Parish Newsletter Fall 2018

Transcription

1 St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church Parish Newsletter Fall 2018 Fr. Shiju Thuruthiyil OSH Pastor Volume 2018 Issue Fall My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, October 2018 Fr. Ildefonce Mapara OSB In residence Dr. Paul Hillyer Deacon Julie Kraan Office Manager Charles Catterall Dir. Faith Formation Deb Scaravilli Dir. Music Jennifer Snoozy Fertility Case Practitioner Nevin Smith Maintenance office@piusxkf.com Web Site: Phone: (541) Bristol Avenue Klamath Falls, OR Newsletter Editor Benjamin (Ben) Quen bquen01@gmail.com (541) It is with great sorrow and pain I am wri ng this pastor s message to you in this me of great scandal and corrup on in our Church. Let us pray for the vic ms, that they would know God s healing and peace. We are experiencing Ins tu onal failure and profound Spiritual failure. In Pope Francis le er he says what has happened is part of the Culture of Death. You are not responsible for this scandal, it is we clergy and bishops that are responsible. St. Pius X has solid extensive policies and concrete procedures to help protect children and young people. Every one of our volunteers who work with children and youth have completed a background check and safe environment training. We also have strong policies and procedures for repor ng sexual abuse. I would like to ask everyone to pray. Pray earnestly for the Church and all her ministers. And pray for yourselves and your families. We must all work daily on our own personal holiness and give account before God. We need to remember that there are many truly holy and dedicated bishops and priests, and we must pray for them and support them. They need and deserve our support. I am Catholic not because of a Pope, I am a Catholic not because of a bishop, I am a Catholic not because of a priest, I am a Catholic not because of laity, I am a Catholic not because of anybody, I am a Catholic because of Jesus Christ. In Christ, Fr. Shiju Thuruthiyil OSH Vision Statement To increase the disciples of Jesus Christ within our parish and community

2 Page 2 Parish Newsletter PASTORAL COUNCIL Top 10 reasons YOU should serve at church: 1. Volunteering At My Church Has Given My Life Greater Purpose There are numerous important causes in the world and quality places to volunteer your time. But for me, I made the strategic decision to serve at my church because it was there where my efforts could result in someone s life being changed for eternity. It is in a local church where a person could be made brand new and become redeemed. 2. Volunteering At My Church Has Given Me Broader Perspective Serving others has allowed me to focus on larger issues and others rather than always on myself. 3. Volunteering At My Church Has Given Me Lifelong Friendships There is a unique relational bond which comes from being in the foxhole with someone and serving together. I have made literally hundreds of personal connections and lifelong friends because of volunteering at my church. 4. Volunteering At My Church Has Given Me A Healthier Self-Image It may sound egotistical but there is a healthy sense of pride which comes from serving others and not being called to a lesser task. You just feel better about yourself when your life matters and makes a difference. 5. Volunteering At My Church Helps Others Living an internally focused life benefits no one. Serving others relieves suffering, benefits the under-resourced, meets the needs of the marginalized, provides hope, and improves the quality of people s lives. 6. Volunteering At My Church Has Made Me More Generous Generosity is time, talent and treasure. Church volunteers give sacrificially of their time and talent BEFORE giving sacrificially of their treasure. It is a sequential process. By being generous with my time and talent, financial generosity has been a natural outflow. 7. Volunteering At My Church Taught Me How To Make Better Decisions When I used to teach Sunday School in college, I could have gone out every Saturday night with the guys. However, I learned early in the process the best decisions come when you give up what is good (Saturday night with the guys) for what is best (studying on Saturday nights to serve others on Sunday mornings). 8. Volunteering At My Church Makes Me A Better Thinker Being a quality volunteer requires sacrifice, study and preparation. Volunteering at my church has made me smarter. 9. Volunteering At My Church Has Given Me Lasting Influence Volunteering lets us pass on a legacy of service to the next generation. It s good for our children to see us volunteering. 10. Volunteering At My Church Will One Day Result In A Greater Reward One day our Heavenly Father will say Well done my good and faithful servant.

3 Opportunities to Volunteer Page 3 Altar Society Christmas Bazaar Sanctuary Cleaning Gift Shop Sewing Needs Linen Care Funeral Luncheons Church Decorating St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Angel Tree Respect Life Group Pregnancy Hope Center Baby Bottle Campaign Catholic Daughters Prayer Blankets Knights of Columbus Military Support Men s Club Golden Girls Hospitality Commission Parish Picnic Coffee & Donuts Friday Date Night Pastoral Council Finance Committee Children s Dismissal Altar Server Acolyte Eucharistic Minister Lector Choir Sound Crew Sentinel Counting Crew Offertory Collector Photo Journalism Usher Technology Maintenance Yard Maintenance Homebound Prayer Chain No One Dies Alone No One Lives Alone Bereavement 1st Friday Adoration RCIA RCIC Faith Formation Young Adults Adult Bible Study Catechist Mass Times Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am Daily (Mon-Fri) 8:30 am (Check bulletin for exceptions) Other Times Reconciliation Saturday 3:00 pm 4:00 pm or by appointment (541) Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 1st Friday of the Month 9:05 am 5:00 pm Office Hours Monday Friday 9:00 am 4:00 pm Where can you share your Time and Talents?

4 Page 4 Parish Newsletter St. Maurus Hanga Abbey Dear parishioners at St. Pius X church and supporters of the mission work in southern Tanzania through St. Maurus Hanga Abbey. Once again, I thank all of you for your financial support of the mission work of St. Maurus Hanga Abbey to serve the poor in the areas of health and clean water project in southern Tanzania. With your support it has been possible to provide many villages with safe drinking water. At the end of summer 2018, we completed a clean water project (water piped from the mountains) for 15,000 people in five villages two concrete tanks will serve three villages, and two systems of plastic tanks will serve two villages. One concrete tank was completed May 2018 and one set of plastic tanks was established. In progress, is the construction of one concrete tank of 80,000 gallons and installation of another plastic tank system of 60,000 gallons. Indeed, the need for safe drinking water is always there, somewhere, considering that 80% of the world s population does not have access to safe drinking water. Our next water project is for a village of 3,000 people. It will be a gravity fed water system. The water line from the mountain to the lowland will be 3 miles. So we need sections of pipes to bring the water to the people. Your consideration of $25 for a section of a pipe will be greatly appreciated. Digging a trench Plastic tanks and a concrete tank Enjoying safe drinking water

5 Volume 2018 Issue Fall Page 5 In September a luncheon honoring our past regents found us enjoying each other s company and reminiscing. Five of our Past-Regents were in attendance Kathy Pence, Mary Waters, Mary Ann Kelly, Jane Panchot, and Theresa Foeller along with 12 other members. It was interesting to hear of the evolution of the Court which was chartered in 1990 and to hear how Regents began new ministries and fundraisers some of which continue to this day. We are grateful to all who took the time to attend and honor these wonderful women for their service to our Lord and our parish community. The Catholic Daughters Ministry Fair table was hosted by Jeanette Hopper (pictured on left) and Mary Waters on Sunday morning. Theresa Foeller, Mary Ann Kelly and Jan Bos hosted table Saturday evening. Though not many parishioners came to view the ministry boards, some positive contacts were made and we are hopeful that we will be able to include a couple new members through the efforts of the table hostesses. Thank you, gals, for representing Catholic Daughters in such a pleasant and positive manner.

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7 Volume 2018 Issue Fall Page 7 The Inconvenient Truth About Abortifacients Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh recently referred to contraceptives as abortioninducing drugs drawing scrutiny by abortion rights advocates. The internet has been awash with articles dissecting this unpopular statement and a cursory glance at the comments by readers suggests that there is much confusion on this topic. The following explanation is offered as the science behind the multiple mechanisms of contraceptives. All hormonal contraceptives use four basic mechanisms of operation. This includes the pill, ring, patch, shot, implant and hormonal IUD. The first mechanism is intended to stop ovulation by changing the natural hormone levels in a woman s body. Breakthrough ovulation can take place and how often this happens depends upon the ratio of synthetic progesterone and estrogen that happen to be in the device or pill. Some formulas allow ovulation in less than 2% of cycles, while others allow a woman to ovulate during 65% of cycles. The second mechanism changes the viscosity of the cervical mucus. This helps prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. The third mechanism slows the movement of the cilia in the Fallopian tubes. This helps prevent the sperm from reaching the egg and can also prevent the fertilized ovum from reaching the uterus thus causing a non-viable ectopic pregnancy. The final mechanism makes changes to the uterine lining rendering it hostile to implantation and sustaining growth. These last two mechanisms are considered abortifacient because they interfere after the point of conception. Many women choose the copper IUD because they do not like the side effects which come with hormonal contraceptives. The copper IUD can also act as an abortifacient. There is currently no scientific consensus whether the primary function is to prevent sperm from reaching the egg or to render implantation unlikely. Possible explanations for copper s birth control effects include uterine contraction, chronic infection of the uterine lining and the production of antibodies. Pregnancy has been reported to occur in 12% - 44% of cycles with 28.6% spontaneously aborted and 8.4% ectopic a "fetal wastage" rate of 37%. Using mathematical models copper is estimated to cause 0.2 to 1.8 abortions per year of use. Until 1965 it was agreed that pregnancy began at conception, the union of sperm and egg. However, in 1965 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists redefined conception to mean implantation of the embryo in the lining of the uterus. While doctors continue to assert that pregnancy begins at conception, the medical meaning is in fact that pregnancy begins at implantation. The time from conception to implantation is 6-9 days. This is why doctors can tell patients that contraception will not end a pregnancy and be medically correct - but contraception can end the life of a 1-2 week old conceived human life. Women and couples who have learned about the potential abortifacient mechanisms of contraceptives after many years of use have felt betrayed by the medical community for their failure to disclose this information jeopardizing their informed consent. For further information on this topic, please pick up a brochure in the vestibule and consider signing up for our new fertility awareness classes (FEMM) taught by Jennifer Snoozy at the Pregnancy Hope Center. Jennifer Snoozy

8 Page 8 Parish Newsletter Faith Formation Pre-K 12 Faith Formation Pre-K 12 Faith formation and Sacrament Preparation for began Sunday, September 16th. Fr. Shiju blessed all Catechists and Assistant Catechists before sending them to form intentional disciples for Jesus. As of September 23 rd we had 80 children and youth registered for formation. As of that date we also had five adults enrolled in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. We sincerely thank God for all Catechists, Assistant Catechists, participants, and your prayer and financial support. HUGE Thank You for Donations A HUGE thank you to the families who responded with overwhelming generosity to our request for Smart TV s and contributions for a Smartboard. Smart TV s have been purchased and installed for every formation room and we just recently received a donation for the balance to purchase a Smartboard. Exciting Beginning for St. Pius X Youth Ministry Wednesday, September 19 th LIFETEEN and EDGE kicked off the new year with Gyros made by Kay Von Tersch, praise and worship, a video titled, Who is Jesus? small group discussion and prayer. We had seventeen youth present and active. We meet every Wednesday at 6:30 PM. The third Wednesday of each month we join the Vocations Committee for Eucharistic Adoration beginning at 6:30 PM in the church followed by a meal, praise and worship, and prayer. We are excited about the possibility of starting a youth-led praise and worship team and joining in ecumenical praise and worship with Klamath Falls area youth groups. We have a fantastic team of youth ministers, who love engaging and interacting with the youth. They are: EDGE Dawn Dupuis, Ashley Duran, Dan Kugler, and Virginia Kugler; LIFETEEN Aaron Croxford, Kristen Scott, Nathan Snoozy, and Penny Snoozy. We have so much more to look forward to this year. Thank you for your prayer and financial support! Adults Growing in Faith, Hope, and Love The week of Sunday, September 16 th St. Pius X adults began intentionally growing in faith, hope, and love through a variety of vibrant faith formation opportunities. The Friendship Project Mom s Group, Tuesdays, 9:00 AM, Parish Hall Sacred Liturgy Catechism Conversation, Wednesdays, 9:15 AM, Parish Hall The Beatitudes Women s Group, Thursdays, 9:15 AM, Parish Hall St. Mark Bible Study, Thursday s, 6:30 PM, Parish Hall Young Adult Ministry, Thursdays, 6:00 PM, Parish Hall That Man IS You, Men s Group, Saturdays, 6:00 AM, Parish Hall Circle of Sisters Book Club Reading, Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar. Please join us for discussion on this book! Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, 6:30 p.m. at Jodi White s home. A full slate of Faith Forums beginning with a presentation by Bishop Liam Cary, Sunday, October 21 st, 10:15 AM in the Parish Hall. The theme this year is Mass at the Intersection of Everyday Life.

9 If you Volume are not 2018 yet Issue involved Fall in a group, please consider joining us. Page 9 Did you know St. Pius X has a Vocations Committee? Vocations Mission: The mission of the St. Pius X Vocations Committee is to promote a "culture of vocations" in our parish; a consciousness of God's call in each one's life and an eagerness to search out that call and live it to the fullest. Then, within that framework we strive to promote "vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for and from our diocese". Without question there is an urgent need for Priests in the Catholic Church and especially the Diocese of Baker. While that remains our main focus of the Vocations Committee, it doesn t end there. What is a Vocation? The word vocation often intimidates, frightens, or even deters some if considered as just a religious calling. A vocation (Latin vocātiō - a call, a summons) is an occupation to which a person is especially drawn to or for which he or she is suited, trained, or qualified. Though not often used in a non-religious situation, the meanings of the term originated in early Christianity. Did you know there are four types of vocations in the Catholic Church? Single Life Marriage Religious Life Priesthood People usually think of vocations only in the context of priestly ordination. However, "vocation" is actually a concept that is applicable to all members of the Catholic Church. The vocation of a person represents the type of life that a person will choose to live in relationship to the Church. Catholics are able to consider one of four types of vocations: single life, marriage, religious life, and priesthood. The St. Pius X Vocations Committee promotes the different Vocations and helps educate the parish on the different calling God has for each one of us. We are always in need of new ideas and assistance with the programs we have at St. Pius X. If you are feeling the call to join our committee, please contact Mary Beard at (541)

10 Page 10 Parish Newsletter The role of music in liturgy is vitally important. Good music enhances our worship at Mass. In order for good music to be provided, each person must do their part. The congregation's part is to sing praises to our God. The choir's part is to lead the singing. If you are a good singer or you play an instrument, we would love for you to join the music ministry at St. Pius X. I realize that the hour practice before Mass begins (Saturday at 4 pm or Sunday at 8 am) doesn't work for everyone. If you would like to be a part of the music ministry, let's sit down together and figure out what does work for you and your family. Please consider joining us in this ministry!! Contact Deb Scaravilli for more information , vicdebscaravilli@gmail.com - or let's talk after Mass on Saturday or Sunday.

11 Volume 2018 Issue Fall Page 11 Who are 4th degree Knights of Columbus.. After taking their third degree, Knights of Columbus members are eligible to receive their fourth degree, the primary purpose of which is to foster the spirit of patriotism and to encourage active Catholic citizenship. Fourth degree members, in addition to being members of their individual councils, are also members of Fourth-Degree assemblies which typically comprise members of several councils. As of 2013, there were 3,109 assemblies worldwide. Fewer than 18 percent of Knights join the Fourth Degree, which is optional. Its members are referred to as "Sir Knight". Of a total 1,703,307 Knights in 2006, there were 292,289 Fourth Degree Knights. This number increased to 335,132 in A waiting period of one year from the time the third degree was taken was eliminated in 2013, and now any Third Degree Knight is eligible to join the Fourth Degree. Recently, the Archbishop Blanchet Assembly in Klamath Falls hosted a Fourth Degree Exemplification Ceremony for several third degree members. The photo above shows the candidates, Exemplification team, and guests who witnessed the ceremony. Following the ceremony they celebrated Mass at Scared Heart Catholic Church and joined for dinner again at Sacred Heart. Congratulations Sir Knights!

12 Page 12 Parish Newsletter REVEALED served as the theme for this year s Steubenville Northwest Youth Conference in Spokane, WA, based upon 1 John 1: 9 In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. Eighteen St. Pius youth and four chaperones boarded a bus in late July excited about the revelation ahead. God did not disappoint us. Through many gifted speakers, awe-inspiring worship music, transcendent adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and much fun-filled fellowship, God indeed revealed Himself and ourselves to us more deeply. Thank you for your sacrificial service and financial support that made this life-transforming event possible once again for the youth and adults who participated.

13 Volume 2018 Issue Fall Page 13 No One Lives Alone Ministry The following article was originally posted in Since 2017 many more situations have arose where the No one Lives Alone ministry could have made a difference with parishioners. While we have had parishioners interested in becoming responders, we don t have parishioners who are willing to be identified as at risk parishioners. We are making another effort to get this vital and potentially life saving ministry active. Recently a new ministry, No One Lives Alone (NOLA) was introduced to the parish that could ultimately save lives. Background In recent times members of our parish, who live alone, have been struck with medical issues without anyone being aware of the situation. This could be a fall, a stroke, or heart attack. While the incident may cause immediate death, other times the person could have suffered less had medical intervention been provided in a timely fashion. In one situation, there were at least three indications that something may be wrong with the person and no contact was attempted. A great number of parishioners may benefit from this ministry. NOLA is a process where we, the Parishioners of St. Pius X, can be in a position to identify a potential situation that may require assistance that we would alert. NOLA is a ministry in which we monitor certain, at risk, parishioner s activities and perform a Welfare Check if a known pattern changes. For example, a parishioner attends daily mass on a regular basis; If they stop attending, we should reach out to them to make sure they are okay. If you would like to assist with this ministry, know a parishioner that would like the ministry to look out for them or if you yourself would like the ministry to look out for you; Please contact the Parish Office at (541) or Ben Quen at (541) or bquen01@gmail.com.

14 Page 14 Parish Newsletter This section of the newsletter contains questions frequently asked by both Catholics and non-catholics about our faith. Knowing the answers help you to grow in your faith. Why do Catholics bow when receiving Holy Communion? A follow up question would be, Do you Bow when receiving Holy Communion? As stated in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), No. 160; "When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. The consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant. When Holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood." When do Catholics say AMEN during Holy Communion? The Order of Mass states that after Priest, Deacon, Acolyte or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion says, The Body of Christ or The Blood of Christ the communicant receiving is suppose to say Amen before receiving the Body or Blood of Christ. This is important because it confirms that you really do believe that you are receiving Christ himself. This is only one word, so slow down and say Amen. Why do some Catholics insist on receiving Holy Communion only from a Priest? The faithful should not insist on taking Communion only from the priest. Jesus is present in the Consecrated Host, regardless whether you receive it from the priest or from an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, who is a person prepared and authorized by the Church to distribute Communion at Mass and to take it to the elderly and sick. Why do Catholics extend their hands during the Our Father? You ll see priests assume the Orans position (hands extended to the side) a few times during Mass; it is a posture that indicates that he is praying on our behalf, but not in the way that I pray for you. He s praying on our behalf in persona Christi. This is why the rubrics don t allow for deacons to adopt the Orans posture, and it s the main reason we, the worshipers shouldn t either. However, it s recognized that there are local traditions that results in the action.

15 Volume 2018 Issue Fall Page 15 The following parishioners and loved ones of St. Pius X have passed away in the 3rd quarter of Let us continue to pray for their souls. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. Lois Casson, Joe Tacchini Sr., Richard Glava, Mary Keyser, Jean Kelly, Millie Glodowski, James Duran, David Gardner WHY CHOOSE A CATHOLIC CEMETERY? In our complex and busy world, the desire to do things well spiritually, as well as sensibly, is often complicated by practical matters like time, money and information. Nothing seems quite as easy to do as it first appears. This is also true of planning for a burial place. We recommend that you do this now for the final stage of your journey, while your decision can be made spiritually and prudently. Each person, created in the image and likeness of God, sets out on a faith journey. Our church, and in particular the local parish, is always present along the way to minister to the traveler's needs and to celebrate significant milestones in their lives. We become a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit in Baptism, becoming children of God. At the table of the Eucharist, we are nourished for our life's journey. Through Confirmation we are filled with the Holy Spirit and grow in wisdom and knowledge of the Lord and in service to our fellow travelers. Along the journey there are vocational choices of single life, marriage, priesthood, and religious life. Promises are made, celebrated and supported. In our illness we are prayed for, visited, and anointed. Just as conception and growth are part of our pilgrimage, so is death. On life's journey, the Church is present to support and nurture the members of the faith community - therefore, it is only fitting that the Church is present at the time of death and grief. Catholic cemeteries are an extension of the parish where those who have worshiped and prayed together in life now await the resurrection of the body in death. Catholic cemeteries are rooted in ancient religious traditions that display a respect for the deceased and a reverence for their physical remains. A core belief which dates back to the birth of Christianity is that there is a direct relationship between Jesus' death and resurrection and the death and resurrection of the Christian. Catholics believe in life eternal. "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me will never die." (Jn.11:25-26) Just as Christ rose from the dead, He will raise our mortal remains to be like His in Glory. Catholic cemeteries are a constant reminder that death is just a part of the journey that leads to a new life. Catholic cemeteries are sacred places that strive to create a religious environment conducive to prayer, reflection and remembrance. Our cemeteries encourage prayerful visitation through the use of statuary, landscaping, architecture and Christian symbolism throughout buildings and by memorialization. By choosing a Catholic Cemetery, one selects a final resting place that reflects the beliefs and values from life's personal journey. It is a resting place that is sacred and shared with all fellow pilgrims awaiting the resurrection of the dead and the promise of everlasting life. Contact: Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, please call Ipo Ross at (541)

16 St. Pius X Catholic Church Mission Statement St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, within the Diocese of Baker, is a community of Catholic Christians who are united by God, formed by the gospels, strengthened by the sacraments and the liturgy as well as the teachings of the Catholic Church. We are committed to evangelization and education. We encourage a greater commitment to love and follow Christ, by living out the Catholic faith and to promote peace and justice in our parish, our community, and our world. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we pledge ourselves to pursue this mission through participation in the liturgical, sacramental, educational, and social ministries of the Church.