C OMPANION THE NEWS ABOUT SAINT TIMOTHY PARISH IN UNION, KY Jan/Feb 2016 The Companion Is the newsletter of St. Timothy Parish P.O. Box 120 Union, KY 41091-0120 (859) 384-1100 Contributions are welcome. Contact Lynn Profitt lprofitt@saint-timothy.org Publisher Fr. Rick Bolte, Pastor rbolte@saint-timothy.org Editor Lynn Profitt lprofitt@saint-timothy.org Graphic Designer Tom Tally ttally@t-2design.com Sue Fichner Contributors Fr. Rick Bolte Deacon Dave Profitt Bill Anderson Abbey Epplen Carol S. Lense Dr. Tony Riegling Katy Sullivan Deb Thomas Jubilee Year of Mercy By Fr. Rick Bolte Pope Francis has called for a year (a church year which begins with Advent and ends the week of Christ the King) of mercy to be cele- brated by the Catholic Church worldwide. We might ask, “What’s to be gained by a year of mercy?” and “How does it affect me?” So oſten our world seems angry. People grouped by naonality, sex, religion, polics, race, etc. are seemingly always offended by the majority or those in power. We speak a lot about rights in our own country and when everyone demands their rights, there’s the inevitable clash of one person’s rights infring- ing upon another’s. As the polical process for elecng a new president of our country heats up, the negave and condemnatory talk abounds everywhere. Though we may not like it, we generally find ourselves parcipang in the “offended vicm- hood” we hear so oſten. Somemes when we speak of those we don’t like; a polician, a group of people, and even some individuals; in ways we wouldn’t say worse of the devil him- self. We can find ourselves living life as if it were a constant fight against whomever and whatever we feel is or might soon be manipu- lang us or depriving us of something. Without even realizing it, we’ve joined the ‘angry’ world. Somemes we personally are angry. When we feel the other isn’t sorry, got away with something, connues to do it, etc. we can get stuck being angry almost indefinitely. We don’t always reflect on our anger. When we do think about our anger, we presume that we are endeavoring to teach the other a lesson, register our dissasfacon, and hope that others will join our “cause.” Seldom do we think about the cost to ourselves. I believe I’ve told the story before of a wom- an who was angry at the whole staff at a high school where I was teaching. She believed her daughter deserved a different award than what she received. She had a younger daugh- ter on an eighth grade retreat where I was helping. When I first arrived, she was engaged with the other parents talking as she normally would. When I began saying “Hello” to the parents and moving through the group, she made a point to avoid me. By the end, she was standing alone away from the rest of the group. When we hold onto our anger, it has real effects on us. We oſten tense up on the inside and are no longer freely present to the moment. We ‘remember’ to change our be- havior with respect to whom we are angry. This behavior change oſten leads us away from family, friends, and organizaons that mean a great deal to us. We may be surprised to realize that our efforts to try to affect others can actually end up hurng us more. When Christ calls us to forgive, he is not just talking about doing something good for another, he is lovingly concerned with how it affects us. To let go of our anger doesn’t mean we accept the behav- ior of others as acceptable. It simply means we are willing to let go of our prideful desire to punish or get even. In Mahew 18:21-35 Jesus gives us the parable of the debtor who was forgiven by the master but who in turn did not forgive his fellow servant. We are all debtors to God. Accepng that we hurt others and they hurt us both accidentally and inten- onally is accepng our reality. We need this year of mercy. In Israelite tradion, the jubilee year was the year all debts were forgiven and everyone was to receive back their ancestral land for a new start. We don’t have the power to restart our world but we can begin with ourselves. We have expanded mes for the Sacrament of Reconciliaon so we can seek forgiveness. And we are encouraged to be different from the debtor in Jesus’ parable and choose to forgive others as well.
Transcript
C OMPANION
THE
NEWS ABOUT SAINT TIMOTHY PARISH IN UNION, KY Jan/Feb 2016
Pope Francis has called for a year (a church year which begins with Advent and ends the week of Christ the King) of mercy to be cele-brated by the Catholic Church worldwide. We might ask, “What’s to be gained by a year of mercy?” and “How does it affect me?” So often our world seems angry. People grouped by nationality, sex, religion, politics, race, etc. are seemingly always offended by the majority or those in power. We speak a lot about rights in our own country and when everyone demands their rights, there’s the inevitable clash of one person’s rights infring-ing upon another’s. As the political process for electing a new president of our country heats up, the negative and condemnatory talk abounds everywhere. Though we may not like it, we generally find ourselves participating in the “offended victim-hood” we hear so often. Sometimes when we speak of those we don’t like; a politician, a group of people, and even some individuals; in ways we wouldn’t say worse of the devil him-self. We can find ourselves living life as if it were a constant fight against whomever and whatever we feel is or might soon be manipu-lating us or depriving us of something. Without even realizing it, we’ve joined the ‘angry’ world. Sometimes we personally are angry. When we feel the other isn’t sorry, got away with something, continues to do it, etc. we can get stuck being angry almost indefinitely. We don’t always reflect on our anger. When we do think about our anger, we presume that we are endeavoring to teach the other a lesson, register our dissatisfaction, and hope that others will join our “cause.” Seldom do we think about the cost to ourselves. I believe I’ve told the story before of a wom-an who was angry at the whole staff at a high school where I was teaching. She believed her daughter deserved a different award than
what she received. She had a younger daugh-ter on an eighth grade retreat where I was helping. When I first arrived, she was engaged with the other parents talking as she normally would. When I began saying “Hello” to the parents and moving through the group, she made a point to avoid me. By the end, she was standing alone away from the rest of the group. When we hold onto our anger, it has real effects on us. We often tense up on the inside and are no longer freely present to the moment. We ‘remember’ to change our be-havior with respect to whom we are angry. This behavior change often leads us away from family, friends, and organizations that mean a great deal to us. We may be surprised to realize that our efforts to try to affect others can actually end up hurting us more. When Christ calls us to forgive, he is not just talking about doing something good for another, he is lovingly concerned with how it affects us. To let go of our anger doesn’t mean we accept the behav-ior of others as acceptable. It simply means we are willing to let go of our prideful desire to punish or get even. In Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus gives us the parable of the debtor who was forgiven by the master but who in turn did not forgive his fellow servant. We are all debtors to God. Accepting that we hurt others and they hurt us both accidentally and inten-tionally is accepting our reality. We need this year of mercy. In Israelite tradition, the jubilee year was the year all debts were forgiven and everyone was to receive back their ancestral land for a new start. We don’t have the power to restart our world but we can begin with ourselves. We have expanded times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation so we can seek forgiveness. And we are encouraged to be different from the debtor in Jesus’ parable and choose to forgive others as well.
Page 2
Our Parish Family
New Families Baptisms
Deceased
Joe & Maura Besheer
Adam & Jessica Black
Corey Bright & Sarah Brueggen
Chris & Angela Brunemann
Stephen & Amanda Buchwald
Jason & Jessica Cooper
Michael & Kathy Dodd
Samantha Edwards
Larry & Lynn Ferguson
David & Maggie Freson
Dusty & Bridget Hanson
Paul & Colleen Hatton
Olivia Collins Keira Finney Bailey Geraci James Hayden Isaac Keene Abigail Kleier Alexander Meyers Camden Mitchell Libby Rengering Alayna Rodriguez
Richard Blank Andrew Lewis
DECEMBER 2015
COLLECTIONS: $133,549.21
5% TITHE: $6,677.46
City Heights $500.00
St. Vincent de Paul $500.00
DIO Collection Retired Religious $5,677.46
JANUARY 2016
Stewardship of Treasure
COLLECTIONS: $100,799.19
5% TITHE: $5,039.96
City Heights $500.00
St. Vincent de Paul $500.00 DIO Collection Opportunities for Life $4,039.96
John & Donna Herbstreit
Matthew & Tetta Hubbard
John & Carol Lee
Luis & Amanda Rodriguez
Vance & Suzanne Rosenow
Mitchell & Shannon Shoemaker
Wayne & Natalie Steigerwald
Come & Elsa Van Straaten
Lance & Kathy Wagner
Christopher & Megan Walter
Joe & Shelley Walter
Dick Wendeln & Mary Jo Mosier
Lord Jesus Christ,
you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father,
and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him.
Show us your face and we will be saved.
Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money;
the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things;
made Peter weep after his betrayal,
and assured Paradise to the repentant thief.
Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us,
the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman:
“If you knew the gift of God!”
You are the visible face of the invisible Father,
of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy:
let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.
You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness
in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error:
let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God.
Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,
so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord,
and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor,
proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed,
and restore sight to the blind.
We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy,
you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.
Amen.
December 8, 2015 - November 20, 2016
The Official Prayer for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy
Amazing Grace By Deacon Dave Profitt
When I was in my first year of deacon formation, back 5 years ago, Fr. Bolte asked me to take over the RCIA program. I had always felt that RCIA was the ministry I wanted to do but I wasn’t sure if this was the right time. After all, I was early on in formation and life was pretty busy for me at that time. I wasn’t sure I could dedicate the time and energy I need-ed to give this ministry the effort it deserves. Fortunately, Fr. Bolte was there with me to help me in my efforts.
Now its 5 years later and I am so glad he had the faith in me to do this. It has been a wonderful ministry for Lynn and I to be able to do together. Watching the spiritual growth of those who go through the process is an awesome witness to the Holy Spirit at work in people. We do not convert people to anything. The Holy Spirit moves people to first a conversion to Christ and then to the Church. We are not a Catholic factory; we are a facilitator of the work of God in people’s lives.
This has been especially astound-ing this year. This is the first year we’ve been able to move RCIA back to Sunday morning. Fr. Bolte resisted the change and rightfully so because he likes to be involved. RCIA programs that have their Pastor’s support tend to do much better than those without that support. One thing about Sunday morning however, is that it fits easier into people’s busy schedule. The result of this change is that we have 44 people in the pro-gram between adults and children with 22 people that will be baptized at the Easter Vigil. Praise God.
The mission of the Church is the salvation of souls. That means those who have no relationship with Christ, those who have fallen away and those who are lukewarm. It is our
duty as followers of Jesus to bring the Good News to those in need. As men-tioned earlier, the first step is to bring them into that relationship with Christ. When we do that in RCIA, the transition into the Church becomes simpler. Trying to get people to be Catholic before they know Christ is like having people operate before they become doctors. It doesn’t work and it won’t last.
Each year, we make this appeal for people to help us in this ministry. We’ve been blessed to have some great people as sponsors. Every year, several sponsors will say to me that everybody should go through the RCIA process. They learn so much about their faith that they just don’t retain from what they learned in school. Our team is another story. Lynn and I have been doing this with just a few people on the team. I can’t imagine being able to do this without Jim and Suzanne Laskodi. They‘ve been with me since I took over and were there before I did. Their selfless giving of their time each week is inspiring. They bring so much value and experience to the process and I can’t thank them enough for all they do. Jillian Maher is another who has been part of our team for a couple years now as well. We need your help so if you are looking for a ministry that has lasting meaning, please let us know.
A couple of weeks ago, the Dio-cese rolled out a new RCIA manual. We do things differently in our program. The emphasis is on giving people a reason for hope in Christ. We want them to experience Christ first; then Church. When those at the Diocese found out how many we have in RCIA, they were stunned. I think we have a Diocesan record or at least we’re claiming it. It’s not important but its’ fun and that is another part of
our class. We have fun and we laugh. We tackle challenging issues and we don’t shy away from anything. The Church has everything we need in order to grow in our relationship with Christ and with one another. We’ve outlasted every major empire and kingdom since we came into existence and will continue to do so.
RCIA has been and will continue to be for me the ministry that I identify with. Both Lynn and I came through the process and we under-stand the issues that people have. Not everyone comes into the Church after the class and that’s ok. It’s a discernment process and it may not be the right time. We pray for those folks that when they’re ready, they know where to go. Maybe your involvement would help some of those who are making that decision. We need you, the Parish needs you and the Church globally needs you. Go out into all nations preaching and baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is the great commission-ing Jesus gave to us all. Be a part of that mission and you will be glad you did. Pray for all of our catechumens and candidates as they take their final steps into the Church.
If you would like to be a part of the RCIA team contact:
Congratulations to the Confirmation class of 2016. Seventy five young women and men completed the classes and celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmed on Monday, February 1. Bishop Foys made the event special with a touching and humorous homily, making the event a night to remember.
A special thank you to Fr. Dan Schomaker, Fr. Ian McDole, Fr. Bolte, Deacon Dave Profitt, Deacon Steve Alley, the St. Timothy Choir and Director, Roberta Whitely, PSR Catechists and Catholic school teachers, the ministers in the service of the Mass and all those who helped in decorating the church. Thanks for sharing your time and talent to make this year’s Confirmation Mass a beautiful and meaningful celebration.
It has been busy and faith filled year. These students have grown in their faith through the gifts of the spirit and in service to others through the outreach program. They have also seen the great opportunities that await them in Saint Timothy’s Youth Group. Now that the Sacrament of Confirmation has been
2016
Carol S. Lense
Sunday 8 am Class Catechists Vanessa Moorman & Jeremy Erickson
Sunday 10 am Class Catechists Michael Lense & Jennifer Knecht (not pictured)
Monday 5:30 pm Class Catechist Loretta Macaluso (not pictured)
Monday 5:30 pm Class Catechists Jill Price, Tina Henderson & Michelle King
conferred, let’s keep in mind that Confirmation is not the end but just the beginning of our full and complete participation in this Body of Christ that is our Church. Life in Christ and the church continues our whole life long!! Congratulations!
Monday 7 pm Class Catechists Carol Lense & Robbie Hill
Catholic School Students
The Confirmation Class of 2016
Morgan Arnold
Sydney Arthur
Emily Baumgartner
Maxwell Bell
Madison Boehner
Ethan Bosway
Annabelle Bugg
Max Coates
Nathan Ciufo
Peyton Coffey
Jenna Colemire
Colin Canonaco
Thomas Daugherty
Sarah Davis
Tyler Disken
Maeve Dunn
Jonathan Erickson
Zoe Epplen
Aiden Frahm
Luis Garcia
Kevin Gay
Katie Hadley
Jake Hanna
Katie Henderson
Joseph Jones
Emmy King
Emily Knecht
Aidan Kovacic
Hannah LaRoy
Alexander Lewis
Emily Linesch
Aubrey Lightner
Sarah Lonneman
Sophia Lorson
Xavier Ludmig
John Lyons
Amber Manning
Maura McDermott
Grace Meade
Jadin Moorman
Joshua Niehaus
Andrew Nord
Allison Otten
Ashley Pollard
Bailey Pollard
Drew Press
Alexandra Price
Daisy Ramirez
Alex Reynolds
Noah Richardson
Nicholas Rieger
Christine Roberts
Caroline Ross
Lilly Salvagne
Luke Schauberger
Ashton Schrand
Noah Shelton
Hope Siemer
Wendi Silva
Mia Smith
Madeline Snider
Kelsey Spade
Gillian St. Hillaire
Maleah Stevens
Joe Stewart
Spencer Strunk
Marlee Sturdivant
Thomas Taylor
Rachel Townsend
Anissa Wagenlander
Matthew Weaver
Delaney Webb
Ryan Wiedeman
Sarah Willman
Kurt Zurad
Page 8
Parish
School of
Religion
Page 6
Registration for 2016-2017 will begin on Sunday, March 20. PSR, Parish School Religion, includes:
Rich faith learning years of 3rd through 6th grade
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Catholics (RCIC) for students in the 3-5 grade
who have not yet celebrated the sacraments
Sacrament Preparation classes
* 1st and 2nd graders, for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist
in 2nd grade
* 7th and 8th grade for the Sacrament of Confirmation in 8th grade
Sunday preschool and Kindergarten classes during the 9:30 and 11:30 Mass
times to help our youngest children build a base of knowledge that will help
their future years of Mass attendance and faith growth.
Plans are well underway for another successful year. We continue our focus of learning faith to more fully understand and participate in Mass and grow in the rich culture of our Parish. PSR classes start in early September and participate in many service learning and outreach opportunities throughout the year.
Registration forms will be sent home through PSR classes, available on the St. Timothy web site, mailed to all incoming first and seventh graders, mailed to all Catholic school students that will be in second and eighth grades.
Completed registration forms with accompanying payment will reserve space in a class on a first come, first serve basis beginning March 20. It is important to return your form as soon as possible if you are wanting a particular day and time. Space fills up quickly!
Sacrament Preparation Programs
First Reconciliation & Communion Students in public schools preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation
and First Communion must have a year of religious education prior to the year the sacraments are received; usually first and second grades.
Catholic based homeschool and Catholic school students must register in the PSR program in their 2nd grade year and attend retreats and practice dates. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in December. The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is celebrated in April.
Confirmation Students in public schools must have at least the year of religious education
prior to the year of Confirmation; usually seventh and eighth grades. Must attend all required classes, retreats during the year and complete hours of service.
Catholic school students (including Catholic based homeschool) must register in the PSR program and attend classes at St. Timothy in their 8th grade year. They must attend all required classes, retreats during the year and complete hours of service. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in early Febru-ary.
Confirmation Student Parents participate throughout this year with the Agen-cy Adoption Program, which requires chaperones, in class assistance, and staffing at the Alternative Christmas Fair.
PSR Registration Is Right Around The Corner By Carol S. Lense, Director of Religious Education
Page 15
News from St. Henry District High School… By Abbey Epplen, SHDHS Junior
Hello from SHDHS! We hope that
the new year at St. Timothy is off to
a great start; things have certainly
started off nicely here at school. We
have been very busy with everything
from the height of sports seasons, to
the beginning of musical rehearsals,
to keeping grades on track for a suc-
cessful third quarter. Through it all
we keep our faith lives at the fore-
front with plenty of focus on Christ.
The first of our senior retreats was a
huge success, bringing the oldest
members of our student body closer
than ever to our Lord and strength-
ening relationships between class-
mates as well, as they prepare to
move on to college. The February
junior retreat is also coming up, and
your prayers are greatly appreciated.
Plenty of our students had been
planning to attend the 2016 March
for Life in Washington D.C. Unfortu-
nately, due to weather, the Diocese
decided it was best not to send any
students. However, the power of
prayer always does wonders, so of
course we participated in the best
way we know how, with a prayer
service from home! Also, our own
group of Crusaders For Life managed
to keep the message of the March
alive through a recent trip to Holy
Name Church to pray for the nearby
abortion clinic in peaceful protest.
Crusaders are always proud to speak
for those without a voice!
Catholic Schools Week has been
alive with color and fun here in the
halls as we celebrate our Catholic
education with pride. With fun
themes, games, and all school Mass,
we have come together to truly
appreciate the gift we have in Catho-
lic schooling. We are all so grateful
for the support from all our feeder
schools and parishes like St. Timothy.
Keep us in your prayers. You are in
ours!
The First Communion Jesus Retreat will be held on Sunday, March 13 from 1-4 pm in Brodnick Hall. This is a special day set aside for the First Communicant and a parent/guardian to spend together to further the preparation for receiving the Eucha-rist for the first time. Several activities are planned including watching the Making of the Host video by the
Continue to hold a leading role in your child’s religious education by participating in our Religious Program
Catechist - Responsible for instruction and conducting classes throughout the school year. Lesson plans, including activities are provided to create a framework and guide for teaching.
Free tuition in all religious education programs
Co-Catechist - Share responsibilities for instruction as decided upon with partner throughout the school year.
Free tuition in all religious education programs
Liturgical Minister – Leading the Liturgy of the Word for the 1st – 4th graders who choose to join the children’s liturgy during the 9:30 and 11:30 Mass times. Children return to Mass for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Free tuition in all religious education programs
Passionist Nuns, First Communion crosses and a special session with Deacon Tom and Jeanne Nolan. We are looking forward to a great day of fun and learning on our journey towards this special Sacrament Cele-bration.
This is a required event for all St. Timothy First Communion children including the RCIC students and
those who attend a Catholic school. It is a great opportunity to come together and socialize and celebrate as a Parish Family. We need one parent/guardian to attend with each child, to help ensure that we make the most of the learning and service opportunity. Light refreshments will be served throughout the day.
Jesus Retreat for First Communion By Carol S. Lense, Director of Religious Education
Dinner Dance - Hollywood Style Thanks to two groups of wonderful
volunteers this year’s “A Hollywood
Night” Dinner Dance and Auction was a
wonderful success! The decoration
committee outdid themselves once
again transforming Brodnick Hall to an
elegant red carpet experience. Thanks
to parishioners and local businesses and
the hard work of our donation
committee the items to bid on were
better than ever. It truly was a great
community building night with a fun
crowd that loved to dance. If you missed
it this year be sure to ask your friends
about the wonderful time they had and
join us next year!
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Page 10
Celebrating our Super Heroes By Deb Thomas, Director of Preschool/Kindergarten
Too often, we forget to say thank you, but on February 9th St. Timothy Preschool and Kindergarten students and staff had the opportunity to thank those we often take for granted! The students learned about community helpers and then cele-brated with a Super Hero Luncheon. We invited our local super heroes: Boone County Police, Firemen, EMT’s, Red Cross Workers and many more to come and have lunch so that we could say thank you and celebrate all that they do in a spe-cial way.
This service learning project was educational and special in that we were able to truly give back to our everyday Super Heroes! As our event came to a close, we were reminded how important it is to say THANK YOU ….those two little words that mean so much.
For those who don’t know, St. Timothy Church has a new Young Adult Group named ELEVATE. We had a great first meeting on Tuesday, February 16 which helped us see how the young adults of the parish would like to be served by this group. We are always looking for more people to join, so it’s not too late to come and join us for the next meeting! The next ELEVATE meeting is on Tuesday, March 1 at 6:30pm held at Holy Cross Church (3612 Church Street, Covington, KY 41015). We are joining the Diocese of Covington Young Adult Group for their Monthly Mass being held at Holy Cross Church in Covington, KY. This is a chance to attend Mass with other young adults in the Diocese of Covington and enjoy some fun, food, and meet new people after the Mass. Hope to see you there! And looking forward to seeing more of you at our monthly meetings!
Information about ELEVATE:
For Men and Women between the ages of 18 to 35
Meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 7pm till 9pm in new Youth Room located in Brodnick Hall or may also be held at off-site locations, please check social media for more information.
Why St. Tim’s St. Vincent de Paul? By Bill Anderson and Jim Volz, St. Timothy Volunteers with St. Vincent de Paul
Why did I volunteer? I had been looking for the right opportunity to be truly helpful to others, fit my changing schedule, expand my spirituality and witness my faith.
What have I found? A Catholic service organization whose motto is, "Help us, Help others, Help them-selves," an opportunity to be up close and personal with our neighbors in need, a small, close-knit group of ded-icated Christians from the parish who's ministry takes us all on an exciting new journey and a great opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.
I was quite skeptical about the poor in general and how many fami-lies really needed assistance in our area! We have made visits to neigh-bors in nearly every part of our parish. I've learned that the families we visit are no different than us in the eyes of God. They may have financial needs, but they are often rich in family, friends and spiritually. Talk about meeting strong people; we have met folks living in need themselves who have taken in families to keep them from living on the street. I have a new respect for the poor, who really are our neighbors. They are like us in many ways: one pay check, illness or job loss away from being in need.
We make our visits to their home with food, guide them to resources for employment, counseling or a variety of other services and we pray with them for God’s presence and guidance in their lives. Who knew we were the only ministry, of over 100+ agencies in NKY that visits people in their homes! Talk about up close and personal, and very powerful for them and for US! We know we can't fix their problems. We can only plant the seeds of faith, hope and love to help them help themselves.
We are the conduit that distributes the many gifts you donate to those in
need. If we are the soul of SVDP, you are the heart of our ministry. We can't supply the many services to our neighbors without your help. Your gifts of food, clothing, Christmas pre-sents and money made last Christmas especially bright. Through your gen-erosity, we were able to supply Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, bicycles, tablets and a myriad of toys and new clothes restoring the chil-dren’s confidence and self-respect. Those who delivered these presents got to see the humility and glow of thankfulness in their neighbor’s eyes and Kate Schmidt and her team helped decorate the packages to the delight of the parents and children alike. You made Christmas bright for single parent families, veterans, the disabled, sick, jobless and everything in between….Thank you one and all!
We are all part of the same body, but not all of us are called to do home visits; some work with the food pantry or behind the scenes procur-ing wood, home furnishings or housewares. If in this “Year of Mercy” you believe you are called to meet the less fortunate, face to face, in their homes, contact Bill Anderson or e-mail us at the address below and we’ll share the information you need to decide if you want to be a Vincen-tian. For those who want to support us monetarily, so we can continue to grow and assist more neighbors, we need a few dedicated parishioners to adopt our kids (families), similar to adopting a child overseas, for $25 a month (or whatever you can afford)
so we have a predictable revenue stream where we can assist more families with basic needs. You can donate via the St. Timothy Parish App Automatically, on-line, in the “Poor Box” or drop an envelope in the Collection basket
We occasionally need household goods or furniture to help a family relocate from a hotel to an apart-ment. These are items that may be stored in basements, garages or spare bedrooms. We would like to develop a list of e-mails of ”Friends of SVDP” whom we can ask for help with specific items from time to time. The idea is to create a “virtual resource room.” For example, today we can offer a variety of medical equipment like wheel chairs, Hoyer lifts, walkers, gate belts to loan to those who require them until the need is over. Another example of creative giving is a dentist in the parish who supplied us with tooth-brushes. Are there other items that could be provided at reduced or no cost? Are in-kind services an option or are other resources available for a tax deduction? If you would like to become a “Friend of SVDP” or you have some additional ideas, just email us at [email protected] and you could become a “Virtual (actual) Benefactor.”
I'll close with my new daily pray-er, "Dear Lord, Help us, Help others, Help themselves!"
Where Did All The Christmas Gifts Go? By Katy Sullivan, Director of Outreach
Those of us who were fortunate enough to see Brodnick Hall 1 when it was overflowing with Christmas gifts, were blessed to see the spirit of St. Timothy’s generosity lived out. The many volunteers were touched by the sincerity of our parishioners to help others experience the joy that Christ-mas brings. How difficult it is for par-ents who cannot buy their children the one gift they really want or the sheets and comforter to go on the bed they were just given. Through you, God is working to take care of His people.
Some of the families we sponsor come from the long standing relation-ship we have with the folks at Gallatin County Community Action Center.
Many of the families live in poor rural areas in the county. Each of the fami-lies we sponsor completes a special program to be able to participate in the Christmas Giving Tree. They have to complete 12 hours of class time that include parenting classes, library time reading with their children, health and nutrition class, budget/credit class and GED education if needed. The families also participate in service hours to give back to their community. They work hard in the program so they are able to provide Christmas gifts to their children. The CAC wants to help families grow by increasing the expectations of the families and showing their faith and belief in them. The look on the
We are inviting parishioners to donate 40 cans during the 40 days of lent. Families are encouraged to try to donate 80!
We will be collecting toilet paper, socks and non-perishable goods to help feed our neighbors who are hun-gry. The following are especially needed: granola bars, jelly, canned
40 Cans for Lent - Our Parish Lenten Service Project
Northern Ky Emergency Shelter houses homeless people in NKy. It serves about 60 people a day. Our grant will help them purchase a re-fridgerator so they can store dona-tions of milk and other perishable items. We have a great service pro-ject planned. We are going to pre-pare a dinner for 60 people and bring it down to them, serve it and actually sit and eat with them. We will be able to listen to them share with us what it is like to be home-
parent’s face when they see a bike for their child or their car overflowing with gifts is priceless.
Some of the other families we help are parishioners who have found themselves in difficult situa-tions including grandparents raising grandchildren, families with over-whelming medical bills, and victims of domestic violence. A few gifts for a child “saves Christmas” as one parent put it. Those gifts help the parent see that there are kind and generous people in the world, help-ing the families experience God’s never ending care and love for them. Thank you for allowing God to work through you.
less. We will not be fixing anything while we are there but we will share our time with them, being present with them, sharing the love of God with them. Please join us as we en-counter God in the homeless in our community! We will be serving din-ner next month, Wed March 16. They do not have a kitchen at the shelter so we will be preparing the meal here the evening before, March 15. So we will need volunteers to donate food, prepare the food, and
then serve the food and visit with the guests. Please email Katy at [email protected] or call at 384-1100.
In addition we will also be doing a service project at the March 18th fish fry to benefit the people they serve. We will be making homeless bags with socks and small toiletries. Be sure to stop by the fish fry to lend a hand.
meat, pasta and spaghetti sauce, crackers, chunky soups, beef stew, ravioli, chicken helper, mac and cheese, Velveeta cheese, instant pota-toes, cereal, canned fruit.
Food can be dropped off in the Gathering Space or the Parish Center any time during Lent. The food we collect will help feed the hungry
through three missions; City Heights in Covington, Go Pantry (feeds chil-dren through Boone County schools), and St. Vincent de Paul. On Good Friday, parishioners are invited to join together in the Parish Center at 9am to have our food blessed and help pack and deliver it to Go Pantry.
Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus St. Timothy Council 15211
February Grant- Northern Ky Emergency Shelter By Katy Sullivan, Director of Outreach
Ministry To The Sick/Homebound By Deacon Tom Nolan
Would you like to be part of a program that takes just 2 hours once a month to deliver bags of food to residents at Aldersgate?
It is easy, rewarding and fun. A team of volunteers meet at noon on the first Friday of each month at Ac-tion Ministry; pack bags of groceries from apartment specific orders; load them into cars and drive to Al-dersgate (behind McDonalds on U.S.
42), where the groceries are then un-loaded and delivered to the appropri-ate apartments.
Volunteers may elect to do all or any of the steps outlined. We also welcome any one with a truck or a van to help transport groceries. If in-terested in learning more or joining this ministry, please call Pat Kline (859) 384-9399.
The “Aldersgate” program (St.
Recently I was asked to explain what the “Ministry to the Sick/ Home-bound” is all about. In a nutshell our mission is primarily to bring comfort to those parishioners who are in the hospital, healthcare facilities, and confined to their homes.
When visiting those who are in the hospital we let them know we care for them and that many parishioners are praying for them. We make sure they have received the Sacrament of the Sick, and are able to receive Holy Communion daily. We conclude the
visit by praying over them. Some of our members bring Holy
Communion to those who are confined to healthcare facilities such as Colonial Heights/Gardens and Gateway. When needed some will conduct Communion Services.
We also have members who bring Holy Communion to parishioners who are home bound, and unable to attend Mass.
All of us are blessed to be a part of this ministry. It is very gratifying. We know we are there to help the
St. Timothy Volunteer Opportunities:
We will be making homeless packets to share with our February Grant Recipient, Emergency Shelter of NKy. We will be
stuffing socks with tooth brushes, tooth paste, travel size shampoos and soaps. Join us in the youth room during the
Fish Fry on March 18. We will begin at 5 pm and continue until we run out of supplies. We hope to make 100 packs.
New Family Welcoming By Katy Sullivan, Director of Outreach
Fish Fry Family Service Project - March 18 By Katy Sullivan, Director of Outreach
person we are visiting to encounter Christ by what we say and what we do. At the same time we are all blessed because we encounter Christ in them.
More help is needed in our min-istry. If you feel called to help us please contact Tom Nolan at [email protected] or (859) 525-1717.
Grocery Program - Aldersgate By Pat Kline, Parishioner Volunteer
Timothy Grocery Program) has been in existence since September, 2009. It was set up to help the senior resi-dents at Aldersgate with some of their grocery needs. At that time, we joined with Action Ministry (they supply the free food) to pack and deliver food bags to participating residents living in the government-subsidized apartment building known as Aldersgate in Florence.
“I was sick and you cared
for me…”
- Matthew 25:36
Although we have a great New Parishioner Welcoming in between Masses on a
regular basis, we would like to be able to follow up with new families. We are
looking for friendly people willing to make a phone call and maybe invite the new
parishioner to an event or a ministry you are involved in. Please help us welcome
“I was a stranger and you
welcomed me…”
- Matthew 25:35
families to our St. Timothy Community! If you are interested in helping with this ministry contact the Parish Office at 384-1100.
Sacred Heart Southern Missions June 19 - 25 By Katy Sullivan, Director of Outreach
I am very excited about our mission trip to Walls, Mississippi from June 19-25. Sacred Heart Southern Missions, a Catholic mission sponsored by the Priests of the Sacred Heart, has a long history of serving the poor community in Northern Mississippi dating back to the 1940’s. We will be working with their housing programs which assist many low income elderly and handi-capped people to afford and maintain quality housing. Most of the work we will be doing will be home repairs. No experience is necessary. Please check out www.shsm.org for much more information about the programs.
One of the aspects of a mission trip I love the most is being able to discon-nect from the rest of my activities and responsibilities in my daily life, and just focus on the simple job of serving oth-ers and bringing the joy and the love of
Christ to them. Being able to help peo-ple live in safer and more comfortable home is important, but the encounter we have with God changes our lives! And trust me, you will encounter God on a mission trip! Did I mention that we have a great time too? You will return with new friends and a renewed and deeper faith. What makes this particular trip even more appealing is the cost…the most it will be is $350. Hopefully fund-raising activities will lower that. The greatest cost is the charter bus so the more friends you bring, the less expen-sive it will be. Please let me know if you need financial assistance. Youth under 15 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have questions or are interested in this awesome experience, please contact either Katy Sullivan at [email protected], 859-384-1100 or Paul Dierig at [email protected]
