Stewardship Update
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December 2008
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Hospitality
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Olivia Brundgardt ponders her next move...............As dad, Lee, waits his turn |
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| On November 21, families from our Tri-Parish community came together for a fun family filled evening. There was plenty of good food to fill everyone’s stomach and a variety of games for all ages. Some of the games included Jenga, Skip-Bo, Sorry and Bean Bag Toss. Those that attended enjoyed the evening and hope to attend another one this spring. Every family with children of the tri-parish community is encouraged to attend in the spring. It’s a wonderful way to interct with other families, sharing our faith and having fun. Of course, you don’t need to have children to attend, just a sense of play. Look for the date and time in March. Pick out your favorite game and work on your game face. We hope to see you there. BACK TO TOP |
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Prayer
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In the hush of a candlelit church, six year old Ellie Hanstad nestled between her mother and grandmother, softly sang the songs of Taize. Her voice rose with the murmurings of others there, bringing a beautiful prayer experience to those at Queen of Apostles Church. Ellie’s mom, Amy Helms said the Taize is usually on Sunday night, providing a “…peaceful way to transition into the work week.” She likes the family experience and believes it will help Ellie become familiar with prayer on many different levels. Queen of Apostles Director of Religious Education, Cathy Jayjack, says for those not in the habit of praying who wish to make a new year’s resolution to increase their prayer life, morning is an easy time to get started. She noted that simple prayers like, “Thank you for this day, I trust you to guide me through it,” may be an easy way to transition into prayer life. Prayer has been a major force in Ann Norris’ life for many years. She believes prayer is a gift from God, noting that her own father taught her regular prayers as a child. She says that as an adult prayer became an important part of her life because, “The world can be such a hard place.” Norris notes that it is easier for her, “… to lose focus when I’m not praying every day.” Norris’ favorite prayer now is the Divine Mercy Chaplet. She prays it three to five times a week. An Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist to those in the hospital, Norris says she also recites the chaplet when she ministers to the sick and dying. Jayjack notes that stillness or spontaneity are the perfect way for some to pray, while they are not so viable for others. She advises, “If you’re not praying at all, just finding a simple way of getting started is a great help.” |
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| Is Stewardship Part of Your New Year’s Resolution? Check out the opportunities At Queens at the 2009 STEWARDSHIP FAIR Coming March 7 & 8 |
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Formation
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 Fr. Lazarus |
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Is it a Mortal Sin to miss Sunday Mass? The requirement to attend Mass on Sunday and other holy days of obligation, rooted in the Third Commandment and codified in Church law (cf. Code of Canon Law, canons 1246-48) is a serious obligation for all Catholics. A Catholic who (a) is able to attend Sunday Mass (i.e., who is not impeded by illness, lack of transportation, etc.), (b) knows the seriousness of this requirement, and (c) nonetheless freely chooses to miss Mass, thereby commits a mortal sin (cf. Catechism, no. 2181). First, we need to realize that this is a sin of omission, not commission. In other words, this commandment requires us to do something (i.e., go to Mass) rather than refrain from some evil act (e.g., murder, adultery, theft, etc.). Accordingly, circumstances do play an important role in determining whether a person is able to “do” what this commandment requires. Church law surely recognizes that there may be instances where a person may not be able to attend Mass (cf. canons 1247-48; Dies Domini, no. 47). If Such is the case, the failure to attend Mass, while most regrettable, is not sinful. This can be a recurring difficulty in missionary or remote rural areas where there is a scarcity of priests. BACK TO TOP |
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Our parish priests are willing to answer your questions about the Catholic Church and our Faith. Questions may be submitted in three ways: • call the rectory at 323-2916 • email: queenofapostles@cox.net • drop a note in the collection basket You may submit your question anonymously, if you wish. BACK TO TOP |
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| While Evelyn Johnson was in the hospital, she was very restless. Her family knew it would be soon that she would be called to her eternal home, so Father Kirby was called. He prayed over Evelyn and laid the prayer shawl over her while saying “All your sins are forgiven.” He also let her know that it was okay for her to leave. Her daughter, Mary Burroughs said that her monther’s restlessness turned to quiet and peace. Mary said her family felt very supported by their church family and that the prayer shawl reminded them that not only the family was praying, but also that others were offering prayers. mary also said her mother’s favorite colors were lavender and blue, If you guessed that the prayer shawl she received was blue and lavender, you would be right. Evelyn’s family wants everyone to know how much they appreciated the support. Now they have donated yarn so others will have an opportunity to receive a shawl. In case anyone wants to donate yarn, it takes three skeins for each shawl. The yarn may be put in the basket at the back of church or taken to the rectory. People who are willing to knit or crochet a shawl are also being sought. This ministry can be done in the privacy of your own home. It is asked that the crafter offers prayers for the recipient as the shawl is created. Various patterns may be used to accommodate beginners and advanced crafters alike. The Feast of St. Agnes in January will be the next time that Fr. Kirby will bless the yarn as well as those who wish to serve in this ministry. After the blessing, people may pick up the yarn to begin their prayerful creations. BACK TO TOP |
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Your ideas for future issues are welcome. If you would like to join the stewardship committee Contact the stewardship committee: Queensstewardship@cox.net BACK TO TOP |
