Welcome to The 2021 February Effect |
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Random thoughts from your President |
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Letting Go
Lately I have been thinking about the woman who reached out to touch Jesus’ garment believing if she touched it, she would be healed. She had such a great faith. That image of the hand and the garment is a powerful picture. All she had to do was reach out in Faith and believe. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
Sometimes, when I think of that image, I see a hand (my hand?) reaching for Jesus’ garment but it does not quite grasp it. Maybe outside the frame of the picture is something holding her back. Maybe it is the need to control, the fear of being helpless or admitting she can’t do something. Or maybe it is as simple as thinking God has so many requests for healing and help with finances or the return of a loved one – important things – and that her request is not important in the big picture. And this holds her back and she does not make the connection needed.
As I have worked through some medical issues this past month, I prayed. I asked others to pray for me. I offered my sufferings up for others. Finally, one day I reached the point when I knew I was not in control. I turned to God and told Him I needed His help. I let go of my control, my suffering, my anxiety and put it all in His hands. That was when I “turned the corner” and reached out in faith. Turning things over to God requires us to let go of our ways and put our trust in God.
In his book, I Heard God Laugh, Matthew Kelly talks about turning everything over to God – that He is with us in every detail and aspect of our lives. Whether it be the daily chores of caring for our family, a situation at work or a spiritual concern, God is there. No request is too great or too small for God to take on. If it affects us, God is waiting to be asked to join in our pain or suffering. We should reach for that garment when things are tough or we are in need, knowing God is all merciful.
Every day there are things we can share with God, Reach for the garment and tell Him of the disappointments of the day, tell Him of the person who needs help, but also tell him of the little victories of the day, the joyful moments, the beauty you see. Share it all with God.
God waits. I pray we all have the faith and the courage to reach for His garment knowing He is there for us at all times.
Kathy Rowell. Jesus, I trust in You.
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Trudy Burenheide- President Elect |
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Do I think of myself as a disciple of Christ?
Or is it easier to consider myself a basically good person that attends church, serves on a committee or two that calls on God in time of need?
Where do I find my identity? Is it important for me to dress like, to do things like my cousin, my neighbor, my co-workers? To have popular posts on Facebook, Instagram? Do I want to be like the friend I admire?
Or do I find my identity as a daughter of my beloved? A daughter of Christ? Is Jesus on my mind and heart every morning when I wake up, every, night when I go to bed? Does the Holy Spirit accompany me throughout the day? Is he always present to strengthen me, to give me courage and wisdom? To help me grow in my relationship with Christ?
When Jesus sends out his Apostles to share the Gospel he tells them, “go therefore and make disciples of all nations,” Mt 28:19-20. Jesus isn’t just saying to go and teach them my Word, he is saying to “make them disciples”. To be imitators of Christ is what makes a disciple. Knowledge is important, but to be a disciple we must imitate Christ. In 1 Corinthians 4: 16-17 Paul tells his own disciples, “I urge you, then be imitators of me. Therefore, I sent to you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.”
Christian life is about becoming the person God created us to be. It’s about imitating Christ in all that we think, say, and do. It is a lifelong process, each day we begin again.
Ladies, let’s pray for one another, that we will always call ourselves disciples of Christ, and that each day we grow more and more in imitation of Christ.
After reading and reflecting on an essay by Edward Sri in “Faith and Culture” titled, Be Transformed as a Disciple” I wanted to share highlights with you. Dr. Edward Sri’s book, Into His Likeness: Be Transformed as a Disciple of Christ, was listed as a resource.
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Spirituality Commission - Ellen Jirovsky
ellenjirovsky@outlook.com - 402-705-2612
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To all the wonderful ladies of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska: Be happy in the fact that we are watched by other dioceses in the nation. We are imitated and some of our projects are modeled by others. Our Priests are great in number, and our seminarians are a highlight of our spiritual community life. And our ladies, You, are known for your hard work and faith! Each and every one of you contributes in individual ways all year long. Even if you do not make it to meetings, you may be busy with the parish or school, some of you are at home—with little ones, or praying or suffering for Christ. That is a ministry, also.
Beth Ruhl, married to Mike, is our liason from LDCCW to PAX (Pi Alpha Chi) Sorority. She had a baby girl in December! Congratulations and welcome to the world little Gwen! (Beth is a former member of PAX Sorority herself as a student at UN-L.)
The days are warm right now, but by the time this reaches you, we may have a couple snowstorms again. But Spring is coming!
Sometimes we forget to look at everyday miracles. They are there! We at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Seward had a big miracle last fall. Three years ago, newly ordained Fr. Allan Phan came to be assistant pastor in our parish. In the fall 2019, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Immediately prayers began from the parish, support in all ways...soup supper and coffee & rolls Sunday, financial gifts to help offset the costs. The school children prayed and sent letters. Fr. Phan went through chemotherapy, later radiation. He was in a lot of pain, but never let it show. He continued teaching and saying Mass, until operations in when he was scheduled for an operations in June 2020 and August 2020. He weighed only 105 pounds. Many foods were denied him because he is allergic to milk and all dairy, plus then could not have fibrous foods, acidic ones, foods with seeds, skins; or leafy greens. It was difficult to get him donated suppers. The Aquinas students prayed, the RCIA students prayed, his Lincoln friends prayed. AND early last fall, Father Phan was declared cancer free!! Another miracle is, his mother joined the Catholic church on Divine Mercy Sunday, with Father Phan privileged to welcome her into the faith. His father is currently praying. A good start to his conversion. Thank You, Jesus, Mother Mary, St. Joseph, and All the Saints!
This year of dedication to St. Joseph should remind us that He was the man designated to take total care of the Child Jesus from birth through all the years he was growing up. St. Joseph will be our guide through the next year of changing government and continuing pandemic.
As we Pray and Trust, take the present situation of our government seriously. We must stand pro-life and for American values, Christian morals. It is our Nation’s legacy, what made us strong. Let us watch closely for socialist ideas slipping into our lives. Speak out for what is right and good. Write letters.
A note on Covid 19: Take the world-wide pandemic seriously. We are not done with it yet. A vaccine and its follow up may help, but stay safe and wear a mask. Wear plastic gloves if you can. The Spanish flu of 1918 took many thousands of lives in America, then spread to Europe and killed more people than World War I. It then returned and in 1928 it was again a scourge to America. Put that image of Divine Mercy on your front door—so far it has worked for us on protection from the flu.
A friend told me maybe our future has been thrust upon us sooner than we expected; working from home, school via the internet, home goods and groceries on line, mail order and UPS for everything, doctors visits virtually, medicines by mail.
What about our extended families? What about Mass? What about parish unity, group prayer and Bible study? What about our children and their social development? Faith development? Learning to be with other kids? Wholesome activities?
Pray for these things. Pray that we can again see the lonely lady get a hug from the little child at Mass.
“Peace Be With You.”
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Divine Mercy Chair- Jeanette Stengel
jstengel15@gmail.com - 402-759-4811
Divine Mercy Sunday - April 11, 2021
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The Church calls us to evangelize and being familiar with the Message is another way to share our Catholic faith. How many times do we hear of the Birth of Jesus….same story year after year? The Message from Jesus to Saint Faustina is still the same….year after year. How well do we know the Message, believe and follow as Jesus commands?
Begin to plan for a Divine Mercy Celebration in your parish. If you don't celebrate this special day, go to your priest and offer to assist him with preparations. Refer to the end of this article and use the info offered. This will enable you to utilize some suggestions for your celebration. Check to make certain you have ample pamphlets and M17 booklets available for your parishioners.
Divine Mercy is the heart of the gospel. Jesus said, "My Heart overflows with great mercy for souls, and especially for poor sinners…It is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from My Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy. For them I dwell in the tabernacle as King of Mercy (Diary, 367).
THE IMAGE OF DIVINE MERCY - Jesus told St. Faustina to have an image painted according to the pattern you see with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. The two rays denote Blood and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water and the red ray stands for the Blood.
THE FEAST OF MERCY - It is My desire that the Feast be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment (Diary, 699). Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.
VENERATION OF THE IMAGE - I want the Image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it (Diary, 341). There must be acts of mercy…..I demand from you deeds of mercy which are to arise out of love for Me. 1. Celebrate the Feast; 2. Sincerely repent of all our sins; 3. Completely trust in Jesus; 4. Go to Confession; 5. Receive Holy Communion on the day of the Feast; 6. Venerate the Image of Divine Mercy; 7. Be merciful to others.
PROCLAIMING MERCY - Tell My priests that hardened sinners will repent on hearing their words when they speak about My unfathomable mercy, about the compassion I have for them in My Heart. I will anoint their words and touch the hearts of those to whom they will speak (Diary 1521). A - Ask for His Mercy. B - Be Merciful to Others. C - Completely Trust in Jesus.
THE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY - It's good to pray the Chaplet during the "Hour of Great Mercy" -----3 o'clock each afternoon recalling the time of Christ's death on the cross. Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death (687). Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation.
THE NOVENA - On Good Friday, 1937, Jesus requested that St. Faustina make a special novena before the Feast of Mercy, from Good Friday through the following Saturday. I will grant every possible grace to souls (796).
This is only a summary from the Divine Mercy Diary of St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy Message and Devotion (M17 booklet). Purchase at any Catholic bookstore,
call 1-800-462-7426 or visit website www.marian.org.
Daily Inspirations go to LiveMercy. org
JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU!
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Ash Wednesday is cancelled in the Sutton/Hastings area, reports Jennifer Johnson.
The Ash Wednesday report from Jo Fujan advises Waverly/Lincoln Retreat Day will go on schedule as usual. Fr. Sean Kilkawley will be the host for the Day. Men & Women are invited. Registration needed—no on-line talks—in person only. Bring a sack lunch, drinks will be provided.
to register. Ash Wednesday is Feb. 17th, 2021. Times are 8:00 am-3:00 pm.
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Service Commission - Kathy Rentschler
Krentschler21@gmail.com 402-423-8210
8200 S. 91st Street Lincoln, NE 68526 402-429-4706
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February is the month that Valentine’s Day is celebrated. Saint Valentine known as St Valentine of Rome, was a recognized 3rd century saint, who was martyred on February 14. He is associated with the tradition of courtly love. He was a priest or bishop(unsure) that was an evangelizer. He was beaten and beheaded for his attempts to convert romans to Christianity.
The Catholic Church celebrates World Marriage day on the Sunday nearest February 14. It is up to the local parish how they would like to celebrate this special day. Blessings at Mass, Luncheons, flowers can all be used. The Service commission also supports the annual Joy and Hope Anniversary Mass and Reception held at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln. This mass honors couples that are celebrating any number of years of marriage. A registration form for the couples is printed in the Southern Nebraska Register, about 4-6 weeks prior to the event. Unfortunately, due to the Covid illness, this year’s event is cancelled. They are planning a celebration February 13, 2022. Watch the Family Life office website for details.
Engaged encounter, marriage encounter and retrouvaile fall under this topic. Virtual Marriage enrichments are being presented. March 7@ 2pm –“When a dozen roses isn’t enough”- is about a 2 hour zoom presentation on how to use forgiveness to strengthen your relationship. Registration is free, but limited. Registration deadline is 3 days prior to the event. Email -Steve.Heidi.Prentup@wwme.org.
This is the link to World Marriage Day which is sponsored by Worldwide
Marriage Encounter -
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Leadership Commission - Judy Weston
ldccwleadership@gmail.com 402-984-5856
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Important notice !
There will be an online dialogue on President Biden, U.S. Bishops, and Pope Francis
How to promote Catholic Principles in a Divided Church and Nation.
Please click here to RSVP. It may be past the date to RSVP but hopefully it will be a recorded presentation.
I want to mention that now more than ever it is important to be aware of what is going on in our government. All laws affect us, and we need to know proper writing techniques and how to convey our message to our representatives.
The lawmakers may feel our focus as pro-life is only for the unborn, but we believe in life from conception to natural death. Consider how we would phrase our argument to a person who is for abortion. As a caregiver, and a senior citizen, this is always on my mind to ensure my family member can be called to their Heavenly home when God calls them home. Now more than ever, we need to be aware and it is our God given duty to fight for all life!
Social media has been a wonderful tool when sharing information. Please make sure that what you share is accurate and your response is not negative.
As Council of Catholic Women, maybe spend your meeting how to rehearse how you would respond to key issues.
We did discuss extensively about praying for our country at different times. Please consider what you might do for a spiritual bouquet for our nation.
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Update your rosters
If you are having trouble logging into the spreadsheet please text me at 402-984-5856 and I will coach you through it.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2021 EVENTS
Orleans Deanery – St. Monica prayers
February 2 – Presentation of the Lord
February 14 – World Marriage Day/Valentines Day
February 17 – Ash Wednesday
2021 Parish Contributions due
Charitable Works survey due end of January
Holy Father’s Intention: Violence Against Women – We pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded.
Year of Saint Joseph - 15 ways to gain an indulgence in the Year of St. Joseph (listed in the December 18 issue of the Southern Nebraska Register). I will pick one to highlight each month.
February 2021 -- #2 Pray for Saint Joseph’s Intersession for the Unemployed that they might find dignifying work.
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