It is July, and with Independence Day

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Saint Peter CATHOLIC CHURCH Inside 2 What Does Red, White, and Blue Mean to You? 3 Parish Ministry Helps Families During Loss 4 Fine Arts Committee Brings Art Experiences to St.

think of what a blessing it is to live in this country, and I also think of the many Catholics who contributed to what our country was, is, and in many ways continues to be.

Perhaps the most prominent Catholic family in the early days of what was called the New World, and what became the United States, was the Carroll family.

1 Saint Peter CATHOLIC CHURCH Inside 2 What Does Red, White, and Blue Mean to You? 3 Parish Ministry Helps Families During Loss 4 Fine Arts Committee Brings Art Experiences to St. Peter School 6 Summertime Saints 7 The Rosary as Encounter A Letter from Our Pastor July 2014 Dear Parishioners, Thanking God for Who and What We Are It is July, and with Independence Day upon us, I think of what a blessing it is to live in this country, and I also think of the many Catholics who contributed to what our country was, is, and in many ways continues to be. These men and women were people of stewardship stewards of their country, but also stewards of their Church. Perhaps the most prominent Catholic family in the early days of what was called the New World, and what became the United States, was the Carroll family. I recall learning early on that there was one Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Carroll. Charles first cousin, Daniel Carroll, was a member of the Second Continental Congress, and Daniel s brother, John Carroll, became the first Bishop in 1787 of what was the Diocese of Baltimore, which initially made up all 13 colonies. What is most remarkable about the Carrolls is that they never compromised their Catholic faith. In spite of opposition and even laws that prevented them from voting or participating fully in some aspects of the colonies, they maintained their faith and stood as examples of what it meant to be Catholic. On the day Charles Carroll signed the Declaration, it was against the law for a Catholic to vote or to hold public office in his native Maryland. Carroll, a shrewd businessman, was one of the major contributors to the financing of the revolution. These are examples of stewardship to all of us as we reflect on what a blessing it is to be an American. It has been said many times that stewardship is an attitude of gratitude. If we fully appreciate what it means to be a U.S. citizen, we need to be grateful to God for the opportunities afforded us. Every day is a time to consider the many continued on back cover St. Peter Parish is a Catholic community of faith bringing the light of Christ to all by serving others

2 St. Peter Catholic Church What Does Red, White, and Blue Mean to You? In 1777, our beloved country celebrated its first Fourth of July celebration in Bristol, Rhode Island, now named America s most patriotic town. Thirteen guns fired morning and evening, celebrating the glory of our free nation. In 1778, General George Washington marked the second anniversary. Although our nation s real independence began at the end of the Revolutionary War on Sept. 3, 1783, President John Adams originally thought that the anniversary would be marked on July 2, the day in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence from Great Britain. Ultimately, Americans chose to commemorate the birthday of the United States on July 4, the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted and approved. What does this mean for us as Roman Catholics? The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, The love and service of one s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity (CCC 2239). As a parish community, we are called by God to respond to this duty to the best of our ability. So, where do we start? The Second Vatican Council document, Apostolicam Actuositatem, states that In the patriotism and in their fidelity to their civic duties Catholics will feel themselves bound to promote the true common good; they will make the weight of their convictions so influential that as a result, civil authority will be justly exercised and laws will accord with moral precepts and the common good. By living our lay vocation and permeating the secular world with Catholic values, we genuinely honor God and neighbor. As lamps shining before men, we need to let our moral convictions no matter the courage it may take shine forth to be a guiding light for the world, often left vulnerable in the darkness. The sacred document continues, In fulfilling the mission of the Church, the laity, therefore, exercise their apostolate... in both the spiritual and temporal orders In both orders, the layman, being simultaneously a believer and a citizen, should be constantly led by the same Christian conscience. Our commitment to a rightly ordered Catholic patriotism begins with our commitment to the formation of our Christian conscience. We must enrich ourselves with the Church s teachings on the value of human life, the sacred institution of family, Catholic social and moral teachings, Catholic civil duties, and anything that further pertains to the living out of our Catholic faith in our nation today. Once we have done this, we will be able to act upon it. As Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said, Today more than ever, we need to pray for the light to know the Will of God, the way to do the Will of God, and the will to carry it out. This year, let us give our hearts to carrying out this mission of an authentic Catholic patriotism under God. Our nation was founded under God. Let us not allow this precious heritage, this source of true life and liberty, to be lost. Its preservation relies on each one of us. Our commitment to a rightly ordered Catholic patriotism begins with our commitment to the formation of our Christian conscience. 2

3 July 2014 Parish Ministry Helps Families During Loss When a St. Peter Parish family loses a loved one and must plan a funeral, the members of the Bereavement Ministry come forward to make sure there is comfort and consolation through those days of sorrow. Parish Nurse Kathy Harman first meets with the family members to help them begin planning the funeral. When a family has a death, there is kind of a list we go down, Kathy says. We try to be as understanding as possible, because there s been a major loss in the family. We see what they want and need. Music Director Scott Fitzgerald will also meet with the family to plan the music for the Mass. Scott prepares the songs the family wants, Kathy says. He has good resources for it, and he s very helpful. Kathy then calls on funeral luncheon volunteers John and Betty Ley and Rosie Tangy to arrange the meal. The church sponsors the luncheon, and most families use it, Kathy says. John and Betty and Rosie have been doing it for a long time. They set it up, get the food, and call people from the parish to bring in covered dishes. I touch base with them so they know the number that is coming. The church and school maintenance staff set up the luncheon tables, and the narthex is prepared. Ministry members make sure everything is in place for when the family comes in to the church. We try to pick readings the family likes for the Mass, Kathy says. We help them select the readings. Some have a passage that was the loved one s favorite, and we can use it. Other details for the funeral Mass such as the Eucharistic Ministers, gift bearers, and the servers can be arranged with the family if necessary, Kathy notes. These are beautiful services and Father does a wonderful job of personalizing the Mass after talking to the family. It builds on our faith, to know even if it is hard to let go, they ve moved on and there is life after death. Kathy Harman Usually they have someone in the family serve as gift bearers and we make sure they know when it s time to take the gifts up, she says. The ministry also works with the family on writing the intentions they can read. We have a general one and they can add to Kathy Harman it personalize it so it has true meaning for the families and friends at the funeral Mass, Kathy says. Besides helping the families plan their loved ones funerals, Kathy makes a special effort to be of comfort. I try to attend the Mass, she says. After meeting with the families, sometimes they like to know there is someone there who they can reach out to. I try to be at each as best I can, and for the most part, I do. Kathy notes that the experience of helping the families plan their loved ones funerals has deepened her sense of stewardship. These are beautiful services and Father does a wonderful job of personalizing the Mass after talking to the family, she says. It builds on our faith, to know even if it is hard to let go, they ve moved on and there is life after death. Kathy says the services are beautiful when you see it all come together, you know what s gone into the preparation. I feel very blessed to be able to do this, she says. We ve worked together to put together the best service for them. It s very special. Helping families at a time of such personal grief is a different direction from Kathy s previous nursing experience, she says. When she was working in a clinic, the goal was to get the patient well and return them to active life. This is a whole different journey, she says. When the time has come, no one is ever ready to let go. So our services can be as personalized as possible, something that helps with that. 3

St. Peter Catholic Church Fine Arts Committee Brings Art In 1980, a group of St. Peter parents wanted to find a way to expose their kids to various cultural experiences.

4 St. Peter Catholic Church Fine Arts Committee Brings Art In 1980, a group of St. Peter parents wanted to find a way to expose their kids to various cultural experiences. To make this a reality, they founded the Fine Arts Committee, which provides various fine art experiences for St. Peter students. The committee launched its first activity, Arts in the Park, in April The event is an important fundraiser for the school, and the Fine Arts Committee has continued to organize Arts in the Park for the past 30-plus years. The goal was to have a day filled with art for the students and their families, says committee member Brooke Stokes. It was always a fun, successful event that exposed children and adults alike to our local artists and our creative children. Artists performed in the entertainment area and displayed and exhibited their work in another section of Madison Park. The children themselves were given an opportunity to create art in the booth section. The Fine Arts Committee holds general meetings three to four times throughout the year, as well as any additional meetings if necessary. These meetings allow the committee to organize events such as Arts in the Park, and plan visits from artists who come to the school to teach children about the world of art. We like to alternate our main artists to provide a variety of creative outlets for our students, Brooke says. It is amazing to see a student that you didn t think had creative interests just bloom with our art teacher or drama teacher. Recently, we have had an art teacher from the Quincy Art Center that has come in each month to teach classes to our kindergarten through eighth grades. This has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to be exposed to many different genres of art. In the past, the committee also organized a drama and public speaking workshop series with Brandon Thompson of the Quincy Community Theatre. Several years ago, we put on a play with the help of Mr. Thompson, Brooke says. The students were given the 4

In addition to the monthly artist, the committee occasionally brings in special assembly programs.

5 July 2014 Experiences to St. Peter School opportunity to act, help with sets, costumes, lighting and much more. We are again having Brandon Thompson come back this upcoming year after a two-year hiatus. This will be another wonderful experience for the kids. In addition to the monthly artist, the committee occasionally brings in special assembly programs. These have included African drummers, the Quincy University Traveling Theatre, Chinese acrobats, puppet shows, and a variety of other events. Getting involved in the Fine Arts Committee is a great way for school parents to get actively involved in bringing the arts to their children. This is such a fantastic committee to be a part of because you are able to give input, Brooke says. You are also able to use some of your own artistic abilities for certain projects. This does not, however, mean that you have to be artistic I am not at all! I just love providing this type of education for our children. If anyone is interested in joining our committee, that would be fantastic! For more information, or to get involved in the Fine Arts Committee, please contact Brooke Stokes at aslstokes@comcast.net. This is such a fantastic committee to be a part of because you are able to give input. You are also able to use some of your own artistic abilities for certain projects. This does not, however, mean that you have to be artistic I am not at all! I just love providing this type of education for our children. Brooke Stokes 5

St. Peter Catholic Church Summertime Saints St. Christopher St. Joseph of Cupertino St. Brendan the Navigator St. Adjutor of Vernon School is out, and summer is now in full swing.

This summer, as we take family vacations, get together for barbecues, spend time by the pool, and enjoy all of the usual summertime activities, we can also take the time to reflect on some of the

Although there is no patron saint of vacations, there are a number of saints associated with traveling. One of the most popular is St. Christopher. According to his story, St.

Christopher medals while traveling to ask for his blessing and protection. For those of us who are taking road trips this summer, there is St. Frances of Rome, the patron saint of cars and drivers.

There are also saints we can look to when traveling by plane. St.

Because of this levitation, he is recognized as the patron saint of air travelers. St. Therese of Lisieux is also associated with aviators and flying.

6 St. Peter Catholic Church Summertime Saints St. Christopher St. Joseph of Cupertino St. Brendan the Navigator St. Adjutor of Vernon School is out, and summer is now in full swing. The days are longer, warmer and filled with plenty of fun summertime activities. This summer, as we take family vacations, get together for barbecues, spend time by the pool, and enjoy all of the usual summertime activities, we can also take the time to reflect on some of the saints who are associated with the summer. Family vacations are perhaps the most iconic of all summertime activities. Although there is no patron saint of vacations, there are a number of saints associated with traveling. One of the most popular is St. Christopher. According to his story, St. Christopher was an extremely tall and strong man who served Christ by helping people cross an especially dangerous river. That is why many people wear St. Christopher medals while traveling to ask for his blessing and protection. For those of us who are taking road trips this summer, there is St. Frances of Rome, the patron saint of cars and drivers. While St. Frances died well before cars were invented, her story says that her guardian angel went ahead of her when she traveled at night and lit the road with a lantern to keep St. Frances safe. There are also saints we can look to when traveling by plane. St. Joseph of Cupertino was a Franciscan friar who is said to have frequently and miraculously levitated off the ground during intense prayer sessions. Because of this levitation, he is recognized as the patron saint of air travelers. St. Therese of Lisieux is also associated with aviators and flying. If you are going on a cruise this summer, you can ask for the intercession of St. Brendan the Navigator, an Irish monk who founded the Clonfert monastery and monastic school, and is the patron saint of mariners and sailors. He and his brothers sailed the Atlantic Ocean and evangelized on a number of islands, and may have even reached the Americas. Another favorite summer activity is swimming. Whether you choose a pool, a river, a lake or the ocean, seek the intercession of St. Adjutor of Vernon, a knight who was captured in the First Crusade. His captors tried to force him to give up his faith, but St. Adjutor escaped by swimming to his freedom. For this reason, he is the patron saint against drowning, drowning victims, sailors and swimmers. The summer is also a time of amusement and enjoyment. One of the biggest national celebrations of the summer is the Fourth of July. For this type of summertime activity, we look to St. Barbara, the patron saint of fireworks. There are also a number of saints with feast days during the summer. The feast day of St. Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus, is celebrated on July 26. July 31 is the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who is also associated with stewardship. These are just two of the many saints whose feasts we celebrate this summer. No matter what kinds of activities we choose to do during the summertime, let us remember to honor the saints who have gone before us, and give their intercession for us as we walk through our own journeys of faith. 6

July 2014 The Rosary as Encounter By Scott Fitzgerald There are many people who pray the Rosary on a regular basis. Some, however, never pray it, and many don t know how.

7 July 2014 The Rosary as Encounter By Scott Fitzgerald There are many people who pray the Rosary on a regular basis. Some, however, never pray it, and many don t know how. The Rosary is not just a devotional, but it is an encounter with Jesus and the Blessed Mother. In St. John Paul II s encyclical, Redemptoris Mater, he tells us that one of the most powerful ways to encounter Jesus is through His mother, the Mother of the Church. In the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana where Jesus turns the water into wine, Mary tells the attendants to do whatever he tells you. Thus, the people at the wedding feast encounter the miracle of Jesus through Mary. The tradition of praying through the intercession of Mary is an ancient tradition of the Church, both in the east and in the west. Mary is not just the mother of Jesus, but the Church recognizes that Mary is the Theotokos, the Mother of God. The Rosary is one such opportunity for this encounter with Jesus. Some people just pray the beads and their requisite prayers as a single offering. And that is a laudable practice. But there is much more to the Rosary than just reciting the Hail Marys and Our Father. It is the Mysteries of the Rosary that are at the very heart of the prayer. Preparing oneself for this prayer is essential. I recommend you find a quiet place where you can pray uninterrupted. If done this way, the Rosary can become deeply contemplative. You may have heard of the Mysteries of the Rosary. These are events of Jesus in his life, from the Annunciation of the angel to Mary, though the life of Jesus, and ending with the ultimate reward of Mary as Queen of Heaven. There are four Mysteries of the Rosary the Joyful Mysteries, taking us from the Annunciation through the finding of the 12-year-old Jesus in the Jerusalem temple. Next are the Luminous Mysteries, bringing us from Jesus baptism in the Jordan, through to Jesus instituting the Eucharist. Then we have the Sorrowful Mysteries, where we pray though Jesus Agony in the Garden, to His crucifixion. Finally, there are Glorious Mysteries, where we pray from Jesus resurrection, through to Mary s heavenly coronation. The task here is not just to pray the beads, announcing the Mystery at the beginning of the decade, but to use the 10 Hail Marys as a time to meditate on the Mystery. When done this way, the recitation of the prayers becomes the backdrop for meditating on the Mysteries through the background of recitation of the prayers. This is not a simple task, and takes much more concentration to meditate on the Mysteries than simply reciting the prayers. Done this way, the Rosary becomes a vehicle of encounter of Jesus through the Blessed Mother. Personally, because of this practice, I don t pray the Rosary while driving, or doing some task. I pray in my chair at my office, or in the Presence of Jesus in the reserved Eucharist in the church, or any place of uninterrupted quiet that I can find. I always carry my Rosary with me, so that I can take the opportunity to pray when the conditions are right. I say this not to boast of my own prayer, but to witness to what is possible in your prayer. In this way, the praying the Rosary is a form of contemplate prayer. We not only have a chance to ask the Blessed Mother to intercede for us, but it is a time of encounter with God in the Spirit. It is not so much about asking for the things we need, but the Rosary renews our minds to seek out Christ in the Scriptures and as an encounter in prayer. I challenge you to try it. 7

St. Peter Catholic Church 2600 Maine Street Quincy, Illinois 62301 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No.

m. Reconciliation Saturday: 7:30-7:50 a.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m. or by appointment Thanking God for Who and What We Are continued from front cover gifts God has given us, and in particular during this

8 St. Peter Catholic Church 2600 Maine Street Quincy, Illinois Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 105, Quincy, IL Return Service Requested Mass & Reconciliation Schedule Sunday Masses Saturday: 5 p.m., Sunday: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Weekday Masses Mon-Sat: 8:00 a.m., except for Wednesdays during the school year: 8:30 a.m. Reconciliation Saturday: 7:30-7:50 a.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m. or by appointment Thanking God for Who and What We Are continued from front cover gifts God has given us, and in particular during this patriotic month, we need to thank the Lord for the gift of this country. As summer descends upon us, I think of a slower pace, picnics in the park, and resting under the shade of a tree. It is a great time for us to reflect on the Lord and our relationship with Him. In a sense, God provides us with the same shade and protection as that tree. We need to set aside time each day to talk with God, to thank Him, and to renew our efforts to be good stewards of all our gifts. Summer is also a time for many to vacation, to relax and enjoy the better weather and the many sights and experiences all around us. For families, children are home more. What a great occasion to increase our prayer lives. All of us, especially families, should vow to put family prayer into our lives, especially as part of a summer outing or a summer vacation. During his papacy more than 20 years ago, St. John Paul II wrote a letter to families. In it he said, Prayer needs to become a regular habit in the daily life of each family. Prayer is thanksgiving, praise of God, asking for forgiveness. Stewardship calls us to lives of prayer. Thank God for who and what we are. I bear in mind those words written by Irving Berlin, God bless America. Thank God for the U.S.A. And I thank God that I am your pastor. I am blessed in a multitude of ways. Rev. Msgr. Leo J. Enlow Pastor

Saint Paul. Knights of Columbus. There are many organizations and groups affiliated with the Catholic Church, but few. Our Strong Right Arm

Saint Paul. Knights of Columbus. There are many organizations and groups affiliated with the Catholic Church, but few. Our Strong Right Arm 07.2014 Saint Paul MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Our Strong Right Arm Knights of Columbus There are many organizations and groups affiliated with the Catholic Church, but few like the Knights of Columbus. As a fraternal