October 2018 Newsletter

Transcription

1 October 2018 Newsletter Thankful in the Priesthood Dear Parishioner, I just returned from a priest retreat in Tipton, Indiana. It was great! The Retreat Master was Father Chris Manahan, S.J., and I was joined by 25 other priests from the diocese. The theme of the retreat was Evangelization and Priesthood. One of the talks was about what we are thankful for in our priesthood. Immediately, I thought of you, my parishioners at St. Louis de Montfort. I also thought of the twelve years I have been pastor, as well as the growth physically, with both parish and school staff and the services we provide to the local community. I had a sense of fulfillment and challenge as I thought of St. Louis de Montfort for the future. I also had a sense of assurance that, as a parish, we can build the future through adult education, evangelization, youth education, and family and marriage enrichment. These are only a few of the challenges we have. I also thought about vocations. To have had one of our young men, Coady Owens, ordained to the priesthood and to have Steve Seitz ordained as a Deacon, is a blessing for our parish. Also, to have Deacon Chris Bock assigned to serve here is a blessing. God is blessing us in these challenging times. I thought I must keep my eye and my heart on Jesus through Mary, as St. Louis de Montfort says. Yet there are many simple acts of mercy, service, kindness, thoughtfulness, words, prayer, praise and thankfulness being expressed by many like you in the parish. Our survey went well, with over 800 parishioners participating. This gives us valuable information to help us direct our energy, talent, time and finances for the future. Lastly, I want to express my thanks to the wonderful pastoral and school staff that we have here at our parish. Without them, lots of the ministries we do would go unfulfilled. So, THANK YOU for your faith, prayer and support for our vision to Love God, Make Disciples, and Serve Christ in the World. You are the ones that make the body of Christ present as parishioners. I am blessed and humbled. Father Pat Hague Rd. Fishers, IN Phone: Fax: In this Issue New Parish App Parish Fall Outreach Opportunities Fruitful Harvest Thanksgiving Baskets A Letter from Deacon Steve Seitz Parish Directory Sign-Ups JHYM Retreat Indiana Catholic Men s Conference Safe & Sacred Training Trunk or Treat Brazil Mission Trip and Ordination Diocesan High School Experience SLDM School News SLDM School Open House Wanna Shake a Leg? School Fundraising Prayers for Those in the Military Rosary After All Weekend Masses

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3 3 Parish Fall Outreach Opportunities Our Thanksgiving food basket drive Sign-up to donate and volunteer for our annual Thanksgiving Basket food drive. Information in Narthex after Mass or on our parish website. The drive this year will be Saturday November 17th. Donations will need to be submitted by Sunday November 4th (we need to place the food order that week). Thanksgiving Day meal Also again this year the parish will be serving a free meal on Thursday November 22nd, Thanksgiving Day from 11am 2pm in Craig Willy Hall. Everyone is Welcome. Our annual Giving Tree will need your help again this year. We ll be providing holiday cheer to those who need it the most at Logansport State Hospital. This is the 30th year SLDM has supported this ministry. Keep your eye for the Christmas Tree in the Narthex starting November 3rd. Hamilton County Kids Coat Will be on our campus Saturday, November 3rd. Visit their website to see how you can help. Thank You! Parishioners of SLDM

4 4 Many parishioners have donated to support the Fruitful Harvest 2018 campaign. Below is a link to donate electronically, plus a video of a program it sponsors (you might recognize parishioners Scott & Lisa). This Fruitful Harvest provides many services that build our Catholic faith. If you haven t donat- ed please consider a gift now, our goal is $540, and we ll need the support of all parishioners to reach it. If you have donated thank you, by sharing your blessings you have strengthen our faith. Click here to donate. Fruitful Harvest 2018 Third Option Marriage Ministry Video It takes many hands to purchase, prepare, and deliver 900 baskets.

5 5 A Letter from Deacon Steve Seitz If you have ever wondered about the effectiveness of our Universal Prayer petitions at Mass, read on. You know, those prayers to which we all respond Lord, hear our prayer. Looking back, I can tell you that one of those, offered by a parishioner here more than ten years ago was the start of a discernment process for me that came to its definitive affirmation on September 15, On that day, I and my six new brother Deacons found ourselves lying prostrate before the altar as the Litany of Saints was sung at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, in Lafayette. Very shortly afterward, Bishop Doherty laid hands on our heads, calling for the Holy Spirit to come upon us for the work that now lays ahead. Yes, the simple prayer way back then That more men in our diocese would be open to the call to the Permanent Diaconate struck a spark in me that to my great surprise, very quickly became a fire. And it changed me. So, from now on when you say the words, Lord, hear our prayer, rest assured that He does! There is so much I would love to tell you about my journey over the past five years, but I suppose there will be plenty of time for that. I will say that from the day that spark was lit, the Lord was very gentle in slowly introducing me to the kind of work to which he was calling me. Through so many of the ministries here in our parish, He let me begin to learn what it means to serve Him in all of you. Soon enough, in the summer of 2013, He led me into the formal, five-year formation process, which culminated with ordination this past month. Yes, there is a lot that I could share, and I will, but for now, I would just like to thank you all for your love, friendship, and support along the way. I can t tell you the joy I felt when I received word that I would be assigned here at St. Louis de Montfort as one of your Deacons. You have truly become my family. I must also publicly thank my wife, LaDonna, for all of her sacrifice and patience as I devoted so much time and energy to formation. The Lord continues to work on me, but she has been a saint! Thank you, LaDonna! Your encouragement and faith in what God was doing in our lives carried me through those times when it seemed the studying and paper writing and all the rest would never end. You are a blessing to me, and to so many others; may he bless you richly! And now you, my parish family, may be asking What exactly is a Deacon, and why do we need one? In short, a Deacon is a servant. The word Deacon derives from the Greek diakonos, which literally translates to servant. The office of Deacon is part of the ministerial hierarchy of Bishop, Priest, and Deacon. While the Bishop represents the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the Priest and Deacon are ordained to share and assist in different aspects of his ministry. This all recalls the story of the ordination of the first deacons, in Acts 6. There, we hear that the Apostles (the first Bishops) were

6 hearing complaints that the needs of some in the community were not being met, that some were going hungry. Unable to attend to all of the peoples needs while also fulfilling their liturgical duties, the Apostles called upon seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The office of Deacon Servant was thereby established. The ministry of the deacon is a three-fold ministry of service to the Word, Liturgy, and Charity. It is the deacon s role to proclaim the Gospel at Mass, and to preach on occasion. You will see the deacon assisting the priest at the altar, and notice that he has some spoken parts of the Mass. The deacon may, in the absence of a priest, and outside of Mass, preside at weddings, baptisms, and funerals. He may impart particular blessings, provided they are not reserved to the higher orders of priest or bishop. The deacon is called upon to teach, and not only in presentations, but primarily by his example. Having said all that, the deacon is called on to serve. By the grace of Holy Orders, the deacon stands in the place of Christ the Servant. His role is to make Christ present and his love felt in whatever situation he finds himself, whether that be in the parish, at a hospital or nursing home, the grocery store, or a prison. Our model is Jesus himself, who came not to be served, but to serve. It has been a long time since I was able to submit something to our newsletter, and I appreciate this opportunity to say thank you, and hopefully help you better understand the proper role of a deacon. There will no doubt be many opportunities to come in which you can ask questions directly, and I look forward to those conversations. Until then, your servant, in Christ, Deacon Steve Do you know the names of the people sitting around you? Help us to build a tool that will put names with faces. Every few years our parish does a picture directory. Be a part of our new family directory program we need YOU to make our new family album complete! Sessions have begun. Click here to sign up today! 6 Each family will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and free directory for participating!

7 7 Who: 6th-8th grade students invited When: October 10AM until October 28 after the 11:30AM Mass Where: SLDM Youth Ministry Center Cost: $30 Register online: sldmfishers.formstack.com/ forms/jhymfallretreat MEN of all ages: REGISTER NOW for the Thirteenth Annual Indiana Catholic Men s Conference, Walking with Christ & the Cross which will be held Saturday, November 10thatthe Indiana Convention Center. Join men from across Indiana and nationally known Catholic speakers, Rev. Dwight Longenecker, Fr. Ben Luedke and Tom Peterson. Holy Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist by Rev. Todd Riebe and our Master of Ceremonies will be Fr. Douglas Hunter. Invite your son, father, and/or a friend for this wonderful, spirit filled day. For more information or to register, go to

8 8 Safe and Sacred Training Online safe and sacred training is required to volunteer and many volunteers have training that will expire soon. Online training needs to be renewed every three years. If your training and/or background check are expired, you will not be able to volunteer for any activity until your certificate is renewed. The Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana is dedicated to ensuring a culture that is safe, open, welcoming and protective of all people and especially our children. We cooperate with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults. Please check the expiration date of your safe and sacred training. The link is included below. You will be able to view your certificate after you sign on. If you have completed the training in the past, you will already have a user ID and password. If you have not completed the training, please follow the instructions to create a user ID and password and complete the training. If you have difficulty signing on, please first contact technical support. There is a live chat option and a phone number listed on the below link. If you have questions and cannot resolve your problem with technical support, please call Melissa Crowley at the parish office X th Annual SLDM PARISH Trunk-or-Treat Your Trunk-or-Treat co-chairs: Cindy Johnson and Katy Wolf would like to invite you to this Frightfully Fun SLDM Event! With tricks and treats up our sleeves, we are brewing this year's Halloween bash for our parish community! Decorate your vehicle, pack a tailgate dinner, and fill your candy bowls. Once again, children will be trick-or -treating from trunk-to-trunk and dancing to tunes by the Lakeside Entertainment DJ. The 10th Annual SLDM Trunk-or-Treat will take place on Friday evening, October 26th, on the grounds of SLDM. As always, entrance to what is one of SLDM s most fun family events is free with a food pantry donation.

9 9 BRAZIL MISSION TRIP AND ORDINATION Many of you are probably wondering about the group who traveled to our sister parish in August to attend the ordination of our Brazilian seminarian, Sergio (now Padre Sergio!). It was a remarkable trip in so many ways. Each of the group travelers did their best to sum up the highlights of their experience below. Please continue to pray for Padre Sergio as he begins his vocation. Jon Zatkulak: Being a part of all the ordination pre and post gatherings gave me a real sense for the spirit of our Sister Parish and all their outlying communities. They valued the meaning of having one of their own be ordained and their sense of support, belief and joy were prevalent throughout the pre-ordination novenas, attendance at the ordination itself (coming long distances on a cool, rainy night) and the post ordination/first mass celebrations. It became obvious Father Sergio was an inspiration and extension of their faith. The love shared by all was simply amazing and I personally felt the presence of all prior SLDM travelers, who have prayed for and supported Sergio throughout his journey, in the midst of the events we participated in. Joe Monaghan (first-time traveler): A special memory from the trip for me was meeting a family out in the barrios. Sister Rose, Andrey and I visited their home to bring them a few supplies. While we visited and they showed us their home, Andrey and I gave their young daughter Angela a yo-yo and taught her how to use it. Later that day, while visiting one of the schools, Angela was there. She followed me at recess. Rosie asked her if she remembered me. When she said she did, I shook her hand and hugged her.

10 10 Andrey Heidler (first time traveler): It was my first trip to Brazil and everything about it was perfect. I have met so many different people in Brazil and loved the people I traveled with. I wasn't sure what to expect when I got there so I just went with it and everything fell into place perfectly. I felt the calling and answered the call to go and wouldn't change anything else about it. I hope to go back one day and continue to help and build our relationships we already had down there and just live the dream that came before me. Rosie Zatkulak: What a joy and a blessing it was to be welcomed in such an intimate and personal way to the ordination of the first son of our sister parish, St. Joseph/São José in Brazil! Having known Fr./Padre Sergio since he was a young boy dreaming of one day being a priest, made every part of the celebration extra special. I found it particularly moving that each of the small chapels in the outlying areas that make up the community of St. Joseph s each had one or more Masses and prayer services during a nine day novena period preceding the ordination. We arrived in time to attend the last novena rosary and Mass at the central church and a small, simple dinner with Sergio s family and a few fellow seminarians and newly ordained priests on the evening before his ordination, the incredibly Spirit filled and beautiful ordination Mass, Sergio s emotional first Mass at his home parish at St. Joseph s, a wonderful day at the seminary where Sergio spent the first two years of his formation (which was actually a small self-sustaining farm!) and special time with Sergio and his immediate family in their home during the week following his ordination. Having traveled to our sister parish several times over the years, beginning with the original meeting and formation of our sister parish relationship in September, 2001, this trip seemed to be coming full circle while at the same time opening up new possibilities of Sergio traveling to the United States as well as continuing our relationship with our new friend and pastor at Saint Joseph s, Padre Mansueto. God continues to be about a great work in many varied and usual ways we never dreamed possible and I look forward to the continued journey!

11 11 Mike Sheek: This was my 4th time to visit Brasil, and it's always wonderful to visit with so many friends we've made over the years. The thing that made the biggest impact on me however, was how the entire community and all the outlying rural areas that contributed to and at- tended Padre Sergio's ordination, first mass, and the fiesta afterwards. They all came together for this one person because they are so proud of him and love his family. It was a beautiful thing. The fact that a group of Americans from their sister parish would travel there to celebrate the event with them will never be forgotten. Kathy Sheek: Nothing can top the amazing ordination mass, building relation- ships with fellow travelers, and reconnecting with long time friends through many trips to our sister parish; however, two days after Padre Sergio s ordination, we were invited to visit his congregation s seminary in a city, two hours from our sister parish, where he will be assigned. It was wonderful to spend the day with the new priest, reliving the marvelous ordination events, sharing cards and letters from SLDM school kids and parishioners, learning more about the Servants of the Eucharist Seminary, and being with Holy Cross Sisters Rose and Freida, who accompanied us that day. In addition to celebrating an intimate mass in their chapel, having lunch with his fellow priests and seminarians, and a tour of the seminary (which is a self-sustaining farm), we also visited the church where Padre Sergio is assigned during the week, celebrating three daily masses and hearing more than 75 confessions every day!

12 12 ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH: One way to get to know other teens in the parish (and for us to get to know you), is to be at more than just our Youth Group Nights. I wanted to suggest strongly that you sign up to attend the November 18th 1-day Diocesan High School Experience we'll be attending. Spots are limited, so RSVP by using the link below or by CLICKING HERE Details for the day (Sunday, November 18th) are: 10:00am - meeting at here at SLDM 10:30am - charter bus leaves to Lafayette, IN 12:00pm - arrival at Central Catholic HS (pizza eaten on bus) 12:30pm - register group inside & attend the conference (which will include 4 "ted"-style talks, prayer experiences, fun activities, music from PJ Anderson, & Mass with the bishop) 8:00pm - end the conference & load the bus to depart back home 9:45pm - arrive at SLDM & pick up your children on campus to head home Please click this link to register: HS Youth are $60 to attend, but Adults will be only $15. Cost includes: Bus, Pizza on bus, Dinner at event, & registration for event. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Neeson, High School Youth Minister, at dneeson@sldmfishers.org

13 13 October School News Each year our 8 th grade class takes a three day trip to our Nation s capital. During the trip, they visit many of the memorials including Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR, MLK, WWII, Vietnam War, and Korean War. They also visit Arlington Cemetery where they observe the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They attend Mass at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, a wonderful spiritual element of the trip. They also tour the Capitol Building, visit the National Archives, the spend time at the Holocaust Museum and the Smithsonian Museums. And every once in while they stop to eat and sleep. It is a wonderful trip that allows for a special bond between the students of our graduating class and is a highlight of their 8 th grade year.

14 14 OPEN HOUSE Pre-K, Kindergarten through 8th Grade Thursday, November 8th (8-11AM) Register for school year. Personal tours will be given to you and your children. Contact Information: Jennifer Podlogar or Hague Road, Fishers WANNA SHAKE A LEG? That's a turkey leg, of course! On 11/22/18, Thanksgiving Day, St. Louis de Montfort is hosting its 4th Annual Thanksgiving Day Community Meal in Craig Willy Hall and we would love to have you join us! The meal will be served from 11:00am to 2:00pm and will include turkey, vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes and dessert, along with a hearty smile. If you have any questions please contact Buddy LeRose at or, at dlrconsulting13@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you on Thanksgiving Day!

15 15 School Fundraising Matching Gifts Matching Gifts are a very important source of revenue for our school! Matching gifts can double or even triple the impact of your gift to St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School. Some companies even match volunteer hours as well as gifts made by retirees. More than 15,000 companies and subsidiaries have a program that matches gifts made to support education. In fact, 1 in 10 companies offers a corporate giving program, but the median employee participation rate is just 9%. Nonprofits, like ours, lose out on a lot of revenue that can be put to good use to continue to offer the best in Catholic education. To initiate a matching gift, please: >> Contact your Human Resources department to see if they offer a program. >> Enquire about the details. Oftentimes, you can access this information and forms online through an employee portal. >> Make your gift to the school Annual Fund at >> Notify Maggie Fox (mfox@sldmfishers.org) that you have submitted your matching gift form. Visit the Matching Gifts page at to check out a list of some confirmed matching gift companies! SGO Gifts St. Louis de Montfort School has partnered with the Institute for Quality Education (IQE) as our official Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). By making your gift through IQE and designating it to St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School, you will be providing needs-based scholarships to eligible students. As a donor, not only will you provide much-needed scholarships, but you also will qualify for a 50% INDIANA STATE TAX CREDIT. Additionally, the total amount of your gift is eligible for a federal tax deduction. To make your gift through SGO, click this link > select your gift type > on the next page you will designate St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School in the drop-down under Select Schools. Please consider making a highly tax-advantaged gift that will help deserving students obtain a Catholic education! For more information, please visit the FAQ page. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact Maggie Fox at mfox@sldmfishers.org.

16 16 Prayers for those on active duty in the military service of the United States of America Spec4 Justin Beaver, ING, son of Jamie and Kimberly Beaver, husband of Ali and father of Kenidee Master Sergeant Chris Borders U.S. Army, son of Phillip T. Borders and Victoria Borders Private Daniel Brennan, US Army Private Ryan Cathcart, US Army, grandson of Judy and Dave Felts Captain Kristen Grasser, Air Force, daughter of Col (R) Jeff & Nora Grasser Lt. (jg) Michelle Indiano, United States Navy, daughter of Kris Talleur Petty Officer Vince Indiano, United States Navy, son of Kris Talleur Chaplain (Capt) Joshua M. Janko, Air Force, Yokota Air Base - Japan 1LT Kate Kinley US Army, daughter of Tim & Dana Kinley 2nd Lt. Logan Arnt USAF, grandson of Al and Linda Kozimor A1C Triste Hailey Lycan, USAF Lieutenant Hugh McShane, USMC, Nephew of Valerie and Gary Roraus Sr. Airman Ian Morales, nephew to Maria and Bill Anderson Captain Anthony Orlowski, is currently serving in the U.S. Army, son of Larry and Mary Orlowski Jack Petrie, son of John and Charlotte Petrie, is in National Guard training Captain Antonio Ruiz, son-in-law of Sue Presley, serving in U.S. Army Specialist Trevin D. Rund, US Army, son of Matt and Donna Rund 1st Lieutenant Jared Thomas, grandson of Jack and Deanne Anderson Lt. Commander David Vogelsang, USN, grandson of Omer and Reba Vogelsang Rosary After All Weekend Masses Join parishioners after every Sunday (and Vigil) Mass, as we ask Mary to intercede for our country and parish. You and your family are invited. The Rosary is led by the Knights of Columbus! Our Lady of Fatima, Pray for Us!