The LeDGeR Issue 5 February 2017

St. Matthew the Apostle Church

❖ One ❖ Parish ❖ One ❖ Family ❖ One ❖ Journey ❖

Pastoral Letter: Cultivating the Foundation Soil of our Faith  Winter often seems so dreary as the grays of January and February can make us tired, unmotivated, and even despairing. When we look at the natural world around us, it may not be much help. For we wonder if it will ever be less cloudy and more sunny. Trees are bare, the ground is frozen, and we don’t hear many birds chirping! From my background in agriculture and horticulture, I can tell you that sometimes what we don’t see in nature is the most powerful.  While that top layer of soil may be frozen rock hard in the winter, there are several foundational layers of soil below that are teaming with activity, even if it’s not obvious.   This time of year, in these months of Ordinary Time between Advent and Lent, it can be tempting to see ourselves like that frozen soil, letting our own spiritual growth freeze because of the lack of obvious promptings from the Church Liturgical Calendar. But just like the soil, we’ve got foundational levels of our faith that can keep us growing and continue to prepare us for what’s to come.  In these cold months, I offer a challenge to all: find those unfrozen foundational levels of your faith that can be put to work for your growth. Here are some suggestions: start attending Mass every Sunday if you have been neglecting that commandment of the Lord; make time to share your gifts through a ministry at St. Matthew; introduce yourself to one new family a week at Sunday Mass; trust God by increasing slightly your income each week to the Church; turn off your cell phone for one hour a day and enjoy quiet time or family time with no distractions; read a Catholic book or listen to holy music.  May we all capitalize on the strength of the unseen during these winter months, awaiting the splendor and beauty of what God will grow out of our commitment to cultivating the foundational soil of our faith.

Fr. Ted Sill

“Can you not spend an hour with Me?” – Mark 14:37 Bryan Gebhart will be passing on the leadership position of the Divine Mercy Adoration Chapel to Paul Koors in February. And, as you are aware, Bryan was instrumental in overseeing the construction of the Divine Mercy Chapel and has been leading the Adoration team ever since. Please join us February 19, at 11:00 a.m., in the St. Anthony Room to show our gratitude to Bryan for his years of service. We thank you Bryan!

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Main EventThe Main Event Committee and the Home and School Board would like to thank all our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees. Due to your generosity, The Main Event was able to raise approximately $75,000.00. The funds from this event are our lifeline to be able to enhance the spiritual and educational environment of the school and offer financial support for the benefit of the students. THANK YOU!

Charitable Works2016 was another successful year for our Charitable Works Ministry (CWM) team.

Highlights include:

• 1,227 requests for food filled

• 52,380 meals delivered

• 4800 sandwiches made for St. Lawrence Haven

• 72 families received Thanksgiving Dinners

• 82 families received Christmas Dinners

• 90 families visited the Santa Shoppe for Christmas gifts

We want express our admiration to each of you at St. Matthew. You are the ones, with your faith in God, financial contributions, talents, and prayers who make the ministry viable in the lives of those we serve.

Knitting and Crocheting Ministry Distribution Weekend by Mrs. Glenda NeelyThe annual distribution for the Knitting and Crocheting Ministry was Friday, November 4th, 2016, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Over 55 volunteers helped during the day to transport all the boxes and tubs of items from The Neely’s home to Mifflin Presbyterian Church. There the items were unpacked and prayers were pinned on each item. A total of 13,157 items were made this year and given to 44 organizations where they were distributed to the homeless and the needy. All just in time for the very cold weather that had arrived.Since 1995, when this ministry began, we have made 91,441 items that were all given to organizations for the homeless and the needy. To put that number into perspective, the Cotton Bowl holds 92,500 people. If we put one item on each seat, we would almost have enough to fill each seat. That being said, we have helped a very large amount of people stay warm and feel God’s love.Thank you, everyone, for all your support, donations of yarn, money to purchase yarn, items you have made and all your prayers to make this another successful year. This ministry would not be able to continue at this level and serve so many people without all your support.God bless you all, and thank you again.

Save the Dates for the 2017 Knitting Ministry Distribution Weekend: Thursday, November 9th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Setup Room,

Friday, November 10th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Distribution Day Saturday, November 11th, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Finish Pick-up and Deliveries and Clean Up Room.

Hats and scarves sorted on Distribution Day.

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Our Music Ministry by Dawn Shininger

“Singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart” (Ephesians 5:19).

Sacred Scripture has many references to music throughout its pages. In fact, in the Bible’s first recorded act of worship, Moses and the Israelites sang a song to the Lord after they escaped from Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 15:1). The Church holds sacred music in such high regard that it is described as “a treasure of inestimable value” (found in the documents of the Second Vatican Council).

But, why is music so important to our worship? John Michael Talbot writes: “Music is sacramental… Music can both symbolize and cause people to dance, rejoice, and weep tears of sorrow and joy. It can do what words can only point to. Words can point to a reality. Music can usher people through the door into actual experience” (Foreword, How the Choir Converted the World, Aquilina 2016).

The parish Music Ministry has many opportunities for parishioners of all ages to get involved – either with singing or making a musical melody for the Lord during the Mass.

The Adult Choir sings every Sunday at the 10:00 a.m. Mass, from September through the end of the Easter season, and they rehearse weekly on Thursday evenings. The parish Youth Choir sings once a month at specified Masses and includes youth from 2nd through 6th grades. The parish Teen Choir sings at Christmas, Easter and other designated Masses, including young people around ages 12 through 22. The parish Contemporary Group sings once a month and includes a combination of piano, guitar, flute and vocals. The parish Funeral Choir serves at every funeral, and members may participate who are retired or otherwise available during the day when funeral Masses occur.

The parish Cantor Program involves many individuals who prepare the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel verse and Antiphons at each Mass for which they are scheduled. Additionally, students of St. Matthew School volunteer and serve in this capacity for those daily Masses when the school attends once a week. Many of these students serve as Psalmists/Cantors for the weekend Masses, as well.

For those who wish to make a musical melody, the parish Handbell Choir serves on a regular basis at various Mass times throughout the year, and they rehearse weekly on Tuesday evenings.

All music groups are looking for more involvement and welcome new members at any time. Music reading ability is helpful, but not necessary. Please contact Dawn Shininger, Director of Music, at dshininger@stmatthew.net or (614) 471-0212, ext. 1117 for more information.

Hometown Bazaar 2016: A Success! by Lisa Beck

The 2016 St. Matthew Catholic School Hometown Bazaar was a huge success this year with the most revenue to date! We had over 125 vendors, and over 1,800 customers came through the door. There was hustle and bustle throughout the day.

We could never accomplish what we do without the tremendous support of volunteers and donations, and this year was even more remarkable. Truly, they made my role as Chair so much easier. I would be remiss if I didn’t express a special thank-you to all of the volunteers for all that they did – from prep work, setup to teardown.

White Castle was the official sponsor of the Hometown Bazaar. They donated food and all of the printing for the show. We are so blessed to have their support for our event.

This year saw some exciting changes, including the following: a new coat and stroller check-in and the return of Santa for pictures with the little ones. For the first time, we also started doing online vendor registrations for the 2017 show and introduced a new website at https://sites.google.com/a/cdstmatthew.org/st-matthew-hometown-bazaar.

I am already excited about next year’s show, and I am working hard to smooth out areas for the show, like creating an easier check-in process for the vendors and building up the raffles and the donations that we receive. Every penny we earn goes to the Home and School Association to benefit St. Matthew students directly.

Please keep November 12, 2017 on your calendar, and if you would like to donate your time or talent, contact me at hometownbazaar@cdstmatthew.org.

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A Mother’s Call by Fr. O

My first assignment after ordination in 1958 was at St. Leo Parish, and I also covered the chaplaincy at Mercy Hospital on South High Street. About 3:00 a.m. one morning, the telephone located in the hallway between the Pastor’s bedroom and mine woke me from a deep sleep. By the time I staggered out of bed and got to the phone, the line was dead.

Thinking that at the early hour, the most likely source of the call would be the hospital, I got dressed and hurried over there. As I entered the emergency room door, I saw the charge nurse and hurried over to ask if it was she who had called. She responded that she intended to call, but was so busy that she hadn’t had time. But the reason she was going to call me was to see a gentleman who was brought in from a very bad accident over on Route 23. She said he was critically wounded with massive internal bleeding that would cause his death very shortly, but he was still semi-conscious.

The nurse thought he might be Catholic since he had a rosary in his pants pocket. I took the rosary, approached the man’s cot, and inquired if he were indeed a Catholic. He hesitantly said that he was, but hadn’t been to church in several years. He told me that his mother had given him this rosary when he was being sent on active duty to the South

Pacific at the beginning of World War II. She asked that he carry it with him always, no matter where he might be, and if he did, she promised that when he was dying a priest would be at his side.

He went on further to say that his mother had died before he returned from the war, and he had visited the local bar more frequently than the church in the years that followed. Then, looking up at me, he related that he kept the promise, though not practicing his faith. With faltering words, he said, “I know that I am dying and here you are… a priest at my side. I guess the Blessed Mother kept her end of the bargain, too!” I heard his Confession, gave him absolution, and, in moments, he took his last breath.

Placing the rosary back in his hands, I went over to relate the story to the charge nurse. I told her that since it was not she who called me, I was curious where the call originated from. With tears in her eyes, she responded that it probably was his mother, either his birth mother or his Blessed Mother! I must admit, at that point my eyes were pretty misty also!

Rosary Kits by Sherry Schoenstein

The parish’s Third grade students in both the PSR Program and St. Matthew School are participating in a family Rosary Program. School instructional aide Nicole Buerger came up with the idea to create a family “Rosary Kit.” Each bag contains instructions on how to pray the Rosary, a picture of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, an audio CD, which includes all the mysteries and prayers to recite, rosaries for use when praying, and a mini-rosary coloring book for the family to keep.

The intent of the project is to help families spend time together in prayer, while learning the Rosary in a fun and easy way. Combining both programs helps to foster community though prayer. The ultimate goal of this program is to have the children and families come together in a group Rosary at the end of the year.

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On St. Nicholas Day, the 5th graders

enjoyed caroling for residents

at a local nursing home.

Catch the Spirit families worked together to make

nearly 100 fleece blankets, which were donated

to the Ronald McDonald House and Project Linus.

Nearly 40 Beta Club members spent two hours

on a Friday evening doing yard work for a

94-year-old parishioner and her son.

Our 3rd and 4th grade students invited local veterans to

St. Matthew on Veterans Day to honor them with a

beautiful tribute of patriotic songs and speeches.

Our students have the opportunity to provide service during our weekly Masses.

During Mass, students share their gifts by volunteering as Altar Servers, Lectors, Cantors, Musicians, and Choir Members.

Our 2nd grade students had a “Baby Shower for Jesus” and collected

numerous baby items for the Christ Child Society.

Student Council collected 22 large boxes of Halloween candy and hygiene products for our troops.

The students donated money to dress in patriotic colors, which helped offset the shipping costs.

Enjoy a photo collection of how our students have been busy the last few months

helping our community.

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Focus on Me Son by Arthur VicknerMy name is Arthur Vickner, and after 40 years, I returned to the parish of my childhood – St. Matthew. The first person I came in contact with was Jenna Zins through the parish website, and through her I chose Eucharistic Adoration as one of my ministry choices. I thought it would be a good way to start my two nights off each week. At my old parish, we had Adoration on Fridays and some Sundays, too. But Perpetual Adoration was new to me. It seemed like a great idea, because you get to pick when you go, and you can go as often as you like. I am going more each week. I just cannot get enough face-to-face time with Jesus. Each Monday morning, I am literally pulled off my seat by the sheer presence of Jesus in the Chapel. Every time I start to lower my head because I just worked all night, Jesus whispers to me, “Focus on me son,” and my strength is renewed. I rise once again to the occasion, and our conversation continues. Each time, I am blessed later that day with something supernatural that can only be explained as a reward for obedience. Last time, when I got home with almost no energy at all, He asked me to write a poem. I did, and it was beautiful. There is a special grace we receive through Eucharistic Adoration that has to be experienced personally. I encourage you to go and be richly blessed. All for Him, Arthur Vickner

My Journey of Faith: How RCIA Has Changed It by Aaron Cassady

While my journey in faith is so much more than this article illustrates, I feel compelled to share my recent journey through RCIA at St. Matthew. First; however, a bit of a background is important. As a young boy, my experience with Church was a small Baptist Church that I would attend a handful of times. While this was an overall positive experience and left no doubt there was a God, my understanding of who He really was left me confused. Without a consistent Church home, I was left to hearing the experiences of others while getting society’s variety of views of who He was. Early on, I picked up on, and for some reason hung on to, the belief that God loved us, but it was conditional. If we did good, good things would happen, and bad things happened because we were doing something wrong.

It wasn’t until I started dating a “Catholic Girl” (who is now my wife) at the age of 17, that I stepped into the Catholic Church for the first time and that understanding changed. The first Mass I attended, I remember taking away the thought that God wasn’t a punishing God but rather a God who loved us – sins and all. Aside from the relief this gave me, this made me want to find out more of who Christ really was. Over the next 18 years, I attended Mass, but not faithfully, was married in the Church, had my children baptized, and tried to live my life with Christ guiding it. I always told myself I would convert eventually, but I could never “find the time.”

This past fall, I finally chose to take that step. Still being a bit naive, I thought the RCIA process was just going to make me “official,” and I would finally learn what those rituals in Mass were all about. Instead, I was met with something so much more. I finally met Jesus Christ. He has revealed Himself to me as a real person, as a friend, and most of all as perfect love. He is no longer a “concept” I had been searching for. In reality, He never was. He has been there the whole time; it just took full and authentic faith for me to allow this meeting to take place. Since this encounter, I feel as if I grow as a person each day like never before. I have a greater compassion for the human soul. I feel totally set free knowing this life is leading to an eternity of pure peace that we can’t comprehend. And while I still don’t have it all figured out, I finally met the One who does.

Editor’s Note: As we approach the 2nd Anniversary of the Divine Mercy Adoration Chapel on February 17th, consider signing up for a time at http://www.stmatthew.net/dmc. Remember, you can share time slots with family or friends. If you aren’t sure if you are ready to fully commit, try committing for Lent and watch how your relationship with Jesus changes.

On the Feast of

All Saints, the student processed

relics of saints and a photo

of each.

The LeDGeRFebruary 2017 Issue 5 ❖ Page 7

Calling Men into the Breach by Steve Davis

“And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land” (Ezekiel 22:30).

The Catholic Men’s Conference is the Midwest’s largest annual gathering for Men of Faith. The conference will be on Saturday, February 25th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in the new Cardinal Hall building at the Ohio Expo Center. This year’s theme is “Calling Men into the Breach.” Men, this year, I am additionally here to sound the call to battle. Undoubtedly, you have not only seen the attacks upon Christians around the world, but against our marriages, our families, our children, our Church, and against our own souls.

Men, too many of us have failed to uphold our promises that we’ve made at Baptism and the Baptisms of our children, and at Confirmation. We can now begin anew by turning to our Lord, His Sacraments, and His Holy Scripture. Bishop Olmsted extols us to “get off the sidelines and stand up for life on the front lines. We need faith like that of our fathers who defended the children of previous generations and who gave up their own lives rather than abandon their faith in Christ.”

Men, now is the time for us to band together as brothers in Christ, because your marriage is worth fighting for, your family is worth fighting for, our Church is worth fighting for, your soul is worth fighting for, and we need to fight this battle together. Now is the time to step into the breach…and answer the call.

Our Speakers at the Catholic Men’s Conference will be Deacon Harold Burk, Steve Bollman and Father Jonathan Morris (for details, visit http://www.catholicmensministry.com/).

Last year, 228 men from St. Matthew attended the Catholic Men’s Conference. We have been the largest parish men’s group to attend the Catholic Men’s Conference for the past several years now. Our goal this year is for 300 men from St. Matthew to attend. Join me, and answer the call to be the man that God intended you to be for your family.

To learn more about our St. Matthew Conference Team, visit http://www.stmatthew.net/saint-matthew-parish-catholic-mens-conference-team, or email Steve Davis at sdavis8813@hotmail.com.

Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference: February 18, 2017

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

It is time to once again shatter our record attendance at the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference. We have had more and more women attend each year, and on this 10th anniversary, the hope is to have over 100 women attend! It can be difficult to make time and space in our busy lives to recognize the profound love Jesus has for us. Be strong and courageous and choose to leave busy-ness behind for a day. For those brief few hours, choose to find the joy of knowing Christ all over again; find the power of love that waits in His merciful arms, and find a community of women with similar struggles and victories, becoming the saints God created them to be. To purchase your tickets and to find information about the speakers, visit www.columbuscatholicwomen.com.

Our Lady of Guadalupe by Sherry Schoenstein

On Sunday, December 11th our PSR families celebrated the feast of “Our Lady of Guadalupe.” Her actual feast day is December 12th.

The Holy Virgin appeared to Juan Diego in the winter of 1531, on the mountain of Tepeyac, near Mexico City. She appeared and called upon Juan Diego to go to the Bishop. She stated that she wanted a church to be built on the mountain. The Bishop did not believe Juan Diego. The next day, Juan Diego saw the Virgin Mary, and he again went to the Bishop with the Virgin’s request for a second time. The Bishop said that he would only believe that the Blessed Mother had appeared if Juan Diego brought him a sign. Juan Diego again saw the Blessed Mother who sent him up to the hilltop where he found blossoming roses despite the winter season. Juan Diego gathered the roses into his robe and took them to the Bishop. The Bishop fell down to his knees before the sight: Juan Diego’s tilma (loose robe) had a portrait of Our Lady on it. The Cathedral of Our Lady was built at that place. Juan Diego’s tilma is still guarded at that exact location today.

The story was reenacted by our wonderful high school classroom aides. PSR students made their own tilma’s to wear. A picture of the Virgin Mary was displayed in the Hutta Gym and surrounded by paper roses that the students made to honor her. St. Matthew School students were able to enjoy her presence on Monday during their lunch hour.

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Status Animarum 2016The Status Animarum (Latin meaning “State of Souls” ) is an annual report of the people living in a parish and of events related to them. Each year, every church in every diocese completes a Status Animarum for their parish. Reports are compiled and sent to the Diocese office. The Diocese then sends their report to the Archdiocese and then onto the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB). The country report is then sent to the Vatican.

Want to Get to Know St. Matthew Parish? Here are the details from the Status Animarum 2016:

Vocations: Number preparing for Priesthood (Diocesan): 1

Number preparing for Permanent Diaconate (Diocesan): 0 Number preparing to be Women Religious: 0

Sacrament of Confirmation: Number Confirmed by Bishop

(or Vicar General or other Delegate): 92 Number Confirmed at Easter Vigil

(including those reported in section D. 6.): 17

Sacrament of Baptism: Infants, up to age 1: 77 Children, age 1 to 7: 24 Children, over age 7: 7

Adults: 5 Total Baptisms: 113

Children/Adults received by Profession of Faith: 8

Sacrament of Marriage: Both parties are Catholic: 5 Catholic and Non-Catholic:4

Convalidations/Sanations: 11

Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist: Number of Children who received

First Holy Communion: 127

Volunteers: Total Number of Lectors: 47

Total Number of Servers: 113 Total Number of Extraordinary Ministers

of Holy Communion: 179

Census Figures: Number of Households

(one or more Catholics in residence): 2,317

Number of Adults (individuals over the age of 18): 5,104

Total Number of Children: 1,726 Ages 0-5: 484

Ages 6-14: 910 Ages 15-18: 332

Number of Families – Mixed Marriages in Parish: 574

Number of Families – both husband and wife are Catholic: 1,111

Number of Active Families (registered and contributing): 1,618

Number of Deaths in the past year: 26 Total Catholic Population (number of souls): 6,320

Schools:

Grade School-Age Children: Parish School: 617

Other Catholic Schools: 1 Public/Charter/Other Private Schools: 505

Home School: 27 Total Grade School Age Children in your Parish : 1,123

PSR Classes: 282

High School-Age Children Catholic High School: 176

Public/Charter/Other Private High Schools: 158 Home School: 2

Total Grade School Age Children in your Parish: 334 Number Attending Youth Programs 9th to 12th: 100

St. Matthew School Open House: A Success! Preschool Update!The Open House held on January 29th was a success! We had nine of our 8th grade students give tours to 23 families. The visiting families were very complimentary and spoke highly of our students! Thank you to the families who posted Open House signs and invited families to visit!

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that our Pre-K Program will be all day for 28 students next year, 2017-2018. Did you know our Preschoolers go to Adoration? What an amazing experience for these young children!

Open Registration for St. Matthew School begins February 6th.

The LeDGeRFebruary 2017 Issue 5 ❖ Page 9

Meals on Wheels by Eileen Lepionka

Could you ever imagine that an hour or so of your time, once a week or month, could make such a profound difference in the lives of our Gahanna Seniors and Homebound neighbors?

The St. Matthew the Apostle Meals on Wheels (MOW) Ministry Team knows just how important this volunteer effort can be. Our nine team members deliver meals in the Gahanna area each Thursday at noon for Lifecare Alliance. Most volunteers deliver one of two routes, once a month, taking 60-75 minutes of their time to deliver meals and complete paperwork.

The meals are delivered fresh from Lifecare’s Kitchens directly to The Stygler Commons residences off Imperial Drive in Gahanna. Long-time MOW volunteers Jeanne Babeaux and Kevin Lepionka from St. Matthew, each with over 10 years of service, can attest to how this volunteer experience touches them in a special way. Jeanne and Kevin know they are nourishing the human spirit by their efforts. They both tell me they also get a “spiritual lift” from the clients our two routes serve. These clients often have no one to look in on them, so the MOW delivery serves other critical purposes.

I have had the privilege of coordinating this Ministry for the last five years, and I have been a Lifecare MOW Team member for 11 years. I have seen firsthand the impact we make. There is a need for additional volunteers to continue this important ministry. Three to five Route Volunteers and a Volunteer Ministry Coordinator position are open as we start 2017.

If you would like to learn more, or perhaps join this caring group, please contact Karen Lackey at klackey@stmatthew.net.

Live the Adventure: Catholic Youth Summer Camp Contributors include Jack & Max Cote, Aidan Shannon, Ethan & Brendan Lackey

“Catholic Youth Summer Camp (CYSC) operates at Damascus Catholic Mission Campus, an incredible 471-acre property in Centerburg, OH, complete with a beautiful 30-acre lake. Damascus is located in the geographic heart of Ohio,” (cysc.com). 2016 was the first year that CYSC had their new and permanent location in Centerburg. In years past, CYSC was held at various camps in the Ohio area. Students entering 6th grade through 12th grade can attend. St. Matthew has had many parishioners attend and love the camp over the years!

The Cote Family has been attending the camp for many years. Jack Cote explained, “In my life, CYSC has really been a life-changing experience. Before Sixth grade, I had never really experienced God in a deep and meaningful way. Not only did it impact my faith life, but I also got to live the adventure doing amazing activities like paint balling, jet skiing, and archery tag.” His brother Max added, “CYSC also has praise and worship and club. Club is great because you can watch funny skits, sing spiritual songs, and you can have great time with your small groups. The cabins are comfy, they have bunk beds, and super nice restrooms. CYSC is awesome because you get to grow closer to God.”

Aidan Shannon, and Ethan and Brendan Lackey attended for the first time in 2016 and were eager to sign up. They are excited to have more friends attend with them in 2017. Aidan said, “My favorite activities were paint ball, Adoration by the lake, the high ropes course and a paint class. My counselor’s name was Jake, and he was a lot of fun. He would play tricks on us at lunch. We also had a surprise visit from Father Sill, which was great! The last night that I was at camp, we had a glow stick party – they had music and a fire and gave everyone glow sticks.”

Ethan added, “On Wednesday, we went to outdoor Adoration. It was actually a lot more peaceful than normal Adoration because you can feel the presence of God in His creation. My favorite adventure part of camp was the high ropes course, because I like obstacle courses and it was very challenging.” Brendan was nervous and scared before he got to camp, but as soon as it started, he explained that the people working there made you feel like they were your friends and that the week you were going to spend at camp was going to be amazing. Brendan said, “At the camp, you are not only doing activities, but you are going to Mass every day. Now this may seem boring, but at this camp, the Mass has more energy. During the Mass, you are encouraged to put your hands up like you are at a party because heaven is an everlasting party with God.”

Catholic Youth Summer Camp started taking registrations for camp in October 2016, but many weeks still have openings. The cost per week is $495.00, and financial assistance is available if needed. Check out http://cysc.com/ to see if this might be something your child would like to do this summer. All the kids agreed, if you want to do something amazing and life-changing, go to Catholic Youth Summer Camp!

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Staff Spotlight: Getting to Know Deacon Larry Koebel

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your early years as a child?

A: I was born in 1944, and grew up in Linden. I attended the “old” Saint Peter School which is gone now. My parents and only brother are deceased. I carried papers and cut lawns until I got a job as a stock boy in a woman’s dress shop. I was a Catholic boy with no sisters; that was an education.

Q: What were some of your interests in your youth?

A: I was active in scouting and an avid camper.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your wife and family?

A: I met my spouse, Laura, at Bishop Watterson High School and we’ve been married 52 years. We’ve lived in Gahanna for 28 years. We have three sons. One is a Navy veteran and served on a fast attack submarine. Another one has a degree in ancient Greek and Latin and is currently in Shanghai studying Mandarin Chinese. We also have a handicapped son whom we see every week and always go to McDonald’s. Laura has always supported my ministry and went to prison with me several times, including Christmas and Easter. She has been a Pastoral Minister, an artist and has been published in national magazines. She has Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Geriatrics. She says both help her deal with me. A Deacon’s spouse shares her husband with the Church, and they do not get the recognition they deserve.

Q: You’ve had experience working in education, what were some of your roles?

A: I taught Social Studies at Central, Beechcroft, and Walnut Ridge High Schools. I retired from Columbus Public Schools after 31 years. I was active in forming the Columbus Education Association. I was also the Activities Coordinator for the Ohio Geographic Alliance [OGA] at OSU for 3 ½ years after I retired from the public schools. Also, I taught Church History in the Deacon School of Theology for four classes of Deacons.

Q: Who is someone that has influenced you growing up?

A: I had a wonderful mentor in high school in Father Bob Rielly, now deceased. He took a bunch of us and gave us training during summers and got us totally involved in the Catholic Youth Council [CYC]. He gave us leadership skills and a mission of social justice, which is strong in me today.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your interest and background in the Catholic faith?

A: “…I graduated from high school with good grades in ‘religion…’.” I have always been active in the Church as a Server, Parish Council, etc.

Q: How did you become interested in becoming a Deacon? And when did you become a Deacon?

A: One of the first Permanent Deacons in our diocese, Deacon Terry Canovan, was in a prayer group Laura and I attended. He encouraged me to look into the Permanent Deaconate. I was ordained in 1980, and spent ten years at Saint Elizabeth.

Q: Can you share with us some of your experiences as being a Deacon?

A: I went to Pickaway Correctional Institution [PCI] as a Corrections Chaplain for 15 years. The nuns always said if I didn’t straighten up, I’d end up in jail; who knew. While doing prison ministry, I helped at St. John the Baptist and St. Mary in German Village. I’ve written a book about prison life called “Right Side of the Grass, Wrong Side of the Fence.” It’s on Amazon.

Q: How do you view your role as deacon with parishioners?

A: We are all pilgrims on a journey to God. My ministry is to walk the pilgrim journey with sisters and brothers and listen to their story. I want to bring the message and love of Jesus in my ministry, the sacraments, in preaching and in teaching. I want to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

Q: What is some other information you’d feel comfortable sharing in which parishioners might not know about you?

A: In 2006, I was diagnosed with Leukemia; but as most can tell, I am still alive. I take an oral chemo pill daily. I love the woods and fields, anthropology, archeology and cosmology (not hair dressing). My hobbies are genealogy, Southeast Ohio history and pioneer life skills. Every May, I lead a tour of the Hocking Valley as a part of ECO Weekend.

Q: What some things you enjoy about St. Matthew?

A: First of all, since I retired from “active” ministry, it is good to be in our home parish. I appreciate very much the opportunity of assisting, the support of the priests and meeting and talking with brothers and sisters after Mass. I enjoy, very much, the fellowship with my Brother Deacon Joe Meyer.

The LeDGeRFebruary 2017 Issue 5 ❖ Page 11

February 18 Catholic Women’s ConferenceFebruary 25 Catholic Men’s ConferenceMarch 1 Ash Wednesday, Masses at 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 7:00 p.m.March 3 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, 4:45-7:00 p.m.March 10 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, 4:45-7:00 p.m.March 17 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, 4:45-7:00 p.m.March 24 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, 4:45-7:00 p.m.March 31 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, 4:45-7:00 p.m.April 7 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, 4:45-7:00 p.m.March 27-April 2 School Spring Break (Resumes April 3)April 9 Palm SundayApril 13, 14 and 15 Triduum: Holy Thursday, 7:00 p.m.; Good Friday, 3:00 p.m.;  and Holy Saturday, 8:30 p.m. April 16 Easter Sunday, Masses at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.April 22 First Communions, 5:00 p.m.April 23 First Communions, 12:00 p.m.April 29 First Communions, 5:00 p.m.April 30 First Communions, 12:00 p.m.May 8 May Crowning, 10:00 a.m., with Luncheon to follow

Upcoming Events

Please refer to the website or bulletins for further details on times and locations.

Congratulations to all those who received the Sacrament of Baptism:

Joseph Izak McNair Raymond Anthony Porter

Matthew Kirk Waite Lillian Marie Stewart

Annistyn Christine Mayhew Madeleine Rose Dillman Brooklyn Caroline Kelley

Elliot Jon Haines Kane Robert Kaplan

Lucy Rose Blados Kaiden Paul Riesenberg Molly Elizabeth McLean

Felicity Noel Drugan Raymond Xavier Peters Bryson Michael Sanders Emma Elizabeth Welp Connor Patrick Bourk

Karter Warren Kitzmiller Vincent Livin Nidhilan

Our Parish Mission...

St. Matthew Mission Statement:In Baptism,

we are committed to follow and imitate Jesus Christ, to hear and proclaim the Word of God,

to participate in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church,

to nurture a life of prayer, to hunger and thirst for justice, and to practice the commandment of Love.

One Parish. One Family. One Journey. One parish committed to Jesus Christ,

His teachings, His Church. One family seeking to support each other

in faith, hope, and love. One journey towards eternal life in heaven.

St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church

807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna, OH 43230614-471-0212

www.stmatthew.net

Social Media Updates:Follow the Parish, School and PSR Programs

on Facebook by liking:St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic ChurchSt. Matthew Catholic SchoolSt. Matthew Parish School of Religion

Parish Office and Clergy: 614-471-0212, http://www.stmatthew.net/about-us/our-staff

Fr. Theodore K. Sill, PastorFr. Daniel Swartz, Parochial VicarFr. Michael Nimocks, In Holy ServiceFr. James Ogurchock, In Holy ServiceDeacons:Rev. Mr. Joseph MeyerRev. Mr. Larry Koebel

Parish Staff: 614-471-0212Business Manager, Leo GrimesDirector of Evangelization, Jenna ZinsDirector of Athletics, Eileen Buzenski 614-478-8533Director of Information, Robert BuzenskiDirector of Music, Dawn Shininger ext. 1117Parish Administrative Assistant,

Darlene RotellaParish Administrative Associate,

Hillarie MichaelsParish Secretary, Mary OttingPastoral Associate, Mary ThompsonRCIA, Jennifer CabeStewardship and Safe Environment Coordinator,

Karen LackeyYouth Minister, Travis Burtch 614-471-7556School Principal, Susan Maloy 614-471-4930Parish School Of Religion, Coordinator: Sherry Schoenstein 614-471-2067Secretary, Malinda MoloneyPreschool Coordinator, Julie RatliffCharitable Works: 614-471-5320Wedding Coordinator, Laura Schlagheck

Next Issue InformationThank you to all our contributors, as well as our Editor, Lauren Shiman. We hope to have the 6th issue of The Ledger out in Mid-May 2017. Please send any ideas and articles to Karen Lackey at klackey@stmatthew.net. Please try to keep articles around 300 words or less. All articles submitted will be reviewed by staff for inclusion in The Ledger and may be edited. Thank you!