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BartholoNEWS The Newsletter of St. Bartholomew Catholic Parish
Advent 2006 1306 27th Street, Columbus, IN 47201 Volume 14 Number 3
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SEASON SCHEDULE
Immaculate Conception, Friday, December 8 8:30 a.m. (School Mass)
Noon 6 p.m. (Rite of Welcome)
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Tuesday, December 12
December 11: Mañanitas, 11:30 p.m. December 12: Serenata, 6:30 p.m.
Evening Mass, 7:30 p.m.
Advent Reconciliation Services, Thursday, December 14 1:30-3 p.m.
St. Bartholomew Catholic School Students & Senior parishioners who are uncomfortable driving in the evening hours.
6-8 p.m.
Parish-wide service (Note time change)
4th Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 23, 5 p.m. Sunday, December 24, 9 a.m.
Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24
Children’s Liturgy, 4 p.m. Evening Liturgy, 8 p.m.
Midnight Mass (Bi-lingual)
Christmas Day, Monday, December 25 Morning Liturgy, 10 a.m.
Feast of the Holy Family, December 31
Regular weekend schedule. Saturday, December 30, 5 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. & 5 p.m. (Spanish)
Epiphany, Sunday, January 7 Regular weekend schedule Saturday, January 6, 5 p.m.
Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m. & 5 p.m. (Spanish)
Please save this for reference!
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS EVE
MASS SIGN UPS All students in grades 3 – 6 are welcome to assist with the 4:00 p.m. Children’s Christmas Eve Mass. Students are needed to serve in various liturgical roles: lectors, greeters, angels, shepherds, etc. Please contact the Religious Education Office, 379-9353 ext 242 to volunteer. Sign up sheets are also available outside the Religious Education Office. MANDATORY PRACTICE IS Saturday, December 23, Noon – 2 p.m.
Advent Tea December 5, 2006
7:00 p.m. at the St. Bartholomew School Cafeteria
RSVP at the Religious Education Office, 379-9353, ext 241or
RETREAT for a while into the space of Advent. GATHER with us to find the gift of Christmas past through our stories; Christmas present through sharing tea and conversation; and the promise of Christmas yet to come through prayer. RENEW, REFLECT, and RE-CREATE your gift list in light of the true meaning of Christmas.
Presenter: Dede Swinehart
Dede is a wife, mom and grandmother. She holds credentials in Youth Ministry, Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Theology. She currently works as a Spiritual Director and facilitates days of retreat and reflection. She also serves on the National Board of NAPRC and the Archdiocesan Board promoting Small Faith sharing groups.
NEW COMMUNION WARE BLESSED
ON THANKSGIVING
Through generous donations from two parish families, we replaced our Sunday crystal communion ware with metal, and this new metal Communion ware was blessed by Father Clem at the Thanksgiving Day Mass.
The set of bowls and cups is “hand-hammered” with a gold-plated bowl and silver exterior-gold plated interior cup.
The switch from glass to metal occurred because the U.S. bishops in their liturgical document (Instruction of the Eucharist, 2004) ruled that communion ware should be composed of “solid materials” and that they “…be truly noble in the common estimation within a given region….’ Parishes should avoid materials which break or rust easily. Locally, the Indy Archdiocese had urged those parishes that are replacing glass or breakable communion ware to do so with metal.
This new ware will require some modifications to the way we have been washing the cups and bowls after the regular purification, but rest assured, we will still be washing them with dish soap and hot water.
We are grateful to our donors and always are thankful for the many lay people who give so generously of themselves to the Communion Ministry. May God bless all of you!
--Millie Harmon
“…In your
light
we see
light.”
--Psalm 36:10
WE ARE AN ADVENT PEOPLE
Preparation is no stranger to any of us. We prepare for a dozen things every day. We get dressed for work or school. We work on the project to present. We clean the house and get dinner ready for the family. The list is endless.
Advent is the Church’s preparation for Christmas. In the world, we’ve been preparing for Christmas since Halloween. Some merchandisers even had Christmas in July! So why is Advent so special? Advent is more than a time to decorate the house, plan the dinners and parties, send out the cards, and buy the gifts. These are outside preparations. During Advent we prepare the inside of us. Advent is a time of remembering. In the scriptures and homilies, we remember the generations of God’s people who waited for the coming of the Messiah. We think about the gift of the Father of his most perfect love, his only Son, Jesus. We remember Jesus humbling himself to share in our humanity for the purpose of sacrificing himself to free us from the bonds of sin. Advent is a time of renewal. The number of “Days until Christmas” rapidly counts down. It is the time when the world is at its darkest with the shortest days of the year. In all of this, Advent is our time of hope. It offers us time to pray, to reflect, to read scripture, and to center ourselves in our God. It offers us time to recognize the workings of the Spirit in our daily lives. Advent is a time of anticipation. The child in all of us comes alive again with the beauty of Christmas lights, the smell of Christmas treats, and the upcoming gatherings among family and friends. And as the ancient people anticipated the coming of the Messiah, so we anticipate the coming of Jesus again to judge the living and the dead. We are called to be ready to meet Him. As we remember, renew, and anticipate during Advent, we become an Advent People and our church space reflects this. The Advent wreath is a
focus for our church and it is rich with symbolism for the season. The circular shape reflects that God has no beginning and no end. God is, was, and always will be. The evergreen reminds us of the hope we have of gaining eternal life. The four candles represent each of the four weeks of Advent with the purple color speaking of penance and sacrifice and the pink reflecting joy as our time of anticipation draws to a close. The light of each candle shows us that Christ is the Light who came to remove the darkness of sin and shows us the way to the Father. As we become an Advent People this year, there will be one addition as another Advent wreath takes on new dimensions. Using our wall candles, an “Advent wreath” will be created around the perimeter of the church. Each week, as a candle is lit on the Advent wreath in the front of the church, corresponding candles will be lit on the wall of candles. This Advent wreath will be evident with purple and pink ribbons. Rather that simply looking at an Advent wreath from the outside, we literally will be enveloped by the season of Advent and all it symbolizes. As the priest enters the church for Mass we sing out “Christ, Circle Round Us” and we pray that our longing for Jesus will increase, our love for Jesus will grow in strength, and that we will be ready when Jesus returns. May you and all of yours be blessed richly during this time of Advent!
--Marilyn Welker Chairperson Art and Environment
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS LITURGY DECEMBER 24, 4 p.m.
NEWBORN GIFTS
At the Offertory, families and children will be invited to bring up “newborn gifts” to the manger to honor Baby Jesus. These items go to the Pregnancy Care Center. Items may be wrapped or unwrapped. Suggested gifts are receiving blankets, disposable diapers, bottles, baby wipes, sleepers, formula, undershirts, bibs, etc.
SOME THOUGHTS ON
CONFESSION
Ever think to yourself that you basically don’t have much to say in Confession? Or that you say the same thing so why bother?
In “Do ‘Good People’ Need Confession?” Edward Vacek, S.J. offers some tips. Labeling this as the “sacrament of honesty,” Vacek highlights three areas we tend to overlook.
1. Self-deception. Most of us can truly say we have never killed anyone, but is that true? The fifth commandment also includes the type of killing we do through backstabbing criticisms and cutting remarks frequently offered with the defense that “It’s true.” Do we ever offer to help to correct the situation that we complain or gossip about?
2. Personal growth. Do we ever analyze ourselves as much as we try to figure out other people? Vacek urges us to study our tendencies, habits, attitudes and emotions. Do we often just think good thoughts or virtues without a concrete living of all the thinking we do?
3. Relationships. How do we really treat our friends, fellow workers or family members, and most of all, God?
Confession is a gift that allows us to live honestly. Partaking in it strengthens and energizes us in a confusing world.
--Reference: America, 02/25/02
HOW TO CONFESS I tend to be the “church tour giver” and whenever tours enter the Reconciliation Room, I am often questioned on the format for confession.
St. B’s Reconciliation Room is located on the east side of the church, next to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. It’s furnished with chairs and a screen and kneeler, allowing the penitent
to choose face to face or the pre-Vatican II format, kneeling behind the screen. Begin the sacrament with a Sign of the Cross; tell the priest when your last confession was; confess your sins and end with “I am sorry for these and all my sins.” The priest assigns a penance and offers advice and then tells you to say an Act of Contrition. Acting in the person of Christ, the priest absolves you from your sins, you make the Sign of the Cross and respond “Amen.”
It’s that easy. People waiting in line to receive this sacrament often carry a worried or uncomfortable expression on their faces. People exiting the room are always smiling.
This Advent, we invite you to attend the parish-wide service on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. (1:30-3 p.m. if you have difficulty driving at night). Confession is also available every Saturday afternoon 4:14-4:45 p.m. or by appointment.
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE Many types of examinations exist. Always begin with a prayer asking for God’s help to see you as you truly are.
Here is a simple way to examine your actions and motives. It is taken from the very familiar Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Wherever the word “love” is, insert your name. Reflect on how you live up to the virtues of love.
“Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7).
Act of Contrition My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, In his name, my God, have mercy.
--Reconciliation articles prepared by Millie Harmon
I RESOLVE THIS ADVENT TO….
Every New Year, many of us make resolutions—mostly regarding diets and bad habits. The following are 10 Simple Liturgical Resolutions for the New Year, 2007 that were presented in SOURCEBOOK for Sundays and Seasons, published by the Chicago Archdiocese. We invite you to begin one or more of these resolutions this Advent!
• I resolve… to treat each Sunday Eucharist as the most important event of that week.
• I resolve… to do all I can to participate
more fully in the celebration of the Sunday Mass. For example: I resolve to sing all the songs and acclamations; I resolve to respond in the liturgy with conviction and whole-heartedness; I resolve to make use of the liturgical silence by praying as I’ve been invited to do.
• I resolve…to get a copy of at least one
of the Eucharistic Prayers used at Sunday Mass and to reflect prayerfully upon it during the week, so that I may enter more fully when it is prayed on Sunday. (Copies are printed in Celebemos/Let us celebrate misselettes)
• I resolve …to read prayerfully and
carefully the Sunday scripture at least once during the week before Mass.
• I resolve in the next year to arrive before
Mass begins and to leave the church only after the liturgy has ended.
• I resolve …to read at least one book on the topic of the Sunday Mass….Try to choose a book that specifically addresses the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist.
• I resolve …to take part in at least two other
liturgical celebrations of the Church as they are celebrated in my parish, in addition to Sunday Mass (e.g., one of the sacraments, seasonal Reconciliation services, prayer services, Morning or Evening Prayer, blessings, Eucharistic devotions, etc.)
• I resolve…to take the dismissal of the
Mass—“Go in the peace of Christ; The Mass is ended, go in peace; Go in peace to love and serve the Lord”—seriously, and to somehow make it real in my life during the week.
• I resolve…to pay careful attention to the
homily during Mass, in an attempt to hear the voice of the Lord speaking to me in relation to that day’s scriptures.
• I resolve…to explore the praying of the
Liturgy of the Hours, either in private or in a communal celebration.
--Millie Harmon
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
This Advent we are combining two separate services into one day to try to make it convenient for our priests.
On Thursday, December 14, 1:30 – 3p.m., we will offer confession for St. Bartholomew School students and any senior parishioners who find night driving difficult. Our parish-wide Advent service will resume at 6 p.m. in the evening and run till 8. At both services, paper and pencils will be used to write down sins; at the appropriate time, we will be invited to approach one of the several priests who are available to hear confession; read from the paper the sins we have listed to the priest. Receive absolution. If you have an issue of concern, it is best to make an appointment with a priest rather than to occupy him for 30 minutes in a parish service.
GETTING TO KNOW JESUS
The theme for the 2006 – 2007 catechetical year is Who Do You Say That I Am? This theme focuses on our intentional efforts to deepen our understanding of and relationship with Jesus Christ. This is a question each Christian adult must answer for him or herself each day. How we respond to this question affects how we live, pray, make decisions, and form relationships. The question goes to the very heart of Christian discipleship.
The Adult Faith Formation Committee is very proud to offer a wide variety of faith formation activities to help you answer the question given to us by Jesus: “Who do you say that I am?”
As a parish community, we have the obligation and privilege of growing in our love of Jesus Christ and the Church. Six basic tasks that St. Bartholomew Parish is seeking to accomplish this year are to:
• Promote the knowledge of the faith. • Promote meaningful participation in the liturgical
worship and the sacramental life of the Church. • Integrate moral formation into a Christian way of life. • Teach Christians how to pray with Christ, in Christ, and
in communion with the Church. • Initiate the Christian into the life of the local church
community and foster active participation in the mission of the Church.
• Promote a missionary spirit that prepares Christians to witness to Christ in society.
These six tasks are outlined in the New General Directory for Catechesis, published by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. We encourage all adults of our parish to participate in the many adult education offerings here at St. Bartholomew Parish.
--Kathy Davis-Shanks
CALLING ALL LADIES OF
ST. BARTHOLOMEW PARISH
Have you ever wondered if Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) is for you? Have you known someone who has attended CRHP and thought about attending yourself? Consider yourself invited to a wonderful weekend where you will renew and strengthen your faith alongside many sisters in Christ who will embark on the journey with you. The next Women’s Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP XV) will be February 3-4. This is the first weekend in February so mark your calendars. For more information please contact the Religious Education Office at 379-9353 ext 240 or [email protected].
WOMEN’S RETREAT WEEKEND
Join us this spring for the annual women’s retreat weekend, at the Benedict Inn in Beech Grove. Our heme is: “M and M.” t
Mary and Martha present their dilemma to us in this energizing retreat. We find that there is a little bit of each of these ladies in the best of us. How we handle our inner Mary and Martha is the key to a balanced spiritual life. We will explore our natural tendencies as well as that side known as “our shadow.” We learn that M&M is more than a candy!
Our presenter is Mrs. Jeanne Hunt. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 11, 1947, married in 1969, she is the mother of four children. Jeanne has degrees in Fine Arts, Art History (University of Cincinnati, BFA); Theology (Master of Arts, Athenaeum of Ohio).
Jeanne has been a teacher; Associate Director of the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati; Director of Religious Education. She is currently Director of Faith Formation at Sacred Heart Parish Fairfield, Ohio.
Come join us for this great get- away, and a chance to see how we, too, are special women of God. Please watch the bulletin for more details.
LITTLE ROCK SCRIPTURE STUDY
Little Rock Scripture Study has been having a successful study of Hebrews this fall. We have had presenters who have given us good insights into this book and the events of the times. Our next study will begin on Wednesday, January 10 with the study of the Gospel of Luke. We have chosen this Gospel because it corresponds with the main readings for Lent in 2007. The study will continue through April 4. The study has 11 lessons.
Plan to join us on Wednesday evenings in the St. Bartholomew school cafeteria, from 7:00-9:00 PM. Small group discussion and large group presentation are part of the evening. If you are unable to attend on Wednesday evenings, a Thursday morning group is also offered in the lower level of the church from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. For more information or to sign up please contact the Religious Education Office, 379-9353, ext 241 or [email protected]. Make it your New Year’s Resolution to learn more about the Bible, the gift God has given us.
--Judy Richardson
MOMS
The Day is done The lights are out.
Quiet fills the house. Weary bones and tired back
Climb gently into bed. A cluttered mind takes a look
At all that has been done. Another day of work and play And now some time to pray
A Prayer Companion for MOMS; Resource Publications, Inc.; 1983-1999
Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS) is about spirituality in the rush of everyday business – chauffeuring the kids to soccer matches, preparing meals on the fly, and working in a paying job. MOMS’ goal is to find a sacredness to the call of motherhood. The next nine-week session will start in January and will be on Wednesdays beginning January 17, from 7:00-9:00pm. Since 1992, MOMS has touched more than 3000 parishes nationally. This vibrant women’s ministry is flourishing at 13 different parishes in the Indianapolis area. The sessions include these topics: self-esteem and self-acceptance, stress, worries, and anxieties, everyday spirituality, feelings, personal growth, expressing values in friendships, celebration of new beginnings, ways to continue the journey This peer ministry is designed to encourage prayer, discussion and friendships among mothers of all ages. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time nurturing our spiritual self and connecting with other moms of the parish. All moms need to take time to “recharge” their batteries and MOMS is a great way to feel renewed! Please call Christina Hummel 342-6354 or Debbie Lindauer 342-4492 for more information.
--Christina Hummel
RITE OF WELCOME
On Friday, December 8, at the 6:00 p.m. Mass, St. Bartholomew Parish will welcome over 35 individuals as Candidates and Catechumens at the Rite of Welcome. These individuals are preparing to enter the Catholic faith this Easter. We are proud to welcome these individuals and offer our prayers and support to each of them. Our tradition here at St. Bartholomew Parish has been to welcome the individuals into the formal process of RCIA during the Mass celebrating the Immaculate Conception. During this Mass we focus our attention on Mary’s “Yes” to God. Mary serves as the perfect example of love and faithfulness to God. During this Mass, the individuals declare their intention to the Church and the Church accepts these persons and promises to support and affirm them.
Please join us for this special celebration in the lives of these individuals who are learning more about the Catholic faith. A reception will follow in the lower level of the church.
ERE & PRE NEWS!
Religious Education Classes and Preschool Religious Education classes began Sunday September 17. There are 187 students registered for ERE and PRE and over 40 volunteer catechists! PRE classes are offered during the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday Masses. ERE classes run between Masses on Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. and follow the BCSC school year schedule. Please call the Religious Education Office if you have questions regarding these programs at 379-9353 ext. 242.
First Communion and First Reconciliation candidates are well on their way to receiving God's grace through these two beautiful sacraments. We have celebrated two of the five 8:00 a.m. preparatory Masses with the St. B puppets. All parishioners are welcome to attend these Masses and be part of the sacramental journey.
On October 27, third through sixth grade Religious Education students participated in a Lock-In at St. Bartholomew School. They enjoyed pizza, games, crafts and activities as friendships grew stronger! Mark your calendars for February 9 when we will open the doors to friends and St. Bartholomew School students to our third through sixth grade lock-in!
Thank you to all who have served and are currently serving the children of our parish through PRE, ERE, CLOW and RCIC. Thank you and God bless you all!
--Cathy Lampton
ANNUAL MEN’S MINISTRY
RETREAT AT ST. MEINRAD ARCHABBEY
The annual St. Bartholomew Men’s Ministry Retreat is coming soon - Feb. 9 - 11, at St. Meinrad. For 10 years now, up to 45 men have traveled the easy 2+ hours to the Archabbey for a truly enriching weekend. If you are one of the men who has made this retreat many times, begin planning now. If you have not done this before, read on. It is open to all men of the parish. Wives: This might be a great gift that both of you will enjoy. Why is this retreat so special? For all the opportunities it offers! There are insightful speakers from among the monks on topics of keen interest to men in today's times. There is time to ponder, meditate and pray, and a chance to probe further at a panel discussion by the speakers. Like time to just pray? I am always very inspired by time alone before the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel. Ever participate in Stations of the Cross that were sung? It changed my whole feeling about them. Or how about the Stations of the Cross outside? There is also ample time to worship. The Benedictine philosophy is “pray and work.” Each morning, noon and evening we join with the monks in the Archabbey church. The Mens' Ministry retreat allows men to plan their days with as much social time or time alone as they wish. Don’t be afraid -- there are no attendance requirements, mandatory workshops or required speeches. Some men like to jog or walk through the Archabbey grounds. There is the archabbey’s book and gift shop. Did I say the food was great? If you have not made this retreat yet, consider it now. There is ample room. Departure is Friday
mid-afternoon with return to Columbus by mid-afternoon on Sunday. Watch for bulletin announcements and opportunites to sign up in the weeks to come.
WHAT DOES THE PASTORAL COUNCIL MEAN TO YOU?
As written in the Constitution of Saint Bartholomew Catholic Parish Pastoral Council, the Pastoral Council "…is a group of parish representatives committed to helping all parish members grow spiritually, educationally and socially. The Council will set parish goals based upon prayerful reflection and will provide the leadership to ensure that present and future needs of the parish are met."
There are seventeen members of the Pastoral Council. Nine are elected and eight are appointed from the areas of ministry. Elected members are Bill Algee, Carolyn Souza, Denise Albers, Virginia Hammond, Mike Sullivan, Mike Keogh, Raquel Cavazos-Wenning, Sheryl Tracey, and Patrick McKinney. Appointed members are Jeff Fetterer, Finance; Kate Connor, Education; Darlene Crouch, Spiritual Life; David Harpenau, Peace and Justice; Mary Ann Robbins, Stewardship; Mark Verplank, Buildings and Grounds; Josie Watson and Elizabeth Verplank, Youth Advisory Commission. Father Clem and Business Manager Mary Ann McCray are ex-officio, non-voting members of the council. The PC needs continuing parishioner input as it sets the direction for the parish. Here are three ways you can provide that input:
1. The Pastoral Council meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. in the lower level of the church. These meetings are open to all members of the parish. If you have a concern, question or suggestion about something regarding the parish, please come and share that with the Council. 2. For those who find the time and date of PC meetings inconvenient or who prefer not to speak to the council as a whole, each month on the weekend prior to the PC meeting, members of the Pastoral Council will be in the narthex following each Mass. We will wear badges that identify us as PC members. Take these opportunities to share what may concern you. 3. Talk to any of the council members individually. Our names are listed above. Any of us will be glad to talk with you and take your ideas to the PC.
PC members represent you; your ideas and suggestions are important to us. Let us hear from you.
--Mike Keogh
WELCOME HOME CATHOLICS
CONTINUES THE MISSION The parish’s latest session of “Welcome Home Catholics” concluded in October and, armed with the experience of the five-session program, the organizing committee is eager to organize another session during Lent. Two factors are fueling the committee’s enthusiasm: the quality of the sessions and feedback from the participants. Disappointment over the small number of participants (five) was tempered by their positive feedback. Also, the committee believes that the Lenten season is an excellent time of the year for the evangelization efforts. “The big challenge is how to reach people,” explained committee chairman Bill Ehrensberger, a veteran of two previous efforts. While a traditional “recruiting” strategy has been to solicit names from parishioners, it appears that effort should be supplemented with additional outreach through signs posted around town, bulletin announcements, newspaper articles and advertisements and updates posted on our parish Web site, saintbartholomew.org. Additionally, the committee will solicit help from the many parish ministries. Toward that end, the Welcome Home Catholics Committee stands poised to discuss the program with any parish group interested in helping recruit participants for the Lenten session. These brief presentations would stress the importance of evangelization in today’s Church, plus the richness that returning members can bring to our Church through attendance at weekly Mass, participation in the sacraments, socializing with other parishioners and participating in one of our many ministries. Secondly, the committee wants to emphasize the quality of the five sessions: Millie Harmon’s tour of the church; Kathy Davis-Shanks’ explanation of “the uniqueness of the Church,” Tom LeBarbera’s session on the Sacraments; and Father Clem’s explanatory Mass and discussion of the Nicene Creed. The committee would also like to thank the presenters for their time, efforts and commitment to the program.
Anyone who would like further information on the program, or who would like to join the committee or to submit names of possible candidates for the Lenten program, is invited to contact the committee members in person, by phone or e-mail: Bill Ehrensberger 372-9856 [email protected] Davis-Shanks 379-9353 ext. 240 [email protected] McDonald 376-6407 [email protected] McDonald 376-6407 [email protected] Fleetwood 376-0307 [email protected] Harmon 376-8160 [email protected] --John Harmon
MEN – PLEASE READ!
Men, do you believe that you have an influence on your family and the people you love, through your words, actions and beliefs? Do you believe that it is your responsibility to lead by example? Would becoming more active in your faith-life have a positive impact on those you love? Our Church also believes all of these things. And they have given us some very good tools to make sure that we have the opportunity to grow in our faith in order to become a more positive influence on those we love and everyone we come into contact with. One of those tools is a program you may have heard of, but have not yet participated in. It is called Christ Renews His Parish or CRHP. This is a free, two day program that will give you some real-life examples of how other men that you know have applied faith to daily family, work and social lives. You will hear how these men have had positive impacts on their lives and those they love through making better choices based on their faith. CRHP will be offered on the weekend of January 13-14. There is no charge. You will be with many men that you know and there will be tons of good food and time for a little catching up. And, we will have you home on Sunday afternoon in time for the game. So, if you have not yet attended CRHP, please watch for the registration form to come out in the bulletin, and sign up. Our Church believes that this is one of the most important programs we have to offer our parish. You may contact the Religious Education office, ext. 240 – to sign up now or get more information. --John Cord
THE ELIZABETH MINISTRY The Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach to women during the joys and sorrows of the childbearing years. Its purpose is to affirm, support, encourage, and assist women who are expecting a child, who have suffered the loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth, who struggle with the pain of infertility, or who are in the process of adopting a child. This ministry is based upon the visitation story of Mary and Elizabeth. The Elizabeth Ministry consists of a group of women who act as Prayer Partners to offer support through prayers, phone calls, cards, e-mails, and possibly other assistance. By sharing personal stories and similar experiences, women are able to support, encourage, and assist one another during this unique time in their lives.
Currently, the Elizabeth Ministry at St. Bartholomew consists of more than thirty women who have prayed for over twenty expectant mothers and their babies. There have been first-time moms, a mother of triplets, women having their third child, and more. We have experienced some sadness in the ministry as well, and a woman who has “been there” is a powerful aid to someone who is grieving. The Elizabeth Ministry believes that prayer is one of the most powerful gifts given by the Holy Spirit.
If you are currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have experienced loss while trying to get pregnant, know that you are not alone. Please be a part of this beautiful ministry and allow someone to pray for you, your child and your family. If you know someone in the parish who would benefit from the prayers of a woman who can truly empathize with her, the Elizabeth Ministry is here to mourn, support, and encourage her.
Please contact Carolyn Guthrie, the Elizabeth Ministry Coordinator, at 379-2501 or by e-mail at [email protected] if you feel called to the ministry. We would love for you to join us as a minister! Contact the Elizabeth Ministry and experience the grace that God can bestow upon you through one of his many angels here on earth.
--Carolyn Guthrie
SUBSTANCE ABUSE MINISTRY
A new Substance Abuse Ministry is forming at St. Bartholomew. It (SAM) will provide support and direction for affected individuals and families. Bill Jones is leading the ministry and a kickoff meeting was October 24, with leaders from the Archdiocese
helping to form the ministry, provide training materials and facilitate discussion with individuals interested in supporting the ministry. MISSION STATEMENT Addiction is a spiritual illness that disconnects a person: from self, loved ones, and God. The Substance Abuse Ministry (SAM)'s goal is to help these individuals re-connect with self, loved ones, and God. SAM will provide education about addictive disease; increase awareness of the pain in people's lives; and refer those in need to places where help can be found. Support, acceptance, understanding, and healing will be extended to those touched by addiction. POLICY ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE
• When the life of one whom we love is at risk, and when the quality of life for those close to that person is threatened, we are charged with the responsibility to respond in a direct and loving manner.
• Alcohol and drug abuse is epidemic in our society. The entire family is "affected', not just the "afflicted' member. Addiction is an illness that devastates the whole person, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
• Substance abuse is not a moral problem or weakness. The American Medical Association classified alcohol and drug abuse/dependence a primary disease, characterized by distinct stages of development, with specific signs and symptoms. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
• Characteristic of addictive disease is denial, based in shame and maintained by a conspiracy of silence. The first step in addressing the problem is to begin talking about it, thus reducing shame, and opening the door to treatment and recovery of the entire family.
Created by Erik Vagenius @2006 Archdiocese of Indianapolis 10-06 Once the ministry is staffed by volunteers, it will provide confidential aid and support by directing, encouraging and supporting individuals in the parish and community who would like to begin a the process of recovery and healing. If you would like to participate in this ministry, or would like more information, please contact Bill Jones at [email protected] or 376-0308 or the Religious Education Office (812-379-9353 ext. 241). Please note that this ministry is not designed to replace any of the 12 Step programs, but to supplement them with a Catholic spirituality.
--Jack Riester
A REFLECTION ON THE OPTICAL MISSION TO HAITI
Dear Friends of Haiti, Pat Conard will no doubt share with you all the numbers and results of our very interesting and I think successful optical mission. I saw things that I just don’t and won’t see in the U.S. I’d like to share a few other feelings about our trip… As I suspect any travelers to Haiti might, our group also experienced an extremely wide range of emotions in an extremely short period of time:
• the beauty of paradise -- a wealth of God given resources;
• the horror of illness and untimely death; (We saw a young man on the back of a scooter for hire carrying an infant’s casket);
• the joy of children’s laughter at play, their songs, their pride, their smiles;
• the warm gratitude from each patient whose name we
Beep,beep,beep…mopeds passing, carrying typically three people, bumped by. These sounds kept my mind contained in the moment. They were too loud to ignore and kept me focused on “here and now.” This was a wonderful feeling. Every once in a while I heard the rumbling of a partly broken truck making its way around deep ruts in the dirt road. This struck me as the only familiar sound. A garbage truck coming by for pickup? Sadly, so very sadly, ”No. Haiti has no system for garbage pickup. That ditch looks like a good place.” The ditch lengthens eventually into a trash canal, traveling between homes and through the market place. I see a child making her way to school, dressed nicely in a uniform. Each school has its own style of uniform and all the children in that school wear it. Her path crosses the trash heap, and she walks past pigs and goats searching for a meal. Truly an unbelievable sight and only two hours from Florida! Smells also kept me grounded in the moment. They
struggled to pronounce or from the simple “bon jou” spoken, however amateurishly, straight into their eyes;
• the fear of the unknown and the recognition of humanity which connects us despite geography or politics;
• the sincere affection our group shared, and probably always will, for the common experience.
Pictures don’t do justice to the place, the people, or the bond we now share. The whole group, I’m sure, is grateful to the Friends of Haiti for all that you have done to make our very memorable week possible. Thanks again.
--Natalie Olinger-Stine
Editor’s Note: The following is a reflection by parishioner Becky Morone who participated in the Haiti Optical Mission in October.
“PRESENCE IS THE PERFECT PRESENT”
Today I awoke to the quiet hum of the air filter. When I closed my eyes and listened hard I could hear chirps of the birds outside my window. Other than that, it was so very quiet. My mind was clear to think about upcoming daily tasks…what I needed to prepare for work, plan for dinner, make my grocery list, answer emails, return phone calls, pay bills…. Yesterday I awoke to the loud call of a rooster, and then, of course, another one competing with his call and then another one, and another. There must be different types of roosters who have different times they crow since their voices were heard all throughout the early morning, afternoon and evening. Mooing and barking interspersed among the rooster calls combined into a musical lyric. Voices laughing, calling and talking echoed around.
could not be ignored. Burning is the only method of trash removal; plastic fumes, rottenness of trash, donkeys, and perspiration fill the air. However, after a few days of playing with children, holding babies, helping an aged man walk across the room, placing a pair of glasses on an elderly woman who could no longer sew due to decreased vision and then watching her wide thankful grin as she saw again-- these smells became associated with a culture of kind, very patient and respectful people-- people who are to be honored that they can survive in such conditions. Families exist lacking the simple necessities of clean water, electricity, shelter, and adequate food. Today, I put the trash out, place my clothes in the washer, clean out my bags, put away tubes of toothpaste, soap, antibiotic ointment, bug spray, fan, granola bars, books, washcloths, etc. I place them one by one in the cabinet with many other items sitting unused on the shelves. What a wasted abundance of stuff I have! They have so little. I feel burdened by all my stuff. It clutters up the realization of what is truly important in this world. An outstretched hand willing to help is what the world needs. It is now clearer to me than ever in my life, that we are truly the only hands God has. As I was riding back on the plane I saw myself on a cliff, I had flown off of it into a huge expansion of space that I never knew existed. God gave me a lifelong gift of seeing his children in Haiti. When we follow that calling to do something for someone else, no matter how small or how big, I believe that God’s presence surrounds us with a peace and a joy so great that no greater happiness could exist.
--Becky Moron
ST CLARE RECOVERY:
TRIPS TO WAVELAND, MS
Although Hurricane Katrina hit Waveland, MS 14 months ago, the need for help is still so great! In Hancock County, less than 20% of the residents have been able to return to their homes. Most of the displaced are living in FEMA trailers and are struggling to put their lives back together. Volunteers are still desperately needed.
The type of work has changed. When The Catholic Volunteer Center first opened in June 2006, all types of workers were needed. Demolishing homes and clearing lots were the norm. Rebuilding is now occurring. Volunteers are now rebuilding homes so building skills are necessary. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry skills are important.
Ideally, the groups traveling to Waveland will have at least one skilled worker to every two volunteers to insure quality work at residents’ homes. Please prayerfully consider taking a trip to help. If you are not particularly skilled, invite a plumber or an electrician to join your group! The most effective groups are ones with skilled workers to guide and oversee those that are less skilled.
The following trips are currently scheduled. If these do not fit your schedule, plan a week that works for you. For more information- visit www.stclarerecovery.com.
Dec 26-29 Joshua & Erika Vincent,
Alexandria VA Dec 26-30 David Garrison,
St. Martin's, Martinsville IN Dec 26-31 Steve Riga & Daughters,
St. Bartholomew Dec 27-31 Diocese of Winona, MN Dec 27-Jan 2 Aurelia Spicuzza,
Indiana Creek IL Jan 1-7 Fr. Jonathan Meyer & Youth
of Arch Indy, Indianapolis
Jan 13-21 Tom Furnish, Marvin Book & Roger Walton, St. Bartholomew Feb 2-7 Tom & Karen Haggerty, Old St. Pat's, Chicago IL Mar 17-24 Katy Stallings, Julie Schneider
& St. Bartholomew Youth Ministry Mar 24-31 Fr. Jonathan Meyer & Youth
of Arch Indy, Indianapolis
ST. CLARE RECOVERY ACTIVITY REPORT - NOV 2006
5 MONTHS OF WORK = $181,818.30
What began as a 2006 Spring Break vacation for two local Catholic families volunteering in hurricane-devastated Mississippi has now become an effort known as St. Clare Recovery. With the blessing of Archbishop Daniel Buechlein and $15,000 in financial support from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, St. Bartholomew Parish has joined a collaborative effort with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Old St. Pat’s of Chicago to coordinate the long-term recovery of St. Clare Parish in Waveland.
Volunteer coordinator Jane Crady relocated to Waveland to oversee general operations in June. The first group of volunteers arrived on June 8 from St. Bartholomew Church, Columbus, IN. Since that time, St. Clare Recovery has coordinated work efforts of 43 volunteer groups from 16 different states around the country. The number of actual volunteers that have come to help with hurricane relief is 462 people. These volunteers have worked on 42 different properties in the St. Clare Community and have logged 9930 volunteer hours. For every volunteer hour that is worked and recorded in Hancock County, MS, FEMA reduces the fee to that county by $18.31. So taking the 462 volunteer hours contributed by the St. Clare Recovery effort, Hancock County’s FEMA bill was reduced by $181,818.30 over the past five months Yet, more important than any financial measure, the volunteers of St. Clare Recovery were often the FIRST people that arrived to help these homeowners. The work has included roofing, general construction, demolition, electrical, plumbing, insulating, dry wall work, painting, siding, replacing windows, and rebuilding structures. Not only did these volunteers help build homes, but they restored HOPE to so many.
--Sue McCormick
ST. BARTHOLOMEW SCHOOL : WHERE GOOD THINGS HAPPEN
Did you know • St. Bartholomew School students attend Mass
each week as a total school community. Our students provide the instrumental and vocal accompaniment in the choir each week. Our students also have the opportunity to be greeters, altar servers, readers and gift bearers for these liturgies. Our altar servers assist the priest at all the funeral liturgies conducted at our church.
• St. Bartholomew School is accredited by The North Central Association and the State of Indiana.
• Our October parent/teacher conferences had a 99% attendance rate by parents.
• The teachers’ daily attendance rate for 2004-2005 was 99% and last year was 98%.
• St. Bartholomew School has a 21 to 1, student to teacher ratio.
• All of our students are being taught by teachers who are highly qualified in their subject areas.
• 29% of our teachers have masters degrees. • 15 of our 18 classroom teachers have 5 years or
more of classroom experience. Half of them have 10 or more years of experience.
• Our students have the benefits of an art teacher, a PE teacher, a music teacher, a Spanish teacher and a librarian.
• We have an incredible band and music ministry groups!
There is much to celebrate at St. Bartholomew School! The first of these is that we have been named a 2006 Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. This is truly an honor for everyone associated with St. Bartholomew School and parish. This award means that great things are happening with academics, thanks to the hard work of teachers, students and parents and thanks to the incredible financial and spiritual support that we receive from our parish. St. Bartholomew School is one of 240 schools nationwide to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School for 2006. How did we achieve this award? The answer is with dedication to helping students and by making the commitment to reach every student, every day.
Many times people are under the impression that students in Catholic schools do not have the benefit of as many enrichment opportunities both in and out of the classroom as their public school counterparts. Between now and the end of the school year we have many exciting opportunities of which our students can take advantage. For the first time we have a team registered for the Lego League competition which is being hosted at the IUPUC campus. Our middle school Spell Bowl team just competed in the regional competition at Northside Middle School and placed first in its division. St. Bartholomew School is hosting the elementary Spell Bowl competition for the area in mid-November, with most elementary schools from the Columbus area competing. We will hold a National Geographics Geography Bee for our students in January. Middle school students participate in a solar car competition in the spring. We also have two Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl teams that will compete online this year, and a team competing in the Science Bowl. All of these teams are possible because we have teachers who volunteer their time to make sure that students have academic opportunities beyond the classroom setting. We also have parents who volunteer their time to conduct Junior Achievement workshops at various grade levels. Other opportunities for students to practice leadership skills come through our Kindergarten and 7th grade; and 1st and 8th grade buddy program; our 5th and 2nd grade reading buddy program; Student Council; and our music programs that let our students experience leadership through music ministry. Our students all take Spanish through a school-wide Spanish program. New to us this year is a resource teacher who assists both in and outside the classroom with students who have extra needs. At St. Bartholomew School we value the sense of community that comes from our worshipping together during the week and on the weekends. This sense of community is evidenced by such things as our buddy programs and our school-wide Thanksgiving feast. These are just a few of many things that you might not have known about our school. We invite you to get to know us and if you would like to know more, come and talk with us and take a tour of our building. We would be happy to meet with you anytime (372-6830 x223). As parents you make many hard decisions about what is best and most important for your children and their future. St. Bartholomew School is worth the investment of your hard-earned dollars and is definitely worth the investment of your time to learn who we are.
--Kathy J. Schubel, Principal
NEW MEMBERS, BAPTISMS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS
NEW MEMBERS Brian and Cynthia Blavat
Amber Breedlove Jim Burton
Alaina Byers Aleceyn Cooney
Francis and Florence Critney Philip and Connie Deardorff
E. Philip Elliott Cynthia Griswold
Matthew and Shannan Horak Mark and Sandra Kuniewicz
Pete and Lora Lamborn Georgina Londeros
William and Melissa Mahoney Shirles Nudi
Jennifer Personn Carlos and Gloria Silva
Kurt Verkamp
BAPTISMS
July 15, 2006 Paige Kristine Hatter
July 22, 2006
Samantha Esbeidy Gonzalez
July 23, 2006 Madeline Grace Pfanstiel
August 8, 2006
Katherine Marie Treesh
August 19, 2006 Alexis Renee Jones
Bailey Michelle Jones Angel Jesus Zarate Espinoza
August 27, 2006
Jose Francisco Serrano Morales
September 3, 2006 Katherine Louise Cottrill
September 17, 2006
Melissa Zuniga Julissa Zuniga
Andrea A. Zuniga Angel Gabriel Vaca-Abrego
Mia F. Jimenez Angel DeJesus Chicatto Cervantes
September 23, 2006
Alexandra Grace Osburn Steven Ross Zachary
Mateo Santiaago Gamez Lamadrid
October 16, 2006 Janice A. Toennisson
October 28, 2006 Rylan Paul Hottell
Grace Kathryn Traylor Harley Tucker Thayer
Alex Michael Ward
MARRIAGES
July 12, 2006 (Convalidation) Francis J. Davis
Virginia C. Panzer Davis
July 14, 2006 E. Dewayne Janes
Margaret A. Barriger
July 22, 2006 Paul B. House Emily M. Bean
July 29, 2006 (Convalidation)
Sergio Garcia Gandara Sonia Gonzalez Natividad
August 5, 2006 (Convalidation)
Anthony B. Simpson Angelica Torres
September 2, 2006
Stanley C. Rives Sandra J. Sowada
September 9, 2006
Joshua M. Bush Emilee A. Ransdell
September 23, 2006
Jacob L. Fedor Danielle A. Boyce
September 30, 2006 Timothy D. Spindler Jenny Lynn Fulton
October 16, 2006 (Convalidation)
Dale A. Toennisson Janice A. Toennisson
October 21, 2006 (Convalidation)
Michael D. Sullivan Rebecca J. Sullivan
DEATHS July 5, 2006
Julie Dasher Elwood
July 22, 2006 Ruth A. Sturgis
August 4, 2006
Geneva Mae Wickens
August 18, 2006 Harold E. Lane
October 3, 2006
Richard Gerard Donnelly
October 8, 2006 Mary Elizabeth Graffa
October 24, 2006 Isabella T. Martella
PARISH MINISTRY DIRECTORY Pastoral Council
Fr. Clem Davis Bill Algee, Chairperson
376-8739 Patrick McKinney, Vice-Chair
342-2889 Denise Albers, Secretary
342-9762 Virginia Hammond
379-9369 Mike Keogh 376-3955
Carolyn Souza 342-7803
Mike Sullivan 378-9822
Sheryl Tracey 342-9295
Raquel Cavazos-Wenning 379-2551
Board of Education Kate Connor, Representative
579-9147 Building and Grounds Ministry Mark Verplank, Representative
372-5305 Finance Committee
Jeff Fetterer, Representative 372-0865
Spiritual Life Darleen Crouch, Representative
372-3430 Peace & Justice Ministry
David Harpenau, Representative 379-2642
Stewardship Ministry Mary Ann Robbins, Representative
376-3706
Board of Total Catholic Education Kate Connor, President
579-9147 Janice Russell, Vice President
342-0999 Sandy Neidigh, Secretary
379-4568 Kristin Bridges
546-9324 Martha Dwenger
579-6911 Edith Hess-Olivera
812-392-2230 Carol Lyvers
375-0046 Jim Preusz 378-4560
Alan Schwenk 342-6406
Finance Ministry
Jeff Fetterer, Chairperson 372-0865
Jacob Brown, Vice-Chair 372-5237
Amy Kaiser, Secretary 372-3999
Melinda Engelking 342-4913
Brian Graman 342-1694
Tom Johnson 342-0975 Bob Ryan 342-6287
David Seiwert 342-0755
Brett Vanderkolk 378-3086
Religious Ed Director
Kathy Davis-Shanks 379-9353 Ext. 240
St. Bartholomew School Kathy Schubel, Principal
379-9353 Ext. 223
Youth Ministry Coordinator Katy Stallings
379-9353 Ext. 238
Cursillo Information Jerry & Paula Stahl
372-9152
Healing Ministry Ron Beard 372-0451
Pro-Life Contact
Paula Stahl 372-9152
Gabriel Project Eileen Hartman
342-9550
Business ManagerMary Ann McCray 379-9353 Ext. 233
Liturgy Coordinator
Millie Harmon 379-9353 Ext. 236
Director, Music Ministry
Bogdan Minut 379-9353
Parish Nurse
Rebecca Sullivan, R.N. 379-9353 Ext. 333
Hispanic Ministry Coordinator
Maria Nieto 379-9353 Ext. 235
St. Clare Recovery
Mary Parks 379-9353 Ext. 336
Parish Organization Leaders
Organizations, Contact Persons, Meeting Dates and Times Board of Total Catholic Education Contact: Kate Connor Meeting: Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm St. Bartholomew Catholic School Cafeteria Building and Grounds Ministry Contact: Vince Pongracz Meeting: First Saturday of each month, 8:00 am, St. Bartholomew Church, Lower Level Communications Ministry Contact: Millie Harmon Daughters of Isabella Contact: Helen Deppe Meeting: Fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm, at the home of Mary Deppe (372-8414) Ecumenical Assembly Representatives Pat Bridgetts and Cathy Rush Ecumenical Assembly Board meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm Finance Ministry Contact: Jeff Fetterer Meeting: Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 pm, St. Bartholomew Church, Lower Level Friends of Haiti Contact: Judy Harpenau Meeting: Third Thursday of each month Gabriel Project Contact: Eileen Hartman Healing Ministry Contact: Ron Beard Hispanic Ministry Contact: Maria Nieto
Knights of Columbus Contact: Marvin Book Ladies Council Contact: Judy Jackson Meeting: First Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm, St. Bartholomew Church, Lower Level Liturgy Planning Ministry Contact: Millie Harmon Men’s Ministry Contact: John Cord and Dave Wildemann Breakfast: First Thursday of each month, 6:30 a.m., St. Bartholomew Church, Lower Level Pastoral Council Contact: Bill Algee Meeting: Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm, St. Bartholomew Church, Lower Level Peace and Justice Ministry Contact: Pat Conard Meeting: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm, St. Bartholomew Church, Lower Level Pro-Life Contact: Paula Stahl Meeting: Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm, St. Bartholomew Church, Lower Level PTO Contact: Natalie Olinger-Stine Stewardship Ministry Contact: Mary Ann Robbins Meeting: Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm, St. Bartholomew Church, Lower Level
BartholoNEWS is a quarterly publication produced by theCommunications Ministry: Robin Hilber, Millie Harmon, Bob Burger. Publication decisions are governed by Pastoral Council policy which states that all communication to parishioners must be approved by the pastor or his office.
ST. BARTHOLOMEW CATHOLIC PARISH 1306 27th Street
Columbus, IN 47201
