Remember your compassion, O Lord, and your merciful love, for they are from of old. Let not our enemies exult over us. Redeem us, O God of Israel, from all our distress.
+ Psalm 25 [Entrance Antiphon, Second Sunday of Lent]
Dear Parishioners,
We all have enemies. And our enemies may take many forms. Maybe they take the form of a human person, maybe they are internal as in being one’s own worst enemy, and for all of us, our ultimate adversary is the Devil. But the Lord promises that we don’t have to be left up to our own devices. He wants to shower us with His compassion, His merciful love and redemption from distress. He reassures us that He wants us to experience fullness of life in Him. Turn to the Lord more profoundly this Lent. Put all of your conflicts and struggles in the Lord’s hands and let Him bring you to fullness of peace, life and love.
Abundant Lenten Blessings,
Fr. Hottovy
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Handy Links:
- Eucharistic Adoration Sign-up (We need two slots filled!)
- Parish Website
- Parish Facebook Page
- Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House Schedule
Attachments:
::
Secretary’s Note for our Community: there is a man named Michael who has been visiting our church frequently. Michael may have mental/psychological issues. At first, he was engaging people in conversation and was restless in his pew, moving around a lot, or even moving around the church. His behavior made people uncomfortable so he was given guidelines for when he is in church. Michael was asked not to be at the school-children’s Mass in the mornings but is otherwise welcome to be in the church. When he is here, he knows that he is expected to be quiet, not to disturb other visitors, and to be still in his pew. He may not sleep here (on dangerously cold days, it is possible for the police to take him to the People’s City Mission). Michael has been cooperative with the guidelines and has been cooperative when he has been asked to leave. If Michael is visiting the church and you feel uncomfortable with his presence, you may leave (even if there is Exposition), you may call the rectory, or if he is not following the guidelines, you may ask him to leave. | In the church near the adoration station, there is a phone in the cabinet by the NW exit (I tested it today—it works!). I have posted the phone number for the rectory and police non-emergency on the inside of the cabinet door.
:: NEW & UPDATED PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS ::
An E-mail was sent on Tuesday afternoon which details the way that we’re loosening restrictions at St. Teresa Parish. First a clarification, then a recap:
Clarification: These changes apply to ALL weekend Masses. (The 6:30am Masses and Saturday’s 8:15am Mass will utilize the Communion Rail but will not have offertory, singing, or procession)
Here's what’s going to change:
- Holy Water will be available in the fonts.
- The priests will process in at the beginning and end of Mass.
- Congregational singing will be allowed (and is encouraged!).
- Parishioners will bring up Offertory. If you would like to bring up the Offertory, pick up the “Gift Bearers” card from the gifts table in the back of church and keep it with you. After the Prayers of the Faithful, come to the back of church, replace the card, and bring up the gifts.
- We will begin using the Communion Rail (and people are welcome to receive on the tongue). People who would like to use the Communion Rail should use the center aisles to come forward, regardless of whether they are seated in the front or back of church. Those that prefer to receive Communion standing and in-the-hand may use the side aisles to go to the back of the church where this (standing and in-hand) will be the option.
Here’s what will stay the same:
- If you have any symptom(s) of COVID—even the mildest symptom—stay at home!
- Please wear a mask or face covering when you attend Mass.
- Pews and surfaces will still be cleaned regularly, and remember: we have an air purification system installed in the church.
- We will still social-distance. That is, we will keep 6 feet between people or households.
- Offering: Ushers will not collect our donations. Please place your envelopes in the baskets at the exits or in the drop-slot at the rectory.
- Mass will still be live-streamed and available for later viewing.
Note: The Saturday 8:15am Mass is consistently at 15-20% capacity and is a good option for those who would prefer a Mass which has lower attendance. Saturday’s 8:15am Mass will utilize the Communion Rail but will not have offertory, singing, or procession.
Courtesy of Spirit Catholic Radio, The exhibit will be on display in the nave of St. Teresa Catholic Church from Wednesday, March 3rd until Wednesday, March 24th. It features 39 beautiful panels that highlight some of the most powerful Eucharistic miracles of the world. The panels feature both graphic and written depictions of the miracles. Take time to visit each panel and learn about Eucharistic Miracles with which God has blessed us. Please see the attached flyer for details.
Lenten Confession Times
Times for Confessions have been adjusted again—more times are available so that everyone has the opportunity to make a good confession during Lent. Remember: confessions are still being heard in the sacristies rather than in the small transept-confessionals. The priest has his back to the entry for the privacy of the penitent, who may choose face-to-face confession if s/he prefers.
Confessions will be heard at these times:
- Before the 6:30am and 8:15am Masses every day, including Saturday’s 8:15am Mass.
- Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7pm. This one time, the rear confessional will be used.
- Saturday afternoons from 3-3:50 and again after Mass from 4:45-5:15
Grand Group
Grand Group’s planning meeting will be on Tue, Mar 2nd at 1:00 at the KC Hall. We really want your input so we can plan events that you will enjoy. See you there.
Knights of Columbus #833 Annual Friday Lenten Fish Fry
Carry Out Only
Serving from 4:30-7pm
Cost is $10 per meal
Featuring fried Pollock & fries with a side of coleslaw and bread
KC Hall: 6044 South Street
St. Joseph Book Study BOOK STUDY
- During this Year of St. Joseph, you’re invited to a parish book study on St. Joseph. It’s not too late to join! The book Consecration to St. Joseph (by Fr. Donald Calloway) is highly recommended, in order to learn more about this incredible saint!
- Meetings will be live-streamed in the same way that our Masses are. Go to our parish’s Facebook page and look for the post. Note: they will be available for later viewing if you are unable to attend in person or view the livestream.
- In the following days, read the daily readings (Days 9-14) and prayers in preparation for our next meeting, which is Tuesday March 2nd at 7pm in Church.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Jim called looking for some furniture and heard that Catholic Social Services might be able to help him. Jim was finally going to move into a place of his own. His monthly budget is extremely limited as social security is his only income. After speaking with Jim, we learned that all he owned was a recliner that he bought online for $50. Needless to say, when Jim asked us for a bed, we arrived and fully furnished his apartment with a couch, chair, lamps, kitchen set and bedroom set. Jim was overwhelmed with gratitude. Since then, he has contacted us twice to thank the folks that donated such beautiful furniture. He is still in disbelief that he has been so blessed by folks he has never met.
St. Teresa Preschool provides an opportunity for 4 and 5 year-old children to grow and develop spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially, and psychologically. Three different sessions are offered. One includes the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program. For more information and for registration, visit www.stlfschool.org. Registration fees are waived if all paperwork is received by Mar 1, 2021.
Seminarian of the Week: Rev. Mr. Matthew Kovar is the son of Mark and Julie Kovar of Appleton Assumption Parish in David City. He is studying Theology 4 at Mount St. Mary Seminary. Remember to pray for Rev. Mr. Kovar, for his formation, and his upcoming ordination.
:: REPEAT PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS (for your convenience) ::
Praying
During Lent, Stations of the Cross is prayed on Fridays two times per day:
- With the school children at 2:45
- As a Parish Family at 7pm
Fasting
Related to fasting is abstinence from meat. Every Catholic 14 years of age and older is obligated to avoid meat and meat products (e.g. Broth) on Fridays of Lent.
Almsgiving
For our parish’s almsgiving this year we would like to focus on serving those in our local community. In place of the rice bowl, we will be collecting donations to support Catholic Social Services. The online giving fund for “Rice Bowl” has been modified to direct funds to CSS. St. Teresa’s will be collecting for this endeavor and will present CSS with a check during Easter Week for the total collected throughout Lent. Thank you for giving generously to our neighbors in need.
Knights of Columbus #833 Annual Friday Lenten Fish Fry
Carry Out Only
Serving from 4:30-7pm
Cost is $10 per meal
Featuring fried Pollock & fries with a side of coleslaw and bread
KC Hall: 6044 South Street
40 Days for Life began Feb 17th. St. Teresa’s assigned times are Thursdays from 11am-6pm. Sign up on the board in the vestibule to pray for an hour outside Planned Parenthood. Weekly commitments are greatly needed. Please join in and bring a friend.
Saint Teresa Elementary School Announcements:
- Recycled Paper: The school has a need for recycled paper which is flat and blank on one side, for printing one-sided worksheets. Thank you!
- Good Shepherd Scholarship: The Good Shepherd Scholarship application for the 2021-22 school year is now open and will close on March 31st. www.goodshepherdscholarship.com If you need help, please contact the school.
Fasting & Abstinence Reminders:
Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on each Friday of Lent. This obligation prohibits the eating of meat (and meat broth, bacon bits, etc.). Fasting means limiting oneself to one full meal on a given fast day. On fast days, two additional smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength, but they should not, if put together, equal one full meal. Also, eating solid foods or caloric beverages between meals (snacking) is not permitted. Catholics ages 18 to 59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Sickness, hard manual labor, pregnancy, nursing, etc., automatically excuse a person from these obligations but please remember: these are serious obligations. If in doubt or if you have questions, please speak with a priest.
Hand Warmers for Our Friends On the Street: In the vestibule, there is a box of hand warmers. Please take one or two to keep in your car (you can come back for more). When you see a homeless person on the street at a stop sign, you can start a conversation with them by saying, “Hello. Would you like a hand warmer?” Exchange names. Learn and use their names. They are your brother or sister disguised as Christ. Please see the box in the vestibule and its attached sheet for further ideas and details.
Altar Society Prayer Line
An Altar Society Prayer Line has been established to lift up our prayers to God as a parish community. Leva Orationes Deo is Latin for lift up prayers to God. Requests can be made by e-mailing levaorationesdeo@yahoo.com or by calling (the first caller on the list) Mary Pat McBride at 402-314-1296. All intentions will be sent by e-mail to the Altar Society e-mail list. If you want to participate in the phone prayer line, please contact Mary Pat.
:: NEW DIOCESE-wide ANNOUNCEMENTS ::
The Equality Act discriminates against people of faith and threatens unborn life. Tell your elected officials to oppose it! Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. The Equality Act, which is being voted on in the U.S. House of Representatives soon, in many ways does the opposite and needs to be opposed. Instead of respecting differences in beliefs about marriage and sexuality, the Equality Act would discriminate against people of faith. The Equality Act would: punish faith-based organizations, such as charities and schools who serve everyone in their communities, simply because of their beliefs; force girls and women to compete against boys and men for limited opportunities in sports, and to share locker rooms and shower spaces with biological males who identify as women; risk mandating taxpayers to fund abortions; force people in everyday life, and especially health care workers, to support gender transition; and expand what the government considers a “public” place, forcing even some parish halls to host functions that conflict with Catholic beliefs.
Catholic Social Services of southern Nebraska has two full-time openings: a Human Resource/Accounting Specialist and an IT/Facilities Management Coordinator. Both are salaried positions with benefits and flexible tele-commute options. Job descriptions and instructions for application are available at www.csshope.org.
DISCIPLES ON A MISSION - 3 Night Parish Retreat
Casting Nets Ministries will be at Cathedral to present a 3 night parish retreat on March 12-14 at 7:30pm every night (Friday – Sunday) in the church. Topics include: The Challenge of Discipleship, Stewardship: The Complete Gift of Self, and The Seven Pillars of Effective Evangelization. These three dynamic presentations focus on how we can all be disciples who are truly “all in” and willing to live Christian discipleship even in difficult circumstances. Questions, contact the Cathedral parish office at 402-488-0948. For more information about Casting Nets, visit www.castingnetsministries.com/.
:: REPEAT DIOCESE-wide ANNOUNCEMENTS ::
Confirmed for Mission
Students being confirmed, along with their parents, are invited to attend the Confirmed for Mission Retreat! It will be held Sat, Mar 20 from 10am-4:30pm at North American Martyrs Church. This day-long event is an opportunity for parents, along with their child, to come together as they learn about the Holy Spirit’s power in confirmation, evangelization, and prayer! Light breakfast and lunch is provided. Cost is $15 per person to register. There is a limit of 150 people. COVID precautions will be taken. Go to www.lincolndiocese.org/mission to register or for more information.
Father-Son Program
“In His Image” is for boys age 10-14 and their fathers. It will be held Sun, Mar 21, 2021 from 1:30-4:30 pm at John XXIII Diocesan Center and virtually. This program is designed to educate boys on growing up and becoming a man. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $25 per father-son or $35 per family in person and $10 virtually. To register, visit https://lincolndiocese.regfox.com/fatherson Questions? Please contact the NFP Offices 402-473-0630 or naturalfamilyplanning@cdolinc.net
Looking for a way to boost your spiritual life during Lent and Easter? The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies is accepting registrations for its 10-week Online & In-Person Courses starting March 8th. Learn more at www.emmausinstitute.net.