St. John the Apostle Parish

St. John the Apostle Church 7601 Vine Street Lincoln, NE 68505-2141 NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 35 Lincoln, NE 68505-2141 http://www.stjohnslincoln.com/ Volume 9 2nd Edition 2013 St. John the Apostle Parish St. John s IN FOCUS is published biannually for and about St. John the Apostle Parish in Lincoln, Nebraska. Editor & Publisher - Bob Ruyle. Mailing Address:...7601 Vine Street Lincoln, Nebraska, 68505-2141 Phone number:... (402) 489-1946 E-mail:...bobruyle@windstream.net Web site:...www.stjohnslincoln.com Copyright 2010 by St. John the Apostle Parish, Lincoln, Nebraska. All rights reserved. We are not responsible for errors and omissions. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited. Submitting items for publication: St. John s IN FOCUS encourages your submission of articles, photographs and ideas. We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Materials will not be returned unless requested in writing. PARISH DIRECTORY Parish Office:... 7601 Vine Street (489-1946) School:... 7601 Vine Street (486-1860) Parish Website:... www.stjohnslincoln.com MASS SCHEDULE: Monday-Saturday:... 8:15am Mon. Tue, Thu, Fri:... 6:30am Wednesday:...5:30pm First Friday:...6:30 & 8:15am, 5:30pm Saturday Vigil Mass:...4:00pm Sunday:... 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, and 12 Noon Holy Days:... (except Christmas & New Year s) Vigil Mass:... 5:30pm Holy Day:.6:00am, 9:00am, 12:10pm, 5:30pm, 7:00pm CONFESSIONS: Saturdays from:...3:00-3:50pm & 5:00-5:30pm Thursday before First Fridays:... 6:45-7:45pm Vigil of Holy Days:... 6:30-7:00pm Last Tuesday, November 26th, right while we were getting ready for a big Thanksgiving Dinner, the first Apostolic Exhortation from our Holy Father was published. THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ, joy is constantly born anew. In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization CONTENTS Pastor s Letter... Page 1&5 Altar Society... Page 2&3 Family & Faith Committee..Page 4 Letter, Adoration & Trivia...Page 5 Craft Fair... Page 6 & 7 Harvest Festival... Page 8 & 9 All Souls Day Mass...Page 10 Trunk or Treat...Page 11 Information & Address...Page 12 marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church s journey in years to come. Pope Francis (opening lines of Evangelii Gaudium) It is kind of a road map that allows us to envision where we re going as a Catholic community. He s excited and very hopeful about a deep renewal for all of us. He s especially enthusiastic about announcing the core message of the Gospel to today s humanity, just as we are. He steers us straight by saying the great danger in today s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. It s an easy trap to fall into but we end up resentful, angry and listless. But, says our fearless Francis, if we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. We first experience the joyous salvation of the knowing Jesus, the Risen Christ, and then we tell others. That s the vocation of all Christians and that s the reason for the Church s existence. Pope Francis loves inviting us to that personal encounter with Jesus and stresses over and over that it is the source and inspiration of all our efforts at evangelization. If we receive Christ s love and our lives are restored, how can we fail to share that love? Jesus, the Pope clearly shouts, is the first and greatest evangelizer. St. John s wants to be that kind of evangelizing community that gets involved by word and deed in people s daily lives. The pope says such a community stands by people at every step of the way, no matter how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be. It is familiar with patient expectation and apostolic endurance It cares for the grain and does not grow impatient at the weeds. The stated aim of the Apostolic Exhortation is to present some guidelines which can encourage and guide the whole Church in a new phase of evangelization, one marked by enthusiasm and vitality. As we begin a Church year together this Advent we may begin to think about ourselves as being in an on-going pastoral and missionary conversation. --Continued on Page 5--

ALTAR SOCIETY TRUNK OR TREAT Who are we and what do we do? To define the Altar Society, which includes every woman in the Parish, we can t go wrong if we model ourselves after Holy Mother Mary. Our Lady prayed for Jesus to come even before she consented to conceive Him in her womb. She never stopped praying for Him and supporting His ministry until the day she was assumed into Heaven and continues to pray that all souls may be brought to her Son. Every woman registered at St John s is a member of the Altar Society. That means we each receive graces from one Mass per month said for all members. Each woman has the choice at what level to participate. Many are busy with avocations such as raising young children and vocations such as being a wife, religious or single woman with all the demands of life. For busy women, our most important involvement is prayer and drawing close to Christ in the Eucharist. For some, support for the Altar Society goals may simply be paying the $25 annual dues in January and providing baked goods for fundraisers such as the Lenten Fish Fry and the Sweet Shoppe at the Fall Festival, the Craft Fair and the Christmas Cookie/Candy Walk. This is a very important way to be involved in our Church. The dues are used for items such as purchasing the linens, wafers and wine for the Eucharistic celebration, appreciation gifts for our Priests, and cleaning equipment used for the Church. The Fundraiser profits go towards Parish needs such as the Raising the Roof campaign, or where ever our Pastor determines is the greatest need for the Church community. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community of committed women to support a Parish! If every woman participates it makes an incredible difference in the vibrancy of our Parish life!! Here is a brief summary of what EVERY WOMAN IN OUR PARISH IS INVITED TO CONTRIBUTE: ALTAR SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN S: l Prayer daily for St John s Parish members and for success in drawing all souls to Christ l Providing baked goods for fundraisers: Soup Supper, Fish Fries, Fall Festival, Craft Fair, Christmas Candy/Cookie Walk. In addition, as we are able, we are invited to participate in St, John s Altar Society. All are invited to the fellowship and work that goes on at the: l Monthly Meetings. Usually the 2nd Saturday of the month. This is your chance to have an influence on how women participate in our Parish and grow friendships. l Each fundraiser needs people to help prepare and participate in the event such as in the kitchen for the Fall Festival or set up for the Craft Fair.. l Please call Candy Faust, President, 402 464-7618, for more information on how you can get involved in simple and fun ways. Recap of Fall 2013 Altar Society events: l Fall Festival- the Sweet Shoppe workers had a fun and productive time (including Father Sughroue who is ambidextrous we noticed!) selling drinks and goodies. l Fall Brunch- This event is a way to FEED the women of our Parish, both physically and spiritually. Father Johnson led us in prayers for life. Father Craig Clinch was our speaker this year and extolled the virtues of our patron, St. John. Father Clinch recommended we read the Biblical works of St. John in the order he wrote them, first Revelation, then his Epistle then the Gospel. The meal was catered by Beacon Hills and attended by over 120 women who enjoyed the prayer, social time, speaker, door prizes and a delicious brunch. l Craft Fair- Our biggest fundraiser- see the separate article in this newsletter for details. Trunk or Treat gets bigger and better every year. The lines get longer and the decorations get better. This year was no exception and you should have been there to see the Duck Dynasty, the Pirate Ship and others. It was a BLAST! Brandl Boys came as Fr. Johnson and Fr. Sughroue (Note the Twins Samuel & William one had a golf club the other a fishing pole. Young Henry, left, was Pope Francis) Here they are again with Fr. Sughroue Pirates show up and the even brought their ship! Oh My Gosh is that Popeye? Candy Stop! Long Lines but worth the wait! 2 11

ALL SOULS DAY ALL SOULS DAY MASS & AFTER MASS COFFEE Saint John s Visiting Ministry has begun a tradition of remembering the members of the parish who have passed away during the past year. These persons are mentioned at this special Mass. We also invite members of the parish to add their loved ones who have passed away by adding their names to a list in the atrium of the Church. These names are put in an envelope, which is brought to the altar at the offertory and later placed next to the tabernacle to be remembered throughout the month. l Christmas Candy/Cookie Walk coming up December 14th from 9-12. The Altar Society requests that each member donate 2 pounds of Christmas goodies and then stay to buy some made by others at $5 a pound. It is fun to walk around and view the creativity, make our purchase then enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate or coffee and perhaps some of our purchases. ALTAR SOCIETY WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE DO! Lighted candles are placed in front of the altar representing those who passed away this past year. At the end of Mass, relatives of those deceased are invited to take a candle to remember their loved one. After Mass, a reception is held to continue sharing stories and memories. Lighting Candles for those that passed away this year Altar Society Group Meeting We want those who lost loved ones to know that our parish loves them and wants to show our concern for them. By Cindy Kruml Fr. Craig Clinch addressing Altar Society Lord God, you are the glory of believers and the life of the just. Your son redeemed us by dying and rising to life again. Since our departed brothers and sisters believed in the mystery of our resurrection, let them share the joys and blessings of the life to come. Fr. Sughroue offering Mass on All Souls Day Fr. Sughroue and Fr. Clinch headed down the Lunch Line Candice Faust, President addressing the Altar Society Remembering Loved Ones on All Souls Day After Mass - Coffee, Donuts and Conversation The Church acknowledges the indispensable contribution which women make to society through the sensitivity, intuition and other distinctive skill sets which they, more than men, tend to possess. Pope Francis - Evangelii Gaudium Paragraph 103 Altar Society Group Meeting 10 3

FAITH & FAMILY COMMITTEE Harvest Festival THE REASON FOR THE SEASON November 24th was the first annual Reason for the Season Event held at St. John s. It was a chance to help families find ways to celebrate a Christcentered Advent together. Some 20+ families created Basic Needs Boxes to donate to Catholic Social Services, made banners with an Advent wreath to light the candles each week in their homes & enjoyed cookies & hot cocoa. They also learned more about Advent traditions & received prayers to accompany the lighting of their Advent wreaths. The Faith & Family Committee in the Home & School Association hopes to host an Advent event next year as well. A great time was had by all! Our fabulous 5th grade helpers Cashing in those coupons from all the games People everywhere Gym and Kitchen were busy Feliz the Clown was running around Packing Basic Needs Boxes Creating Family Advent Banners Be a witness to Christ through the Joy that you show! St. Zachary, pray for us! Don t peek and draw the winner! The Winner IS! 4 9

Harvest Festival Pastor s Letter Adoration Trivia Night St. John Parishioners and Harvest Festival Staff.. Another great year for the Harvest Festival lots of fun and excitement for all the kids and their families. The silent auction was amazing with lots of great prizes all being donated from Lincoln Businesses plus we had St. John families who took the time to hand create items for the Silent Auction. Bountiful Baskets were once again incredible. Parents and teachers took their energy and time to put together amazing basket creations. We had forty baskets donated this year. And the ever popular Lucky Chance Booth was buzzing with excitement lots of fabulous prizes and items once again donated. The Sweet Shop sponsored by the Altar Society also had ever flowing treats and pies and cakes. Last but not least the KC s did a wonderful job of providing the best food and worker bee s to help with this event. We must thank Chris Kreikemeier for doing such a fabulous job of preparing the pork... sooo tasty. A special Thank You to all of the parents, teacher s, staff and chair people for taking weekend time to help with this wonderful event. I really appreciated your support. By the way, in case you forgot the Lottery winners they were Bill Ryan, Grace Felder and Kelly Greene for the three $100 prizes. Cathy & Cesar Martinez the $500 prize. And the big winner of the 1st prize was Jerry Meinke. I thank you one and all! Sue Klein - Harvest Festival Chairperson The CAKE WALK is always a popular place Games -- Games...and MORE GAMES! The main criterion for renewal isn t some new way of thinking or a new way of organizing the Church or a Catholic community like ours here at St. John s. The pope describes it as a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channelled for the evangelization of today s world rather than for her self-preservation. I really like our pastor, Pope Francis as our Bishop/Pastor James Conley wrote in an article on this letter. Let s be good shepherds of this part of the Church here at St. John s. Let s follow his lead and let our joy of our heart find its way to our face and our hands around here at St. John s. Joy-ful Advent and Christmas, Fr. Lyle M. Johnson --Continued from Page 1-- Fr. Adam M. Sughroue Advent Beloved Eucharistic Disciples of St. John The Church bulletin and the offertory petitions at Sunday Liturgies has carried the message that St. John s is inviting all the members of our parish to become a Beloved Eucharistic Disciple of St. John. Our parish patron was the apostle who was the closest to Our Lord during His public ministry. He sat next to our Lord at the Last Supper. He was the faithful apostle who remained following Him to Calvary. He was entrusted with the care of His Mother. From whom can we better learn how to develop a close relationship with Christ than from our beloved parish patron and Christ s most holy mother? Our petitions during October and November have been that we will spend more time before the Eucharist in adoration. You are given a wonderful opportunity during Advent to begin a closer bond with our Lord. Don t let this opportunity pass you by. Thank you to all the Beloved Eucharistic Disciples who have signed up and are committed to our Adoration program. There are still a number of hours open, especially on Thursday and Friday. For those who work during the week there are many hours open on the weekend. First Fridays have been important in the Church for making reparation for the sins of mankind. If you are unable to make an hour weekly, perhaps you could concentrate on making an hour or time of adoration on First Fridays when the Eucharist is exposed. We also encourage short visits to the Pink Sisters for a quick battery recharge for your faith. Some have referred to this as a radiation treatment. 8 5

Craft Fair Craft Fair St. John s 28th Annual Craft Fair was November 9th and I am happy to report that once again we topped the year before and now we have a new best craft fair ever! We were able to expand into one more classroom this year and I really do think we have hit the limit now, but then again I thought that last year. Last year I set a goal of $4,000 and we exceeded way beyond that as our proceeds totaled $4,729.57. Since we sailed past that goal, I set a new one of $5,000 and I am happy to report that we hit our goal with total proceeds of $5,022.60. The Kitchen Concession sales totaled $2,513.25. Big part due to the best Sloppy Joes, which are made by members of our Parish. Everybody s Sloppy Joes are mixed together in a large roaster and we end up with the best Sloppy Joes in town! Add in the best desserts which are made by members of our Parish and who could resist! Plus our Hot Dogs are truly grilled, which always makes them better. starts coming in a hurry to claim their space and set-up their displays. HyVee donates donuts for our crafters to enjoy and we give them hot coffee and orange juice. I want to THANK YOU everyone who helped and attended this year s craft fair. It was truly a huge success! Raising $5,000 is great and will be applied to the Raising the Roof campaign. We could not succeed without all the help and those who attended. A special THANK YOU to Father Johnson and Father Sughroue, without their help and support we could not have such a successful Craft Fair. It may not be their favorite project, but they are always there to make sure it all works! Rhonda Berens Craft Fair Coordinator Fr. Sughroue & Joyce Policky help in the kitchen Every Craft you could think of was represented It truly does take a small army to put our craft fair together. I start getting calls/e-mails the night of the craft fair for next year. That continues all year long and gets a little crazier as the craft fair date gets close. There is advertising to take care of. Signs to distribute around town. Creating the map of which crafter goes where is a project that takes on it s own life. This year the Knights helped to set-up and take down all the tables and chairs, along with our custodial staff. Doris Moeller coordinates the Kitchen and finds all the volunteers that are needed to set-up, cut-up, warm-up serve and clean-up everything. Several volunteers show up the night before to make sure that everything is in place for the morning rush. Candy Faust, Kathy Bender and Vicky Dunn are three that help with this set-up from start to finish. Then comes the morning of the Craft Fair when it all goes wild. This year we arrived at 6:20 to find six crafters waiting to get in, scheduled start time is 7:00 am. Then everyone Coming thru the door - the rush to be first Standing room only as they moved down the aisles The Gym was FULL Every Junior High Classrooms were FULL The Stage was FULL Even the Halls from the Gym to the Office were FULL 6 7