1 The Na!vity of St. John the Bap!st, June 24, 2018
St. Katharine Drexel Parish
Beaver Dam, WI June 24, 2018
Mission
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we follow the footsteps of Jesus, through love for the Eucharist and outreach to those in need. As one Body of Christ, we are a diverse community journeying toward our common goal of the Kingdom of God.
Vision
As a community we will act through: * Living out corporal and spiritual works of mercy, * Committing to individual and communal prayer,
* Growing in knowledge and faith, * Communicating for Unity.
Como comunidad actuaremos a través de: * Viviendo las obras corporales y espirituales de misericordia,
* Comprometido con la oración individual y comunitaria, * Creciendo en conocimiento y fe,
* Comunicando para la Unidad.
Inspirado por el Espíritu Santo, nosotros caminamos en los pasos de Jesús, a través del amor a la Eucaristía ya la ayuda a los necesitados. Como un Cuerpo de Cristo, somos una comunidad diversa viajando hacia nuestro objetivo común al Reino de Dios.
2 St. Katharine Drexel Parish
The Catholic Community of La Comunidad Catolica de
Saint Katharine Drexel 511 S. Spring St. (Church) / 408 S. Spring St. (Office)
920-887-2082 www.stkatharinedrexelbd.org
Katharine Drexel
Mass Schedule
Vigil (Saturday) 4:30 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM ● 10:00 AM ● 12 Noon (Español)
Monday, Wed.– Friday 8:00 AM
Tuesday (Mission Hall) 6:30 PM
Parish Office Hours
Mon ● Tues ● Thurs 8:00 AM-3:30 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM-8 PM
Friday 8:00 AM-12 PM
Mass Intentions and Schedule PC=Parish Center, SCH=School, CHR=Church
Monday, June 25
8:00 AM (CHR) Mass † David Schwantes
Tuesday, June 26
6:30 PM (Prayer Garden) Communion Service
Wednesday, June 27 (St. Cyril of Alexandria)
8:00 AM (CHR) Mass †Tom Dinkel 3:30 PM (PC) Scripture Study
Thursday, June 28 (St. Irenaeus)
8:00 AM (CHR) Mass † Hugh & Eileen Kirsh
6:30 PM (PC) NO Yoga Class
Friday, June 29 (Sts. Peter and Paul)
8:00 AM (CHR) Mass † James Klipstein 10:00 AM (Charleston House)
Saturday, June 30 (The First Martyrs of the
Holy Roman Church)
9:30-10:00 AM (CHR) Confessions/Reconcilia"on
4:30 PM (CHR) Mass † Lore"a Budde John O"o
Sunday, July 1
8:00 AM (CHR) Mass †Eddie Campnell 10:00 AM (CHR) Mass † Rose Mary Zimmer 12:00 PM (CHR) Misa
Bookstore Hours Sundays 9:00 AM - 12 Noon
● Located off of Mission Hall in the
Parish Center.
Scrip
Hours A$er Masses on weekends in the
back of church ● Fridays at the Parish
Center from 8AM - 9:30AM
Contact 920-887-2082, ext. 106
St. Katharine Drexel School Contact Barb Haase, Principal
920-885-5558, www.skds.org
503 S. Spring St.
Office Hours Mon - Fri 8AM - 4PM
Bulletin Submissions Send to [email protected] ● Must be received by Monday noon for the following weekend. Due to space constraints, not all submissions may be included. Thank you.
Fr. Michael J. Erwin PASTOR
ext.102, Emergency only: 262-206-6987
Fr. Erick Cassiano PASTOR
ext.105 [email protected]
Ed Cody DEACON
920-382-2315, [email protected]
Randy Wells DEACON
920-885-5597, [email protected]
Barbara Heinzen DIRECTOR OF ADMIN.
ext.101 & STEWARDSHIP
Kris"n Adsit DIRECTOR OF
ext.111 EVANGELIZATION
John Pryme DIRECTOR OF YOUTH &
ext. 108 YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES [email protected]
Tanya Diggins DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
ext.110 & LITURGY
Sarah O’Brion BOOKKEEPER
ext.107 [email protected]
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
Kelly Welz
[email protected] ext.100 Claudia Ramirez (secretaria bilingüe) [email protected] ext. 104
Ya-Fen Szczesny PARISH NURSE
ext.109 [email protected]
Cole%a Cody SACRISTAN
920-382-4033 [email protected]
Barbara Haase PRINCIPAL & ADMIN.
920-885-5558 OF SKD SCHOOL
Joseph Seufzer PASTORAL COUNCIL CHAIR
920-344-4553 [email protected]
Chris Brooks TRUSTEE
920-928-3471 [email protected]
Marge Jorgensen TRUSTEE
887-7412 [email protected]
CEMETERIES
St. Patrick: Margaret Benne% 887-1515
St. Peter: Rodger Ma%son 887-3566
St. Michael: Barbara Heinzen 887-2082
COMMUNIDAD HISPANA
Rosalia Villalba FORMACIÓN DE
ext. 114 CATEQUESIS
920-318-2806 [email protected]
Marvella Puga LECTORES Y ACOLITOS
920-392-2354
Abdon Diaz MINISTROS DE 262-617-1089 EUCHARISTIA
Omar Ramirez MINISTROS DE 920-318-9415 HOSPITALIDAD
Ana Bell Moreno SACRISTANE
920-356-0170
Pastoral Team
DAVID MILLER
STEVEN BERG
3 The Na!vity of St. John the Bap!st, June 24, 2018
Mon/Lunes 2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18/Ps 60:3,
4-5, 12-13 [7b]/Mt 7:1-5
Tue/Martes 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a,
36/Ps 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11 [cf. 9D]/Mt 7:6,
12-14
Wed/Miercoles 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3/Ps
119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40 [33a]/Mt 7:15-20
Thu/Jueves 2 Kgs 24:8-17/Ps 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8,
9 [9]/Mt 7:21-29
Fri/Viernes Vigil: Acts 3:1-10/Ps 19:2-3, 4-5
[5a]/Gal 1:11-20/Jn 21:15-19
Day: Acts 12:1-11/Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
[5b]/2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18/Mt 16:13-19
Sat/Sabado Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19/Ps 74:1b-
2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21 [19b]/Mt 8:5-17
Sun/Domingo Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24/Ps 30:2,
4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13 [2a]/ 2 Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15/Mk
5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43
Daily Readings/ Lecturas
● 3rd
Thursday of every month
beginning a$er morning Mass and
closing with benedic"on at 2:00PM
El tercer Jueves. Adoración después de Misa. Bendición a las 2:00 PM
● First three Friday’s of every month
7:00 - 8:00PM, Bilingual
Exposición primeros tres viernes de cada mes, 7:00 - 8:00PM
Mother of Perpetual Help/
Señora del Perpetuo Socorro
Tuesdays / Martes 4:00 PM
(Parish Center Chapel)
Solanus Casey
Healing prayer service on 1st
Fridays of
the month at 2:00 PM
El primer viernes en la Iglesia a las 2:00
PM, oración de sanación.
Devotions/ Devociones Marriage & Anoin"ng of the Sick/ Matrimonio y Unción de los Enfermos Please contact the priest to arrange /Por favor contacten al sacerdote para preparar
Reconcilia"on/ Confesiones Saturdays (Church) / Sabados (Iglesia) 9:30-10:30 AM Or by appointment (by calling Parish Center) / O con junta (llamando a la Parroquia)
Bap"sm/ Bau!smo Kris"n Adsit (see pg. 2 for contact info) Ramon Medina (Español) 920-356-0896
Confirma"on/ Confirmación For informa"on on our Confirma"on program for students entering 11
th grade, contact: John Pryme (pg.2 for contact
info). / Para mas información en nuestro programa de Confirmación para estudiantes entrando al 11o grado, contacten a John Pryme (información de contacto en pagina 2).
Eucharist/ Eucaris!a Mass schedule on pg. 2. If you, or someone you know needs the Eucharist brought to them, please contact Tanya Diggins (see pg.2 for contact info). / Tiempos de misa en pagina 2. Si tu, o alguien mas que to conoces necesita la Eucaris%a llevados a ellos, contacten a Tanya Diggins (información de contacto en pagina 2). RCIA (prepara"on for adults to receive sacraments/ preparación por adultos) Deacon Ed Cody, Cole%a Cody, Kris"n Adsit, or Fr. Erick (Español) (see pg.2 for contact info)
Sacraments/ Sacramentos (RCIA)
Do you have a prayer request?
¿Tienes una pe!ción de oración? Please call 920-885-6884
Prayer Network/ Red de Oración
Yoga Class Schedule July 5, 12, & 26 (no class July 19)
Do you need something healthy for body and soul on Thursday
nights between 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM? Free beginner/
intermediate Yoga class are being offered at the Parish Center
REC room by Julie Steil. Come join your church family.
Together we will stretch and exercise our bodies and minds by
reflec"ng on either Father’s Sunday homily or Scripture
readings. No experience necessary; however, if you have any
joint replacements or health issues please consult your
physician before a$ending. You may contact Instructor Julie
at 887-8290 or 920-912-1749 or the Parish Nurse Ya-Fen if
you have any ques"ons (contact info on pg. 2).
Ministers of Hospitality
Please prayerfully consider volunteering as a Minister of
Hospitality. Some"mes referred to as ushers, Ministers of
Hospitality are representa"ves of our caring community. They
welcome and a%end to the needs of those present at Mass. We
are in great need of help with this ministry. Scheduling is
flexible. Please contact Tanya Diggins (see pg.2 for contact info) or
speak with a Minister of Hospitality for more informa"on.
Mass Intentions We are scheduling Mass inten"ons up un"l June 30, 2019.
Inten"ons can be for most anything: in memory of, in honor of,
for the health or happiness of a loved one. (No poli"cally-
oriented inten"ons will be allowed.) Please call Kelly at the Parish
Center (contact info on pg. 2) for details.
CEMETERY SECRETARY POSITION AVAILABLE This is a permanent part "me paid posi"on of
record keeping and other secretarial du"es for
our parish cemetaries. For complete job details
please contact Barbara Heinzen (contact info on pg. 2).
Notice About Church Dues If you are choosing to write checks for both the Building From
Our Belief renova"on fund and also for you church dues, please
make SEPARATE checks for these payments. This is because the
funds go into separate accounts. You can find the purple Building
From Our Belief contribu"on envelopes in your mailed monthly
statements, in the back of church, or at the Parish Center front
desk. Thank you in advance!
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4 St. Katharine Drexel Parish
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Faith Formation Info
Now that Faith Forma"on Sessions have concluded and our
school year is coming to a close, we are in the process of ge>ng
ready for next year! Please help us out by le4ng us know your
inten"ons for 2018-2019. Official packets will be mailed at the
beginning of July, however single registra"on forms are available
through the front office now and will help us with ini"al
planning.
For your reference, the journey con"nues a$er First
Communion. First Communion is just the beginning of deepening
that rela"onship with Christ. We cannot get to know Christ, if we
do not con"nue to learn about Him; and therefore our church
offers opportuni"es to learn more about Him through scriptures
and other studies. During elementary and high school years, we
are blessed to do this journey with our peers as well! Here’s
what you will receive through your faith forma"on:
Grade 1: A basic introduc"on to God and Family.
Sacraments: Typically at Grade 2, although we have combined
grades 2 and 3 for sacramental prepara"on.
Grade 3: Understanding our church and where YOU fit in!
Grade 4: An in-depth look at the commandments.
Grade 5: An in-depth look at all the sacraments.
Grade 6 and 7: The Bible! It’s the ONLY "me we spend a year
looking at applying the Bible to our lives.
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other we
Faith Formation Needs Our Wednesday night program operates on 100% volunteers.
Without the partnership between parents and parishioners, we
would not be able to pass the faith on to the next genera"on.
Please prayerfully consider assis"ng or leading a class. All
training and materials will be provided. Here are some areas we
need to fill:
Grade 1: One aide
Grade 2: One teacher (we are aiming to have two sacrament
classes next year. Teachers will work as a team)
Grade 3: One teacher and one aide
Grade 4: One aide
Grade 5: One teacher and one aide
Grade 6/7: Two Team members
Please call 887-2082, ext. 111 if interested!
Información para la Formación de Fe Ahora que las Clases de Formación en la Fe han concluido y nuestro año escolar está llegando a su fin, ¡estamos en el proceso de prepararnos para el próximo año! Ayúdenos comunicándonos sus intenciones para 2018-2019. Los paquetes oficiales se enviarán por correo a principios del mes de Julio, sin embargo, los formularios de inscripción individuales están disponibles a través de la oficina y nos ayudarán con la planificación inicial. Para su referencia, el viaje con!núa después de la primera comunión. La Primera Comunión es solo el comienzo para profundizar esa relación con Cristo. No podemos llegar a conocer a Cristo, si no con!nuamos aprendiendo acerca de El; y por lo tanto, nuestra Iglesia ofrece oportunidades para aprender más acerca de él a través de las Escrituras y otros estudios. ¡Durante los años de la escuela primaria y secundaria, tenemos la bendición de hacer este viaje con nuestros compañeros también! Esto es lo que recibirá a través de su formación de fe: Grado 1: Introducción básica a Dios y a la familia. Sacramentos: Típicamente en el Grado 2, aunque hemos combinado los grados 2 y 3 para la preparación sacramental. Grado 3: ¡Comprender nuestra Iglesia y dónde encajas! Grado 4: Una mirada profunda a los mandamientos. Grado 5: Una mirada profunda a todos los sacramentos. Grados 6 y 7: ¡La Biblia! Es el ÚNICO momento en que pasamos
un año estudiando la Biblia para poder aplicarla a nuestras vidas.
Top 5 Reasons for Your Kids to Attend Vacation Bible School
1. FREE dinner for your family for four nights (especially on
those hot summer nights when no one feels like cooking)
2. 90 minutes of supervised kid "me for FREE
3. 90 minutes for a date night or kid-free errands while we
take care of the kids
4. Supervised nursery care for those under 5
5. A special adults-only session for four
days if you’d like to “tune up” your
spirituality
Vacation Bible School Sponsored by area churches July 29-Aug 1 Grades K-5
Teens and adults can help too!
Please register via the forms at the Parish
Center or online at www.trinityumbd.org
For more info, contact Kris"n (contact info on pg. 2)
Craft Supplies for VBS Needed Our church has always had an amazing response for Vaca"on
Bible School dona"ons! This year, we need cra$ supplies. If you
can help out with any of the listed below, please call Margaret
Sadoski (920-326-3290), or take them to the Parish Office.
THANKS in advance.
· 8 felt-backed plas"c tablecloths
· rolls of colored or designed duct tape
· 50 plas"c ice cream pails LIDS only
· 50 wooden clip clothespins
· Scrip card for JoAnn’s Fabrics
· 5-6 blow-up rubber ra$s (will be returned to you)
· various sized life jackets (will be returned to you)
>
5 The Na!vity of St. John the Bap!st, June 24, 2018
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One of the new features planned in our renova"on project is a
room called the ves"ng sacristy. It is the place where the
vestments are stored, and the priest gets dressed for mass. It
is separate from the working sacristy where supplies are kept
and servers prepare for mass. This gives Father a quiet place to
pray and prepare for the liturgy. In the plan published for our
renova"on fundraising, the ves"ng sacristy was located in the
current narthex with the working sacristy in the new addi"on
near the altar. A$er some discussion it was decided having the
two rooms close together would be more convenient. That
way, if something needs to be changed at the last minute, the
priest and person se>ng up for mass can easily take care of it.
As we con"nue to collect the funds necessary for the parish to
begin construc"on, the building commi%ee will be mee"ng
with the architect to finalize the details in our plan.
Una de las nuevas caracterís!cas planeadas en nuestro proyecto de renovación es una sala llamada sacris%a. Es el lugar donde se guardan las ves!duras, y el sacerdote se viste para la Misa. Está separado de la sacris%a, donde se guardan los suministros y los acolitos se preparan para la Misa. Esto le da al Padre un lugar tranquilo para orar y prepararse para la liturgia. En el plan publicado para nuestra recaudación de fondos para la renovación, la sacris%a se localizaba en el narthex actual con la sacris%a de trabajo en la nueva adición cerca del altar. Después de un debate, se decidió tener las dos habitaciones juntas sería más conveniente. De esa manera, si algo necesita cambiarse en el úl!mo minuto, el sacerdote y la personas que se preparan para la Misa pueden encargarse fácilmente de ello. A medida que con!nuemos recolectando los fondos necesarios para que la Parroquia comience la construcción, el comité de construcción se reunirá con el arquitecto para finalizar los detalles en nuestro plan.
Family Day at Holy Hill
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) What is it?
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is an opportunity for children to
experience the Liturgy of the Word at Mass in a way that
brings it to their own level of comprehension. A$er the
Introductory Rites at Mass, a prayer leader leads the children
to a classroom. Readings are proclaimed from the Lec!onary for Masses with Children, an age appropriate reflec"on and
discussion are used, and also prayer and intercessions. The
children are then brought back to the church for the Liturgy of
the Eucharist.
When is it and for what ages?
It is offered at the 10:00 Mass on Sundays. You do not need to
sign your child up to par"cipate. It is open to all children 4-9
who are present at Mass.
What do we need?
We need volunteers to help lead. We have a great book that
has all of the discussion ques"ons and prayers to guide you
through. We also pair up so we always have a leader and
another person in the room as a helper. It is a wonderful
experience for the prayer leaders as well as the children!
Scheduling is based on your availability. We need volunteers
to con"nue to offer this ministry!
Are you interested or need more informa"on?
If you would like to join us, or have any ques"ons, please
contact Tanya Diggins (see pg.2 for contact info).
Father Tony Klink wrote to us:
“To all who remembered me on my 60th anniversary:
Thank you for your Kindness and God Bless You Forever!”
Un lugar para reunirse y crecer.
6 St. Katharine Drexel Parish
Blood Pressure Clinic High blood pressure can cause many damages to your body if
le$ uncontrolled and/or untreated. Because the preven"ve care
is so important to early detec"on and disease preven"on, here
at St. Katharine Drexel Parish we offer free Blood Pressure Clinic.
Come get your blood pressure checked at the Parish Center this
Monday, June 25, 8:30-10:00am. Please note: Beginning in July,
the Blood Pressure Clinic will be move to every 4th Wednesday
(instead of Monday) between 8:30-10:00am in St. Peter Room.
Ministers of Communion outside of Mass Deacon Randy would like to start a service for the Ministers of
Communion to the sick, homebound, and those in care
facili"es. This service would provide support, training, and faith
sharing. To discuss when an ini"al mee"ng could be held, please
talk to Deacon Randy. (contact info on pg. 2)
Youth Ministry News
Youth Group: June 24th
All 6th-12th graders are welcome to our next Youth Group
Mee"ng at 6:00 pm in the REC.
Summer Events
Next Youth Mass will be outdoors and will be held at St.
Columbkille of the Tri-Parishes at W10802 County Rd TT,
Columbus, WI 53925 on July 15. The gathering will be at 5:30
PM, with Mass at 6:00 PM. Volleyball and a cookout will follow
Mass. All ages are welcome.
Help with Vaca"on Bible School Games July 29th
-August 1st
.
Contact John Pryme (contact info on pg. 2) if interested in
helping!
Theology on Tap: Friday July 13th
Our first of this kind of event! Young Adults (Ages 18-30) are
invited to join us for our first "Theology on Tap.” We'll begin at
the Hubbleton Brewery (W10445 Hubbleton Rd, Waterloo) for a
tour at 5:30 PM. At 6:30 PM, we'll head over to the Murphy
Farm (N1651 Cty Rd G, 4 miles South of Reeseville) for food,
beverages, and discussion. Single or married, everyone is
welcome! For more informa"on, contact John Pryme (contact
info on pg. 2).
Other Opportuni"es
Any 13-19 year-olds with an interest in a%ending “Life Camp,”
August 5th-10th at the Green Lake Conference Center,
sponsored by Wisconsin Right To Life, please contact John Pryme
(Contact info on Pg. 2)
Leadership Retreat
There will be a group traveling to East Troy, WI, on August 25th-
26th for a leadership retreat. This retreat will help challenge,
inspire, and provide the prac"cal tools to be a teen leader in
ministry. This is available to Junior or Seniors in High School.
HELP WANTED
As the Summer rolls on, the Faith Forma"on Year grows closer.
One of the great things about the coming year is that there is an
opportunity for YOU to use your gi$s for the up and coming
youth of the Parish. 8-10th Grade and Confirma"on is always
looking for men and woman to help with classes! If you want to
share your talents for the benefit of either class, please contact
John Pryme (Contact info on pg. 2)
Blue Zones Approved! Many of you may already know the exci"ng news:
St. Katharine Drexel Parish is now a Blue Zones-
Approved Faith-Based Community! This means that
the Parish has proven its commitment to promote health and
well-being for its parishioners and its community at large. If you
have ques"ons, or would like to become more involved in the
many efforts inspired by the Blue Zones Project, visit the website
at bluezonesproject.com, or contact our Parish Nurse, Ya-Fen (contact info on pg. 2)
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4th Annual Emily C. Lyons' Golf Outing July 14th at Old Hickory Golf Club We are looking for people who would like to golf, buy a meal
"cket, or sponsor a hole. The cost of golf is $85 per person and
includes dinner, a silent auc"on, and live music. Dinner without
golf is $25 and includes the silent auc"on and live music. We
appreciate any amount for hole sponsorship. If you have any
ques"ons or would like to par"cipate in any way please call Abby
Bu%erbrodt at 920-763-5323.
7 The Na!vity of St. John the Bap!st, June 24, 2018
Summer Office Hours
GENERAL DAILY HOURS
8AM to NOON
Other "mes by appointment
Report Cards available Beginning June 21!
Have a safe, relaxing, fun-filled summer.
See you in August
First day of school August 27, 2018
Help a family send children to SKDS to
receive a Catholic School educa"on.
Families sacrifice to send children to
our parish school because they want a
Catholic educa"on. Can you give $10,
$100, $1000? Or— perhaps you are so
blessed you can contribute even
more. Whatever you give will be a gi$
to our students.
¨ Write a check to SKDS. On the
memo line write:
TUITION ASSISTANCE FUND
BE A BELIEVER! MAKE A DIFFERENCE
IN A CHILD’S LIFE!
Teaching Positions At SKDS
SECOND GRADE
SPANISH / READING–LANGUAGE
SCIENCE
For informa"on on applica"on procedures, go to:
h%ps://www.archmil.org/Jobs.htm
or
h%ps://wecan.educa"on.wisc.edu/#/
777
CATCH OUR VERY OWN SKDS BAND AT THE 4TH OF JULY PARADE
IN COLUMBUS! We couldn’t be more proud of our St. Katharine
Drexel School Band. They perform beau"fully at
Mass, for the community, in parade, as a full
group and in small ensembles. “Small but
mighty!” A fine representa"on of our school.
Hats off to Ms. Kim Lopas, our Band Director.
SAFEGUARDING ALL GOD’S FAMILY
¨ All volunteers and employees are required to take
the Safeguarding class.
¨ Next session at SKDP is S0=>0@Q0' 13 %> 6:30PM
*Z >-0 C%[0>0'*%.
¨ OZ\*Z0 '0]*+>'%>*^Z *+ '0_`*'0q. Create an
account to take the class, to register for the
criminal background check and complete the Code
of Ethics. Go online to h%ps://milwaukee.cmgconnect.org/
¨ You can also find the link at www.skds.org
¨ Registra"ons are now open.
-<= School News
8 St. Katharine Drexel Parish
9 The Na!vity of St. John the Bap!st, June 24, 2018
10 St. Katharine Drexel Parish
Letter from the Pastor Shared by Fr. Mike
F!" !"# R$%&$'()!*
St. John the Bap"st
Because one of our four parishes is named a$er St. John the
Bap"st, this weekend has a special level of celebra"on for
us. We are so proud of our beau"ful and historic parish in
Clyman and are fascinated for its future as Clyman considers
its possibili"es with the elevated importance of the
intersec"on of State Highways 26, 16 and 60 and the strong
businesses that already reside there.
The person of St. John the Bap"st con"nues a long
communica"on of God through prophets. A prophet sees
clearly the current historical situa"on and honestly strives
to listen to what God wants to say in that situa"on. Though
prophets are usually remembered for clear even loud
voices, they can only really func"on if they are profoundly
humble and allow God to take over what they are to say.
Some"mes we see prophets as condemning, controlling and
cynical people but instead they are ul"mately very hopeful.
They are calling the world to be free from sin so they can
find life walking with God.
St. John is exactly this kind of person, he fully expects the
redemp"on to take hold and for people to very soon
experience new life in God. He is put to death by a
powerful couple who does not want to leave their path of
sin and self-centeredness but is picked in their conscience
which evokes their violent response. St. John bravely
follows the early outpouring of the Holy Spirit anyways as
he is convinced of the importance of Jesus Christ for his
redemp"on and the bap"sm of the Holy Spirit for all.
Many of us like to consider ourselves prophets but this
weekend is an opportunity to compare our mo"va"on,
a>tudes and prac"ces to those of St. John; we are
especially supposed to be honest about if we are hearing
God or reitera"ng our own strong feelings. We are not
merely to be cynical and cri"cal but believers that new life
for people (including ourselves) is here with us.