MAKING ST. VINCENT’S
By TESS SOUSEK
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hen we moved to Seward two years ago, we only knew one other couple. Two people, in a town of 7,220. For us, — like many, I’m sure — it was intimidating and difficult to move to such a small, tightlywoven community. Sure, everyone is friendly! But many of the people we met had been here a long time. Families, friend circles, and traditions had long been established, and initially, there didn’t seem to be a lot of room for us to squeeze in. Thankfully, due to parishioners who reached out and welcomed us, St. Vincent’s was where we found our first friends, made initial connections, and began to become attached to this little town. At St. Vincent’s, we have not only the ability, but the duty to be the body of Christ and welcome the newcomer, the elderly, the whatever-you-are. It’s our duty to make sure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcome, invited and indispensable in our parish. But how on earth do we do that as a church? The answer? The Welcoming Committee and ourselves, as welcoming individuals. 4
The Welcoming Committee does a fantastic job of reaching out to new members of our parish and personally visiting them to welcome them to the community. Led by Sharon Jelinek, the Welcoming Committee regularly makes home visits to newly registered members to help them get connected with the church and the things going on. “The people making the visits represent the Church” Sharon says. “We are an extension of the priests and the community.” Members of the Welcoming Committee very well may be the first faces newcomers recognize at Mass, the first people they ask questions, and the first invite they receive — it was that way for us! Committee members deliver an information packet about the church and school, provide a photo directory, and several other informational pieces and gifts. Visits are brief to respect busy schedules, but extend a very personal welcome from the church as a whole. Although the Welcoming Committee does a fantastic job of being intentional with our
A WELCOMING PARISH
K, Parishioner
newcomers, the reality is that if we want to be a welcoming parish, we cannot simply rely on a committee to do the work. Each member of this body contributes to the atmosphere surrounding our church. Many times, when we attend Mass on Sundays, we think of ourselves as a guest or a spectator. We forget that we are, in fact, a host and a contributor. We contribute to the sacrifice of the Mass, and we are a host to the people around us. This is the mentality that is necessary for our parish to become a thriving, hospitable environment. So what are some tangible ways to implement welcoming on an individual basis? • Make it your goal to meet one new person or family a year. Not even necessarily someone new to town, but new to you. We’re all shy to some extent, but this can start with simply a smile and intentionally learning someone’s name. • Visit one elderly or homebound person a year (when it’s safe — in these times of COVID-19, it may be better to give a phone call or write a letter). • Personally invite others into the ministries and groups you’re a part of. If you see a need in the parish, fill it and invite others, as well! • Eliminate “insider language” within our church — not everyone is familiar with all of the traditions and rituals of St. Vincent’s, or reads every piece of information that’s put forth. Take the time to explain what Spirit is, who the Firehawks are, what the
Connectivity Committee does, etc. If you’re in a position where you don’t understand what something is, don’t be afraid to ask! • If you’re new and unsure how to get involved, ask! If you feel like there isn’t a place for you, or a ministry you fit into, don’t be afraid to create one. Chances are, there are others in the parish who are longing for the same thing you are! With my final thought, I’d like to share this prayer that a dear friend once gave me, which epitomizes a Stewardship Parish. My parish is composed of people like me. I help make it what it is. It will be friendly, if I am. It will be holy, if I am. Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them. It will do great work, if I work. It will be prayerful, if I pray. It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver. It will bring others into worship, if I invite and bring them. It will be a parish of love and loyalty, of fearlessness and faith, of compassion, charity and mercy, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with these same things. Therefore with the help of God, I now dedicate myself to the task of being all things that I want my parish to be. Amen.
If you are interested in joining the Welcoming Committee, please call Gloria at the church office, 402-643-3421. (Home visits are currently in flux due to COVID-19.)
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Vincen de Paul Saint
catholic church | seward, nebraska
Living According to God’s Will
Forming a Conscience and Moral Code
A
s Christians, it is important that we recognize the difference between right and wrong — both morally and ethically. Sometimes, though, this line can become blurred. Many situations we encounter in our lives include variables that can leave us internally conflicted and unsure of how to move forward in accordance with God’s will. So, how do we work through these moral conundrums? One way is to develop a solid Christian conscience. A moral conscience exists in the heart of every individual. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “When he listens to his conscience, the prudent man can hear God speaking. Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already completed” (1777, 1778). Think of your conscience as the “angelic” version of yourself sitting on your shoulder, giving you sound advice. While everyone is blessed with a conscience, each individual has a responsibility to develop this conscience from the time they are young. Parents obviously play an important role in developing their children’s consciences. As the primary educators of their children on ethical issues and the Catholic faith, parents have a responsibility to teach virtue to their children and help them to avoid fear, selfishness and 6
pride. As we grow older, we take on the lifelong challenge of continually forming our own consciences, and establishing a moral code that enables us to make the proper judgments. One valuable tool in forming a conscience is the practice of introspection. “It is important for every person to be sufficiently present to himself in order to hear and follow the voice of his conscience” (CCC 1779). In contemporary society, where there are so many distractions and routines, it is extremely important that we take the time to look inward and truly listen to what our inner voice is telling us. Another way to ensure we are developing a good moral code is by conforming to the mind of Christ. God the Father gave us Christ, physically present on this earth and recorded in Sacred Scripture, as the ultimate example of what to do and how to behave according to God’s will. In turn, when we act in loving imitation of Christ, we are certain to make practical judgments of conscience. The next time you are faced with a moral dilemma, take some quiet time to look inward, weigh the positive and negative outcomes, and listen to the voice of your conscience. Read the Gospels for examples of Christ’s teachings. By making this a regular practice, you will find that the voice of your conscience will come in louder and more clearly than you may have initially expected.
THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
“A
Volunteers Provide Listening Ear and Support to Those in Need
network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.” This is the mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP), a national organization. And here in Seward County, we have our own chapter that serves our area. One way SVdP stands out from other volunteer groups that serve the poor is the personto-person connection made through home visits. “Visiting the needy puts a human face on suffering and makes intercessory prayer more meaningful,” says Ellen Varney, who is a volunteer with SVdP for Seward County. Some of the other services provided through SVdP in Seward County include short-term help in the form of utility assistance, rent assistance and food, as well as nursing home visits. “Jesus instructed us to love our neighbors as ourselves,” Ellen says. “Through our work, we try to fulfill that command and experience spiritual growth.” At our parish, SVdP has six members making home visits and three more who are active members. Home visits are always done in groups of two. There are also other parishioners who support SVdP with financial gifts. Most recently, there has not been an increased need for services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ellen believes the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has been a big help to those in need. Some utilities have also suspended shut-offs. However, when this support ends, the group expects a greater need. “We do not know what the full impact of the virus will be,” Ellen says. “Many of our clients live paycheck to paycheck. An unexpected illness, expensive car repair or job loss puts them in an unstable financial situation. We provide short-term help to get them through the issue.” SVdP also works with other local organizations, like Blue Valley Community Action, and churches to maximize the impact. Ellen says members volunteer to help those in need and to grow in faith. In particular, she cites 1 Peter 4:10 — “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” continued on back cover
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Vincen de Paul Saint
catholic church | seward, nebraska
152 Pinewood Avenue | Seward, NE 68434 (402) 643-3421 | stvincentseward.org
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Parishioners who want to get involved can do so in a number of ways. “Our greatest need is for more active members to be on a call rotation and to make home visits,” Ellen says. The Society of SVdP serves anyone in need, not just Catholics. Members always pray the Our Father when they make home visits.
continued from page 7
“Jesus instructed us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Through our work, we try to fulfill that command and experience spiritual growth.” — Ellen Varney
Prayers for this ministry are also appreciated. You may also support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul with financial gifts, by putting a donation in the Sunday collection labeled “Society of St. Vincent de Paul.” If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, please contact Frank Daley at 402-643-6543.
LITURGY SCHEDULE Daily Masses: Monday thru Friday at 7:00 a.m., Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Sunday Obligation Masses: Saturday at 5:30 p.m., Sunday at 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Confession: Monday thru Saturday: 20 minutes before each daily Mass, Saturday: 4:30 to 5:20 p.m., Sunday: 7:30 to 7:50 a.m. & 9:30 to 9:50 a.m. Other confession times available by appointment.
