From the Desk of the Dean...

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1 Winter 2018 Volume 71 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 St. Aloysius, St. Francis, St. Joseph (Egypt), St. Anthony, Immaculate Conception, St. Bernard, St. Henry, St. Augustine, St. Wendelin, Precious Blood, St. Rose, St. Patrick, St. Joseph (St. Joseph), St. Teresa, St. Peter, St. Mary, St. John the Baptist, Holy Trinity, St. Paul, St. Sebastian, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holy Redeemer, Holy Rosary, Mary Help of Christians, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary smdeanery@bright.net From the Desk of the Dean... I m proud to be Catholic. Are you? Winter 2018 Volume 71 My pride as a Catholic, especially the blessing of being raised and educated as such, was given a big boost recently as I was able to enjoy a twelve-week sabbatical experience in Rome, able to immerse myself in the cultural legacy and the current features of our great Catholic tradition and mission art and architecture, saints and sinners (both of which include popes!), devotions and decline, new evangelization strategies, politics, challenges and opportunities along with ample helpings of pasta, pizza and gelato! At the same time, my Catholic pride is constantly checked by an insistent call to humility which, while believing in the Church s Christ-given holiness, also knows that contradictions, corruptions, hypocrisies and scandals prevent more than a few from embracing the attractiveness of the Church, even driving and keeping many away. That humility also admits that, while the fullness of the means of salvation has been entrusted by Christ to the Catholic Church, true Christian holiness and charity is often enough better seen and practiced by folks who do not profess the Catholic faith in its entirety. Fr. Richard Walling Still, I am proud to call the Catholic Church home, and I hope that you are, as well. But let s not take that great blessing for granted. Let us not pay mere lip-service to our Catholic heritage and identity. Let us not just go through the motions when we worship together at Mass. Let s not play or stay dumb, but continue to educate and form ourselves as disciples of Jesus and his Gospel, educate and inform ourselves from the treasure of the Scriptures and our great and diverse Catholic tradition. Let us live our vocation as Catholic missionaries even at home, even without traveling beyond the boundaries of God s country. Let us be willing to learn from the witness of so many of our non-catholic Christian friends and neighbors and relatives. Let us wear and share the blessing of our Catholic faith with humble pride. The St. Marys Deanery Center has joined Twier! Be sure to Follow Us for access to religious news, learn about area events, and engage in conversaon with fellow parishioners of the St. Marys Deanery! on Twier, or go to hps://twier.com/smdeanery And don t forget our Facebook page hps:// And be sure to check our website - Find parish Mass schedules and confession mes, links to parish websites, and area religious organizaons. Your parish s Deanery Center Board representave is listed, electronic versions of the Northern Lights Newsle+er, informaon on upcoming events and many great resources to enrich your faith! Visit

2 Cluster Events in the St. Mary s Deanery - All are Welcome! THE VIGIL PROJECT WILL PERFORM ON FRIDAY, MARCH 2ND 7PM: This highly acclaimed music group will provide an evening of Lenten prayer, reflection, and music at Holy Trinity Church in Coldwater on Friday, March 2, at 7 pm. The VIGIL Project is a community of artists, musicians, and filmmakers that produce multimedia resources for authentic encounter with God and growth in prayer. Join in an encounter with our Savior via the beautiful music and testimonies of The Vigil Project team. Check out their music at their website or on YouTube. GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP SESSIONS: The program consists of 13 weekly DVD sessions for people grieving the death of a loved one. It s a place where you can be around people who understand how you are feeling and are able to offer you encouragement. St. Henry Cluster Parishes - Every Tuesday, January 9, 2018 thru April 3, 2018 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the St. Henry CCD Center to register or for more information call Pat Stachler or John Szanto Walk -ins are welcome. Marion Catholic Community - Every Tuesday, January 2, 2018 thru March 27, 2018 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Precious Blood Chickasaw Rectory, to register or for more information call Herb Wilker or hiwilker@mercy.com. ONE STEP AWAY FAITH-BASED EMOTIONAL WELLNESS GROUP: For anyone who fights depression, anxiety, or another emotional battle, those who care for someone fighting an emotional battle, and anyone who wants to be part of the solution. Every 2nd Thursday of the month at 8pm in the Holy Trinity Church basement, east room. For more information, contact Erin Seitz at Find us on Facebook: One Step Away MC. DO YOU WANT TO FIND PEACE, BALANCE AND JOY IN YOUR VOCATION AS A MOTHER?: Every third Thursday of the month, December 21st through May 17th at Precious Blood Chickasaw Church Basement, we will be holding a mother s prayer group from 7-8:30pm. Come join fellow mothers who are raising children and participate in the Momnipotent Video Series. This will be held at the same time and place as the Little Flower s Group so mothers can drop off their daughters and participate in the prayer group while their daughters are at Little Flowers. All other mothers are welcome to join as well. If you have any questions or to register, please call Trisha at , text at , or ntmcclurg@frontier.com. Registration is preferred but not required. Monthly attendance is not mandatory, come as often as you can. YOUNG ADULTS: interested in Catholic community and formation? We are looking to start a young adult group in Mercer County for those ages 19-30ish. Through bible studies and fun outings we are looking to grow closer to Christ and community! If you are interested, please contact Taylor McGee at LENTEN FAMILY HOLY HOUR WITH FR. NATHAN CROMLY: Come for Adoration, music, and faith discussions with Fr. Cromly; founder of the St. John Institute and Eagle Eye Ministries. He has led young adults on backpacking trips throughout the world! Discover more about the Eucharist, Adoration, and grow a deeper relationship with Jesus! Thursday, March 15 th 7:00 to 8:30PM at St. Augustine parish in Minster. Page 2

3 We also have joy with our troubles, Maria Stein Shrine Completes Transfer of Land Deed because we know that these troubles produce patience., On December 8, 2017, the Sisters of the Precious Blood gathered in the Adoration Chapel of the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics to sign the transfer of land deed to laity. This process began nearly a decade ago and was solidified in October of 2016 when the Sisters announced their intent for the future of the landmark. After nearly ten years of planning and with the help of many people from the local area, the Sisters of the Precious Blood know that the ministry of peace, prayer and hospitality at the Shrine will be able to continue into the future without the direct involvement of the Congregation, stated Sister Joyce Lehman, C.PP.S., Congregation President. The Shrine dates to 1846 and was the original motherhouse of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. It is the last of 10 foundations established by Missionary of the Precious Blood Father Francis de Sales Brunner. Today the Shrine is home to the second-largest collection of holy relics in the United States. The relic chapel, dedicated in 1892, has more than 1,000 relics including those from all four Gospel writers and all the faithful disciples. The finalization of the deed transfer on December 8 th held great significance to the Sisters and Shrine staff. December 8this an important date for the life of the Church. It celebrates the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first follower of Christ. The Maria Stein Shrine is named for Mary of Rock, so it is fitting that an important Marian feast has been chosen to celebrate this unique moment in this Marian Shrine s history, stated Matt Hess, Coordinator of Ministries & Hospitality for the Shrine. For generations, many families have been part of the Land of the Cross Tipped Churches and the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics. This is an opportunity to help keep the relics in Maria Stein and preserve this beautiful, sacred space for centuries to come. It is a humbling and awesome responsibility for us to follow in the Sisters footsteps by accepting the duty of care for the Shrine, said Don Rosenbeck, President of the Shrine. We will continue to maintain it as a holy place for the faith nourishment and spiritual renewal of people from near and far. Deed Signing - Sister Joyce Lehman, C.PP.S., President of the Congregaon; Don Rosenbeck, President of the Shrine, and Sister Noreen Ju!e Representaves from Sisters of the Precious Blood : Top Row: Sr. Joyce Lehman, Sr. Ceil Taphorn, Sr. Linda Pleiman. Bo!om Row: Sr. Pa!y Kremer, Sr. Nancy Kinross Page 3

4 Lay Pastoral Ministry Program Have you felt a calling to gain more knowledge about our Catholic faith? There are many great resources available at all of our Deanery parishes and clusters for people of all ages. Adults can find bible studies, small faith groups, and many other opportunities to grow in our Catholic faith. Or do you feel called to serve your parish in a deeper, more involved manner? Perhaps to become more involved in lay ministry programs; or even considering becoming a permanent deacon? If so then the Lay Pastoral Ministry Program (LPMP) offered by the Anthenaeum of Ohio may be what you seek. The Anthenaeum of Ohio (located in Cincinnati) has been preparing priests, deacons, and lay ministers to serve the Catholic church since Anthenaeum LPMP graduates serve the larger Church in a variety of ways: Parents and teachers of their children Parish staff members and parish volunteers Permanent Deacons Teachers in Catholic schools Directors of religious education, parish catechists Hospital, hospice, nursing home staff volunteers Bereavement coordinators Non-profit agency staff and volunteers Prison ministers and volunteers Life advocates Youth ministers and youth ministry volunteers Archdiocesan directors and associates One of our Deanery members, Deacon Hal Belcher (of Minster) is an instructor for some of these classes, and the Anthenaeum even offers a number of these classes locally at Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in McCartyville. You can learn more about the Anthenaeum LPMP program and talk to priests and deacons in a very informal setting if you visit the St. Charles Center on Sunday afternoon February 25th from 2PM to 4PM. There will be light refreshments, and the opportunity to explore your interests in considering the LPMP, diaconate, or any other topics you want to discuss. Hope to see you there! Lent 2018 starts with Ash Wednesday celebra+ons on Wednesday February 14th! Please consult your parish bulle+n or check our website hps:// for Mass +mes. We hope you have a wonderful Lent (and a Happy Valen+ne s Day)! Artistry Under The Dome The 6 th Annual Art Fair will be held at St. Charles Senior Living Community, 2860 U.S. Route 127, Carthagena, in the Gaspar Room and in the Auditorium. It is in 2018: Friday: April 6, 7:00-9:00 p.m.; then Sat. & Sun., April 7 & 8, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. It features many artists from Mercer or Auglaize counties and includes a variety of media. Each artist will display their work and some of it will be available for purchase. Also, several area High School art departments will display some students work. This event is open to the Public. Free-will donations are appreciated to assist with funding this program. For more info: Go to Facebook: Page 4

5 Right to Life; January 2018 March for Life The Right To Life efforts are strong in the St. Marys Deanery and surrounding areas. As this is being written, numerous area residents (young and old) are making plans to join the 2018 National March for Life. What: The March for Life is an annual pro-life rally protesting abortion, held in Washington, D.C., on or around the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court s decision legalizing abortion in the case Roe v. Wade. The march is organized by the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. The March for Life draws hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. When: The 2018 March for Life will take place on Friday, January 19. The march proceedings begin around noon or earlier, the march itself at around 1PM. Attendees are encouraged to visit their congressional leaders after the march. Where: The March for Life typically consists of a rally at the National Mall near Fourth Street. It is followed by the march which travels down Constitution Avenue NW, turns right at First Street and then ends on the steps of the Supreme Court of the United States, where another rally is held. Who: People of all ages are welcome to the March for Life. Cost: The March for Life in Washington is a free event, open to the public. What can you do to support these efforts? Attend the prayer service & sendoff for those people taking the bus trip from Ft Recovery to Washington DC, which will be held at Mary Help of Christians parish, Thursday January 18th at 6PM. There will be a guest speaker; Mike Spencer from the Life Training Institute. Mercer County RTL will also award their annual Friend for Life Award. If you are not going to Washington DC; please keep all of those who are going in your prayers, as well as praying for conversion of the hearts of those who don't understand the sacred nature of all lives (including the unborn). Consider joining one of our area Right To Life groups. The Mercer County Right to Life group meets on the 4th Thursday of each month at the Mercer Health Meeting Room in Coldwater. Their website is The Minster/New Bremen Right To Life group that meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Hoying Building in Minster, and you can see their Facebook page at Finally there is the Shelby County Right To Life group, and their website is where you can join and sign up for newsletters. The annual March For Life in Washington D.C. will be held on January 19, More informa+on for the march can be found by visi+ng: hp://marchforlife.org/ or hp:// Page 5

6 Saint Charles Senior Living Community By: Teresa DiSalvo, Senior Living Manager