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SJN Neumann News
Volume Twenty-Seven
Issue two
Mar/Apr 2008
Celebrating Thirty Years)
We celebrated our anniversary with a reminder of who we are as a parish. At St. John Neumann we have been, “Making the Name of the Lord Known in this place” for Thirty Years. On the weekend of February 2 & 3 we remembered our Thirtieth Anniversary as a parish at the weekend Masses. The actual dedication of the parish was on February 1, 1978. On this date our parish was established by a Decree from Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin. As we celebrated we praised God for all those people who have made St. John Neumann such a wonderful instrument of the Lord all of these years.
These special days also were also a gift as we blessed an Icon of St. John Neumann. This beautiful gift from the Discepoli family was painted by Laine Discepoli, the same generous person who painted Daniel Hall. Next time you enter the gathering space at St. John Neumann, stop and pray with the image of John Neumann who points us to the Lord. He gave his life in service of making the name of the Lord known and we are called to do the same.
PRAYER FOR HIS INTERCESSION
O Saint John Neumann, your ardent desire of bringing all souls to Christ impelled you to leave home and country; teach us to live worthily in the spirit of our Baptism which makes us all children of the one Heavenly Father and brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.
Obtain for us that complete dedication in the service of the needy, the weak, the afflicted and the abandoned which so characterized your life. Help us to walk perseveringly in the difficult and, at times, painful paths of duty, strengthened by the Body and Blood of our Redeemer and under the watchful protection of Mary our Mother.
May life's end find us on the sure road to our Father's House with the light of living Faith in our hearts. Amen.
A Papal Visit to the United States
Mark your calendars. Pope Benedict XVI is coming to the US from April 15-20. Specifically, His Holiness will visit both Washington DC and New York City. These are both important centers for the Church in the US and thus this first visit is focusing on meeting the Church in these cities. An event of this magnitude can draw a great deal of interest internationally and throughout the US. A Papal visit is never just an event with a religious focus, it is by definition a diplomatic visit. Thus the Pontiff’s first stop, as of now on his Itinerary, is the White House. The Pope does not have temporal powers as in the past, however the Papacy is an office that has a leadership role that is very much an equivalent of a President, or the head of the United Nations. Perhaps because of his authority, and Benedict’s specific nature as a strong leader, it is likely that his visit will stir the usual controversy and then some.
Ok, so what does this have to do with us at St. John Neumann? Well, Benedict is our Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Church. As the head of our Church, He along with the Church herself will in many ways be under extra scrutiny. The scrutiny of the US media usually seems to focus on the ways that not all Catholics agree and thus the controversy can boil down to each of us as individuals. For us as a parish and many around the diocese this visit will coincide with First Communion celebrations. One of the likely conversations that will occur will be about how many Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. While I have seen statistics that suggest there are Catholics that do not believe Christ is present in communion, there is little to suggest that these are even practicing Catholics. Still, we all as Catholics need to be ready to evangelize to those who misunderstand what it means to be Catholic.
As Benedict comes and stands with us as Roman Catholics, who live in a country that does not totally share our beliefs, we must put our own feelings aside and feel proud of the person/ordained minister, who in many ways is “Peter”. Benedict for his part will come and show respect for who we are as a country by visiting and praying at Ground Zero, the World Trade Center Site. Lord willing, the Papal visit will once again remind a country that so often in it’s history lived in trepidation of Catholicism, that we are followers of Jesus who do what he commanded. We gather. We take bread and wine, and bless them. These gifts that have been blessed by the community, become transformed into Jesus. We receive the Eucharist with our “Amen,” saying we too wish to be transformed into Jesus. Peter our shepherd, will remind us all, no matter who we are, or what our faith background, that if Charity rules our hearts and our lives, peace will not be far from our grasp.
For more info about the Papal visit go to the website of the Archdiocese of New York: http://www.archny.org/papalvisit/
The Meaning of Holy Thursday
Another of the Holy Days of Opportunity, Holy Thursday often seems lost in Holy Week. What is its purpose? Why does St. John Neumann parish or any other parish make it into such a big deal? The answer is found in our understanding of Eucharist. As Roman Catholics we believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist. Jesus instituted this sacrament at the Last Supper. It is this very meal which we connect with every time we gather for Eucharist. As St. Augustine states, “Become what you receive.”
On Holy Thursday, indeed at every Mass, we Re-Present (that is make present, Jesus’ Body Blood Soul and Divinity.) The source and summit of our lives as Catholics is the Eucharist. Christ is present at each liturgy in four unique ways. Christ is present in the assembly (the people), in the priest, in the Word, and of course the Eucharist. Holy Thursday is a Liturgy at which we pull out all the stops. We wash feet, which reflects the Gospel of John’s Last Supper scene which literally makes the connection between Eucharist and being a disciple who by definition is a servant.
As a disciple it is important to take time to pray and encounter the Lord everywhere. As a people on the go we need to take time to stop and listen to what the Lord is saying to us. One of the best time honored ways to do so is by participating in Eucharistic Adoration. St. John Neumann loved this way of spending time with the Lord thus it is especially fitting that we at this parish do so as well. John Neumann was canonized in part because he was such a good servant leader; thus we honor his legacy and devotion for the Lord by inviting the whole parish community to participate in the Eucharistic Procession and Adoration following the Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper. This year as we again process and sing on our way to Daniel Hall, let us recall St. John Neumann and all the Community of Saints who gave their all to be servant leaders. As we recite the Divine Praises, let us recall the Gift that Jesus gave us, the Gift of His Presence.
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Triduum Schedule
Holy Thursday: 7:30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Adoration in Daniel Hall until midnight
Closing with Night Prayer at 11:50
Good Friday: 8:30 am Morning Prayer
Noon Stations of the Cross
7:30 pm Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
Holy Saturday: 11:00 am Morning Prayer
8:30 pm The Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday: 9:00 am and 11:00 am
IN MEMORY
We wish to acknowledge a special donation to the parish in memory of parishioner, Jim Krishock from his family. We wish to acknowledge a donation to the Youth Ministry scholarship fund in memory of parishioner, Jim Krishock from Jane Miller. We wish to acknowledge donations to the parish in memory of parishioner, Kay Hamilton, from Geri & Frank Lech and Mrs. Austin Riley.  We wish to acknowledge a donation to the parish in memory of parishioner, Paul Stettenbenz, from his wife, Carolyn and his family. We wish to acknowledge a donation in memory of Don Morris from Marvie Hasenohr. We wish to acknowledge a donation to the building fund in memory of William Spurlin from the Feller & Bauer Family. We wish to acknowledge a donation in memory of Frederic Shadley, father of Anne Sedlacek, from Dick & Terri Hackman. We wish to acknowledge a donation to the parish in memory of Luz Donaire from Lynette Schille & Family.
We have printed memorial envelopes available for those who might wish to remember Saint John Neumann Parish. We have put some of the envelopes in the Gathering Space of the church. We have some at the parish office. Presently we are suggesting that gifts be made to the parish general fund.
We will acknowledge each of these memorial gifts in a card or note to the family and in our NEUMANN NEWS.
Perhaps you will find this kind of memorial to be a fitting way to remember the people you love: the person who has died and the parish with which you worship.
STEWARDSHIP 2007
It’s not too late. SJN needs to hear from you! Have you returned your 2007 Stewardship Form? Please read the letter mailed to our homes and after prayerful consideration, fill in the 2007 Stewardship commitment form indicating how you will support our parish by prayer, time and talent, and treasure. Please return the Stewardship Form to the parish when you come to Mass. To help in planning, the Finance Council needs to know what financial commitment you will make to our parish for the 2007-2008 budget year. Extra commitment forms and information are available in the plastic racks in the Gathering Space. We hope to hear from every family.
FOCUS ON THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN UPDATE
As of 02/04/2008
WE HAVE REACHED AND SURPASSED OUR MILLION GOAL!
AWESOME! THANK GOD AND THANK YOU!
Our parish has loans totaling $357,877. Our Focus on the Future payments will be used to pay on these loans and the current interest accrued until we have paid the principal in full. The blue Focus on the Future payment envelopes will continue to be mailed to our homes in the envelope packets.
PARISH CENSUS UPDATE
Update forms continue to come in each week. Have you completed yours? You can print an update form by clicking here. Update forms are available in the plastic racks in the Gathering Space or contact the parish office. Don’t be left out. Let us know current information about your family. Thank you for your help in getting parish records up-to-date.
St. John the Baptist Corpus Christi St. John Neumann
A Pastoral Area School: Three parishes…One commitment to Catholic Education
Registration for new families to the school program, grades K-8 at St. John the Baptist School, for the 2008-2009 school year for families who are presently registered members of St. John Neumann Parish begins March 7, 2008. K-8 re-registration for returning students begins Wednesday, February 27, 2008. Please watch the weekly bulletin for information about the school parent meeting and tuition aid.
Please note the following: Membership in SJN Parish is determined by formal registration in the parish and regular attendance at Eucharist with the SJN community. This should be noted by all who plan to register or reregister children in the St. John grades K-8 program. For information about membership, parish policies etc. call Janet Joerger at the parish office, 742-0953. Please call the school office 385-7970 or visit us online at www.stjohnbluejays.org for more information about our school and registration.
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Honoring the Saints in March and April
As Catholics, we have a rich tradition of honoring and remembering those who have led exemplary lives imitating Jesus. Each issue of the Neumann News will contain various Saints that we will honor and remember.
St. Katharine Drexel lived in Philadelphia during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries. Her parents witnessed to her the importance of the biblical message to give to those in need. She took this message to heart when she was thirty years old and used her inheritance of $20 million dollars to found the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, whose ministry served American Indian and African American communities. Her feast day is March 3.
St. John of God was born in Portugal and lived from 1495 to 1550. Before he converted to Christianity he was in the Spanish Army and lived a life of pillaging, drinking and gambling. After a while he became remorseful about his life and gave himself over to God. He’s known for taking care of the sick and established the order of nursing brothers known as the Hospitallers of St. John of God. This order has the honor of taking care of the Pope’s medical needs and operates 102 hospitals. His feast day is March 8.
St. Joseph is the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We do not know much about St. Joseph. Sacred Scripture tells us that he accepted God’s will and was faithful. He was the earthly protector of Mary and Jesus. Pope Pius IX declared him the patron of the Universal Church in 1870. He is the patron of workers and carpenters and many other countries. Traditionally his feast day is March 19, but because that falls during Holy Week this year, his feast day is March 15.
St. Vincent Ferrer was born in Valencia, Spain and lived from 1350 to 1419. He is well known for his preaching throughout Europe and for the number of people he brought to the Catholic faith. He was a member of the Dominican Order and tradition has it that people could understand him regardless of where they were from. His feast day is celebrated on April 5.
St. Anselm’s home was in the Italian Alps and lived from 1033 to 1109. He was a brilliant theologian and philosopher. He was the abbot of Bec in Normandy and in 1093 became the Archbishop of Canterbury where he defended the rights of the Church from the English monarchy. His feast day is April 21.
St. Catherine of Siena is a virgin and doctor of the Church who lived from 1347-1380. She was a mystic, author, peacemaker within the Church and renewer of religious life. She was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970 because of her spiritual nature, writings and wisdom. Together with St. Bridget of Sweden and Edith Stein, whose saint’s name is Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, she is the co-patroness of Europe. Her feast day is April 29.
ST JOHN NEUMANN PASTORAL COUNCIL 2007-2008
Have a question? Ask a council member.
Recycle – Fight litter – Save valuable resources –
Earn money for our schools
We are part of the Recycle Challenge, collecting aluminum cans for St. John the Baptist School. Let’s see how fast we can fill the container. The Rumpke recycling container is conveniently located by the garage near the John Gray Road driveway. Save your cans, drop them in the recycling container, help save the environment and earn money for St. John the Baptist School.
Announcing a New Recycling Contest! We are part of the Abitibi Paper Recycling Program for St. Bartholomew Consolidated School. Abitibi Recycling is offering SBCS the opportunity to earn up to $400 in additional revenue by increasing paper collections. Here is how it works: SBCS currently collects an average of 3.8 tons of paper per month. If paper collections are increased by 15% (1/2 a ton) each month for the next six months SBCS can earn a bonus of $200. If paper collections are increased by 20% (3/4 of a ton) each month for the next 6 months SBCS can earn a bonus of $400. Can you help to reach this goal?
WE ACCEPT: newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, envelopes, folders, office paper, notebooks, fax & copy paper and shredded paper (shredded paper must be in a plastic bag to prevent it from blowing away!) WE DO NOT ACCEPT: Phone Books, Cardboard, Waxed Paper, Metal, Trash, Glass or Plastic (except for bags that hold shredded paper). The Abitibi Paper Recycling container is also conveniently located behind the garage near the John Gray Road driveway. Bring your paper, help save the environment and earn money for SBCS.
Bring your aluminum cans and newspapers next time you will be passing by church.
Drive in and drive out, easy access, 24/7, and help keep tuition costs down!
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WE WELCOME NEW PARISHIONERS
Please warmly welcome:
Jim & Pat S, Barbara B and her daughter Mykalah, Richard & Carolyn K, Lori H, Matt & Maribeth J and their son Luke, and Mike & Susan T and their children Nate & Seth who have all recently joined our parish family.
Confirmation Update
As the 8th Graders here at St. John Neumann are preparing for Confirmation, we ask everyone to pray for them, that the Spirit may set their hearts on fire, Luke 24:32. This year for the process we have meeting for Confirmation Preparation with the Confirmandi and their parent or sponsor. Below is an example of some of the small group work they have done. Each group was tasked with bringing a deeper meaning to the word Christ. Below is a compilation of some of their acrostic answers.
Elizabeth Montgomery is planning the Confirmation Retreat with Teenagers from St. John the Baptist, St. John Neumann and Corpus Christi Parishes. The Confirmation Retreats are 11:00 am-4:00 pm on March 1 and March 15 at Corpus Christi Parish. Please keep our Confirmandi in prayer. The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 pm at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral with Archbishop Pilarczyk as the celebrant.
C H R I S T
Church Healing Rejuvenate Insight Strength Together
Christian Heaven Renew Invitation Spirit Trust
Cross Holy Spirit Reconciliation Initiation Sacrifice Truth
Community Heaven Rites Infants Salvation Trinity
Confirmation Homily Rosary Incarnation Sacrament Tabernacle
Chrism Hope Rebirth Inspire Sacred Thanks
Candidate Holiness Respectful Intention Scripture Teacher
Celebration Hebrew Resurrection Intercession Sponsor Tradition
Cleansing Healthy Ritual Immersion Saint Ten
Chosen Hosanna Retreat Intense Symbol Commandments
Primetimers
Spring Fling
Don’t Miss This One! April 4 at 6:00 pm in Daniel Hall, St. John Neumann.
Entertainment by Kathy & Tom Turan, international biking and hiking travelers, who will take us with them as they hike down into the Grand Canyon, tour the ancient Indian ruins and the beautiful southwest via slides. They have entertained many groups with this presentation. Dinner menu and cost to be announced soon.
Direct questions to Billie E.
The Neumann News is published by
St. John Neumann Church
12191 Mill Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45240
742-0953
Printed every other month, six times a year, for the entertainment,
information and education of our readers. Comments, inquiries
and articles should be submitted to the parish office.
Please submit articles on disc or hard copy.
Layout Coordinators:
Karen Albrinck and Terri Hackman
Please join us!
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