MARCH 2015
Breaking the Silence Faith Campaign Continues…
During the first three weekends of February, I spoke at all
the masses sharing information about our Faith Campaign.
Topics included:
What does God ask us to do? - to know, love and serve
Him in this world and in the next by growing in a personal
relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ through prayer and
following the commandments. This relationship with Jesus
Christ is understandably a lifetime journey. As intentional
disciples we can begin this journey anew and strive to grow
in His love. Communicating with our God in prayer and
responding by living His law of love gives us the hope to
someday reach eternal life with Him.
What is our Church asking us to do? - to grow in the
body of Christ, the Church. This is done by using our gifts
and talents to serve God and one another. The Church
was given to us by Jesus Christ as he ascended back to
God the Father and asked that the Holy Spirit be sent to us
(Pentecost) so as to sanctify the people of God.
What does Pope Francis ask us to do? (our parish today)
…to be a witness or an ambassador of our faith. To be a
witness is twofold: first to simply tell our faith stories while at
work, across the neighborhood fence, or while eating lunch
with family or friends and second, to live the faith in all that
we do. We are asked to continue the great tradition of
evangelization in our Church. How are you Christ in the
world?
If you missed one of the weeks and would like to catch up
on what was shared, do not despair! My homilies are
available on the parish website (www.findlaystmichael.org)
and the parish Facebook page (St. Michael the Archangel
Parish). You can also stop by the parish office to receive a
paper copy, or call in and we will send it to you.
So, what’s the next step?
An integral part of phase 3 was the handing out of our
casebooks and pledge cards. The casebooks outline why
this faith campaign is so important. We are called to
mission, to be intentional disciples and share the Good
News of Christ with others. The casebook, along with the
weekend homilies, gave us the background to help us
explore how it is that God is calling us to this mission.
Parish Office: 750 Bright Road, Findlay, OH 45840
Once we have prayerfully considered this call, it is time to
make a commitment.
This is where the pledge card plays a role. We firmly
believe that we each need to be accountable to prayer and
ministry in our parish. As I said in my third talk, we don’t
want to ask ten people to do ten things; instead we want to
challenge each person to do one or two things. Our
commitment may be to attend daily mass; or it may be to
serve on a committee; or yet, it may be to work with the
youth of our parish. To what is God calling you?
The way for us to know that you have received the
casebook and that you are taking seriously your faith
commitment is to have you return the pledge card. This is a
visible sign that we are each dedicating ourselves to
growing in our faith and serving God and others. Pledge
cards may be returned via mail in the return envelopes that
were provided, dropped in the offertory baskets on Sunday
or at the parish office.
This will continue to be a big piece of our ongoing Breaking
the Silence Faith Campaign. In order for us to give witness
to our parish on how many people have returned the pledge
cards thus making concrete their commitment to the
Breaking the Silence Faith Campaign, we will be placing in
the narthex a “Commitment Cross.” The cross is the
ultimate sign of commitment that Jesus Christ made by
suffering and dying for us. We will connect our offerings of
prayer and ministry with the suffering of Christ by placing a
symbol on the commitment cross for each pledge card
returned. You may have already noticed that our cross has
begun to fill.
Casebooks and pledge cards are still available in the back
of church and at the parish office for those who would like
to pick them up. You are encouraged to return your pledge
card through the offertory at the mass or personally bring it
to the office or place it in the box by the commitment cross
in the narthex of the main church. At the same time we ask
that you place one of the objects on the cross as a way of
letting us know that one more person has made their
commitment through the Faith Campaign.
Telephone: 419-422-2646
See FAITH, Page 2
Website: www.findlaystmichael.org
www.findlaystmichael.org I
FAITH
Continued from page 1
THE NEWSLETTER OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PARISH
MARCH 2015
•
VOLUME 24
•
ISSUE 8
CONTENTS
MIKE’S MESSAGE
1 FR.
Faith Campaign update.
3
4
PASTORAL COUNCIL PERSPECTIVES
Thoughts on applying our Catholic faith to everyday life.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Prayer concerns and intentions of our parish and world.
5
PARISH FAMILY NEWS
5
JAIL MINISTRY
6
HUMAN LIFE COMMITTEE NEWS
7
ST. WENDELIN NEWSLETTER
8
E.T. AND LITTLE PETE
9
SWING TIME
9
Marriages, Baptisms and Deaths in our parish.
Parish outreach ministry to those incarcerated.
8th grade essay winners announced.
Keep up to date with our local Catholic High School.
Bible lessons taught by whimsical angelic characters.
Practical thoughts and words of wisdom of life and faith.
OUR LIVING FAITH
Thoughts on faith in everyday life
10
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES PILGRIMAGE
12
PURSUING HOLINESS
13
14
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH RALLY
16
REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE
16
17
18
Pilgrimage with Bishop Daniel Thomas
Overall in our parish we hope that the Breaking the Silence
Faith Campaign helps us to measure success in numbers
of people involved in ministry , numbers of people attending
our masses, numbers of people who are praying and working
for one another -- the ways in which we are building up the
Body of Christ. In the fall of 2016 we will be running another
parish synod which is our strategic planning, looking for
what’s needed in our parish next and how we can again work
together with each other to keep our parish alive, welcoming
and faith filled.
Findlay-Hancock County has a great opportunity of growing
and expanding with numbers of people moving in to work in
our area. We count on the fact that between 30-40% of these
people are Catholic. Our parish, St. Michael the Archangel
Parish, has the responsibility of welcoming and providing help
for people to grow in their faith, the Body of Christ to the new
members who come. We look forward to the opportunity, and
we ask that all of you in our parish would continue to do
whatever you can, using your gifts and talents, prayer and
witness to be able to share with one another.
God Bless,
Fr. Mike
Toledo Men’s Conference 2015 registration information.
DYC event being held in our parish.
BELIZE OUTREACH PROGRAM
Parish Office Hours are Changing
Coffee sales forms & reflections by past team members.
Effective March 16, 2015 the Parish
Office will be open the following hours:
A message from the parish Vocations Committee
CELL PHONE RECEPTION WITH GOD
Vocation thoughts by Novice Timothy Herrmann, OSB
Monday - Thursday
Friday
Saturday
8:00am - 8:00pm
8:00am - 6:00pm
9:00am - 1:00pm
PARISH FINANCIAL REPORT
A report on Sunday collection: goal vs. actual
PARISH CALENDAR
A look at the month ahead here at St. Mike’s.
MESSENGER is a monthly publication. For more information,
please email: [email protected].
2
Our “commitment cross” will be in the narthex of the main
church for the next year, year and a half as we move to
Phases 4 and 5 of our campaign. Our goal has always been
to reach all our parishioners as we progress through our
campaign. In Phase 4 (fall 2015 we will send the casebook
and the pledge card to members of the parish who have not
already returned their pledge card. Phase 5 (spring 2016)
will be about visiting parishioners who we have not heard
from and who we hope will return to active participation in our
Church. We are reaching out to one another to grow stronger
in our faith, to enliven our parish and to enrich the parish
activities.
I March 2015 Messenger
Should you have any questions, please don’t
hesitate to give us a call 419-422-2646.
Pastoral Council Perspectives
Dear Parishioners,
The season of Lent is here, and with it the obligation as Catholics to do penance and offer personal sacrifices as an
acknowledgement of our sinfulness and our need for repentance. We are encouraged during this holy season to meditate
on the passion of Christ and unite our sufferings with Him for the salvation of souls. We are not all called to be martyrs in the
literal sense, but we are called to die a little to ourselves as a sacrifice to God, to look beyond our own needs and desires in
favor of serving others and honoring our Savior for His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
The uncertainty in fulfilling this obligation sometime comes from deciding how exactly we unite our suffering and sacrifices
with those of Christ. Taking a little time to reflect on the passion of Christ with an open heart it is not difficult to recognize
how small everyday sacrifices we choose to make can parallel the example Christ has already set for us. Our Lord offered
His own body and blood as food for His friends. Can we not follow His example and sacrifice some of our time to have lunch
with a lonely person who needs company? Jesus kept silent when questioned by Pilate which prompts us to be silent and
not enter into gossip, respond angrily, or use our words to bully and criticize others even when we feel justified in doing so.
Jesus felt empathy for the women in Jerusalem and their pending tribulation despite the suffering He endured on the way to
Calvary. We need only to open our eyes to the anguish and heartache of those around us and offer solace and comfort as
Christ did to the women He encountered. There was no protest from Christ when even His clothing was taken from Him
providing us with the example to give more freely to the poor and those who have less. From the cross Jesus’ concern for
the future care of His mother was evident helping us to recognize the holiness of caring for elderly parents and relatives.
There is no physical pain we can have that was not also experienced by Christ during His passion, making it easy to unite
our suffering with His; crown of thorns – headaches, scourging – back aches, collapsing under the weight of the cross – leg
pain, anguish experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane – mental stress, nailed to the cross – arthritic hands. The
examples are endless if we but focus on the passion of Christ and recognize that He knows intimately our own suffering.
The question is not ‘how do we unite our sacrifices and suffering with Christ’ but are we willing to sacrifice of ourselves as He
did? Are we willing to help carry the weight of the cross attributed to our own sins? We must first experience some of the
pain and self-denial of Christ’s passion to fully understand the cost of our salvation, and recognize how deeply God loves
each of us. Return that love by walking with Christ to Calvary this Lent united by personal sacrifice and a giving heart.
In His Service,
The Pastoral Council
The Catholic Diocese of Toledo is proud to announce the
Ordination to the Order of Deacon
Austin Ammanniti
Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 11:00 am
Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation
315 Clay Street, Carey, Ohio
All are welcome to attend the ordination Mass and lend your support to Austin. A reception will be held in the Activity Center of
St. Michael the Archangel Parish immediately following the 4:30 pm Mass on March 28, 2015.
www.findlaystmichael.org I 3
Prayer Concerns
You will make me to know the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy. ~ Psalm 16:11
We invite you to put this list near a prayer book, in your Bible, or in your pocket or purse. If you have a prayer
concern, please contact Shauna Shepler at [email protected] or the parish office at 419-422-2646.
Peter Adams
Mike Adler
Allyah & family
Joan & Sam Benson
Beth
Gary Bibler
Bob & June Billmaier
Sam Bish
Bob
Katie Boucher
Connie Briggs
Chelsea Browne
Bill Buescher
Brittany Bundy
Ned Burden
Cindy
Myron Cline
Ethan Conley
Curtis
Dave
Bob Dietelbach
Nondus Doe
Lily Egts
Ann Ehrle
Maggie Elgersma
Mary Estep
Fr. John Falter
Brenda Felger
Brent Fry
Diane Gerowski
Beverly Goldacker
John Granger
Griffin family
Brett Harden
Jim Helfrich
Hernandez family
Kendyll Heydinger
Laura Hoffman
Cindy Hogan
John Horton
Jasmine
Jim
Jimmy
Jodie
Amy K.
Debi K.
Deeanne K.
Katrina
Dave Keeterle
Violet Kohler
Kathleen Komala
David L.
Tim L.
Ty L.
Carole Leckie
Paul Lemming
Fr. Wilfred Logsdon
Maria Lourdes
Alice & Dave Maas
Maureen Mains
Dolores McCullough
Patrick McCullough
Joe McLaughlin
Michelle Medina
Janet & Norm Meyer
Jan Miller
Scott Moorehead
Barb Mopps
Rudy Murray
Richard Muzy
Kathryn Neumann
Mary Paige Nowicki
Nathan Nowicki
Ian Oehler
Louise Parish
Ray & Sharon Perkins
Mary Pompos
Max Powell
Chris Przedwiecki
J.R.
Kim Ray
Bob Reeves
Noah Reuille
Robin
Jim Ruffing
Patrick Runge
Aaron Russell & family
B.S.
Lana Sakash
Andrea Scheiderer
Sue Schlumbohl
Leslie Schmidt
Rita Schock & family
A.J. Shaffer
Chris Sikora
George &Trish Stanko
Michelle Steinman
Virgil Stewart
Norma Strahm
Jackie & Mike Strathman
Suzanne
Tiffanie
Tonya
Betty & Tony Trotta
Nick Vogt
Sr. Nancy Westmeyer
Eileen Wilkinson
For a sincere repentance in the Body of Christ that heals our hearts and restores our relationships.
For the catechumens and candidates of the Church as they begin their time of final preparation for the Easter sacraments.
For a fast from violence between individuals and nations so that we discover the rewards of reconciliation and peace.
For those forced to pray in secret by religious persecution or official suppression of religion.
For all who bear the weight of grave sin to have courage to return to God with a full heart.
For those who are absent from our Sunday Masses due to infirmity, indifference, travel or obligation.
For the sanctity of life in all stages.
For those special intentions known only to God.
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I March 2015 Messenger
Baptisms in our Parish Family
Marriages in our Parish Family
And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Acts 2:38
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
~ John 15:12
December 14
Elijah Alan Schroeder
January 31
Penny Hill & John Mathers
Ryan & Clarisse Schroeder
Noah John Schroeder
Ryan & Clarisse Schroeder
January 3
Brooks Hunter Kelly
Ross & Natoshia Kelly
January 10
Samuel Joseph Michael Fredritz
Tyler & Amanda Fredritz
Bryce Nathan Robert Serin
Tyler & Amanda Fredritz
January 17
Claire Marie Smith
Deaths in our Parish Family
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
~ Matthew 5:12
January 23
Steve Collins
January 25
Julia Stachowski
January 27
Marion Arbogast
January 29
Verna “Betty” Carveth
Ryan & Cara Smith
January 18
Maxwell Timothy Downard
Russell & Lena Downard
Olivia Marie Priest
Jeff & Lourdes Priest
James Andrew Rumschlag
Steven & Michelle Rumschlag
The members of the St. Michael Jail Ministry offer their
services to inmates at our Hancock County Jail. We are
given names of those who register as Catholic but are
eager to talk to anyone who is willing to visit with us. We
also have a non-denominational prayer service scheduled
for once a month for the female inmates.
The majority of people incarcerated are in for crimes
committed in connection to the abuse of alcohol and
prescription drugs and/or to their involvement with illegal
drugs, such as heroin, meth, etc. Some have become drug
addicts, others have been diagnosed with a mental
problem.
Our Welcome Ministry
extends a warm welcome to
our RCIA
Candidates & Catechumens
as they journey towards full communion in our
Catholic Church this Lenten season.
Members of the team include Fr. Chris, chaplain, Diane
Hohman, coordinator, Charlene Spitan, Janet January, Al
Gonzalez, Jim Tucker and Alvera Sams. Marilyn
Youngpeter, who began this ministry, passed away last
July.
We ask for prayer for our ministry, for inmates and law
enforcement and all their families. This ministry can be
frustrating at times as one rarely sees 'results', but we try
to plant a seed and then ask God to make it grow!'
www.findlaystmichael.org I 5
Human Life Committee News
CONGRATULATIONS to the top 5 winners of the annual
St. Michael Human Life Committee 8th grade essay contest!
1st Place-Claire Bishop
2nd – Lauren Wolf
3rd – Olivia Sellers
4th – Lauren Reitman
5th – Ashley Puthoff
Each received $100.00! Prize money was donated by the Human
Life Committee, Rosary Alter Society and Knights of Columbus.
The topic was “What Right to Life Means to Me” and 54 essays
were judged. All were very heartfelt and well written. Thank you
to all the participants! Here is Claire’s winning essay!
What Does Right to Life mean to me?
By: Claire Bishop
Right to Life is the belief that every human being has the right to live and to not be killed by another human. I think our world
needs to think about this definition. Many people these days choose to kill or be killed because they feel that the world
doesn’t need them. Well, the world does need you. God put us on this wonderful earth for a purpose and no one should be
able to take that purpose away.
One story that I think is amazing is about two parents, Dan and Haley. The birth of their son turned upside down in April.
They found out their son had a birth defect called anencephaly which is when a baby is born without a fully developed brain
and skull. The parents then made a bucket list for the baby so that the son and the parents could live every day to the fullest.
The baby was born on October 9th at 2:25 am and died at 6:15 am being baptized and completing the bucket list. A thing that
makes this story so amazing is that they didn’t abort the baby. The parents let their son stay even though they knew that he
was going to die. He may not have lived long, but that was God’s plan for him. This story brings me to my first topic; abortion.
Abortion is the mother scheduling the killing of her baby before it is born. Since abortion was legalized in 1973. About
1,500,000 babies have been aborted each year. Just think, we would have a few new classmates if they weren’t aborted. In
my eyes, abortion is an awful thing. What makes you think that killing a baby is okay? Those babies could’ve changed the
world for all we know. God wanted those mothers to have a baby for a purpose but they just killed them. We should be lucky
that we are all here today. For all we know, our mothers could’ve thought about aborting us.
Euthanasia is what we call “mercy killing”. It’s the act of someone assisting in killing someone else to stop their suffering and
pain. Oregon, Vermont, New Mexico, Washington, and Montana allow active euthanasia. People who want to use
euthanasia to leave their suffering and pain shouldn’t be allowed to do it. We all have barriers in our lifetime but they will end
one day. On top of that, we shouldn’t allow certain doctors to take part in it. It would be like seeing a hospital patient die of an
illness. I wouldn’t be able to handle it. My point is euthanasia isn’t about someone having the right to live, that person is just
giving up on the world which we should never do. God has bad things happen to us but eventually they will be good. You
should never give up on life.
Capital punishment is the act of putting someone to death because of things that they’ve done that were wrong. As of
September 5th, 2014, 138 males and one female are on death row. I don’t believe we should be able to do that. They may
have killed people or done something else just as horrible but that doesn’t mean we should kill them. God will forgive them
and if we don’t kill them, they could become a better person on the inside.
My point in this essay is that everyone should have the right to life. Abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment are things
that continue to be wrong in this world. No matter how bad a person messes up, has pain and suffering, or isn’t born, they all
have the right to live. All of these things are horrible in God’s eyes and mine. Just remember that your mother let you live, so
let life be precious and never give up on it.
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I March 2015 Messenger
E.T. and Little Pete
Lent with Kids
E.T.: Little Pete, do you know that little children have a
hard time understanding lent.
Little Pete: Yes, it is hard for them; there are even some
adults who have a hard time understanding let alone the
little ones.
E.T.: There are many activities for children to assist them
in better understanding of Lent.
Little Pete: They can pray, fast or volunteer.
E.T.: The “Jelly Bean Prayer” is a sweet way of teaching
the real meaning of Lent.
Little Pete: The usage of the different color of jelly beans
- the beans describe a virtue.
E.T.: Give the child a jelly bean for each good deed –
collecting them until Easter.
Little Pete: The red jelly bean is for the blood of Jesus (a
sacrifice).
E.T.: The green one for the shade of the palm (doing a
good deed).
Little Peter: Give the yellow jelly bean for being kind to
others.
E.T.: An orange one is for good behavior at bed time
prayers.
Little Pete: A purple jelly is for apologizing to someone.
Purple is for the days of sorrow.
E.T.: For forgiving others the child earns a pink jelly
bean. Pink is for a new day.
Little Pete: Beginning on Ash Wednesday, reward the
child with the appropriate color jelly bean each time the
child performs with an act.
E.T.: On Easter, give the child all the jelly beans they
earned.
Little Pete: Encourage children to pray during Lent.
E.T.: Add the following simple prayer to his or hers
morning routine, “My Morning Offering”.
Little Pete: “God our Father, I offer you today all I think
and do and say. I offer it with what I have done on earth
by Jesus Christ, your son.
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I March 2015 Messenger
E.T.: The US Conference of Catholic Bishops rules of
fasting during lent are:
•
Every person 14 years of age or older must
abstain from meat (and items made with meat)
on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all the
Fridays of Lent.
•
Every person between the age of 18 and 59
(beginning of 60th year) must fast on Ash
Wednesday and Good Friday.
•
Every person 14 years of age or older must
abstain from meat (and items made with meat)
on all other Fridays of the year, unless he or she
substitutes some other form of penance for
abstinence.
Little Pete: Little children do not fast – is there a
substitute that takes the place of Fasting for children
under the age of 14?
E.T.: Yes, Almsgiving is closely tied to fasting.
Whatever the child gives up, the money they save will go
to the needy.
Little Pete: Almsgiving is to give one’s time and good to
those who are in need.
E.T.: Explain to the little children that Easter is the most
important religious feast for Christians.
Little Pete: Yes, because Easter celebrates the
Resurrection of Jesus.
Constance L. Lemming
“A kind hear is a fountain of gladness, making ever!hing in its vicinit! #eshen into smiles.”
– Washingon Ir(ing
Child #5 has graduated from college
and stepped fully into his adult life. We
have much to celebrate with this
milestone. His work ethic and native
intelligence, combined with the
proverbial heart of gold, make him a
force for good in our world.
The youngest of our brood, this child
learned early on the art of “going along
to get along.” Carted around to all his
older siblings events for years before
he had any “events” of his own to
attend, he practiced making friends,
willing to chat up any human that
crossed his path.
At age three he held serious
conversation with a stranger at the
meat counter, discussing the options
available and which were favorite
choices. The child preferred hot dogs,
the adult pork loin. They accepted
their differences and parted in good
humor with shared grins.
In pre-teen years he would disappear
in the middle of basketball games to
help sell concessions, gently
persuading buyers that they really
wanted a drink to go with their popcorn,
the candy bar or gum to top things off.
He sent them back to the game laden
with goodies and a smile on their
faces.
In high school he brought his happy
heart to the stage, adding charm to the
devious character of Fagan in “Oliver”
and charism to the role of Jesus in
“Superstar.” He banged drum and
xylophone in band and helped with the
annual Christmas adopt-families effort.
He saw good in his classmates and
gladdened their hearts.
Following siblings to the big university,
this last child sought more in his life
than just the mechanics of engineering
and enrolled for a second degree in the
residential college, where classes
focus on humanity and its needs. He
could contribute technical knowledge to
the solutions of real-life problems in
communities, while building leadership
skills. He helped his project teams
work better together.
When the reality of life hit hard, he
selflessly left school to return home.
With his ever-steady help, we were
able to provide home care throughout
his father’s final illness. This young
man was a rock to his mother, a source
of gladness and strength to his dad.
He gave us both smiles every day on
that journey.
Now he is gainfully employed and
brings a “love my job” joy to work each
morning.
He will do well, wherever his path
leads, because he knows that life, with
all its goodness and hardship, is a Gift
to be savored and shared. He realized
early on that he had a choice: he could
be happy or not. Child #5 chose to be
happy and share that gladness with his
siblings, niblets*, friends and coworkers. His smiles light the day.
Tamara
*niblets: our family term for nieces and nephews
Copyright © 2015 Tamara Luchini
Our Living Faith
Last month I was thinking about the
Sacrament of Reconciliation, but
somehow never actually wrote
anything down. When I read my
December U. S. Catholic I noticed that
the lead article was on forgiveness.
Those two things prompted my own
thinking about forgiveness and the
sacrament.
As the article in U.S. Catholic stated,
we need to forgive for our own sake
even more than for the other person. I
remember a time many years ago
when I had been deeply hurt by the
actions of another person. In my pain I
was sure that the actions were
unforgiveable. Over time I began to
realize that there was a bitterness
growing in my heart. For a long time I
did not know what it was. I just knew
that I was unhappy, I was annoyed by
the people around me and the
harmless little things they did, and that
I was doing a good job of making
others unhappy too.
Through prayer it was finally revealed
to me that I had this unforgiveness
deep in my heart. I was not even
aware that I was still holding a grudge
and had not consciously thought of that
person in a long time. I was not very
happy to revisit the pain and did not
know what to do about it. Eventually I
realized I must forgive that person if I
wanted my soul back. It did not matter
whether that person ever apologized or
not. It was no longer about that
person, it was about me.
know why it worked. I thought of it as a
gift of grace. I was just happy to go on
with my life. I could again work on
changing into a more loving,
compassionate, and merciful person. It
is only as I write this that I realize that
reliving the pain and after that deciding
to forgive, was the key. I could not
forgive as long as I tried to hide from
the pain. Dwelling on the pain can
make one stuck and unable to forgive,
but so can trying to make it trivial.
Forgiveness and healing are not easy.
They both take time and pain.
Forgiveness was not easy. I decided
to forgive, but nothing seemed to
change. I tried confessing my
unforgiveness, but absolution did not
make it go away. I heard that one
must pray for those who hurt us and so
I tried that. I prayed for the person; I
prayed for myself. After many months I
tried the Sacrament of Reconciliation
again and this time it worked. I did not
Maybe turning pain into anger instead
of feeling the pain is what leads to
aggression and revenge. Maybe if we
really want world peace, we need to
learn to forgive and pray that others
learn to feel their pain and learn to
forgive those responsible for the pain.
Mary Okapal
www.findlaystmichael.org I 9
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www.findlaystmichael.org I 13
Fresh Roasted Coffee
Pre Order Form
Belize Mission Trip 2015
Please help our Belize Outreach Program fund their Annual Mission Trip to our sister
parish, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, by purchasing delicious, fresh roasted, “Fair-Wage”
Coffee available in Whole Bean or Ground Roast in several flavors.
To pre-order your selection, please complete order form below and return to the
Parish Office, School Office or Belize Team Member by Monday, March 30.
Anything ordered though school or parish office needs to be picked up at the Parish
Office when notified. If ordered through a team member, your order will be personally
delivered.
Name____________________________________
Home Phone_______________________
Cell Phone________________________
Ground Coffee - 1 lb bag
Regular
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
Decaf
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
Hazelnut Regular
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
Hazelnut Decaf
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
French Vanilla Regular
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
French Vanilla Decaf
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
Whole Bean Coffee - 1 lb bag
Regular
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
Decaf
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
Hazelnut Regular
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
Hazelnut Decaf
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
French Vanilla Regular
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
French Vanilla Decaf
Qty _____ x $11 = $_____
Total Quantity = __________
Total Amount = __________
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I March 2015 Messenger
Please make checks
payable to St. Michael
Parish. Please include
“2015 Belize Coffee Sales”
on the memo line.
Belize Reflections
During the summer of 2014 I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Belize with a group of 9 other people.
Before I had applied, I had ideas of what to expect but I was unsure as to what would come of the trip. Not only
were we traveling to a new country, but we did not know what exactly would happen, and that was a little bit
intimidating. When we arrived, we quickly became acclimated to our surroundings and began to love not only the
village, but the children of Benque Viejo as well. When we were there, we were asked to journal about our days,
reflecting on our time with the kids and the activities we took part in that day. At the time this seemed
unnecessary, but being able to reflect and read about what we did months after we were there reminds me of the
unforgettable memories I made when in Belize. Not only does the Belize outreach program give several kids
every year the opportunity to broaden their horizons and travel to a new place, meet new people, and try new
things, but it also forms memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Audrey Miller
My mission trip to Belize was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Teaching vacation Bible school
to the children and working with the poor and elderly taught me the value of serving others. I saw firsthand that
the quality of life we take for granted in our country isn’t available in others, but the smiles and friendliness we
encountered showed me that happiness isn’t dependent on that. Getting away from the distractions of our fastpaced world and seeing the impact we had on peoples’ lives allowed me to put what’s really important into
perspective. I am extremely thankful I had the opportunity to go to Belize. It’s an experience I will never forget.
Nick Jones
Last Summer I was given the privilege of going on the parish mission trip to our sister parish in Belize. This was
an experience that I will never forget. From teaching the kids in the different schools, to performing acts of
service throughout Benque, every day was a new adventure and made me realize how blessed I truly am. I will
always remember the looks on the children’s faces and how excited they were to see us and play with us for a
few hours. The people working at the parish made us all feel at home whenever we walked through the doors.
Throughout the trip I was able to see the amazing works of God in the community. I am very grateful for the love
and support that St. Michael’s gave my team and me. The people of Benque left an impression on my heart that
will last a lifetime.
Kelsey Moran
www.findlaystmichael.org I 15
Reach Out and Touch Someone
Below is a list of sons and daughters of the parish, or family member, who is in religious life. The St. Michael the Archangel
Vocations Committee encourages you to send one or more of them a note or card during the Lenten Season sharing with
them the blessings of the holy season.
Very Rev. Marvin G. Borger
Rev. Sean Hoppe, OSB
Sr. Kathryn Press, ASCJ
St. Rose of Lima Parish
215 E. Front St.
Perrysburg, OH 43551-2193
St. Meinrad Archabbey
100 Hill Dr.
St. Meinrad, IN 47577
10230 Gravois Rd.
St. Louis, MO 62123
Rev. Ray Ensman
Rev. Mark Kotlarczyk
1800 Fulton St.
Port Clinton, OH 43452
St. Frances of Rome parish Rectory
21651 Wagon Rim Ct.
Wildomar, CA 92595
Sr. Dolores Gatliff, SND
3837 Secor Rd.
Toledo, OH 43623
Sr. Yvette Gillen
Sisters of Mercy
505 Woodland Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37919
Mother M. Dorothy Urschalitz
Sr. M. Teresita Richards, SND
Rev. Kenneth Morman
Mount St. Mary Seminary
6616 Beechmont Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45230-2006
3837 Secor Rd.
Toledo, OH 43623
Sr. Darlene M. Siebeneck, SND
746 W. 41st St.
Jacksonville, FL 32206
Sr. Carol Ann Mary Smith, SND
412 S. Poplar
Leipsic, OH 45856
Rev. George Heffner
Sr. M. Veronica Nusser
199 Seminary Dr.
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Monastery of Poor Clares
3501 Rocky River Dr.
Cleveland, OH 44111
Corpus Christi Monastery
6200 E. Minooka Rd.
Minooka, IL 60447
Sr. Mary Angela Parkins
Sr. John Vianney Streacker
Br. Frances de Sales Wagner, OSB
St. Cecilia Novitiate
801 Dominican Dr.
Nashville, TN 37228
St. Meinrad Archabbey
100 Hill Dr.
St. Meinrad, IN 47577
18307 Taylor Lake Rd.
Holly, MI 48442
Austin Ammanniti, Seminarian Intern
St. Michael the Archangel Parish
750 Bright Rd.
Findlay, OH 45840
Cell Phone Reception with God
To seek God. That is the vocation of a monk.
Every Christian’s vocation is to seek God. Discerning where
and how to do that is challenging. It could be as a religious
brother or sister, marriage, diocesan priesthood, single life,
leaving work to take on a more meaningful career, saying no to
your child for his or her best interest, turning away “friends”
who may not be leading you to God, turning to prayer instead
of the TV, and so many other big and small decisions which
help lead us closer to God.
For me, I describe understanding my call to monastic life like
cell phone reception with God. Here at Saint Meinrad
Archabbey, where I spent several summers as a high school
participant and college intern for our One Bread, One Cup
youth program, I came to realize the cell phone reception in
southern Indiana was weak. There were, however, particular
spots around campus where I could find strong reception. It hit
me at Mass one time that this is how I could describe why I
chose the monastery to continue seeking God…
All my life I would say I’ve had this cell phone “reception” with
God. I dated wonderful Catholic and Christian women, thought
about single life, frequently dabbled with the idea of diocesan
priesthood and attended daily Mass and prayed regularly with
the monks at Saint Meinrad when I worked here full time from
2011-2014 as Director of Alumni Relations. The more I spent
time in prayer with the monks the more I felt like my reception
with God was strongest through the contemplative prayer and
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I March 2015 Messenger
community life in the monastery. Right now, this is where I feel
I can seek God the best.
There were no burning bushes but maybe a series of warming
fires that lit my heart ablaze to seek God in the monastery.
Two things which have helped me so far as a novice in the
monastery which may help readers in discerning God’s will for
you and to better seek God:
1) My spiritual director shared, “Have no expectations of God”.
If you’re praying the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the rosary,
Lectio Divina, Liturgy of the Hours, attending Mass, etc. God
will move and act as he wills. Pray to God to be open to and to
discern his will and his voice, but don’t have any expectations.
God will surprise you, and you will surprise yourself.
2) St. Thomas Aquinas said, “God is infinitely knowable.” How
profound it was for me to hear this! When we feel close to God
and find joy in seeking him through prayer and work or service
to others (or as the monks say ora et labora), how much more
will those joys and moments of light amplify because we will
infinitely come to know God! Moments, too, of darkness, grief
and dread will then be a little lighter and a little more full of
hope.
PAX,
Novice Timothy Herrmann, OSB
Financial Statement
Sunday Collection
For the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2015
To Cover Day-to-Day Operating Expenses:
Year to Date budget for Sunday Collection as of January, 2015
$1,039,960
Actual Sunday Collection income through January, 2015
$1,075,927
Variance
$35,967
Building and Maintenance Collection
Collections through January,
2015
$35,550
$5,079
Average Monthly Collection
Look at this good news! THANK YOU for your generosity!
And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up
and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated. I have never wanted
anyone’s silver or gold clothing. You know well that these very hands have served my
needs and my companions. In every way I have shown that by hard work of that sort we
must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said,
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:32-35
Vocation Views
Congratulations to our own Tim Herrmann, who was one of five novices clothed in the
Benedictine habit at St. Meinrad Archabbey on January 19. He now begins a year of monastic
formation, including the study of the rule of St. Benedict and monastic history. You can send him a
note of congratulations or encouragement by writing to him at:
Novice Timothy Herrmann, OSB
St. Meinrad Archabbey
100 Hill Dr.
St. Meinrad, IN 47577
www.findlaystmichael.org I 17
MARCH
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
MONDAY
1
4:00pm
SPANISH MASS
Day Chapel
2
WEDNESDAY
3
7:00pm
K of C LIVING
ROSARY
DT Church
7:00pm
VOCATIONS
COMMITTEE
Teachers’
Lounge
6:00-9:00pm
“REFUGE”
HS Youth
8
4
10
NOON Mass
GIRL SCOUT SUN
Main Church
11
7:00pm
PASTORAL
COUNCIL MTG
Art Room
4:00-5:00pm
FAMILY HOLY HR
Day Chapel
16
17
6:00-9:00pm
“REFUGE”
HS Youth
22
23
9:00am
PRIMARY
SCHOOL MASS
Main Church
18
13
9:00am
PRIMARY
SCHOOL MASS
Main Church
19
8:15am
MIDDLE
SCHOOL MASS
Main Church
20
9:00am
PRIMARY
SCHOOL MASS
Main Church
6:30pm
CATHOLIC
SINGLES ALIVE
Marian Room
24
7
8:00am
PRISON & JAIL
MINISTRY
Activity Center
14
10:00am-4:30pm
DIOCESE OF
TOLEDO
JR. HIGH
YOUTH RALLY
7:00pm
HUMAN LIFE
COMMITTEE
Conference Rm.
2:00pm
BAPTISM CLASS
Marian Room
7:00pm
BEREAVEMENT
TEAM
Teachers’
Lounge
6
12
8:15am
MIDDLE
SCHOOL MASS
Main Church
12:30pm
WARM HATS
KNITTING
GROUP
Marian Room
15
5
SATURDAY
6:00pm
CYO
BOOSTER MTG
Art Room
10:00am HOLY
NAME BREAKFAST
K of C Hall
10:00am-2:00pm
SMS SIGN-UP
SUNDAY
FRIDAY
8:15am
MIDDLE
SCHOOL MASS
Main Church
7:00pm
SAC MEETING
Art Room
9
THURSDAY
25
26
27
9:00am
ALL SCHOOL
MASS
Main Church
21
8:30am
CURSILLO
SCHOOL OF
LEADERS MTG
Teachers’
Lounge
28
11:00am
DEACON ORD.
Austin
Ammanniti
OLC - Carey
5:30pm
AUSTIN
AMMANITTI
DEACON ORD.
RECEPTION
Activity Center
29
30
PALM SUNDAY
All Day
PERPETUAL
1:30pm
ADORATION
RCIA MOCK MASS Main Church
Main Church
7:00pm
PERPETUAL ADORATION
Main Church
18
7:00pm
PENANCE
SERVICE
Main Church
I March 2015 Messenger
31
All Day
PERPETUAL ADORATION
Main Church
Mass on TV
Misas En Español
Each Sunday, one of our Masses is being videotaped for
later broadcast on Time Warner Cable Channel 21. Here
are the broadcast times:
La próxima misa en español será Domingo,
01 de marzo a las 4:00pm.
Monday evening at 7:30pm
Wednesday evening at 7:30pm
Sunday morning at 9:00am
It is hoped that those who are unable to be at Mass
physically may still feel a connection to our community via
this medium.
Homebound Ministry
If you are unable to come to Mass and would
like to receive the Eucharist in your home,
please contact the parish office at 419-422-2646
or Pat Wolford at 419-423-7545.
Coming Home to the Church
If you have been away from the Church and would like
to come back, we would like to help you. Please contact
Geri Leibfarth at [email protected] or 419422-2646.
Attention CROSS STITCHERS
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) has a very
special project and needs your help if you are a person
who enjoys doing cross stitch. It’s a simple project and
you’ll have several months to complete it. What a
wonderful way to welcome our candidates! Please call
Millie Berger at 419-424-0165 after 6:00pm if you can
help!
Warm Hat Project
Do you knit or crochet? The Warm Hat Project would love
to have you join them on the 2nd Monday of each month
from 12:30 - 2:00 pm in the Marian Room as they work to
make hats for those in need. Contact. Sr. Mary Lou
Schmersal for more details [email protected] or 419304-3819.
Parish Cell Phone Use Policy
St. Michael the Archangel Parish prohibits usage of cell
phones or other electronic devices (including hand-free
systems) to talk, text, send/receive messages (text or
emails) when driving a vehicle for parish and/or school
sponsored events. In the event of an emergency, drivers
are required to pull over before using their phones.
Parish Points
You can now use your cell phone to sign up for
Parish Points. Simply text SMP to 22828 and
follow the prompts.
St. Michael the Archangel Parish
750 Bright Road, Findlay, OH
4:00 pm, Primer Domingo Del Mes
Sacramento de la Reconciliación
(Confesiones disponible)
El Grupo Maria Madre de Dios de la comunidad
Hispana de Findlay, les invita al rezo del Rosario,
Reflexión de la Palabra y Oración con Dios. Todos los
miércoles a las 8pm “2361 Massillon Dr., Apt 4, Findlay,
OH”. Informes: Irma y Miguel González 567-525-4836.
The Mary, Mother of God Hispanic Community of Findlay
invites you each to join us each Wednesday as we pray
the rosary and reflect on the word of God. Join at 8pm at
2361 Massillon Dr., Apt. 4, Findlay, OH. For more
information, please contact Irma or Miguel Gonzalez 567525-4836.
St. Michael Athletic Boosters Scholarships
Each year, the Athletic Booster Club awards two nonrenewable $500 scholarships (one for a boy, one for a girl)
for graduating high school seniors who participated in CYO
sports at St. Michael School during their 7th and 8th grade
years. Applicants don't have to be St. Michael graduates to
be eligible, but must have participated in CYO sports there
during their two junior high years.
For more information, including a downloadable
application, please visit the St. Michael Athletic Boosters
website: www.smsathleticboosters.weebly.com
All applications must be submitted to the assistant
principal by April 15, 2015.
Knights of Columbus
Lenten Fish Fries
5:30 - 7:30pm
Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fries this Friday starting
at 5:30pm until 7:30 pm at the K of C Hall (701 W. Main
Cross St., Findlay, OH). Cost: Adults $9, Children under
11 are $4.
Meal includes all you can eat fish (baked or fried), baked
and/or scalloped potatoes, apple sauce, macaroni &
cheese, toasted cheese sandwiches, dessert and drinks.
Dine in or carry-out. Cash only. Sorry, no checks or credit
cards accepted.
Follow us on Social Media!
Keep up to date on all of the latest happenings here at
St. Mike’s by following us on social media! We are on:
www.facebook.com/FindlayStMichael
www.findlaystmichael.org I 19
Non Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Findlay, Ohio
Permit No. 339
St. Michael the Archangel Parish
750 Bright Rd.
Findlay, OH 45840
Current Resident or
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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I March 2015 Messenger