Our Lady s Messenger. All your children shall be taught by the Lord. December 2016

Transcription

1 December 2016 Our Lady s Messenger All your children shall be taught by the Lord Thanks to the hard work, creativity, prayers and donations of many, we were able to begin offering Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) to children ages 4 through Kindergarten this fall. Christine Aberle, Faith Formation Assistant, serves as the Catechist for the three weekly CGS sessions. They are held at the same time as regular elementary-age Faith Formation classes: Sundays at 9:20 a.m. and Wednesdays at 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. A classroom was transformed into Isaiah 54:13 Archer Bice is still too young for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium, but his mom, Samantha, serves as an Aide for CGS so Archer got to take a peek at the contents of the child-size sacristy cabinet while Samantha helped catechist Christine Aberle, set up the Atrium. His big brother, August, attends CGS. an Atrium for CGS, a holy place where children remove their shoes before entering and work silently and individually, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their minds, hands and hearts. The primary role of the Catechist is to show the children, through actions more than words, how to work with the beautiful, intricate materials in the Atrium so that they may grow in understanding of the Mass and Scripture. She and the Aide then stand back and observe, offering (Continued on page 3) Members of Our Lady s Youth Group and adult volunteers painted the paper bag hides for a teepee which represented the first Thanksgiving meal and encouraged donations to the Our Lady of Grace Food Pantry. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Do you know the secret?... 2 Saints and souls... 2 Confirmed in the Spirit.4-5 Catholic United Financial presents grant awards... 6 Our Advent journey... 6 Stewardship enhances relationships... 7 Have you considered volunteering to help with upkeep at the church? Shoveling snow, polishing wood, vacuuming carpets, helping to clean up after Faith Formation... with the number of things that take place at church, the opportunities are almost endless! Please contact Deacon Steve for ways you can help: Thanks!

2 One of the best kept secrets Father Bruce Krebs, Pastor 2 OUR LADY OF GRACE CATHOLIC CHURCH Phone: (701) or (701) church@olgminot.org Web site: olgminot.weconnect. com Facebook: OurLadyofGraceMinot Our Mission: Our Lady of Grace Parish is a community of faith that encourages stewardship through word, sacrament and service. Please send address changes to the parish at th Ave. SW, Minot, ND 58701, or call By Fr. Bruce Krebs It is really not a secret to many of you. But to others, just to remind you that one of the greatest blessings we have in our Catholic Church is so readily available. It is the Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation. Before you skip over to the next article please note that we Catholics are blessed with this gift which most other religions, Christian and non-christian, do not have available to them. Can you imagine the anguish of having to carry the guilt of sin around without the assurance that we can experience as Catholics that our sins are totally washed down the drain with the priest s words of absolution! The Jubilee of Mercy is completed, but the mercy of God is never depleted. Come taste it anew before Christmas. We have already set our dates for the Advent Penance Services here in Minot. They are as follows: 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at St. John the Apostle; also that day at 5:00 p.m. at St. Leo s. Our Lady of Grace is 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, and Little Flower will host at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20. Several priests will be present to assist you at each location. Also, see page 3 for other opportunities for Reconciliation. A time to remember all saints, all souls November is a month of remembrance and prayer. On Nov. 1, we celebrated All Saints Day with Mass. The following day, Nov. 2, we remembered and prayed for All Souls. On Nov. 6, the Knights of Columbus hosted a breakfast at which our students from the Confirmation/High School Faith Formation class reported on saints they had researched. Then, on Nov. 8, we celebrated the annual Mass of Remembrance for parishioners who have passed away. In his homilies and messages, Fr. Bruce emphasized the Catholic teaching about indulgences how, through our prayers and actions, we can help gain release from purgatory for those who have died. Confirmation/High School Faith Formation students and all of the faithful were asked to visit a cemetery and pray for souls with their family members. Also in November, we finished 42 days of praying the Rosary nightly for the protection of the lives of the unborn and for protection for our religious freedom as we moved toward election day.

3 The children are peacefully prayerful (Continued from page 1) gentle guidance only when they see a lack of understanding of the lesson presented. In Montessori style, the children work independently and are able to touch, smell and move the items. In these early weeks of CGS, they focus on practical life skills that will enable them to take good care of the parish environment, learn about the objects used in the Mass, and appreciate and understand Scripture. The Good Shepherd materials are the focal point of the Atrium. Does that sound impossible for children ages 4 through Kindergarten? We thought so, too, when we attended training, but God reminds us that everything is possible with Him. And it is! The children s responses are inquisitive yet peacefully prayerful. The sacred setting and near silence allows the children to experience the guidance that God and the Holy Spirit yearn to give them. Enrollment in CGS is limited this year because we do not have additional Catechists who are trained to lead the Atrium sessions. However, after only a few weeks of the program, some adults have already expressed interest in training and others have asked if adults could take the classes! If you step inside the Atrium, you ll understand why they are so eager. During the Feb. 1 Family Faith Night Amazing Race, we ll have the Atrium open for guided tours. We invite you to come take a look at this newest addition to our parish s educational offerings. If you are interested in getting involved as a Catechist, Aide or volunteer who helps make materials, please call Christine at or call or text her at Do you know where the temple, cenacle or Tower of Antonia are in the City of Jerusalem? Just ask a CGS student! Advent Penance Services Sunday, Dec. 18 2:00 p.m. St. John s 5:00 p.m. St. Leo s Monday, Dec. 19 7:30 p.m. Our Lady of Grace Tuesday, Dec. 20 7:30 p.m. St. Therese the Little Flower Other Opportunities for Reconciliation Wed., Dec. 21 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. Saturdays from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Before all weekday Masses And by appointment by calling the parish office. Christmas Masses Christmas Eve: 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. bilingual, and 10:00 p.m. Christmas Day: 10:00 a.m. 3

4 Honoring Veterans In recognition of Veterans Day, children in the Dare to be a Disciple program, together with some of our sixth grade Faith Formation students, created cards to thank veterans for their service to our country. Here are just a few of them. Confirmation Mass celebrated October 9 After a year of preparation, 23 students received the sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop David Kagan during an afternoon Mass on Oct. 9. In addition, one of the students from the class will be confirmed in Mexico, and another, who joined mid-year, will be confirmed at the Easter Vigil Mass on April 15, 2017, at Our Lady of Grace. Please pray for them, that they will continue to boldly live their Catholic faith! Thank you to all who have served and who are currently serving in the military. May God bless you! 4 These students were confirmed Oct. 9 by Bishop David Kagan. Back row from left: Mason Swital, Chinaza Udekwe, Gabriella Lilley, Bridget Finley, Tatum Hertz, Brayden Bonn, Max Paszek, Peyton Huss. Row 2 from left: Leonard Niess, Sydney Stein, Leah McDonald, Alexia Miller, Kyler Stenberg, Ethan Vallely, Elizabeth Jorde, Brenden Daves. Front row from left, Fr. Bruce Krebs, Alexis Leier, Mya Stein, Jazmine Beardsley, Keely Briggs, Morgan Alexander, Noah Ploof, Chyna Moolenaar, Bishop David Kagan. Not pictured: Lizbeth Ruby Vazquez who will be confirmed in Mexico. Photos by Michael J Photography

5 Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit Children to sing at Masses Faith Formation students in grades 3-5 will sing at the 10:30 a.m. Epiphany Mass on Jan. 8. They will be practicing during class, then will have a full group rehearsal at 10:05 a.m. in the Nursery on Jan. 8. After rehearsal, they ll go into the church and sit together until it s time for them to sing after communion. Preparing for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist More than 40 parish children are preparing to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist this school year through Faith Formation classes, parish retreats, Bishop Ryan Catholic School and private instruction. First Reconciliation liturgies were held Nov. 19. Students practiced for the sacrament with Fr. Bruce Nov. 6 and 9, completed workbooks at home with their parents, and worked to memorize the Act of Contrition. Some of our Spanish speaking students are receiving private instruction. The required First Eucharist Retreat will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, with a make-up retreat on Thursday, March 2. Children will have two practices during Faith Formation classes, plus full group rehearsals on Sat., April 23, with the First Eucharist Masses being celebrated the weekend of April Students in our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Kindergarten and grade 1 classes will sing at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Feb. 12. Their full group rehearsal will be at 10:05 a.m. in the Nursery on Feb. 12, and they will sit together during the Mass until it is time to sing after communion. Preschoolers will sing during the 10:30 a.m. April 30 Mass. Parents, if you would like to volunteer to sit with the children during Mass, please contact Tanya in the Faith Formation office, Thank you! 5

6 IMPORTANT DATES DECEMBER 4-8:30 am-12:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus breakfast 7-7:00 p.m. Holy Day of Obligation Vigil Mass, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8-9:00 a.m. Mass for Immaculate Conception Holy Day 10-10:30 a.m. to Noon Christmas program rehearsal 17-10:30 a.m. to Noon Christmas program rehearsal 18-11:45 a.m. Christmas program 24 - Christmas Eve Masses: 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. bilingual, 10:00 p.m Christmas Day Mass: 10:00 a.m. 31-4:00 p.m. Mass followed by New Year s Eve Family Party JANUARY 1-8:30 am-12:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus breakfast 8 - Gr. 3-5 students sing for 10:30 a.m. Epiphany Mass 15-3:00 p.m. Spanish Mass 6 Our journey begins again in Advent There s a big difference between a race and a journey. In a race, we bolt from the starting point, moving so quickly the items in our line of vision are a blur, and focusing on only one thing the finish line. When we are on a journey, though, we saunter, looking around us as we go, taking in the sights, the sounds, the people, the emotions; reflecting on what surrounds us so intently that it shapes the thoughts and feelings within us and leads us into conversation with the Creator of all we are experiencing. Advent is a journey. It is not a race toward Christmas Day, but a slow, deliberate time of focusing on the Truth that Christmas Day proclaims: the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the baby, the Child of God, who grew to become our Savior. On the first Sunday of Advent, which was Nov. 27 this year, we began a new liturgical year in the Church. In his Angelus message from Dec. 1, 2013, Pope Francis reminded us what Advent is all Our Lady of Grace was recently awarded two grants from Catholic United Financial Foundation. Cameron Wolf, regional manager for Catholic United Financial (pictured far right), presented Deacon Steve Streitz and Tanya Watterud with the awards. The award of $400 will be used for Chastity and Abstinence Education. The award of $350 will be used to purchase a laptop computer for the Faith Formation office and classrooms. The Foundation recognizes the importance of the work you are undertaking on behalf of the Catholic community, especially with students, and encourages you to continue in your efforts, wrote Robert Heuermann, executive director of Catholic United Financial Foundation, in the grant award letter. For more information about Catholic United Financial, visit catholicunitedfinancial.org. about. Just as in each of our lives we always need to begin again, to get up again, to rediscover the meaning of the goal of our lives, so also for the great human family it is always necessary to rediscover the common horizon toward which we are journeying. The horizon of hope!... The season of Advent... restores this horizon of hope, a hope which does not disappoint... Simply because the Lord never disappoints! He is faithful! Don t race toward Christmas this year. Say no to some of the activities and yes to the One whom we celebrate. Saunter through these days, reflect upon Scripture and the hope Jesus offers, and spend more time than usual with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Take part in Eucharistic adoration, go to confession, attend Mass during the week as well as on the weekend. Give Jesus the birthday gift He most deeply desires the gift of yourself. He will restore your hope, reward your efforts, and bring peace to your preparations for Christmas. Ring in the New Year The tradition continues with our annual New Year s Eve family party after the 4:00 p.m. Mass on Sat., Dec. 31. We ll kick it off with a potluck supper followed by bingo. Please bring any white elephant items you are willing to part with to use as bingo prizes. It is a good way to share some of the items that clutter your home, but are too good to throw away. We generally wrap up by 9 p.m., so it is not an all-nighter. Plan to join us for an evening of worship, food, fun and relaxation.

7 Stewardship enhances relationships In September, Matt and Janelle Voeller spoke about stewardship during Mass. Janelle explained their childhood areas of service, Matt grew up attending Our Lady of Grace where he would help his dad, Doug, usher regularly. This weekly opportunity to assist those unfamiliar with the parish, straighten the pews, and gather the offerings left a lasting impression on Matt, she said. My parents were also involved in my childhood parish, St. Michael s in Grand Forks. Their service waned a bit when they went to college, but they were inspired to serve again as they prepared for their wedding. Through our marriage preparation, we decided that we wanted to become Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Matt said. During the ceremony, I offered the precious blood to Janelle s family and she offered it to my family. It was such a great way to symbolically welcome each other s families into our united lives and show gratitude to God for the gift of our relationship. Since that time, Janelle said, they ve steadily increased their involvement within the church. Matt has served as a lector and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. They have helped with premarriage weekends and say daily prayers for those on the prayer chain. Janelle participates in Eucharistic Adoration and attends the Mom s Prayer Group on Thursday mornings. We have met many great people here at the parish, Matt said, and have grown deeper in our faith as we constantly reflect on the sacrifices that Jesus made and example he set, and our kids see first hand that we can make a difference every single day... It is amazing to see how they have accepted service as a way of life! Thank you for being faithful stewards As of Oct. 28, 379 families had completed the Stewardship Sign-up Form. Out of that total, 69 chose to complete the form online. Of the 379, 159 respondents expressed an interest in one or more new ministries. You may still complete the form by visiting our website or stopping by the parish office. Come to the Christmas program Dec. 18! Our shepherds and animals seem to say, Waiting for Jesus birthday is hard! Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 18, in the dining room at 11:45 a.m. for the parish Christmas program. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade act out the Nativity story after only two brief rehearsals, and our preschool-age guests get a front-row seat at the feet of the angels. It s a time of fun, fellowship and song that prepares us to welcome the newborn King into our own homes at Christmas. Parents, if you d like your children to participate in the program, please sign up on the bulletin board by Classroom 4 or contact Tanya at education1@olgminot.org, , or text Rehearsals are on two Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the dining room. Thank you to everyone who donated to Our Lady of Grace Food Pantry in November! If you weren t able to donate, will you consider giving a Christmas or year-end gift to the Pantry? Both food and financial donations are greatly appreciated. God bless you! 7

8 Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church th Avenue SW Minot, ND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 342 Minot ND ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Don t miss this evening of family fun with the saints! A wonderful opportunity awaits all families of the parish on the evening of Feb. 1. It is the occasion of our annual parish Amazing Race. This year s theme will be Trust God. Families will be invited to identify the 12 people who will be impersonating various saints who lived lives of faith and trust in God. Plus they ll have free dinner, earn prizes and have a chance at winning door prizes. p.m. (beginning at the normal time for our 5:30 p.m. Faith Formation students). Again, families should begin in the dining room. Don t miss this fun way to experience faith as a family! To make sure there is room for everyone to eat the free supper and visit all of the activity stations, the evening consists of two sessions. The first session is from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. (beginning right after the 4:00 p.m. Faith Formation classes). Families should come to the dining room for the free dinner and instructions for the night s events. Then they ll begin their race through the church to meet the saints and experience our faith through a number of activities. The second session is from 5:30-7:00