Vincen de Paul Saint
catholic church | seward, nebraska
Lector Ministry: Inside this Issue 2 Living Lent in 2021 3 Sharing Love in
Different Ways
4 Altar Servers Ministry
Providing a Valuable Service and Growing in Faith
6 Hospitality: The Cornerstone of Stewardship
7 Celebrating the
Miracle of St. Blaise Feast Day, Feb. 3
Proclaiming the Good News With Reverence for God’s Word
B
y generously proclaiming the Word of God to our parish family, our parish lectors also end up “proclaiming” it to their own souls as well. As the saying goes, our Lord cannot be outdone in generosity, and the time, talent, and treasure we give will come back to us a hundredfold. “I have been a lector at our parish since the early 1980s,” Kenneth G. Reinsch says. “I have found that being able to share the readings at Mass as a lector allows me to become more aware of what the readings are really trying to say to everyone. I personally believe that being a lector has given me a closer relationship with Christ in the Mass.” Nourished by the Sacred Scriptures themselves, lectors are then able to
Nourished by the Sacred Scriptures themselves, lectors are then able to spiritually nourish the members of our parish family. Prayerful preparation enables lectors to make an impact on those who hear the Word of God that they diligently proclaim.
spiritually nourish the members of our parish family. Prayerful preparation enables lectors to make an impact on those who hear the Word of God that they diligently proclaim. “A lector’s duty begins with them continued on page 5
FEBRUARY 2021
Vincen de Paul Saint
catholic church | seward, nebraska
Living Lent D
uring the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert, Satan was constantly tempting Him. He preyed on Jesus’ humanity, trying desperately to get Him to test God. Of course, we all know that it didn’t work. As Jesus is 100 percent God at the same time that He is 100 percent man, the devil was unable to take hold of Him. Yet, the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert communicates an all-important truth to us. Jesus, the God-man, experienced everything we have and everything we ever will as human beings. Satan even tried to tempt Him, just as he tempts us every day. But because Jesus is God at the same time that He is human, He had no tendency to give in to Satan’s attempts. Even so, Christ fought Satan tooth and nail, putting him in his place — “Get away, Satan! It is written: ‘The Lord, your God, shall you worship, and Him alone shall you serve’” (Matthew 4:10). At that, the devil left Him. We all find ourselves in similar situations. We live in a world wrought with sin, and, in his everso-cunning way, Satan makes the sinful look appealing. We must stand firm in our faith and tell Satan to “get away,” just as Jesus did. Only then
2
in 2021
will we truly experience the glory of the salvation that Christ came to give. Lent offers us a particular time to fight Satan, taking courage in the resurrection that we are preparing to celebrate. It is a time that we spend focused on strengthening our relationships with the Lord. Armed with His power, which we receive in many different ways, we can resist the temptations of the devil and accept the salvation Christ offers each one of us. How can we do this? Get to know the Lord through prayer. Read the Scriptures often. St. Jerome tells us that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. So, we must be steeped in Scripture. Read it daily — chapter by chapter, or verse by verse. It is, after all, the Word of God! Draw close to the Blessed Mother — she is eager to bring us to her Son. Join her at the cross, where she witnessed her most precious Son die for each one of us. Pray the Rosary — individually and as a family. It is a powerful prayer through which, with Mary, we walk through Christ’s life, His death, and His resurrection. Unite with Christ Himself in His suffering. Let us focus on the spirit of the season. We are to be preparing ourselves, just as Christ did, for the great event that won for us salvation!
A Letter From Our Pastor
Sharing Love in Different Ways Dear Parishioners,
W
hat’s the most widely observed saint’s day in February — the one that’s kept even by those who aren’t practicing Catholics? Undoubtedly, it would be St. Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. The irony is that his feast isn’t even on the General Roman Calendar of feasts to be observed throughout the world. That doesn’t mean that he’s not recognized as a real, historical person, or as a genuine saint, but only that his influence throughout the Church has not been as significant as that of other saints. So who was St. Valentine? There are several St. Valentines, as the name was not a rare one in the ancient Roman Empire, but the saint we celebrate was a priest of Rome martyred in the late third century. Still, that doesn’t explain how his feast came to be celebrated as the day one sends letters, cards and presents as expressions of romantic love. The truth is that the custom of sending tokens of love comes not from any direct connection with St. Valentine, but from the ancient belief that birds begin to pair off on Feb. 14. And if courtship in the natural world occurred then, it must be appropriate for humans, as well. The association between St. Valentine and love notes is a later development. Nevertheless, it’s not wrong to connect the two. Love has many aspects, and our conception of it is richer if we keep more than one of them in mind. Martyrdom is the result of loving God more than our earthly life. St. Valentine was a martyr because of his love — his love for Jesus Christ and His Church. If he had not loved God so much, he could have
repudiated his Lord and saved his life. We, in turn, express our love by sending cards and gifts on St. Valentine’s Day. But isn’t that what stewardship as a way of life is — a little martyrdom? Not to push the image too far, but when we are faithful stewards, we give up a little portion of our lives out of our own love for Christ. Most Christians will not be called on to be martyrs, in the sense of forfeiting our physical lives for God. But we are called to give up some of our comforts, indulgences and riches because of our love for Him. So then, as you prepare to celebrate and share your love with your Valentine this month, remember St. Valentine and his love for Christ. As well, keep in mind that God loves us, and return that love with your own toward Him. Loving God will be reflected in how you prioritize your use of the time, talent and treasure God has entrusted to you. As St. John wrote (1 Jn 4:19), “We love because he first loved us.” Happy St. Valentine’s Day! Sincerely yours in Christ,
Msgr. Robert Tucker Pastor
3
Vincen de Paul Saint
catholic church | seward, nebraska
Altar Server
Providing a Valuable Serv
O
ver the past year, a global health crisis has changed countless things about the way we live and worship. With many of our ministries on hold, we have gained a new understanding and appreciation for the various ways that parishioners serve the Church and our parish here at St. Vincent de Paul. The young men who assist with the celebration of the Mass as altar servers have been dearly missed in the times when this ministry had to be suspended, demonstrating just how valuable their presence and service at the altar truly is! Terry Wehrs has been helping with our Altar Server Ministry for over 10 years now. He sees this ministry as a great benefit to both the priests and the altar servers. “It facilitates the priest in having a respectful Mass,” Terry says. “He doesn’t have to get all of the accouterments up to the altar, and it shows the reverence of his position as a priest because he has helpers. For the young men, it could be a stepping stone to a vocation. It’s a different aspect of the Mass for them and they can see the priest in a different light.” New altar servers are trained through a simulated Mass, where they are walked through each step of the process of serving. They start in the sacristy, where they learn to put on the cassock and surplice, and how to light and carry the candles. Next, they practice processing in and assisting with various parts of the Mass, including carrying the water and wine up to the altar for the priest to prepare the chalice, bringing up the water for the priest’s ritual cleansing, and holding the paten during the distribution of Holy Communion. For many servers, a favorite moment of the Mass
Altar serving provides young men in the parish with an opportunity to participate more fully in the Mass.
occurs when they get to ring the bells during the epiclesis and the raising of the chalice and the Host. Parishioner Paul Hughes began helping Terry with altar server training a little over a year ago. As someone who served in this way as a young man himself, Paul knows firsthand the blessings this ministry brings to our altar servers. “I was an altar server until I was about 16, and I liked being of service,” Paul says. “If the altar servers pay attention and really care, they learn that the Mass is holy and that Christ is actually there. You can see some of them being very reverent during the Mass. It’s going to touch their hearts and their spirit and help them become better men continued on page 5
4
rs Ministry
vice and Growing in Faith
when they get older. They have all that experience, and it really helps form them.” With five sons who were altar servers in their youth — the eldest of whom became an ordained priest — Terry has a great appreciation for this ministry and the special opportunity it gives young parishioners to participate more fully in parish life. “There are limited ways that boys of that age can do stewardship,” Terry says. “They can volunteer and things like that, but altar serving really is a great
Lector Ministry
way to show stewardship at St. Vincent de Paul by giving of their time and talents to the parish.”
Do you have a son interested in becoming an altar server? The ministry is open to boys who have received their First Communion. Please contact the parish office at 402-643-3421 for more information.
continued from front cover
reading the Scriptures ahead of time to make sure they understand what they are meant to relate to the parishioners,” Kenneth says. “Lectors need to look up any words or names that are hard to pronounce and get a feel for the flow of the message, to be better able to keep the congregation involved in the reading.” If a lector prepares well, they will likely be more effective in bringing the Good News of God’s love, truth, and salvation to all. “I personally believe that the better prepared I am, the more the congregation will be able to understand and interpret the readings,” Kenneth says. Furthermore, if a lector has reverence for God’s Word, it will help others to have reverence for it as well. “Although we were never told just how to dress for lectoring, I always feel better if I am wearing a suit, or at least dress clothes with a tie,” Kenneth says. Lectors are given various tools to help them fulfill their liturgical duty. “We have a lectern stand in the sacristy where we can practice the readings and any other as-
signed duties before the Mass,” Kenneth says. “At this stand, there are a couple of pamphlets that show how to properly pronounce several difficult words and phrases.” Ultimately, lectors such as Kenneth truly enjoy sharing the inspiring words of the Holy Bible, “God’s love letter to His people,” with our parish family. “It is really important to pay attention to the readings because they tell us about what the prophets were trying to tell people before Christ was born, as well as what the Good Word was after He began His public ministry,” Kenneth says. “The more the world is in disarray, the more we need to be involved in the Mass. Praying, whether alone or at Mass, is always a way to keep your faith stronger and more alive.” If you would like more information on how to share the Good News of the Gospel through this ministry, please contact Gloria Schneider at 402-643-3421 or gloria-schneider@cdolinc.net. 5
Vincen de Paul Saint
catholic church | seward, nebraska
HOSPITALITY The Cornerstone of Stewardship
T
he dictionary defines “hospitality” as “the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.” A Christian worldview can refer to hospitality as “Christian kindness.” We see the effects of hospitality – or the lack thereof – time and time again through-out the Bible. Christ speaks of hospitality in Matthew’s Gospel when He says, “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). The Old Testament told of the Israelites, as they wandered the desert for 40 years in search of hospitable environs. Even the Holy Family spent ample time searching for shelter before the birth of Our Lord. It is safe to say that hospitality is, and most likely has always been, of great importance to people everywhere. Modern hotels and hostels often use the image of a pineapple to advertise their special brand of hospitality. There is no doubt that in ancient times, the distant lights of an inn or tavern struck a chord of hope within weary travelers’ hearts. Indeed, hospitality’s meaning has not diminished at all over the years, decades and millennia. Christians view the presence of hospitality as meaning the difference between calling others “guests” and “strangers.” Guests are welcomed with open arms and warm smiles, but strangers aren’t. 6
Guests feel the genuine love present in a hearty welcome, but strangers don’t. Guests often return for second or third visits, while strangers don’t. As a parish, do we find ourselves surrounded by guests, or burdened by strangers? Hospitality is, in many respects, a mindset. The same person may be treated as guest at the church just down the road, but as a stranger here. Matthew’s Gospel tells of Christ as He reveals a profound truth about hospitality: “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.” That is, “I used to be a stranger, but you fixed that when you welcomed me.” It’s a classic example of before-andafter. All it took was a change of heart. Stewardship holds hospitality as an immensely important concept. Remember the “three Ts” of stewardship – Time, Talent, and Treasure? Well, there are also “four Ps,” the Four Pillars of Stewardship – Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service. Hospitality is mentioned first. Why? If not for hospitality, none of the other pillars will ever take hold. Hospitality is the cornerstone of stewardship, because it opens the door to a person’s heart and allows them to receive joy, grace, and love. Hospitality must become second nature, if stewardship is to truly take hold within a parish. So, when a stranger visits our parish, welcome them as a guest. Perhaps one day, they’ll pay us a second visit.
Celebrating the
Miracle of St. Blaise
Feast Day, Feb. 3
T
his month, we reflect on the life of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, who is one of the “Fourteen Holy Helpers” — a group of Catholic saints whose intercession is believed to be effective against diseases. Every year on Feb. 3, we celebrate the feast day of St. Blaise, during which parishes around the world bless the throats of the faithful. So, as we continue to navigate the ongoing challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, we may look toward St. Blaise’s example and pray for his intercession during these difficult times. Though we do not know much about the life of St. Blaise, tradition tells us that he was born to wealthy, saintly Catholic parents. Born in Armenia, he devoted his life to medicine and helping the sick. He was a physician, until he was begged by the people to become their bishop. He was appointed by the Church as bishop of the Diocese of Sebaste. Around the year 313, when the Roman Emperor Licinius was persecuting the Church, Blaise lived as a hermit in the woods among animals that he befriended. One day, a group of hunters found Blaise and seized him. Upon their trip to the governor, they encountered a woman whose pig was being attacked by a wolf.
Blaise commanded the wolf to leave the pig alone and, upon his command, the pig was freed unharmed. Blaise was then taken to prison, where he miraculously healed a boy who was choking to death on a fishbone. While Blaise remained in prison, the woman whose pig he had freed brought him two candles to serve as his light so that he could read the Scripture. It was from the miracle of saving the choking boy that the
custom of praying to St. Blaise to cure all ailments of the throat was born. And, so, after still refusing to recant his Christian beliefs, he was suspended from a tree and his flesh was torn with iron combs or rakes. Blaise was then thrown into a lake to drown. To the surprise of his persecutors, he surfaced and walked upon the water, and he invited his persecutors to join him. They should do this, he said, to show the power of their continued on back cover
7
Vincen de Paul Saint
catholic church | seward, nebraska
152 Pinewood Avenue | Seward, NE 68434 (402) 643-3421 | stvincentseward.org
The Miracle of St. Blaise gods. The pagans took him up on his invitation, and ultimately they were drowned. Blaise was then told by an angel to return to dry land to receive martyrdom. He was beheaded on the shore and immediately went to heaven. Because of his prison experience and his great reputation as a healer, St. Blaise’s intercession is invoked for the healing of diseases affecting the throat. The candles that the clergy place upon our throats while blessing them symbolize the candles that enlightened St. Blaise’s cell as he studied Sacred Scripture — connecting his spiritual life to the physical healing. Let us remember to invoke the intercession of this great healer upon any ailments that might be affecting us, either physical or spiritual — especially those pertaining to the throat. The blessing of the throats is done by the priest
continued from page 7
holding two blessed candles near the throat in the form of a cross. The priest says, “Through the merits and intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver thee from all diseases of the throat, and preserve thee from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
T hrough the merits and intercession of S t . B laise , bishop and martyr , may G od deliver thee from all diseases of the
throat , and preserve thee from every other evil . and of the
I n the name of the F ather , S on , and of the H oly S pirit . A men .
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.