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Neumann News January & February 2010
National Catholic Youth Conference 2009 “Christ Reigns”
A Parent’s Perspective
“Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!” were the first three words that I said when a  Kansas City reporter walked up to me and asked he what I thought of the National Catholic Youth Conference. Even this word cannot adequately describe how wonderful it was to be among 20,000 teenagers who were excited about their faith. I had the privilege of being one of the adult chaperones for the five teens from St. John Neumann who attended the conference this year.
I cannot adequately describe to you how inspiring it was to walk down the streets of Kansas City and hear a group of teens shouting , “God is good!” to another group of teens across the street. The joy filled response from that group was, “All the time!” This didn’t happen just once, but many, many times throughout the weekend. How awesome is that!?!
The NCYC weekend was fun filled, informative and spirit filled. The teens were able to have some fun in the “Reign Forest” thematic park. This was an exhibit hall filled with interactive types of games, artists selling a variety of products (CDs, books, T-shirts, rosaries etc), religious orders meeting with teens to talk about vocations, social justice agencies sharing the critical needs of the poor and marginalized in our world, and Catholic university representatives who shared the value of a Catholic college education. It was also a great place for the teens to meet teens from every state in the country and share little gifts that they brought with one another.
The youth were also able to participate in Mass, had the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and spend some time at Eucharistic Adoration. The weekend was filled with workshops and general sessions where the teens heard speakers share their thoughts about what it means to be Catholic in an increasingly secular world, how to make room for God in their busy lives, the power of Eucharist, the importance of carrying out our mission to bring Christ into the world through our words and actions, and the sacredness of chastity. There were also topics that were specifically for the parents who attended the conference. I believe our youth learned a lot about their mission as baptized Catholic Christians and most importantly about how passionately and completely God loves each of them.
The young Catholic Church is alive and well. Teens are prayerful, spiritual, and ready and willing to be leaders in our parish communities. As older adults, we do not have to worry about our faith and our traditions. They will continue to grow and develop through our younger adults.
NCYC 2011 will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 17-19, 2011. I encourage St. John Neumann parents who will have children in high school in 2011 to learn more about NCYC, discuss it with your child, listen to the reflections of other youth who have attended NCYC from SJN and make the decision to send your child to the conference. It will be an unforgettable faith experience for them.
I would like to express my deep thanks and appreciation to Fr. Steve, Elizabeth Montgomery and all of the people of St. John Neumann who supported us prayerfully and financially during the NCYC weekend. Our parish is a stronger faith community because of this support.
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Eucharistic Adoration
Jesus is fully present in the Eucharist which we celebrate every Sunday, even every day. On Thursday evenings in Our Lady’s Chapel from 6:00 7:00 pm there is a Holy Hour.
If you have an hour or only several minutes, spend some quiet time in prayer and devotion before the Blessed Sacrament. As the magi said, “We come to do Him homage,” and this is as real today as it was 2000 years ago.
IN MEMORY
Music – Past, Present, Future – Part One
 After Vatican II, the first book to guide pastoral musicians was entitled “Music in the Catholic Worship”, in 1972, with the approval of the Bishops’ Committee. A revised edition of this book was written in 1983. Musicians selected music and basically tried to follow the rules and guidelines of this book.
No changes in the way we did music were brought about until
2002, with the publication of “GIRM”- “General Instruction of the
Roman Missal” These changes were:
· The Gloria was to be sung or said every Sunday.
· The Psalm was to be sung from the Ambo. It could not be part of a song; all Psalms had to be texts with the Bishops’ seal.
· The Gospel Acclamation – “Alleluia”, would be sung in every season except Lent. It could be omitted if not sung.
· The Sequence was optional except on Easter and Pentecost.
· As a rule, the “Lamb of God” would be sung.
In November of 2007, the Bishops of the United States approved new guidelines for liturgical music. Titled “Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship”, this document replaces “Music in the Catholic Worship” and “Liturgical Music Today”.
Priests and Music Directors have the new document, but it is not in a published book form yet. “Sing to the Lord” is longer and more comprehensive than the two previous documents.
How are musicians, clergy, and parishioners affected?
These are some of the more important changes:
· The Priest may or may not sing his role, according to his capabilities.
· According to their abilities, Deacons may or may not sing those parts of the Liturgy that belong to them.
· At times, the choir or other ensemble may perform their ministry, by singing alone at any time during the Mass.
· The choir, group, or ensemble sings with the congregation.
· The Cantor sings the responsorial psalm from the Ambo or other suitable place.
· It may be appropriate for the Cantor to use modest gestures – as to when to begin, or invite participation.
· When a hymn or choral piece concludes before the ritual action is complete, instrumental music or improvisation may be used.
· Musicians, who serve the Church, are not merely employees or volunteers; they are ministers who share the faith, serve the community, and express the love of God and neighbor through music.
· Liturgical music today must reflect the multicultural diversity, and intercultural relationships of it’s’ parishioners.
· Latin may be used in those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass, which pertain to the faithful. The faithful should be able to sing these parts together in Latin. (We may be able to chant in Latin)
· We should sing, and bring forth the new with the old.
· Instruments are best understood as an extension and support to the primary liturgical instrument, the human voice.
· The organ is accorded “pride of place”. The organ in some way, reminds us of the magnificence of God. However, from the days when the Ark of the Covenant was accompanied in procession, by cymbals, harps, lyres, and trumpet, there are many musical instruments we may use to join in our praise of God.
· Silence need not always be filled.
As the Church in the US continues the journey of liturgical renewal, and spiritual growth, we hope “Sing to the Lord” will help continue the journey.
“Do not grow tired, but sing with joy”………….Debi
(Note: This is part one of two; that Debi Mace intended to be published. It is
timely in light of the liturgical reform on the horizon.)
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Music – Past, Present, Future – Part Two
“Sing to the Lord” gives us many important changes, here are some:
· Recorded music should not as a general norm, be used within the liturgy. (Occasionally, it may be used outside, or as an example, during long periods of silence in a communal celebration of reconciliation.)
· Space occupied by musicians should be free from clutter or disorganization.
· Copyright laws and worship aids, and use of, should always have the proper license for use of music.
· Music should be considered a normal and ordinary part of the Church’s liturgical life.
· During Advent, musical instruments should be used in moderation.
· During Lent, instruments should only be used to support singing of the assembly.
· In other times, even when musical accompaniment is not possible, attempts should be made to sing the Acclamations.
· Sacred Silence – Music rises from silence and returns to silence.
· Music does what word alone cannot do, create feelings that words alone cannot convey.
· The role of music is to serve the needs of the Liturgy, and not to dominate or entertain.
· So that the people might come together as one, it is appropriate that they always sing at least 1 piece as the congregation; in the Introductory Rite, the Entrance Song, the Kyrie, or Gloria.
· The Gloria may be sung or said on Sundays outside of Advent and Lent.
· Songs or hymns may never be used in place of the Responsorial Psalm.
· If it is not possible for the Psalm to be sung, the response alone may be sung, while the Lector reads the verses.
· The Gospel Acclamation may be omitted when not sung.
· The Lamb of God may be sung or recited.
· The communion song may be sung by the people with the cantor or choir, or by the choir alone.
· When the communion procession is lengthy, more than 1 piece of music may be desirable, congregational, instrumental, or Choir or Ensemble alone. This music should end in a timely manner.
· It is not necessary to sing a recessional hymn. Other options include a choral or instrumental piece, or particularly during Lent, silence.
· Liturgical books for the various Rites have songs to sing, these are not mandatory.
· During all of the phases of RCIA, up to and including the Easter Vigil, sung acclamations which the entire community can sing should be done if possible.
· During Baptism, when people are moving to the Font, singing should aid the movement.
· In the Sacrament of Marriage, songs need to be of a sacred nature and express our faith.
· Sacred music is always the norm for Funeral rites. Secular music is not appropriate.
As the Church in the US continues the journey of liturgical renewal, and spiritual growth, we hope “Sing to the Lord” will help continue the journey.
“Do not grow tired, but sing with joy”………….Debi
(Note: This is part two of two; that Debi Mace intended to be published. It is timely in light of the liturgical reform on the horizon.)
Catholic Ministries Appeal
The weekend of March 6-7 will be Catholic Ministries Appeal Commitment Weekend. God calls each of us to share our gifts with others for the building up of His Kingdom. The theme for the 2010 CMA is “Always and Everywhere, Give Thanks.” The Archbishop is asking every Catholic household to participate in this year’s 2010 Catholic Ministries Appeal, which funds six vital ministries of our Archdiocese. Please begin to consider prayerfully how you will participate. Every gift matters.
FOCUS ON THE FUTURE
CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Our parish has loans totaling $185,814.12. 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.
RECYCLE
Save Valuable Resources-
Earn Money for our Schools
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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.
We are part of the Abiti Paper Recycling Program for John Paul II School .
We accept: newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, envelopes, folders, office paper, notebooks, fax and 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 Abiti 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 JPII.
Bring your aluminum cans and newspapers next time you will be passing by the church. Drive in and drive out, easy access 24/7, and help keep tuition costs down!
Winter
Renew
Retreat
February
Friday 12th - Sunday 14th
Hosted with Area
Catholic Churches
All Youth Grades 9-12
Welcome
Contact Elizabeth Montgomery
for more Information
Why St. John the Baptist Catholic School?
· A Christ Centered Education
· Personal Attention from Faculty & Staff
· Promoting Independence and Responsibility
· Preparing Students for High School & Beyond
SAVE-THE-DATE
Open House
Thursday, February 4, 2010
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Personal tours for new families will be offered from 6 - 7 p.m.
To learn more about the quality Catholic education offered at St. John the Baptist School, call 385-7970 or visit:
www.stjohnbluejays.org
A Pastoral Area School: Three parishes… One commitment to Catholic Education
You Are Invited To Open Yourself To A New Spiritual Experience
The Labyrinth, is the ancient practice of "circling to the center" by walking the labyrinth. The rediscovery of this self alignment tool to put our lives in perspective is one of the most important spiritual movements of our day. Labyrinths have been in use for over 4000 years. Their basic design is fundamental to nature and many cultures and religious traditions. Walking the labyrinth clears the mind and gives insight
One of the most famous labyrinths can be found in Chartres Cathedral in France. During the middle ages, pilgrims walked the labyrinths as part of their spiritual journey. Models based on this 11-circuit labyrinth are rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. Labyrinths are becoming a powerful tool for transformation to many on their spiritual journey.
We extend an invitation to all women to join Jan Turala, on March 27, 2010 from 9:00am-3:00 in Daniel Hall to learn about labyrinths and this prayerful experience this tradition. The day will be one of quiet and reflection. Donuts and coffee will be served along with lunch. This day is free to all members of the St. John Neumann Women’s Organization. A fee of $10.00 will be charged to non-members. However, we will allow you to apply the $10.00 towards membership, if desired. Because the pattern of the labyrinth is delicate, those attending should come prepared to walk in stocking feet. There are labyrinths available which do not require walking. Please do not let walking keep you from experiencing this opportunity.
Join us as you learn about this ancient meditation tool of prayer, as we become "spiritual beings on a human path, not simply human beings on a spiritual path.” Please call Dolly P or Linda S to assure your reservation for the day.
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St. John Neumann Pastoral Council
Ana Braam
Dan Clark
Tom Schindler
Ruthie Franchi
Frank Lech
Art Nash
Ron Matiunas
Mary Lou Moulton
Fave Kaufman
Dave Stentz
Beth Tricase
Ministry to Engaged Couples
The SJN Ministry to Engaged Couples is a group of married couples providing ministry to engaged couples. The goal of our group is to encourage good communication skills as a foundation for a healthy marriage. When we are assigned an engaged couple, we meet with them in our home several times during their engagement to follow a program designed to enhance open communication. We are seeking couples who have been married 3 or more years and are interested in participating in this ministry with us. Training is provided. Please call Paul and Betsy B, or email us paulbetsy@fuse.net if you feel you would like to take part in this ministry. It is a very rewarding experience and is beneficial not only to the engaged couple, but also to the married couple who goes through the process with them.
SJN Women’s Organization Advent Giving Tree Project
Thanks to the generosity of our parish this year’s annual SJNWO’s Christmas Project supplied a turkey dinner and gifts for 30 families from St. Raphael and 10 families from the parish neighborhood. Our thanks to everyone that sorted and counted the food on turn in Sunday. Thanks to everyone who helped sort out and pack up the gifts for each family on delivery day. Thanks to all the parishioners who made financial donations, your donations covered the food and gifts that weren’t turned in and had to be purchased. As always, a huge thank you goes to the Men’s Society. They delivered the food and gifts as part of the activities for their December meeting. This project is a success because of the generosity and wonderful volunteers of our parish. Again this year, because of everyone who donated items or volunteered their time our SJN parish made Christmas a little better for less fortunate families.
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,
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