SJN Blog Aggregation

The Holy Work of Financial Generosity

bechly@comcast.net (Dennis Bechly) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:07:48 +0000

Please click on the link below to download Simplified Giving forms for either credit cards or checking/savings accounts.

{phocadownload view=file|id=417|target=s}

The Holy Work of Financial Generosity

I wouldn’t describe myself as holy, but I have been involved in some holy work here at St. John Neumann. I know that our work is holy when I see its transformative power in participants, recipients, and, yes, even in me. It’s easy to notice these transformations when it is tangible work that I am doing – preparing liturgies, collaborating on events, talking with people, etc. But when it comes to the work of financial giving, it’s not so easy to discern the difference that my donations make. My husband and I contribute to St. John Neumann through electronic giving. That removes us one more step from noticing how our dollars affect the day to day ministries of our parish.

When I stop to think about it I realize that over the years the holy work of giving to my parish has helped me to become less selfish, less self-serving. It has allowed me to let go of control of how “my” money is spent. It has helped me not to focus on what I deserve for my labors, but on what I receive in abundance from participating so fully in the life of the church and ministries of Jesus Christ.

When I stop to think about it I realize that my husband and I are doing our small part to help the parish meet the spiritual needs of those who come to us – without counting the cost. Each contribution makes it that much easier for St. John Neumann to provide the staff, liturgies and programs of which we all can be both proud and grateful.

Yes, I have come to believe that financial generosity to support the community one loves is holy, transformative work. It is among the costs of discipleship. Giving allows all of us to embrace the calling to build the reign of God here and now and in the world to come.

Virginia Stillwell

Pastoral Associate for Liturgy

Bringing Jesus’ Peace to Others

“…In light of the Gospel’s invitation to be peacemakers, our commitment to solidarity with our neighbors—at home and abroad—also demands that we promote peace and pursue justice in a world marred by terrible violence [personal suffering] and conflict…” (53) Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, USCCB

The greetings of peace we hear in Sunday’s gospel, as is the case with all of Jesus’ words, comes wrapped in challenges and multiple blessings. St. John Neumann, through its justice and charity ministries daily shows our commitment to LOVE Jesus and have the faith to ask how He has called us to KEEP his words of peace so that all may know his compassionate love. St. John Neumann, as recipients of parishioners’ generous and sacrificial gifts, gives witness to the mission of our parish by generously giving to social ministry causes that uplift and transform the world as Jesus commands of us.

Your financial generosity as well as participation in ministry makes our outreach possible. Just last year, Loaves and Fishes served an average of 550 meals a month, almost double the previous year’s number. Men’s Emmaus and other committed ministry participants made it possible for over 50 men a night to have overnight shelter during this long and cold winter. Our Military Service Support Ministry provides prayer and support through brunches for the families whose relatives are undergoing treatment at the VA Hospital and who are staying at the Fisher House near the hospital. We opened our doors three times for Families Moving Forward and provided housing for homeless families as well as friendship, nursery and meals. We are grateful for the more than 250 families in our Latino community. We financially support the Eagan Resource Center, which is the largest provider in Dakota County of food support. We maintain our financial and spiritual commitment to our sister parish and native community at Blessed Kateri. Our Lenten Almsgiving collected almost $8,000 for CCHD to fight national poverty. We provided several sales and over $17,000 to co-ops that provide for just wages for families around the globe through Just Marketplace ministries. Our Giving Tree collected $14,660.00 for those in need during the Christmas season. In the spring we collect furniture for Bridging and provided 27 families with intake appointments to fill their homes with furniture. We are the only Catholic parish in Dakota County that offers this.

We passionately educate our whole parish on Catholic social teachings and have provided hundreds of concrete opportunities for families to serve together. We continue our commitment to our adopted sister Tatiana in Nicaragua. We collaborate with Bonnie Serio to provide a summer faith formation program to our TWEENS to engage them in Catholic social ministry. We were able to cover the cost of a Habitat build and even take part in the dedication of the home for the family. We gave over $50,000 for the Guatemala mission. Thank you for allowing us to do this and so much more.

Our mission statement profoundly describes our commitment of solidarity with those who lack peace in their lives: We call each other to an active sacramental life of loving Jesus Christ and serving others through our generosity, prayerful worship, dedication to formation, and commitment to justice.

Your financial giving allows us to make contributions to the local and global common good that would not be possible otherwise. Part of the resources needed to do this wonderful work is our two full-time staff positions, space, Sunday celebration, ministries, ministry participants, etc. Please help us to continue to be life giving source and expand what we are able to give to the mission fields. What we do is what distinguishes us from other faith communities and reflects our Catholic values.

By committing to be a culture of generous and sacrificial giving rather than a culture of consumption we keep Jesus’ words of peace. Thank you for your help in collaborating with us and welcome to those who may not have known the breadth of our commitment to gospel values.

Yours in Christ,

Danielle Baas Molliver

Pastoral Associate Justice &Charity/Latino Ministry

Pastor's Column April 21, 2013

The Holy Work of Financial Generosity

My friends and family love to exchange “Did you hear what the preacher said” stories. (Maybe you’ve played this game once or twice?) One of my favorites was told to me by an American priest visiting in Ireland. He said the ancient, wizened pastor who delivered this doozy was barely able to shuffle to the pulpit and look above it. The rant he delivered went something like this:

“God sent his prophet, Moses, to his people. And who listened to him? Not a single one.

God sent his own son, to the people. And who among them listened to God’s own son? Not a single one.

And God sent you your pastor, and which one of you listens to him? Not bloody one of you!” Then he sat down.

Here’s another preaching story: When I was in high school, the very elderly pastor of the small town into which we had just moved finished his homily this way. He pointed to all of the teenagers and yelled, “And I know what you’re all doing in the choir loft, don’t think that I don’t!” My dad, with eyebrows raised, looked at me. I rolled my eyes back at him. Clearly, this small town would be more interesting than I imagined!

The next pastor, appointed later that year, also had some strong opinions: every family had to help at the festival, the church WAS going to sing during Mass, and it was no longer going to publish the “scandal sheet.” That was a report listing what everyone gave financially to the parish, including names and amounts. Everyone said they hated it. And everyone read it cover to cover.

Even without the scandal sheet, Fr. Simon had clear expectations about financial contributions, which I remember forty years later: if you have an income, even if you are a teen, you give a portion to the parish. It is who we are. When you have more, you give more. When you have less, you give what you can. At eighteen, the teenagers were expected to register in the parish as adults and we used our own envelopes.

My dad thought teens donating was a “lot of hooey,” especially since I was starting college. But it made an impression about what it means to belong to parish – not just “go to” a church. He threw out the envelopes. I called the parish and got more.

Over the years the values of that small town church have stayed with me. Go to Mass even when you don’t feel like it because someone else might need you to be there; if your family is fighting with another, you don’t have to sit by each other but you do need to work on settling your argument; if you’ve got a talent, use it. And it takes everyone’s involvement and contribution to make a great church.

When my husband and I give to the churches in which we are members, we recognize that we are participating in ministries well beyond what we’re receiving. Through our financial gift, we directly help: provide faith formation for special needs children; assure that there is a comforting presence to the ill, homebound and the grieving; maintain buildings that shelter worship and ministry; educate thousands of children in our shared belief and faith; provide meals to the hungry; reach out in mission work; build a God-centered community, and share the Good News, to name just a few of the ministries. It’s a privilege to share this holy work with you. And, when there’s a chance, share a few preaching stories!

Judy Doonan-Twohy, Pastoral Associate, Faith Formation

Pastor Column April 14, 2013

The Holy Work of Financial Generosity

In this joyous Easter season it is easy to feel grateful to God for our worshipping community at St. John Neumann. The Holy Week services were excellent opportunities to meet the divine in word, song, feet washing, water, oil, light, and bread and wine. And in Minnesota how wonderful it is to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord in our beautiful and hopeful springtime season.

In this Easter Season we are also grateful for all the ways you support and sustain our parish through offering your gifts and talents and the holy work you do in financially supporting the parish. If you are a new parishioner you have heard me speak of the holy work of financial giving. It is holy work because it causes us to extend beyond our own desires and think about supporting the work and worship of our community. It is holy work because I have to make a conscious moral choice about what I do with my money when I’d rather keep it all for myself. I believe I am a better person for making that conscious moral choice. Contributing financially to the parish is holy work because we are God’s holy people striving to be the community Jesus wants us to be.

The community of St. John Neumann is about the work of Jesus Christ and his mission to transform ourselves and the world. We might think that the money it takes to support the parish is the business end of parish life and not about our mission and ministry. Nothing could be further from the truth. Your financial contributions are all about the mission and ministry of the parish.

We are currently projecting a financial shortfall at the end of our fiscal year on June 30. We have been reducing expenses as much as possible and hoping that our weekly contributions will rise. We strive to be the kind of parish that people of faith can call home and do not want a financial shortfall to force us to make decisions that could affect our mission.

So at this joyful time of the year, I invite you to think about how you are financially supporting the parish. If you are giving what you can, thank you for your holy work. If you can start giving or increase your giving, thank you for your holy work. If you could make a one-time financial gift, thank you for your holy work.

Blessings on all our holy work and our mission,

Barb Orzechowski, MA

Pastoral Associate for Shared Ministry

Fr. Charlie's Talk on the Moving of the Church Tabernacle [AUDIO]

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 07:03:27 +0000

{preachit 249, audio}

Fr. Charlie's Talk on the Moving of the Church Tabernacle [AUDIO]

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 07:03:27 +0000

{preachit 249, audio}

Distracted Pray-er

hagen.ray_1@gmail.com (Administrator) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 06:14:34 +0000

Dear Mass Manners,

I have a question. My husband and I go into the Sanctuary about 15 minutes before church starts and I there are a few people that keep talking until mass starts. Do some people think no kneelers - no praying upon taking our seats before mass so they talk? This is the time for one to be quiet and prepare our souls for mass and also going into the sanctuary is like going into God's house (heaven). People need to be respectful of others in the area who are meditating or praying before mass. When we walk into the sanctuary we should still our soul. God does speak to us through our soul.
Sincerely,

Distracted Pray-er

Dear Distracted Pray-er,

My dear, I can tell that you are a devout person who wants what is best for all her fellow worshippers. I'm sure you hope to allow people some quiet prayer time before Mass. This is a laudable aim, however difficult it may be in our worship space, where musicians and other ministers are preparing for the Sacred Liturgy. That being said, it seems only common courtesy for people to take loud conversations into the gathering space, where everyone else is hugging and chatting anyway. Not that I have anything against hugging and chatting. These are two of my favorite occupations! The Church teaches, and we know from our own experience, that we can find Christ present in the quiet of our souls, in the Holy Mass, AND in the People of God who gather to give thanks and praise. But sometimes people get so excited to connect with other members of the Body of Christ, that they do not notice someone praying in the pew right next to them!

Of course everyone is welcome to pray in the worship space, but do let me take this opportunity to remind all my readers to visit our lovely Blessed Sacrament chapel on the other side of the gathering space. This is truly a quiet, peaceful space where one can enter into silent prayer and meditation in the presence of our Lord in the tabernacle. I highly recommend it.

Yours truly,

Mass Manners

Paul Martodam Receives CCUSA’s Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award

bechly@comcast.net (Dennis Bechly) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:19:41 +0000

Paul Martodam Receives CCUSA’s Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award

Every year at the CCUSA Annual Gathering, the Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to social service programming for children. Join us in congratulating Paul Martodam, who will receive this year’s Bishop Sullivan Award at the CCUSA Annual Gathering in St. Louis.

While Paul’s tenure with Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis was much shorter than he had planned, he earned the support of the Archbishop, the Board of Directors, a host of community leaders and donors and the many staff he worked with. Based on more than 35 years of leadership within Catholic Charities in Minnesota and Arizona, he was able to quickly consolidate the strategic thinking that had gone on in the organization and from it developed a strategic plan with the Leadership Team. Many adjustments were also made to deal with the economic downturn, keeping the organization programmatically and financially strong.

Prior to serving with Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, he held leadership positions for 12 years in St. Cloud and moved south to Phoenix, where he served Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Phoenix for 17 years as CEO. During his tenure in Phoenix, the budget of the organization grew from $8 million to $35 million, including nationally recognized innovative programs in prostitution recovery and poverty reduction. Paul served on the national Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities USA from 2005 to 2011, and he continues to serve on the Finance Committee of the Board. Paul also served on the Board of Directors of the Council on Accreditation from 1999 to 2005.

Recently, Minnpost illustrated Paul’s accomplishments with Catholic Charities in St. Paul and Minneapolis as well as his work in Crookston and St. Cloud, MN and Arizona. The article shared Paul’s vision for a united, national effort to end poverty while highlighting his leadership role during the renovation of the Dorothy Day Center, an emergency shelter in St. Paul and the building of Higher Ground, an innovative housing program in Minneapolis. Paul is quoted in the article saying, “We can end poverty. We don’t have poverty because of a lack of resources. It depends on what we set our minds to do.”

Outside of his Catholic Charities work, Paul also brings his compassion into his volunteer work with his church, St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Eagan, MN, an organization who regularly volunteers with Catholic Charities programs. As a faithful and dedicated parishioner, he has willingly shared his gifts with his faith community through project management, negotiating, praying for others, public speaking, spiritual growth, writing, as well as serving as a Eucharistic Minister. Paul is a virtuous and valuable member of each community he shares his talents and passion with. He brings a true and loving dedication to end poverty in our community that is spread throughout the Twin Cities.

Paul Martodam Receives CCUSA’s Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award

bechly@comcast.net (Dennis Bechly) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:19:41 +0000

Paul Martodam Receives CCUSA’s Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award

St. John Neumann welcomes Fr. Scott Traynor

bechly@comcast.net (Dennis Bechly) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 21:23:13 +0000

St. John Neumann welcomes Father Scott Traynor from the diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Father Traynor spent his youth as a member of our parish and is returning as the celebrant and homilist for the Saturday, June 16, 5:00 P.M. Mass. Fr. Scott is the son of John and Donna Traynor who are also celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Welcome Father Scott Traynor and congratulations to John and Donna!

St. John Neumann welcomes Fr. Scott Traynor

bechly@comcast.net (Dennis Bechly) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 21:23:13 +0000

Sacrament of the Sick

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:21:29 +0000

Is the Sacrament of the Sick for those who are dying of a serious illness or is it for those who are living with a serious illness? This is not meant to be a trick question but rather a way to illustrate that, as Catholics, we may think quite differently about when it is appropriate to receive this sacrament. The Church’s teaching about the reception of this sacrament has changed over time, so it isn’t surprising that there are differing opinions about when and how often an individual Catholic should be anointed. The Church has always emphasized the need to care for the sick among us, following the example of Jesus himself, who demonstrated on nearly every page of the gospels his desire to heal the human person.

And the kind of healing Jesus brought about was holistic; not only was the person’s body healed of disease, but the person’s spirit was heal-ed from sin and death. Jesus healed the entire person - body, mind, and soul - and the early Church continued to heal those who were sick as a sign of God’s desire for our complete well being. For example, St Paul lists healing as one of the spiritual gifts that has been given for the benefit of the community, and the apostle James makes it clear that the use of oil and prayer was something that was com-monplace in the community. (James 5:14-15). But, during the Middle Ages the Church’s teaching about the sacrament shifted from healing in one’s life to anointing as a preparation for one’s death. This interpretation gradually prevailed and over time the sacrament was no longer received at the beginning of a serious illness but instead administered only at the end of life. It wasn’t until the Second Vatican Council that the healing emphasis of the sacrament was restored, with the Council stating that this sacrament “is not only for those who are at the point of death…but for anyone of the faithful who is in danger of death from sickness or old age” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 73).

If you or a loved one is living with a serious illness, the time to receive the Sacrament of the Sick is now. The sacrament is meant to bring comfort to someone who is living with a serious illness rather than a final act at the mo-ment of death. In the sacrament we pray that the sick be healed in body, in soul, and in spirit. God alone knows what kind of healing the sick need most; that a wound be healed; that a fear be changed to confidence; that confusion in the face of all the whys be turned to insight. The Sacrament of the Sick is a sign that we are not alone in our suffering; God is always present, giving us strength, peace, and courage to fully trust in God. And once you are anointed there is no need to repeat the anointing unless your illness worsens or you are diagnosed with a new serious illness. If you would like to be anointed, come to the chapel immediately following these Masses. If you are unable to attend either of these times next weekend but would like to schedule a time to be anointed, please contact either of us at 651-454-2079, Suzie Mrkvicka at x8590 or Anne Tiller at x8589.

Sacrament of the Sick

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:21:29 +0000

Ministry Appreciation and Celebration 2012

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:03:51 +0000

Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not: see, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
Is. 43:18-19

A Celebration of the St. John Neumann School of Discipleship

This weekend after all the Masses, the entire parish is invited to gather in the social hall to be a part of celebrating all the ways parishioners at St. John Neumann participate in our ministries. This is not an event to recognize just a few people, but an event for all of us to celebrate and appreciate the hundreds of different ways this faith community unites in service to make a difference in the lives of people and in our world. As Catholic Christians, our faith is to be lived beyond Sunday mornings; it is a way of life that springs forth from Jesus’ commandment to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. During most of the year those participating in ministries spend their time in service, but this weekend we pause to gather and mark this time in a celebration of thankfulness for the good that comes from our work.

In this celebration we praise God and thank each other because no one person alone could bring about the good that we accomplish together. In today’s reading from Isaiah we heard, “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not: see, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” At St. John Neumann, something new is continually springing forth. We are feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, visiting the sick, and comforting those grieving while at the same time we are offering praise and worship to God, working for justice, educating our children, and through all these selfless acts of service we are tutoring each other in our living school of discipleship. But it is not enough to have these acts of sacrificial service spring forth, we must also take the time to perceive it and acknowledge that as a faith community we are intentional in what we are called by God to do for others and for our world.

As a community we take on these tasks through the lens of our faith. Do you not perceive it?

Barb Orzechowski, MA Pastoral Associate for Shared Ministry

Ministry Appreciation and Celebration 2012

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:03:51 +0000

Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not: see, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
Is. 43:18-19

A Celebration of the St. John Neumann School of Discipleship

As a community we take on these tasks through the lens of our faith. Do you not perceive it?

Barb Orzechowski, MA Pastoral Associate for Shared Ministry

2012 Catholic Services Appeal [VIDEO]

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

2012 Catholic Services Appeal [VIDEO]

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

State of the Parish 2012 [VIDEO]

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:11:19 +0000

Fr. Charlie Lachowitzer, pastor of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Eagan, MN, gives his State of Parish address at the Parish Leadership meeting January 26, 2012.

State of the Parish 2012 [VIDEO]

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:11:19 +0000

Fr. Charlie Lachowitzer, pastor of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Eagan, MN, gives his State of Parish address at the Parish Leadership meeting January 26, 2012.

The Greeting

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:38:43 +0000

The following is a reflection on the greeting of the priest "The Lord be with You" and the people's reply, "And with your spirit." The information was shared with us by Fr. John Paul Erickson, Director of the Office of Worship, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and based on materials of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. Enjoy!

Virginia Stillwell, Liturgy and Worship

At the beginning of Mass, immediately after the Sign of the Cross, the celebrant extends one of three different liturgical greetings to the people. Two of these greetings have some changes in translation. However, the one that is perhaps most commonly – "The Lord be with you" – remains unchanged with the new translation. Our new response is the first major change in the Order of Mass. Instead of "And also with you," we now say, "And with your spirit." This new response is also made at the four other times during Mass when this dialogue occurs: at the reading of the Gospel, at the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer, during the Sign of Peace (when the priest says, "The peace of the Lord be with you always"), and at the conclusion of Mass.

Why the change? At the most basic level, "And with your spirit" is the proper translation of the original Latin text: "Et cum spiritu tuo." By correctly expressing this dialogue in English, we are actually aligning our translation with that of all the other major language groups, which have long been translating the Latin properly. For example, in Spanish, the response is "Y con tu espíritu." But even beyond the linguistic, the recovery of the word "spirit" also carries Scriptural meaning. One form or other of "The Lord be with you" appears multiple times in the Bible, including the greeting given by the Archangel Gabriel to Mary at the Annunciation: "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28). Then, in the Pauline epistles, multiple variations of "The Lord be with your spirit" are employed as parting words to different church communities.

Understood together, this liturgical dialogue in the Mass is an exchange whereby all present – both Priest and congregation – ask that the Holy Spirit (whom we call "the Lord, the giver of life" in the Nicene Creed) establish a stronger communion among us. In addition, for the assembly to answer the priest, "And with your spirit," is actually a theological statement about what we Catholics believe regarding our ministries in the Church. No. 367 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church says that the word "Spirit" signifies that from creation humanity is ordered to a supernatural end, and that our souls can gratuitously be raised to communion with God. Through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the baptized and the ordained receive both the privilege and the responsibility to gather to offer the Sacrifice of the Mass for the salvation of the world. In this particular exchange priest and people pray for one another, that we may fulfill our distinct functions in communion with the Lord, the Holy Spirit during our celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.

This new response of "And with your spirit" will be a difficult change to remember – perhaps one of the most difficult for us laity. However, it will not take long to grow accustomed to the new wording, especially given its frequency. Above all, we should reflect on how it conveys the content of Sacred Scripture, as well as the work of the Holy Spirit dwelling in the Church.

The Greeting

hagen.ray@gmail.com (Ray Hagen2) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:38:43 +0000

Virginia Stillwell, Liturgy and Worship

The Time of Our Life

block@sjn.orgv15 (old admin) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:39:14 +0000

Time is something we rarely think about. Like the air we breathe, it is always there, and seldom is there reason to stop and give it particular attention. But just like the air we breathe, the quality of our time can be better or worse. Smog-filled, pollution laden air can cause us to sicken and eventually die if we do not take precautions against its toxic effects.

Just so, time can be lived out in meaningless or even destructive ways, or it can be "redeemed" – we can have "the time of our life." The people of the biblical world knew and reflected upon ways that time itself can differ. In the ancient Greek manuscripts of the bible, there are two different words used to name time: the first is chronos, which refers simply to the measurement of time, its even flow, without any particular significance being attached to it. The second word is kairos, a term used to describe time that is filled with meaning, time in which sacred history unfolds according to the measure and meaning set by God alone. Kairos is always a moment of salvation, time in which grace and redemption are offered to humankind. But kairos does not move at the same pace as chronos: a thousand days in the Lord's sight are but an instant, and in a mere instant one can experience a lifetime of meaning.

The Church has borrowed from this biblical understanding of sacred time in the development of the liturgical year. Each year the Church insists that time itself can be sacred and redemptive. In order to awaken our consciousness to the graced potential of time, the liturgy actually re-names and re-defines time by establishing a regular rhythm of feasts and seasons. There is something boldly counter cultural in the Church's defiance of mere secular time, a faith-filled proclamation that there is more to the passing of days than meets the eye.

We believe, in fact, that all time has been redeemed through the saving death and resurrection of Christ, that all is grace, and that the offer of salvation is ever present at every new moment of our lives. The cycle of liturgical seasons is the constant unfolding of this offer of grace for all who choose to see with eyes of faith the reality of a world transformed in Christ.

For example, the Christian version of "New Year's Day" is this Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent, when we begin again the entire cycle of the liturgical year. Even as the secular culture blares its songs about reindeer and tinsel, as if Christmas were already here and had nothing to do with Jesus Christ, we set aside four weeks of quiet preparation.

The scriptures and prayers of the liturgy invite us to ponder the coming of the Lord: first his coming at the completion of time (chronos); then, his coming in human history in the womb of the Virgin Mary; and finally, his coming now – that is, the eternal "now" of God's kairos into which we enter during every celebration of the Eucharist. When the secular culture is already packing away the Christmas decorations and moving on to other distractions, the Christian calendar will remain fixed upon the mystery of the Incarnation, prolonging the time of our Christmas celebration throughout several weeks. During that time we will contemplate the far-reaching redemptive effects of God's kairos throughout the world and through the centuries. Each week as the liturgical year unfolds, we will be invited again and again into God's kairos – an invitation to awaken to God's presence at every moment and to allow God to make of our days "the time of our life."

Virginia Stillwell,

Liturgy and Worship

Baffled and Embarrassed

block@sjn.orgv15 (old admin) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:06:30 +0000

Dear Mass Manners,

I am baffled as to why people sit at the edge of the pew and then expect folks to step over them, rather than moving down and making room. I am not a small woman, so I feel embarrassed doing this – especially when the person I am forced to step over is a man. I realize some people have special needs, but some folks just seem to be thoughtless in this regard.

Signed,

Baffled and Embarrassed

Dear Baffled and Embarrassed,

I am so sorry for your experience. I must admit that there are people who come early to get a seat at the end of a pew. Why they do so is an enigma to me. It is quite inhospitable and it makes the ushers’ job much more difficult! I hope that your message will help them realize how embarrassing it can be for those who have to climb over them. Perhaps it will prompt them to try sitting in the center of the pew occasionally, or at least to step out into the aisle to make space for others to pass.

Yours truly, Mass Manners

Ready and Waiting

block@sjn.orgv15 (old admin) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:04:48 +0000

Dear Mass Manners,

I have seen new English translations of prayers and responses for the Mass on the internet. When will we start using them at St. John Neumann?

Signed,

Ready and Waiting

Dear Ready and Waiting,

Your waiting will soon be over - maybe! The English translation of the Roman Missal received official approval from the Holy See on March 25, 2010 and is in the final stages of revision. Implementation may begin as soon as Advent 2011.

The English translation has been in process since 2002, when a revised Latin edition of the Missal was released. Many bishop and scholars have collaborated on the translations. The International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL), made up of bishops from English speaking countries, has prepared English translations of the liturgical texts. Vox Clara, a committee of senior bishops from the English-speaking world, has advised the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments concerning the translations. Bishops Conferences have reviewed and recommended texts. The Holy Father gave the translation confirmation, or recognitio, earlier this year.

Currently the translation is undergoing several minor changes. The targeted release date is this fall. Once the definitive version is complete, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will determine a date for implementation. Liturgical books, music, and catechetical resources will then begin the publication process. Advent 2011 is a date that has been proposed for implementation in parishes if all goes well.

It is good to keep in mind that any texts or music currently found on the internet are for study use only. We will await an announcement from our bishops as to the appropriate timeline before implementing any changes at St. John Neumann.

Yours truly, Mass Manners

A Pilgrim

block@sjn.orgv15 (old admin) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:02:40 +0000

Dear Mass Manners,

I love Taizé Prayer. On a pilgrimage to France I experienced this in the Taizé community. It is an opportunity to center myself in silence in order to find God. The candlelit environment, short scripture readings, and repetitive music lead me into meditative silence. I would like for more people to understand and experience this lovely, ecumenical prayer form.

Signed,

A Pilgrim

Dear Pilgrim,

Thank you for sharing your passion for Taizé Prayer. Taizé Prayer begins with predictable scriptures and songs and allows us time to open ourselves to the presence of God within. We offer this prayer form at St. John Neumann every third Friday of the month from 6:30 to 7pm in our chapel.

Taizé Prayer originated in France in the 1940s as a response to the agony of World War II. The founder was an ordinary French citizen who wanted to lead people of all faiths to an experience of God and inner peace. Eventually so many people came to appreciate his prayer form that an ecumenical group of brothers developed around Brother Roger. Today the Taizé community continues to draw thousands of people who seek an encounter with God. In addition, Taizé Prayer is shared around the world by Christians who want to deepen their prayer life and to experience the peace that God can bring. Everyone is invited to take advantage of this opportunity in our chapel at 6:30pm every third Friday of the month.

Yours truly, Mass Manners

Devoted to Advent

block@sjn.orgv15 (old admin) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:00:58 +0000

Dear Mass Manners,

Our family plans to pray with an Advent Wreath at home. What color candles are proper to use?

Signed,

Devoted to Advent

Dear Devoted to Advent,

It does my heart good to hear that your family plans to light candles on an Advent wreath and pray each night during this holy season. God bless you!

The official color for the season of Advent is a blue shade of violet. And the Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete (or Rejoice) Sunday, so we associate rose with that week. Advent is a time of joyful expectation for the dawn of Christ, who is called the Sun of Justice. It is fitting, then, for us to use the full range of colors that grace the night sky just before dawn – from midnight blue through violet, to rose and pink.

So the long-winded answer to your very succinct question is that you have more options than you might think! Traditionally, Advent wreaths have three violet candles and one rose. But some people use three blue candles and one white. In our worship space this year the Advent wreath will have four white candles decorated with ribbons of all the Advent colors.

The important thing is that you pray with your Advent wreath and enter into the spirit of joyful preparation for the dawning of Christ’s light in the world.

Yours truly, Mass Manners

Curious Neumannite

block@sjn.orgv15 (old admin) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:59:07 +0000

Dear Mass Manners,

Who is “Mass Manners” and where do these questions come from?

Curious Neumannite

Dear Curious Neumannite,

Mass Manners is not one particular person. Various members of our parish staff have contributed answers to questions that relate to their areas of expertise. Actually, staff members have also contributed a few of the questions as well. Some of the issues dealt with here are things that parishioners bring to our attention on a regular basis. We attempt to frame the questions and the answers in a light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek manner that is reminiscent of a persnickety school marm from a different era. Our hope is that it allows all of us to laugh at ourselves a little bit and, at the same time, realize that our respect for these items of etiquette shows our respect for all who participate in liturgies in our parish.

We hope our readers will take these remarks in the spirit in which they were intended, keep reading, and keep smiling! Ta-ta for now!

Yours truly, Mass Manners

Hot about Hymnals

block@sjn.orgv15 (old admin) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:57:19 +0000

Dear Mass Manners,

Why must people slam shut their hymnals and drop them in the racks immediately after the opening song? It is noisy and distracting. We should treat our hymnals and one another with more respect.

Signed,

Hot about Hymnals

Dear Hot about Hymnals,

Here’s a little tip for all of us: Hold on to your hymnal after the opening hymn is concluded. Then you will not miss the Sign of the Cross and you will not add to the noise. It is a mystery to me that adults and children alike treat their hymnals as if they were disposable. They are not newspapers. They are not noise makers. They are not toys. They are hardbound books that are meant to last for years. We disrespect the books and our faith community when we overstress the binding, ruffle the pages, sit on them, or slam them into the book racks. I once witnessed a parishioner who took great care to move all the hymnals in the pew far away from her toddler so that the child did not play with them. Thank you! Would that all of us were so considerate!

Yours truly, Mass Manners

Bugged by Applause

block@sjn.orgv15 (old admin) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:52:48 +0000

Dear Mass Manners,

It really bugs me when people clap for music after communion. One Sunday, a music minister played a beautiful meditation piece and people clapped. The musician even shook his head "no."

Signed,

Bugged by Applause

Dear Bugged by Applause,

Well, my dear, I feel the same way that you do. The Roman Missal calls the period after communion a time when “all praise God in silent prayer.” It is a time to awaken our hearts to the real presence of Christ and give thanks for the gift of the Eucharist. Usually a reflective musical selection is played, followed by a short period of silence. The presider’s Prayer After Communion then completes our time of prayer. Applause would seem to disrupt the flow and the meditative spirit of the period after communion. However, while the norm is not to respond with applause, every now and then something may trigger a different reaction in the assembly. It could be that the music that day was extraordinarily inspiring. Culturally, we have been conditioned to respond with some sign of appreciation when we feel especially moved. If applause does occur perhaps those of us who are bugged by applause can rejoice that people are engaged in the moment. We might even pray the second verse of Psalm 47: “All you peoples, clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness!”

Yours truly, Mass Manners

Flustered Communion Minister

block@sjn.orgv15 (old admin) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Dear Mass Manners,

I am a Eucharistic Minister and I sometimes have trouble knowing if someone wants to receive communion or a blessing. Could you remind people to cross their arms to receive the blessing BEFORE they get to the front of the line?

Signed,
Flustered Communion Minister

Dear Flustered Communion Minister,

Why certainly! Anyone who is not receiving communion may come forward for a blessing in the communion procession. Just cross your arms over your chest and the minister will bless you. Parents, please remind your children to cross their arms when you are exiting your pew. Reaching over your child’s shoulders at the last minute to force a crossing of the arms scares them – and confuses the minister of communion!

Yours truly, Mass Manners

Contact Info

block@sjn.orgv15 (old admin) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:04:39 +0000

4030 Pilot Knob Rd
Eagan, MN 55122

(651) 454-2079 (t)
(651) 454-0860 (f)

Office hours:
Monday thru Thursday: 8:30AM - 8:30PM
Friday: 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Office closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays

View Larger Map