Volume 43 Issue 3 April, 2020

Mary Mother of the Church

Managing Editor: Jackie Wilson Reproduction: Trish Willmering Post Office Delivery: Marcia Dohack

FROM YOUR PASTOR Fr. Chuck Barthel 894-1373

cbarthel@marymother.org

PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN Dick Roseland 486-8345 pcchair@marymother.org

SPOTLIGHT ON

STEWARDSHIP

UPDATE STAFF

A Blessing for Our Parish “Dear Fr. Barthel,

I have great news to share with you. I have accepted the recommendations of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and will award an Ensuring Parish Viability grant of $10,000 to your parish to help with the planned upgrade of your video recording and projection system in the Church. Congratulations on receiving the grant.”

Twenty plus years ago, the Archdiocese conducted an archdiocesan-wide capital campaign entitled Returning God’s Gifts, which established a number of endowments for the future needs of the Archdiocese. One of those endowments is called Ensuring Parish Viability. With this grant, we will be able to purchase new equipment, which will allow us to live stream a Sunday Eucharist with a much-improved video and audio presentation. Sometimes parishioners wonder if the Archdiocese “knows” that we are a tithing parish and what our annual tithe is. I know that a factor in our receiving the grant was Archbishop Carlson’s awareness of our tithing. This grant is also supported by the ACA; and so here’s a little commercial to be generous in making a pledge for the Annual Catholic Appeal that will be taking place later this spring.

Sitting at dinner the other night I heard a man talking to his mother. They were out for her birthday; and he said I have learned to bring my Happiness with me. His mom inquired, “what do you mean?” He responded that this place, and this food was not what made him Happy. So, I started thinking about what I had heard, as I sat overlooking the ocean at sunset, enjoying a great meal in Cabo San Lucas with my wife. This stranger was right; you can’t chase happiness. You have to bring it with you. The nice things, the great places, the wonderful food are all just temporary fixes, if you did not bring your Happiness with you. Mary Mother has Happy people, walking in every day to all

types of different events, the most important being Mass. The Happiness shows on their faces; and they brought it

with them. Places don’t automatically make you happy. Disney certainly wouldn’t qualify as my favorite place. Just

remember “Don’t Chase Happiness, Bring it with You”

* * * IMPORTANT!! * * * If you would prefer not to receive a printed copy of the Update and to access it on our Mary Mother website (www.marymother.org), please indicate that preference below. You can send it to the parish office, marking it ATTENTION: Jackie Wilson, or email at wilsjmar@charter.net. I/We prefer to access the Update on Mary Mother’s website. Please remove me/us from the Update mailing list: Name: ___________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ Email address (for reminder): ______________________ This month’s Spotlight is on a very special group of people

without whom celebrating liturgy at Mary Mother would just not be the same. The talents of this group have a lot to do with the traditions introduced and established by the Redemptorists who founded the parish. Through the diligent efforts of the clergy and musicians who came before us in the 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s, this group of parishioners has emerged with a particular skill that is unsurpassed in the St. Louis area. Look on page 2 for the answer.

IF I HAVE NOT LOVE,

I AM NOTHING.

UPDATE Page 2

FAITH COMMUNITY NURSE Michele Venable 894-1373 parishnurse@marymother.org

THE SPOTLIGHT’S ON......

The Singing Assemblies of Mary, Mother of the Church

During the 14 years that Ken and Mary Ann have been leading the Mary Mother Music Ministry,

we have always been elated, delighted, and inspired by the robust singing of our parish

community. It has been an honor and privilege to have been a part of fostering this decades-long

tradition. Please keep up the wonderful singing everyone!

God bless you all for your prayerful talent! Even as we both retire, we will remember you all

and continue to be inspired by your commitment to celebrating fine liturgy.

Submitted by Ken Barnes and Mary Ann Blankinship

Welcome, Spring! At this writing (mid-March), there remains ongoing concern about the Coronavirus. We have all been well-informed about proper ways to protect ourselves and our most vulnerable loved ones. Continue to be practical, continue to be prayerful! An invitation: On Tuesday, April 21st at 7PM is the next Health Ministry Commission meeting, in classrooms 3 and 4. We’ll talk about “what we do” year-round. Please join us! No medical training is necessary. We are simply parishioners who are interested in promoting the important role that our health (spiritual, emotional, mental and physical) plays in parish life! Volunteer Nurses: I will soon be printing/mailing the next Blood Pressure Screener schedule, which begins in July. Please call or email me if there are any changes, i.e. new phone number, email address. Most importantly…let me know if there is any change in your availability. The monthly Blood Pressure Screening program continues suc-cessfully because of your dedication! THANK YOU!

Blessed Lent as we journey on!

PARISH COUNCIL VICE-CHAIRPERSON

Gary Leiendecker 707-3134 pcveep@marymother.org

HAPPY EASTER

Christ was raised from the dead

so that we too might live a new life.

First, Jo and I would like to thank everyone for all of the calls, texts, cards, and mostly the prayers during the difficult time of my heart attack. We have an amazing community; and our prayer power is unbelievable!! Secondly, we are in the midst of an election for new Parish Council members. Please take time to read the individual biographies and vote for 4 candidates you feel would be good servants for our parish. Lastly, I would like to provide a status report on the recent survey concerning the monthly Update: From the update 49 responses Do you read the entire update? 43 Yes 6 No Do you wish to continue receiving the monthly Update? 38 Yes 9 No Would reading the Update on the Mary Mother website suffice? 11 Yes 37 No Should the Update be discontinued? 4 Yes 41 No Would receiving the Update quarterly be sufficient? 24 Yes 18 No 2 Maybe From the bulletin 14 responses Do you read the entire Update? 12 Yes 2 No Do you wish to continue receiving the monthly Update? 9 Yes 3 No Would reading the Update on the Mary Mother website suffice 7 Yes 7 No Should the Update be discontinued? 2 Yes 10 No Would receiving the Update quarterly be sufficient? 9 Yes 4 No

UPDATE Page 3

LITURGY NOTES Ken Barnes 894-1373 kbarnes@marymother.org

LEAD US, LORD,

BY YOUR LIGHT.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMISSION

Carl Cooper 200-9138 adfin@marymother.org

The Administration and Finance Commission is responsible for the administrative, financial and the management of the property. In this capacity, we are also responsible for the safety of persons who work and use the facilities. Last year, the Emergency Response subcommittee developed and prepared procedures for the safe exit of parishioners attending services in the event of a natural disaster (fire, tornado, and earthquake). Additionally, the Emergency Response team will continue to develop safety procedures that respond to the Archbishop’s letter of October 24, 2019 referencing recent Mass shootings. The archbishop’s letter states, “Unfortunately, our Catholic churches are not immune to the possibility of some tragic event occurring. . . Remember, it is our responsibility to protect our flock in every way possible.” The Emergency Response subcommittee has received general recommended procedures from the Archdiocese Safety and Security Department. The subcommittee will be developing the specifics of the active shooter procedures. When complete, the plan will be submitted to the Parish Council for their consideration.

We invite all parishioners to participate in the “Triduum” during Holy Week this year: Holy Thursday is April 9 @ 7:00 PM, Good Friday is April 10 @ 7:00 PM, the Easter Vigil is April 11 @ 8:00 PM, and our Easter Sunday Masses are at the usual times of 9:00 and 11:00 AM. Triduum is a Latin word that means “three days” and refers to the 72-hour period from Thursday evening through Sunday evening. Easter in 2020 falls during the first couple of weeks of April. This is a typical time for Easter Sunday. In case you’re wondering, the earliest Easter can be is March 22 (the last one was 1818 and the next one is 2285); and the latest Easter can be is April 25 (the last one: 1945, the next one: 2038 --- some of us will be around to see that one!). It is very unusual for us to experience these two extreme dates for Easter celebrations.

As you may know, the date for Easter each year is calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. That’s why it shifts around from year to year. But, as you can see above, it is unusual for us to experience the extreme early and late dates for Easter Sunday. We might only see one or two of these in our lifetime.

Have a Blessed Easter and a Glorious Pentecost!

ATHLETIC COMMISSION Judy Peckham 724-0553 athletics@marymother.org

Beginning with the Fall Sports, AAA(Assumption Athletic Association) will increase their prices for registration to be in line with the rest of the South County schools. Coming this Fall, AAA will have a new and improved gym facility: new paint, new floor new automated bleachers, new lights, new wall pads, divider curtain, touch screen control panel…they are thrilled, excited, proud and grateful to all who made it possible!

It was voted unanimously at the last Parish Council meeting to eliminate the Athletic Commission as a seat on the Parish Council as of the upcoming election. In the future, Athletics will be a volunteer who reports to the Social Commission. The merger with AAA has run so well that it will be able to be managed that way. We do need someone to represent Mary Mother at the AAA athletic meetings and report back to the Social Commission chairperson, who will then share that information with the Parish Council.

DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Ed Lewandowski 894-1373 edlew@marymother.org

We hope you will make every effort to observe the Triduum (3 days) of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil: Apr il 9, 10, 11. Your presence at Church dur ing these holy days puts Faith First in the lives of your children. Families preparing for First Communion attend Holy Thursday at 7pm and join in the procession after Liturgy. First Communion Liturgy will be at the 11:00 a.m. Liturgy on Sunday, April 26th. Welcome our First Communicants in the vestibule before Mass. REHEARSAL for Confirmation will be on Monday, May 18th 7-9 p.m. for Sponsors and Candidates. Sacrament of CONFIRMATION will be administered dur ing Liturgy on Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. (arrive at 6:20 p.m.) Vacation Bible School (ages 3-Grade 6) will be JULY 13 – JULY 17 from 9-Noon. Hold the dates and watch for registration in vestibule.

UPDATE Page 4

EVANGELIZATION COMMISSION Steve Rothermel 308-8997 evangel@marymother.org

CHRISTIAN FORMATION Karen Karr 416-1992 karenkarr7@gmail.com

DATES IN MAY

May 2 and 3: Bridge Bread sales

May 10: Mother’s Day

May 21: Sacrament of Confirmation

May 24: Ascension

May 25: Memorial Day

May 31: Pentecost

LORD, MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT

OF YOUR PEACE.

Let’s look ahead to April. On April 5-12 its Holy Week! This is the biggest celebration of the year; and why it is the core of your faith. On Palm Sunday, we celebrate the first joy of the season, as we celebrate Our Lord's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem where he was welcomed by crowds worshiping Him and laying down palm leaves before Him. It also marks the beginning of Holy Week, with the greatest tragedy and sorrow of the year. Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when He established the sacrament of Eucharist prior to His arrest and crucifixion. Starts at 7 pm Good Friday is the day on which Catholics commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Catholics are joined by almost all other Christians in solemn commemoration on this day. It is also a legal holiday around much of the world. Starts at 7pm. Easter is the celebration of Chr ist's Resur rection from the dead. It is celebrated on Sunday, and marks the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent, the last day of the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday), and is the beginning of the Easter season in the liturgical year. Easter Vigil is on Saturday night, starting at 8 pm. It starts solemnly, but half way through it comes alive as we celebrate our Lords Resurrection! Ken and the choir are always amazing!

Saturday’s Easter Vigil counts for Easter Sunday, so if you’ve never attended the Triduum, please consider it this year!

The Day of Prayer that was held February 29 was a wonderful way to begin Lent. Each of us saw how our prayer life began and how it has grown throughout our lives.

On March 12, the Life In The Spirit Seminar began. Bishop Hermann spoke to us about the love of God and about Jesus as Shepherd, Healer, Lord and Redeemer. It was a great start to a three night seminar. It is scheduled to end on Thursday, March 26, with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is bound to be a fruitful experience.

The Pro-Life Committee falls under the Christian Formation umbrella. Therefore, I’d like to thank Craig Snavely for his work as leader of our Pro-Life Committee. Leslie Najjar is now in charge of Pro-Life. I know she’ll do an excellent job.

Sensational Seniors April 16: Potluck lunch. Picnic theme to kick off spring. Our speaker that day will be Dan Fuller from Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. He will talk about and show slides of the 1904 World's Fair. May 14: Tr ip to Missour i Botanical Garden July 9th: Gateway Riverboat cruise + lunch Lenten Fish Fry March 27: 4-7pm in the parish hall - Dinners will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Look for volunteer sign-ups (through Sign up Genius) and menu on our parish website. A big Thankyou to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped with our fish fries! Quilters meet every Tuesday at 9am to work on quilts in the room across from classroom 5. For more information and sign up sheets, visit the parish website at marymother.org

SOCIAL COMMISSION Becky McDonnell 236-1421

social@marymother.org

UPDATE Page 5

TITHING

February 2020 – 4 Sundays $1,150 each agency

1) Rebuilding Together - Purchases materials to repair homes of the elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners who cannot afford to make needed repairs on their own. 2) Prison Performing Arts - Program engages incarcerated youth and adults in the performing arts to inspire intellectual curiosity and personal development, and builds skills to support successful re-entry into society. 3) North Grand Neighborhood Services - Promotes the dignity of low-income persons and their community by developing affordable housing, employment and training opportunities for youth, and other community initiatives. 4) Institute for Peace and Justice – Provides alternatives to violence in family, school and community. 5) Birthright of Hillsboro – Provides love, support and hope to women facing unplanned pregnancies, including information, referrals and resources to assist them. 6) Sts. Teresa & Bridget Youth Program - Supports parish youth program to pay for impoverished youth to attend a summer camp and retreat.

THE LORD

MAKES ALL

THINGS NEW

Hello Mary Mother, In light of the recent events that have plagued the world, I believe it is important to keep our heads up. It is no secret that COVID-19 has taken the world by storm. As Catholics within the Archdiocese of St. Louis, we were dispensed from our obligation to attend Mass on March 14-15, March 21-22, and March 28-29. BUT, we can’t let this discourage us. 2 Timothy 1:7 states, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment”. In this verse, Paul helps Timothy overcome a spiritual weakness in his life by showing him everything God has given us. In our lives today, we must hold the values of Paul’s words close in this dark hour. God does love us and has given us power, love and good judgement ... So what is there to fear? Youth group has some fun activities planned for April.

Prayer group every Wednesday in the youth room, like always :)

April 9th - Holy Thursday Pilgrimage - Starts after

8:00 pm Mass at Mary Mother - starts in our chap-el with adoration. We will visit up to 5 churches. Guys, this is a really fun event! I’m going this year and hope to see you there too! :)

April 19, Sunday, is our annual pancake break-

fast!!! Not too many people dislike pancakes, right? Stop by after Mass and grab a bite to eat. All proceeds go towards our trip to the Steuben-ville Conference.

And so much more! For a complete schedule of our

events/activities, shoot me an email! Lastly, like always, I'd like to extend a warm invitation to reach out to me with comments, questions, or prayer intention requests. Stay safe and healthy :)

YOUTH COMMISSION Alex Norrenberns 435-9104

youth@marymother.org

UPDATE Page 6

LITURGY COMMISSION Carol Mason 287-0297 liturgy@marymother.org

WHAT IS SVDP? DO YOU KNOW? SVDP is the acronym for St. Vincent de Paul which is a world wide organization whose primary purpose is to help people who are facing a crisis situation due to illness, layoffs, accidents, car repair, serious medical issues, etc. These people are referred to as our "Neighbors in Need" or “NIN.” Each parish has their own SVDP Conference. The Mary Mother Conference only assists those NIN who are either members of our parish or live within the Mary Mother boundaries. We are able to help our NIN because of the generosity of our parish embers. Thank You! Again we would like to thank our past president, Judy Belford, for her outstanding leadership. She is truly a Sister in Christ.”

The Holy Week Planning Team has decided to do something different this year. In addition to the Rice Bowl tradition that we currently participate in, we would like to have a special food collection on Holy Thursday for the needy. It will be distributed to a needy group in the days following the collection. As one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, along with prayer and fasting, almsgiving is “a witness to fraternal charity” and “a work of justice pleasing to God,” according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. “Giving and Receiving: The Benefits are Two-Fold, The Practice of Almsgiving During Lent Offers Two-Way Benefits.” Cathi Douglas, 3/16/2015 You can see how this will enhance the activities of Holy Week. So don’t forget to bring non-perishable food items for the collection on Holy Thursday evening. There will be signs to direct where to place your items in the vestibule.

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL Mary Ann Zimmerman

I must admit that, when Parish Council voted to move forward with the Ministry Fair, I was dreading the preparation for the event. It was November, the Thanksgiving holiday, all of our end of the year service projects plus the usual busyness of Christmas loomed ahead. Parish Council would not meet in December so that meant that we would have one more council meeting (January), just a few weeks before the Ministry Fair to sort out all the details. How many tables would we need, what about poster board, electrical connections, video displays? Would there be a theme, who is writing materials, printing handouts, signup sheets? The questions seemed endless and the time short. Like the Parish Council, the Christian Service Commission only had one regular meeting between the announcement of the Ministry Fair and the date of the Fair. The night of the Christian Service meeting came; and I quickly discovered that the love our members have for their ministries would provide all we needed for a successful event. By the end of our meeting, our biggest issue was taking an overflowing notepad of ideas and inspiration and editing it to fit our tri-fold poster. In the few weeks that followed before the fair, I continued to get great input from our ministry leaders. The passion of our Christian Service leaders was not only quite evident; but it was electrifying. I began to realize that, although our written materials were important for the fair, it would be the heartfelt testimony of our members which would provide the greatest motivation for parishioners to join our commission. The many details of the fair fell into place thanks to those on the Christian Service Commission who truly love their missions and can’t wait to tell about their service experiences. It occurred to me that I was privileged to witness the joy of Christ as well as the light of Christ during our Ministry Fair. Words beyond that revelation seem inadequate to the task of inspiring the next group of missionaries so I will stop here and simply leave my email and phone number for those who would care to joyfully shine our Lord’s light.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE COMMISSION

Rob Telthorst 320-0605 service@marymother.org

Christ

Is

Risen!

UPDATE Page 7 Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

Apr 1

9am Adoration

9:30am Tai Chi

12:30pm Pickleball

6pm Basketball

6:30pm PSR

7pm ProLife Mtg

7:15pm Trad. Choir

8pm Youth Prayer

Grp

8:30pm Men's

Basketball

2

9am Walking/PAC

10:30am Zumba

4pm Adoration

4:30pm Basketball

5pm Yoga

7pm Contemporary

Choir

7pm Liturgy Mtg

7pm Prayer Grp

3

3pm Stations of the

Cross

6:30pm Pickleball

4

9am Contemplative

Prayer Grp

3:30pm Confession

5:30pm Jonah Team

5

Palm Sunday

9am Jonah Team

11am Confirmati

on Candidates

6:30pm Men's

Basketball

LEAGUE Play

6

9:05am AA

Group

12:30pm Pickleball

6pm GriefShare

6:30pm Pickleball

6:30pm PSR

7pm Men's Prayer

Grp

7pm Triduum

Rehearsal

7

5am Election

9am Adoration

9am Quilting

9am TOPS

9am Walking/PAC

4:30pm Basketball

6:30pm Young

Women's Prayer Grp

7pm SVDP Mtg

7:15pm Traditional

Choir

8

9am Adoration

9:30am Tai Chi

12:30pm Pickleball

5:30pm Children's

Choir

6pm Basketball

6:30pm PSR

7pm Youth Comm

7:15pm Trad. Choir

8pm Youth Prayer

Grp

8:30pm Men's

Basketball

9 HOLY

THURSDAY

8:30am Morning

Prayer

7pm Triduum

Service

Eucharistic

Adoration after

Mass

10:30 pm Night

Prayer

10 GOOD FRIDAY

8:30am Morning

Prayer

3pm Stations of the

Cross

7pm Triduum

Service

11 HOLY

SATURDAY

8:30am Morning

Prayer

8pm Easter Vigil

12 EASTER

9am Easter Mass

11am Children's

Choir at 11am

Mass

11am Easter

Mass

13

9:05am AA Grp

11:45am Meat

Slicing (For SS

II)

12:30pm

Pickleball

6pm GriefShare

6:30pm Pickleball

6:30pm PSR

7pm Men's Prayer

Grp

14

9am Adoration

9am Quilting

9am Sandwich

Shoppe II

9am TOPS

9am Walking/PAC

4:30pm Basketball

7pm Women Sharing

Faith

7:30pm Adult

Volunteers Mtg

(Youth)

15

9am Adoration

9:30am Tai Chi

12:30pm Stitching

12:30pm Pickleball

6:30pm PSR

7:15pm *NO*

Traditional Choir

8pm Youth Prayer

Grp

8:30pm Men's

Basketball

16

9am Walking/PAC

10:30am Zumba

12pm Sensational

Srs Meeting/Lunch

4pm Adoration

5pm Yoga

7pm *NO*

Contemporary

Choir

7pm Prayer Grp

17

11:30am Friday

Friends

6:30pm Pickleball

18

ACA Weekend

9am Contemplative

Prayer Grp

1:30pm Driskill

Wedding

3:30pm Confession

5:30pm Reception

for Ugandan

Bishops

5:30pm BP

Screening

19

ACA Weekend

8am Youth

Pancake

Breakfast

9am BP Screen.

11am Confirma-

tion Candidates

11am Praise &

Worship Band at

Mass

7pm Youth

Group rec nite

20

9:05am AA Grp

12:30pm

Pickleball

6pm GriefShare

6:30pm Pickleball

6:30pm PSR

7pm Christian Svc

7pm Men's Prayer

Grp

21

8:30am Meat Slicing

(for SS III)

9am Adoration

9am Quilting

9am TOPS

9am Walking/PAC

3:15pm Contemplativ

e core team

6pm Ad/Fin Mtg

6:30pm 1st

Communion

Rehearsal & Pictures

6:30pm Sandwich

Shoppe III

7pm Health Ministry

7pm SVdP Mtg

22

9am Adoration

9:30am Tai Chi

12:30pm Pickleball

5:30pm Children's

Choir

6:30pm Young

Women's Prayer Grp

6:30pm PSR

7:15pm Traditional

Choir

8pm Youth Prayer

Grp

8:30pm Men's

Basketball

23

9am Walking/PAC

10:30am Zumba

4pm Adoration

5pm Yoga

7pm Contemporary

Choir

7pm Parish

Council

7pm Prayer Group

24

6:30pm Pickleball

25

ACA Weekend

Rock Church Food

Collection Weekend

10:30am Kerlick

baptism

3:30pm Confession

26

Children's Choir

at 11am Mass

11am First

Communion

Liturgy

27

9:05am AA Grp.

12:30pm

Pickleball

1pm Meat Slicing

(for SS I)

6pm GriefShare

6:30pm Pickleball

6:30pm PSR

7pm Men's Prayer

Grp

28

9am Adoration

9am Quilting

9am Sandwich

Shoppe I

9am TOPS

9am Walking/PAC

7pm Women Sharing

Faith

29

9am Adoration

9:30am Tai Chi

12:30pm Pickleball

6:30pm PSR

7:15pm Traditional

Choir

8pm Youth Prayer

Grp

8:30pm Men's

Basketball

30

9am Walking/PAC

10:30am Zumba

4pm Adoration

5pm Yoga

7pm Contemporary

Choir

7pm Prayer Group

April 2020

For more details, go to:

www.marymother.org/calendar-1

UPDATE Page 8

UPDATE Page 8

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 458

UPDATE

Mary Mother of the Church 5901 Kerth Road St. Louis, MO 63128

BAPTISMS: Henry Robert Paradoski NEW PARISHIONERS: Bob & Linda Farnam Adam & Krystn Smerecki and Emilee Linda Petcu Christine Terry Mike Carbery

The Lord is Risen!

Alleluia!