Saint James· Twin Lakes
Saint Theodore · Albert Lea
NEWSLETTER
August 2012
www.sttheo.org
St. Theodore Confession Saturday 4 pm
Mass Saturday 5:15 pm
Mass Sunday 9:30 am · Broadcast on KATE 1450 AM
Mass Sunday 11am · Spanish
St. James Mass Sunday 8 am
Notes from the Pastor
Bread of Life
Last Sunday you may have been surprised to hear, “A Reading from the holy Gospel according to John” instead of the Gospel
according to Mark. Every three years we spend five weeks listening to the Sixth Chapter of John’s Gospel and seeking to understand Jesus better as the Bread of Life. I may have a heightened
interest in these readings because my tessina (Italian for “little
thesis”) topic for the STL (Licentiate in Sacred Theology) in Biblical Theology was John 6:53-58. However, I think that it is an opportunity for all of us to dig more deeply into this important teaching of Jesus and to affirm our belief that Jesus is indeed the
Bread of Life. A good place to begin is to read the entire chapter
from start to finish, so that as we focus on the individual sections,
we will have a better context; it is only 71 verses in length.
Without getting overly technical in commenting on this text, the
Bread of Life discourse, verses 22-59, is a type of Jewish writing
(homiletic midrash) that cites two Biblical passages and “chews”
on them, striving to apply them to the contemporary situation.
This means that it is important to pay attention to these references that indicate the major points being covered. The first is in
verse 31: “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” Jesus,
comparing himself to the manna God sent to the Israelites while in
the desert, tells his listeners who he truly is: “I am the bread of
life.” When they struggle in understanding how Jesus, whose
family background they know, could have come down from
heaven, he cites another Old Testament passage: “They shall
all be taught by God.” By using this passage, Jesus emphasizes
the source of his teaching, God, and the need to be responsive to
the ways that God is at work in a person’s life. Docility is required
– the desire and ability to be taught or led. When they still object
to what Jesus is saying, they ask the question, “How can this
man give us his flesh to eat?” He responds by telling them that
it is necessary that one eats his flesh and drinks his blood if they
want to know eternal life. The last section presents the need for a
decision: will Jesus’ listeners accept or reject this teaching about
who he is, what they are to believe and how they are to live?
As Catholics, our tendency is to understand the entire passage as only Eucharistic in meaning: this is all about the gift of
the Eucharist. Some scholars and many Protestants maintain
that it is only sapiential or “spiritual” in the sense that Jesus is a
wisdom teacher who offers his word to us. However, if we are
willing to accept the possibility of layers of meaning, we can see
both meanings are present throughout. At the beginning of the
discourse, the emphasis is clearly on the sapiential meaning
and we can recognize the need to believe that Jesus is the
Word of the Father come down to earth. Jesus is the Teacher
and his disciples eagerly feed on the spiritual nourishment provided. After the objection of “how is this possible?” Jesus uses
more graphic language that emphasized the need to eat his
flesh and drink his blood. Note that in John’s Gospel there are
no words of institution (“Take and eat; this is my body …”) at
the Last Supper, only the washing of the feet. Clearly words
like, “For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink,”
point to the sacrament of the Eucharist. As we ponder the individual sections of this discourse, I encourage you to see Jesus
as the Bread of Life in both ways – in Word and Sacrament.
Like some of those first hearers of this teaching, we may be
tempted to ask, “How is it possible that God’s Word is alive and
effective even today? How can the unleavened bread and ordinary wine become the very Body and Blood of Jesus?” Jesus
did not exactly answer their question then, nor will he fully answer these questions now, but, he does assure us that he is the
Bread of Life come down from heaven who offers us both
teaching that comes from the Father and his Body and Blood as
true spiritual nourishment. What is necessary? Faith – we
must believe that Jesus is who he says he is and allow ourselves to be drawn to him by the Father in the power of the
Spirit. We, too, have to make a decision like the first followers
… either for or against Jesus. If he asks us, “Do you also
want to leave?” I hope that we are able to answer with Simon
Peter, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words
of eternal life.”
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Tim Reker
AUGUST
Memorial Mass Association
Joann Sullivan
by John Sullivan
Eddie & Jane Staloch & family
by Janie Staloch
In Memory of Buboltz & Seykora Families
by Jean Buboltz
AUGUST
Eucharistic Ministers
Saturdays 5:15 pm
Sacristan
Sundays 9:30 am
Sacristan
Carrie Munsch
James Munsch
Gene Thomas
Elaine Thomas
Jane Hebert
Louise Attig
Sharyl Boom
Ron Yost
In Memory of Dennis & Sarah Cochlin
by Ray Cochlin
In Memory of Rosalie Cochlin
by Ray Cochlin
In Memory of Eli & Dorethy Caron
by Ray Cochlin
In Memory of Wayne Peschon
by His Family
SACRAMENTAL MILESTONES
BAPTISMS
Avery William Raatz
Jennifer Ilene De Leon
Deshawn Joseph Jones
Serenity Vereese Vela-Britten
Myra Joan Kuth
Lilyana Annet Duenes
Nelly Magdalena Lazaro
FIRST COMMUNION
Aline Lazaro
Jennifer Rodriguez
Ashley Rodriguez
MARRIAGE
Joshua Underly & Chelsea LeBrun
DEATHS
Mary Grasdalen
Clara Mack
ST. THEODORE SCHOOL
A Message From the Principal
Hello to everyone at St. Theodore School and parish.
I just want to let everyone know how very excited I am to join
a wonderful team of teachers, awesome kids, and a supportive
parish at St. Theodore Church/School. I hope everyone’s
summer has been active, fun, and Faith filled. My family and
I actually took a 1st summer vacation lasting longer than 2
days to visit the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. It was a
vacation that we as a family will never forget. I hope all of
you had an opportunity to take a vacation, or at least spend
time with your family and friends as well.
I have been involved in education teaching/coaching
or in a leadership role for the past 27 years. I taught in the
public school system for 8 years in South Dakota, and when
we moved back to Minnesota, I was blessed to be offered a
position at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Adams, MN as a
full-time teacher/principal, where I was employed the past 9
years. I fell in love with Catholic Education and I believe
Catholic Education is my true calling. I am married to my
lovely wife Denise, who is a Special Education Teacher at
Grand Meadow, and I have 2 children. McKendry, will be 13
August 21st, and will be entering the 7th grade and attends Sacred Heart School. Brendan, will be 9 July 27th, and will be
entering the 3rd grade at Sacred Heart as well. Both of my
brothers and their wives teach in Lakeville, too, so I have a
family of educators and a lot of resources to choose from
when I have questions, and I always have questions.
The school year is fast approaching and I would like
to remind you of a few upcoming dates. Friday, August 24
will be teacher conferences from 7 am – 5 pm. Picture day
will also be on August 24th, and 1st months tuition will need to
be paid. Mark August 28th on your calendar as well, as it is
our first day of the 2012-13 school year.
Everyone that I have met at St. Theodore has been so
friendly, helpful and wonderful to me and I am grateful for
that. I look forward to seeing you and if you are in the area,
please feel free to stop by and chat. You can also reach me by
e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at 507-373-9657.
St. Theodore Faith Formation Registration
2012-2013
Please use this form to register your student for Faith Formation classes
for the new year. Bring this form and the fee on Registration night, August 29th
from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. in Marian Hall. Please watch your mail for this form
and the new year’s calendar schedule. See you then!
Household Name __________________________________
Household members first names/grades (A-adult):
1. ____________________________________ Grade _________
2. ____________________________________ Grade _________
3. ____________________________________ Grade _________
4. ____________________________________ Grade _________
5. ____________________________________ Grade _________
Email ______________________________________
Cell # ______________________________________
Phone # ____________________________________
Address ________________________________________________
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
Our household will participate in the following:
A. ______Grades 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11
B. ______Grades 5 & 6
C. ______Grades 3 & 4
D. ______Grade 2 (First Reconciliation/Eucharist)
E. ______Grade K & 1
F. ______Preschool
Please return this registration form
and fee to the Education Office.
Thank You!
Fee: $ 50/person
Fee: $ 45/person
Fee: $ 45/person
Fee: $ 50/person
Fee: $ 45/person
Fee: $ 15/person
TOTAL
____ I give permission for photos of my child/ren to be posted on Facebook.
San Teodoro: Registración de Fe Formación
2012-2013
Por favor utilice este formulario para registrar su estudiante para las clases de formación en la fe
para el año nuevo. Presentar este formulario y la cuota el 29 de agosto,
18:30 – 19:30 en el salón de Marian. Por favor ver este formulario por correo
y el calendario del año nuevo. ¡Hasta luego!
Nombre familiar __________________________________
Nombres de los miembros del hogar/grados (A-adulto):
1. ____________________________________ Grado _________
2. ____________________________________ Grado _________
3. ____________________________________ Grado _________
4. ____________________________________ Grado _________
5. ____________________________________ Grado _________
Correo electrónico ______________________________________
Número de Celular ______________________________________
Número de teléfono ____________________________________
Dirección ________________________________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nuestro hogar participará en las siguientes:
A. ______ Grados 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11
Cuota: $ 50/persona
B. ______ Grados 5 & 6
Cuota: $ 45/persona
C. ______ Grados 3 & 4
Cuota: $ 45/persona
D. ______ Grado 2 (primera reconciliación/Eucharisto ) Cuota: $ 50/persona
E. ______ Grados K & 1
Cuota: $ 45/persona
F. ______ Preescolar
Cuota: $ 15/persona
TOTAL
¡Gracias!
Por favor devuelva este formulario
de inscripción y la tasa a la Oficina de Educación.
_____ Yo doy permiso para fotos de mis hijos para ser publicado en Facebook.
Summer Activity Week 2012
“Marvelous Mystery - The Mass Comes Alive!” was the theme for the Summer Activity Week that was attended by students in Grades K-6. The
week was jam-packed with great songs, crafts and fun activities for the kids to help them grow in their Catholic faith. The overall goal of this weeklong program was to help the children better understand the Catholic Mass and deepen their love for Jesus in the Eucharist. Each day the activities in
this program focused on a central theme and virtue and there was a “Saint for the Day”.
Day 1: The Mass is a Mystery. Jesus wants us to become closer to him as we celebrate the mystery of the Eucharist. We focused on the virtue
patience and the children discovered the definition of patience is waiting without grumbling or complaining! The Saint for Monday was St. Joan of Arc.
Day 2: The Mass is a Gift. Jesus is the greatest gift we can receive! We focused on the virtue of peacefulness. The children discovered to be
peaceful means to remain quiet and calm inside our hearts. The Saint for the Tuesday was Mary Queen of all Saints.
Day 3: The Mass is a Celebration and unites us with our Catholic community. The virtue for the day was unity. We discovered that the definition of
unity can be that we are strongest when we are united together in our work, especially our spiritual work! The Saint for Wednesday was St. Patrick.
Day 4: The Mass is a Sacred Meal that we share together just like Jesus shared the last supper with his Apostles. Jesus comes to feed us with His
Body & His Blood through the Eucharist. The virtue for the day was faith. Faith is believing in God (even though we can’t see him with our eyes) and
knowing that He is always there for us. The Saint for Thursday was St. Michael the Archangel.
Day 5: The Mass is a Call. Jesus asks each one of us to say “yes” to him. Filled with the loving presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, He calls us to go
out into the world and be His light to others. The virtue for the day was generosity. The children discovered the definition for generosity is sharing
with others cheerfully and we give generously because Jesus gave everything for us. The Saint for Friday was St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
We ask your prayers for the children of our parish and their families
as they continue to experience the Marvelous Mystery of the Mass
by making it come alive in their lives!
Craft Station – Student banners told of the Mass uniting us with our Catholic Community.
Music Station – Students learned new songs to praise God through word and actions.
SUMMER
ACTIVITY
WEEK
Faith Stations – Students learned of the Mass as a Marvelous Mystery.
Snack Stations where snacks became “Gifts”!
Games Stations – learning was accomplished through play times!
Youth In The News!
Grades 7-12
MISSION TRIP 2012 TEAM!
Front row: Janet Eisenbraun, Andy Woitas, Sam Ellis,
Chrissy Monson, Jessica Price, Luis Hidalgo, Julia Otten,
Sue Miller
Middle Row: Haley Schroader, Ashley Holl, Megan
Lindely, Ella Otten, Makenna Friehl, Rachel Kenis,
Bailey Sandon, Dominique Villarreal, Alex Jahnke, Trent
Bellrichard, Marleny Huerto-Apanco, Tami Price
Back Row: Boyd Eisenbraun, Sarah Horejsi, Hannah
Horejsi, Paul Horejsi, Foster Otten, Dalton Carlson, Collin
Jahnke, Jedidiah Taubel, Dylan Anderson & Larry
Holcolm
What an incredible week we had! Thank you to everyone for your support and prayers! Our weather was HOT &
HUMID…..about 100 degrees plus every day and we had no air conditioning where we stayed! But despite that, these 24
students and 6 adults never complained! We worked hard, painting houses, scraping paint on a church, helped clean out
a garage, weeding a community garden, etc. We also spent several hours in the park with young children ages 5-12 playing games, doing arts and crafts and teaching them about the love that God has for them. Our days began at 6 am and
didn’t end until approximately 11:30 pm. We learned about the Lakota Indian culture, heard testimonies of the Youthworks Leaders, spent time in devotions reflecting on why we were there, and what God was asking us to do. We worshiped with songs, and prayed together in large and small groups. It was a week of emotions, spiritual awareness and
compassion! The landscape was beautiful, with rolling hills, dramatic bluffs and the peaceful Missouri River winding
through the reservation. We were also blessed to be able to attend a Mass just for us at the local Catholic Church, St.
Bernards, before we left Friday morning. We donated over 50 quilts to a local group, and also to the Catholic Church and
they will give them to those in need! We really couldn’t have asked for a better week! Our theme for the week was:
YOU ARE HERE! Based around the bible verse of Mark 12:28-31; we focused on why we are here on this earth…..
You Are Here….to LOVE; You Are Here….to WORSHIP; You Are Here…..to INVEST; You Are Here….to UNITE;
You Are Here….to SERVE! These 30 mission trip members definitely did all of that! Amen!
Saint Theodore Catholic Church
308 East Fountain Street
Albert Lea, MN 56007-2456
NON PROFIT
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 304
Albert Lea, MN
PRAYER CHAIN CONTACT
Louise Yost……….....373-5889
PASTOR
373-9661
Fr. Tim Reker
[email protected]
ADMINISTRATOR
373-5254
Deacon Mike Ellis
[email protected]
PARISH OFFICE
373-0603
Deb Wenum
[email protected]
BOOKKEEPER
373-1646
Ryan Schoppe
[email protected]
SCHOOL OFFICE
373-9657
FAITH FORMATION
373-2987
Donna May
[email protected]
PreK-6, First Reconciliation & Eucharist
Janet Eisenbraun
[email protected]
Gr. 7–12, Confirmation & Youth Ministry
CATHOLIC CHARITES
Paul Bartemes, Clinical Counseling
377-3664
CEMETERY
507-402-4343
Steve Merfeld
PARISH TRUSTEES
Linda Cruz Lares…....373-1329
Tom Stensrud………. 373-2901
Saint James
Imogene Attig……......373-6794
John Grund………......297-5488
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Jackie Abrego…….....202-6062
Catherine Buboltz…...377-0835
Jim Broberg………....373-8760
Carmen Bueno……....373-1522
Dick Freese……….....373-3211
Judy Popp-Anderson...265-3423
Barb Reed…………...889-3761
David Wentzel……….377-2735
PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL
Don Cashin…………..373-9999
John Forman………....373-0498
Rick Harves………….373-0552
Mary Keating………...373-8310
Mike Nevins………….318-3059
Paul Sparks…………...377-0449
Tom Stensrud………....373-2901
Sue Van Vooren………377-0743