Stewardship Update
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July 2008
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Hospitality
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| As you settle into your regular seat at Mass, you look around and smile at all the familiar faces every weekend. Although you may not know their names, you feel comfortable because you are among people who routinely join together. Occasionally, you notice that there is an empty spot in the pew around you. In the summer you may decide that the regular occupants are on vacation. However, over time you might think that they are now going to another Mass, or, even worse, not be coming to Mass at all. Eventually, you don’t miss them at all. Where have these parishioners gone? Sometimes, they are in their homes, unable to drive to church. Often, these homebound, who are often of our country’s greatest generation, don’t want to ask for assistance as they feel they would be a burden. Some have been members of Queens for years. Perhaps their spouse did all the driving and is now deceased. Perhaps they always walked to Mass, but now the distance is too much for them. Maybe they have a physical problem that may just temporarily keep them from behind the wheel. We have parishioners who don’t drive after dark. During the summer this is no problem for those attending the Saturday services. As the seasons change, they don’t feel comfortable driving home in the dark. Others walk to Mass, but again this becomes a problem as the temperature drops. Fifty years ago, Queen of Apostles was a neighborhood parish. Now our members come from all parts of Council Bluffs and the surrounding area. We also have members who have moved into senior living centers throughout the city. Obviously, some folks are not able to leave their homes due to physical disabilities, but many are able to get out. Many of us may have seen the buses of some churches who pick up people for their Sunday services. Queens does not have this option. Instead, we need to rely on individual parishioners to pick up this mission. Yes, it means that you might have to leave a few minutes early to pick up someone, but the gratefulness you receive from your extra passenger should more than make up for it. Perhaps your family will gain a new friend or pseudo-grandparent. Even if you can’t provide a ride every weekend, remember that, for some, being able to attend Mass once or twice a month is a great treat. How can you find out if someone needs a ride? How do you let someone know that you need a ride? Well, that is the easy part. Joan Berner, our parish Ministry Associate, keeps a list. Contact her at 323-1163 to let her know you would be interested in serving in this ministry. Also, please contact her if you know someone who could use the help of this ministry. If you think this is just the beginning and would like to do more, Joan also notes that people are also needed to help transport others to doctor’s appointments, etc. As a steward in Christ, you may choose to do as much as you feel comfortable to do. BACK TO TOP |
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Prayer
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| “My heart goes out to all who serve our country,” were the words expressed by the first person to call and submit names for the Military Prayer Partners Tree. The Military Prayer Partners tree stands on the Generations of Faith bulletin board in the lobby of the Queen of Apostles Church. Names of those serving in the military who have been submitted were put on leaves and hung on the tree. Those wishing to become prayer partners can take a leaf from the tree. The names of seven military men and women have been called in between Memorial Day and July 4. That first caller wishes to remain anonymous, but her thoughts reflect many of the same thoughts expressed by others phoning in names. “It’s time to give them our support and love,” She says. “They’re all volunteers. Many have wives or husbands and children.” With the blessing of Queens Pastor, Fr. Dan Kirby, the project was started by Lisa Milbrath and Cathy Jayjack. “We are first a community in Christ,” noted Milbrath. “Creating prayer partners is one way we can strengthen that community.” The Military Prayer Partners Tree will be up until the end of July. Milbrath said they would like to do the project again next year. |
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You Can Still Be a Part of This Project You can still submit names to the prayer partner tree by calling Lisa Milbrath at 352-0578. You can become a prayer partner by simply taking a leaf from the tree and remembering that person in prayer. Those names submitted at this writing include: Matthew Sage, Danny Nastase, Shawn Griffith, Kevin Cox, Nicholas Balk, Chad Bentzinger and Joseph Maher. BACK TO TOP |
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Formation
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 RCIA TEAM: Front Row – Donna Lear, Beth Wilson, Cheryl Perkins Back Row – Deacon Darwin Kruse, Maureen Kruse, Bonnie Wredt, Bob Boettcher, Father Lazarus Kirigia |
RCIA is a conversion journey for those interested in learning more about our Catholic faith. These may be people who have not yet been baptized or those who may have been baptized in another faith, but want to know more about Catholicism. This process allows catechumens (those not yet baptized) and candidates (those already baptized) to learn what we as Catholics believe (i.e., Catholic Doctrine, Sacraments, The Creed, Mary & The Saints, Tradition & Scripture, Celebrating the Mass, etc). During this process, they/we hopefully grow closer to God through prayer, by studying and listening to God’s Word, by being able to ask questions and by gradually becoming a member of our Tri-Parish faith community. Weekly meetings each Thursday evening allow us to learn together! In November we will be celebrating the Rite of Acceptance when the catechumens and candidates are formally introduced to our parish community during a weekend liturgy. This Rite of Acceptance is two-fold: they are professing their desire to continue learning while growing in their relationship with the Lord and we (parish community) are letting them know we are here to support them and pray for them as they journey. Each catechumen and candidate is not alone on this journey. Their sponsor (partner) from our Tri-Parish community comes to the Thursday evening meetings too. This person is a ‘bridge’ to our faith community and welcomes and encourages these new members. Their witness and modeling of faith help guide our catechumens and candidates as they journey toward becoming full members at the Easter Vigil. To coordinate these efforts, the RCIA Team works diligently and faithfully throughout this process. Kathy Carlin facilitates this Rite of Initiation process for children. Our tri-parish community can be proud of this RCIA Team. We have a group of dedicated men & women willing to share their faith and help lead our catechumens and candidates to Jesus. What an awesome ministry! And what a gift they are to our tri-parish community! Thanks be to God for them! BACK TO TOP |
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Service
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 Erin Bowers |
After many years of requiring altar servers to be at least in the fourth grade, the age limit was changed to include all who have received Holy Communion. This was welcome news to parishioner Erin Bowers. It meant that she was able to join the ranks a year early. Erin had enjoyed working with her parents, Brian and Lynn Bowers, sitting at the SCRIPT table when she was younger. She liked meeting the various parishioners before and after services. Seeing her parents participate in the Mass influenced her as well. Erin “wanted to be a part of Mass.” It seemed natural to become an altar server. The first time she had to get up in front of the congregation, however, she did feel jittery. The nervousness was not enough to keep her away and she looks forward to being able to serve once or twice each month. Being so close to the action helps her appreciate the Mass. With three servers scheduled for each service, each person has different duties. “You are with different people every time and you do different jobs, “ Erin remarked, “and you pay more attention.” This summer, the parish took all the servers to enjoy a day at Adventureland. When asked if these fun trips were part of the reason she started serving, Erin said that she hadn’t known about the fun days beforehand. It was a surprise to her and she enjoyed her first visit to Adventureland this summer with the other servers. It was a great day with many of her friends. Erin enjoys the out of doors when the weather is nice. She participates in soccer and likes going fishing when not in school. She would also recommend becoming an altar server to others “because it’s fun.” BACK TO TOP |
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Would you like to Nominate Someone for Steward of the Month? Do you have suggestions for What Should I Do? Your ideas for future issues are welcome. Contact the stewardship committee: Queensstewardship@cox.net BACK TO TOP |