Nov/Dec - St Marys Catholic Church

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
BOISE, IDAHO
Magnificat
My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord
and my spirit finds joy in God my Savior
Luke 1 :46
Volume 1, Issue 6
November/December 2003
HI S TO RI C ALLY SP EA KI N G…
by Joanne Lechner
T Y I N G T H E P R E S E N T T O T H E PA S T
In 1937 the “Catholic” picnic cost the parish $9.50 for ice cream, $2.50 for prizes, 60
cents for paper plates, 10 cents for napkins for a total of $15.10. “The Boise Floral flowers
for the church dedication and Christmas cost $12.00.” The infant for the crib cost $2.90,
$12 was paid for the Saint Basil hymnals for the choir and the sanctuary stand and light with
one year’s supply of candle refills cost $21.00.
The December 1938 parish financial report listed 165 households. The average weekly donation for each was 50 cents or $26 per year.
FINANCIAL REPORT FROM DECEMBER 19, 1937, TO DECEMBER 31, 1938
Total ordinary receipts from Sunday Collections:
Extra revenue, special purposes:
Donation from an estate
Debt drive and enveloped
Votive candles
Fuel
3 in 1
Holy Land
Seminary collection
Mission-Retreat-40 Hours
Clergy relief
Insurance
Bazaar
Dedication program
Religious articles
Papers
Church furnishings
House furnishings
Confirmation
Christian Doctrine
Christmas, 1937
Christmas, 1938
Altar Society
Grand total receipts to December 31, 1938
(continued on page 4)
$2,366.58
$1,610.10
2,056.95
41.07
110.30
23.45
4.90
25.00
146.41
11.00
42.35
1,863.28
1,117.00
122.75
28.37
626.35
210.00
47.20
9.50
208.20
205.35
967.88
$ 17,044.04
Inside This Issue
Father Carlos Velez
2
Parish Champions
2
Advent
3
International Students
3
Finances Then & Now 4
Stewardship
5
More Parish Ministers
6
Pastor’s Letter
7
Feasibility Study
8
Parish Health Ministry 9
Kevin Saunders
11
Catholic Billboards
11
Moms & Tots
11
Special Point of
Interest
How great a challenge it was
in 1938 for a new group of
Boise Catholics to strike out
to 27th Street to build a new
parish in the midst of the
most economically trying
time in our nation’s history.
This should be a challenge
and inspiration to us. Do we
have the same resolve to
rebuild our church and school
for God’s glory?
PAGE 2
Magnificat
PAROCHIAL VICAR: Father Carlos Felipe Velez Rivera
Cali Columbia, April 25th,
1972, is the birth date of
Father Carlos Filipe Velez Rivera, the second child of
three. He has two sisters. Growing up in the city he
spent his youth playing, swimming, roller skating, biking, motorcycling, “everything”, he says. He liked to
study and read books with his father who was a
professor of philosophy and sociology at a Jesuit
University. At age 16 he worked as a taxi cab driver in
a company his family owned.
His favorite memory from his youth is reading books
with his father. Reading and studying with his dad
enabled him to learn Latin and Italian. He knows four
languages. He has a desire to learn and enjoys the
etymology* of words. “Learning is through writing. If
I can’t spell a word I don’t use it.”
Father Carlos was not involved in the church in his
younger years. Reading scripture, learning about Jesus
and seeing how the Gospel makes you free is the
motivation that led him to be a priest. “Jesus speaks
truth, goes beyond social
stereotypes. Through the Gospel Jesus
speaks to me. He loves the poor. I
see the foundation of the Catholic
Church in the Gospel and that is
why I am Catholic.”
Father Carlos came to Idaho in May 1995. He studied
English in Lewiston for ten months and then attended
Saint Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California.
He was ordained in Saint John’s Cathedral, Boise,
June 8th, 2002. His time in Holy Rosary, Idaho Falls,
was a learning experience for him. Preaching and
teaching are the ministry experiences that most touch
his soul.
He grew up with the family activities of repairing,
owning and riding motorcycles and cars and he still enjoys that. He especially enjoys reading and studying
philosophy which remains from his youth experiences of
reading with his dad.
He is busy teaching a Bible class at
Saint Mary’s and “History of the
Church” in Nampa, celebrating
Hispanic and English Masses at
Saint Mary’s and organizing a
Hispanic community that can be
their own leaders instead of having Vladimer Gomez
and Fr. Carlos
the priest do everything. A recent
retreat encouraged laity to volunteer to be trained to be
teachers for sacramental preparation and parish
community leaders.
Father Carlos is writing his thesis, “Education For Children With Downs Syndrome”. In 2004 he will return to
the Jesuit University in Cali to defend it.
Loneliness for his family is his greatest difficulty in
Idaho. It is 8 1/2 years since he has seen his family. He
will be visiting them in Cali for seven weeks beginning
Nov. 18th.
His message to us is, “Be open minded, love Jesus and
the Gospel. Learn to read the signs of the time and be
willing to go the extra mile for God and His people.”
*etymology the history of a linguistic form (as a word) shown
by tracing its development since its earliest recorded occurrence in the language where it is found, by tracing its transmission from one language to another, by analyzing it into its
component parts, by identifying its cognates in other languages, or by tracing it and its cognates to a common ancestral form in an ancestral language.
CHAMPIONS OF SAINT MARY’S PARISH
Miren Osich, Saint
Mary’s parish administrative assistant,
recently
received
Award for Outstanding Dedication
And Service To the
Church of Idaho from Bishop Mike
Driscoll for her many years of service. Recently parishioners hosted a
reception in her honor to express their
Teresa Sanchez-Lopez,
a leader in the Hispanic
Community and a parish nurse, recently received the American
Red Cross/Six On Your Side “Real
Hero” Award for 2003 for her work
as a cancer treatment nurse at Saint
Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.
“She is a shining example of the
spirit of the Red Cross Founder,
CHRISTIAN
DICTIONARY
Magi...The most famous
men to ever attend a baby
shower
Manger ...The
Bible’s
way of showing us that
holiday travel has always
been rough
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6
PAGE 3
WAITING IN HOPE
November 30 marks the beginning
of the church’s liturgical year, the
beginning of the season of Advent.
Advent, from the Latin adventus
meaning “an arrival,” is a time of
waiting, of hope and anticipation.
We are waiting for the birth of our
Lord, Jesus Christ. We wait as the people from the
Old Testament and New Testament waited for the birth
of Jesus. The custom of the Jesse tree can help us to
wait and to learn about others who waited for Christ.
The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot
will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch
out of his roots." The branch is a biblical sign of
newness out of discouragement, which became a way
to talk about the expected messiah (Jeremiah
23:5).
The Jesse Tree tells the Story of God in the Old
Testament and connects the Advent Season with the
faithfulness of God throughout history. Each day we
learn about a different person from the Old or New
Testament, such as Abraham and Sarah and John the
Baptist, who waited for Christ. We read scripture about
that person and reflect on what they can teach us about
waiting for Christ and how to live a good life. We place
a symbol of the person, for example an apple for Adam
and Eve, on a tree. The tree can be a small Christmas
tree, a branch, or a tree drawn on fabric or paper.
Jesse Tree packets will be available in the church for
families and individuals who wish to explore more about
people from the Old and New Testament as we too
prepare for the birth of Christ.
Meg Lawless
SAINT MARY’S SCHOOL WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Hyun Kyung (Karen) Lee is a 7th grade student
whose parents, Myung Kyu and In Hee, live year
round in Seoul, South Korea. Karen, lives with
Tom and Marcia Beckman and her brother Daniel,
age 18, a student at Bishop Kelly, lives with Jim and
Estelle Warburton and family.
involved with PCS Edventures of Boise, an educational
company that uses both software and manipulatives from
Lego® for science and engineering lessons and labs for
children and young adults. Karen is looking forward to a
White Christmas, hoping to make a snowman. She enjoys family gatherings at holiday times in
Seoul where the floors are heated and
make it very comfortable in the cold
weather. No carpet is needed in their
homes.
Seoul is a very large city and home to
her extended family. Karen likes
Boise and enjoys the four seasons and
especially looks forward to snow in
the winter. During her summers in
Jung Eun (Jenny) Lee, Karen’s cousin,
Korea she enjoys ocean rafting and
joined us this fall from Seoul where she
swimming but her favorite past time is
lives with her parents, Kwang Kyu and
shopping and going to movies. Karen Florintina Tello, Hyun Kyung Lee, Young Ju Lee and her little brother, Hyung
says that people in the United States, Jung Eun Lee
Gu, age 9. 6th grade Jenny enjoys basketespecially Boise, are very friendly. She says that in
ball and drawing and being in Boise where people have
Korea she went to school from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30
been very kind to her. She lives with Bruce and Cathy
p.m., six days a week. Saturday is a half day and
Daley and their two daughters, Courtney and Ciera.
she studied many of the same subjects. Karen, who
wore uniforms in her middle school in Seoul, is arJenny attended elementary school in Seoul where winter
tistic and musical. She plays piano and has won art
break is 5-6 weeks and summer break is 7-8 weeks.
contests at Saint Mary’s School.
Jenny, who is tall, has joined the St. Mary’s 5th & 6th
grade basketball team and is a great asset to the team.
Karen and her brother came to study in the United
She enjoys swimming and wants to improve her English.
States because for the opportunity to learn to speak,
She has made many friends here at St. Mary’s School.
write and read English. Karen’s father received an
MBA in International Business from Penn State. Her
Our third international student is Florentina Tello from
older brother, Daniel, was born while Mr. and Mrs.
Cancun, Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo.
Lee were living in Pennsylvania. Karen’s parents
(International Students continued on page 7)
visit both of their children often because they are
PAGE 4
Magnificat
(1938 Financial Report continued from page 1)
EXPENDITURES FROM DEC.19, 1937, T0 DEC. 31, 1938
Ordinary expenses:
Diocesan
$ 150.00
Pastor’s salary
475.00
Light, fuel, water
326.39
Taxes
18.00
Chancery tax
3.00
Housekeeper
275.00
House expenses
293.81
Total
$1,541.20
Extra expenses:
Church furnishings
769.05
House furnishings
542.63
Insurance
261.32
Altar
210.80
Office supplies
62.86
Total
$ 1,846.66
Special expenses:
Debts paid off
$10,400.00
Interest for 1937
277.33
Interest for 1938
2,412.26
Seminary collection
25.00
3 in 1
40.00
Propagation of the Faith
7.50
Clergy Relief Fund
40.00
Holy Land
4.90
Papers
22.70
Labor-Transfer
53.25
Confirmation
25.00
Religious articles
114.48
Christian Doctrine
9.50
Mission and Retreat
142.75
Total
13,574.67
Total Expenses to December 31, 1938
$16,962.53
Balance in Current Expense Fund
Balance in Debt Fund
Balance in Miscellaneous Fund
Balance in Miscellaneous Fund
$
4.13
75.27
2.11
81.51
Balance in Altar Society Fund, January 1, 1939
$
284.33
Total Amount of Debt, December 19, 1937
$ 53,494.60
Paid on Principal
Total Amount of Debt, January 1, 1939
SOME CURRENT FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
Saint Mary’s Parish is required to pay 60%
($7,296) of registered parishioner’s Idaho
Register subscriptions. To date only 22.5%
($2,736) has been contributed. Please remember to pay $16 for your subscription by
mail or in collection basket at weekend
Masses.
Altar Floral arrangements cost $37 per
week. 52 household contributions are needed
annually to provide for this portion of liturgy
cost. Since January, 19 households have
chosen this opportunity to remember or
honor loved ones.
Christmas altar flowers cost $12 in 1938.
In 2002 they cost $565. Please consider donating towards this expense for 2003.
Magnificat expense for first six issues was
$3,698, income was $2,400. Difference is
$1,298. Magnificat is a valuable communication tool in our parish but cost must be
covered by ads. Please advertise and donate
to its cost so it may continue.
1938 annual expenses were $16,962.53.
165 households donated a weekly average of
50 cents.
2003 annual expenses will be $416,465. Of
761 registered households, (64%) 490 average weekly contributions of $13.27. We
weekly need $8,066. We receive $6,545.
10,400.00
$43,094.60
COSUMMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) In 2002 it took $6.48 to buy
what cost 50 cents in 1938.
WAGE RATE $13.49 as an hourly wage today was equivalent to 50
cents in 1939. (Is your minimum contribution an hour of your weekly
wage?)
Holy Card presented by
Bishop James J. Byrne
September 8, 1960
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6
PAGE 5
Stewardship and the Finances of Saint Mary’s
By Keith Pettyjohn
"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another
as good stewards of God's varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10
Stewardship and giving are topics about
which many Catholics are not comfortable
speaking. It’s unfortunate because stewardship is central to our lives as Christians.
It’s not just something we do; it should also
be who we are. It is our response to God’s
generosity: to share the gifts that God has
so generously and freely shared with us.
·
·
·
What gifts has God given you?
How’s your health? If you have cultivated a healthy life,
how about sharing some of your experience with your
fellow parishioners through our newly formed Parish
Health Ministry?
What are your talents? If you have any musical inclinations, how about sharing them through the Music Ministry? Are you good at making friends and have the gift of
hospitality? The Liturgy Committee's Greeters/Ushers are
in desperate need of parishioners to welcome people to
our services and tend to details before Mass. Are you
skilled in a trade or work for a company whose resources
might be called upon to assist in our re-building campaign?
Where do you spend your free time? For most of us, this
is the most precious commodity we have – time. Being
God’s good steward requires us to examine how we spend
that time. Can you carve out an hour per week? If so,
there are many ministries at Saint Mary’s that need you!
The Welcoming Committee is organizing a new effort to
deliver welcoming baskets to all new parishioners and
needs volunteers. The Knights of Columbus are looking
for dedicated men to help with Coffee Hour, the Christmas Party for the kids, etc. Women of Saint Mary's are
in need of more help for parish projects such as the
Christmas Bazaar. Stephen Ministry invites parishioners
to help visit those in grief and the Liturgy Committee is
looking for more people to take Communion to our homebound parishioners. Social Action Services is looking for
additional members and also parishioners interested in
forming a Saint Mary’s Conference of Saint Vincent de
Paul to serve the needs of the poor of our community
within our parish boundaries. Parish Events Committee
needs volunteers to help with the Lenten soup suppers.
Faith Formation Committee needs new members as they
plan more community events to celebrate the liturgical
year. Help is always needed in keeping up the grounds at
Saint Mary’s and serving the poor through working in the
Food Bank. There are no shortages of opportunities to
help!
·
How’s your financial health? Regardless of how much
money you make or how much is in your bank account,
do you really rely on God’s providence in providing the
financial resources you need? Are you mindful and
thankful for the gifts he’s given you which allow you to
enjoy the lifestyle you live? If so, what is the “right
amount” to give back to God? What are the best avenues to financially support Saint Mary’s? There are no
simple answers to these questions, but again there are
many ways to support our parish: whether through
weekly or monthly contributions in the collections
basket or through targeted giving to the different ministries (flowers for the altar, advertising for the Magnificat, paid subscriptions to the Idaho Catholic Register,
food or cash gifts to the Food Bank, etc.).
So, stewardship is not just about money – it’s about choices
that we make every day. The Christian calling is, by
definition, counter-culture. Whereas our society holds up
those of status, wealth, race, education and position, Christians value a meek and humble heart – those who extend
sympathy and assistance to those in need.
How do we cultivate this way of life? First, we need to pray
about it – pray that the Holy Spirit will show us how best to
make use of our time, talents and treasure. Then, we need
to make ourselves open to the opportunities that the Holy
Spirit will provide – and seize them! There is the paradoxical truth, emphasized by Jesus, that by giving ourselves to
someone or something beyond ourselves, we discover our
own best self: "He who loses himself for my sake will find
himself." Matthew 10:39
Stewardship is most fruitful when the giving is sacrificial
– when it draws us in closer communion with God and
with our brothers and sisters of Saint Mary’s. Please
prayerfully consider how much you are giving to our parish
and how much you are willing to sacrifice to re-build our
Church and school. As referenced in the earlier article on
the finances of the parish in 1937-38, recall what sacrifices
were made by those who went before us in order to found
Saint Mary’s, and find your own way to support our efforts
now to build the Kingdom of God here in Boise!
The Finance Council of Saint Mary’s: Sandy Banta, chair,
Michael Burke, Michael Gibbons, Tim Gutzwiller, Keith
Pettyjohn, Dawn Tepley
The Longaberger Company
©
American made products
for the home
Merikay Jost 384-5160
parishioner
PAGE 6
Magnificat
MORE SAINT MARY’S PARISH MINISTERS
Parish Musicians
Karen Kelsch - Parish music director
5:00 Saturday night cantors
Susan Daly
Sara Lavoie
Tim Ebner
Elsie Dulaney
Katie Pape
8:30 traditional choir
Marcia Beckman - director
Barbara Elston
Carleen Flesch
Dave Heim
Molly Krueger
Roni Pratt
Bev Schumacher
Sheila Schumacher
Sharon Vega
11:00 folk choir
Bob Parsley - director
John Davis
Geri Montoya
Steve Stech
Steve Evaristo
Maureen O’ Toole
Amy Brueck
Sophie Petroski
Lectors
Lou Florence - coordinator
Tom Beckman
Kent Brown
Bill Clayton
Marina Edwards
Rita Franklin
Jerry Helgeson
Leona Howell
Ken & Mary Johnson
Joanne Lechner
Gloria Mc Donald
Robert Mc Quade
Margo Mojica
Catherine Petzak
Ann Smedley
Roger Vega
Julie Weston
Fran Wickham
Phyllis Zimmer
Eucharistic Ministers
Sandy Banta
Dave Baumann
Chuck Bierle
John Bleymaier
Carolyn Brennan
Kathy Carney
Ronald Caron
Marjorie Davis
Tom Davis
Tom Ditter
Lou Florence
James & Marie Formeller
Vic & Joan Haus
Maryann Hogg
Ray & Eileen Hoobing
Susan Hook
Leona Howell
Merikay Jost
Mary & Bob Kohnke
Shyrle Kramis
Roland Krueger
Don & Sharon Lieske
Gloria Mc Donald
Virginia Medek
Mark & Heidi Oden
Kathleen Ourada
Toni Post
Jennifer Rinaldi
Cathy Stevenson
Bill Teske
Ruth Thacker
Marilyn Tratz
Phil Ulmen, Jr.
Kathy Vawter
Julie Weston
Karena Whitmore
Kay Wilt
Michele Young
Isabell Yale
Altar Linens
Catherine Petzak
Carolyn Crooks
Hombound Eucharistic Ministers
Carolyn Brennan
Leonora Brown
Kathleen Duvall
Brad Gates
Pat Goldade
Ruth Hadzor
Jim Kelsch
Darlene Pape
Marilyn Tratz
Isabell Yale
Hospitality
Bob Mc Quade
Miriam Adams
Narci Anchustegi
Dan Appel
Mike Browning
Joanne Campbell
Lou Florence
Keith Gerard
Roy & Merikay Jost
Tom Kinsley
Donna Nasker
George Sample
Cathy Stephenson
Glenda Uranga
Isabell Yale
Prayer Network
Leonora Brown - co chairperson
Patty Sproul - co chairperson
Mary Lockwood
Virginia Walstra
Richard & Donna Vering
Jeanne Nemeth
Lynn Whaley
Kathleen Duvall
Darcy Amburn
Kay Helgeson
Angie Purcell
Marilyn Tratz
Alice Cotner
Eileen Farley
Myrtle Turner
Marcella Dunn
Virginia Medek
Julio & Julie Bilbao
JoAnn Hiner
Ruth Friton
Ann Garett
Bill Teske
Sandy Racine
Rae Jeree Schulte
Mary Johnson
Kathy Carney
Ruth Thacker
Marge Davis
Trish Wieber
Lila Renk
Sandy Banta
Pat Hodges
June Mc Cormick
Helen McNulty
Pat Hodges
Doris Mais
Jennifer Rinaldi
Victoria Smith
Molly Krueger
Donna Tappen
Gerri Tallabas
Elby Cisler
Rosemary Swanson
Ewa Petroski
ADOPT A FOOD
The Food Bank staff
requests that parishioners
adopt a particular food or
other item on a monthly
basis. Contact Isabel Yale
for monthly amount needed,
853-1505.
Current items needing adoption are canned tomatoes,
applesauce, pork & beans.
THANKSGIVING
FOOD
BOXES
Parishioners donated 121
boxes for the needy!
Thanks to our
volunteers!
Ordination
Of
Deacon Rap Howell
October 7, 2001
2nd Anniversary
Congratulations
Interior Painting 375-3139
Tom Warnecke - Parishioner
Merikay Jost
parishioner
384384-5160
1509 N. 13th Street
343343-0514
Cosmetics International
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6
PAGE 7
I have had the honor of being pastor of Saint Mary's Parish for just
over a year. That gives me a
chance to ask for some evaluation.
I would ask all of the members of
the parish who would like to do so
to write out some observations
about the last year and how the
parish and I are doing?
There are a number of ways evaluations are done in
parishes today. Probably the easiest for us to use is
simply four questions. If you care to do so, please
write out your answers to the following questions and
send them to me at the parish office.
Last January in the "Report on the State of the Parish"
Father Faucher said the priorities of the parish would
be (a) emphasis on Spirituality; (b) improved liturgy
and good homilies; and (c) developing plans for our
building needs.
(International Students continued from page 3)
Florentina’s parents are Rodrigo and Maria Lucia. She
has two brothers, Rodrigo age 16, attending Capital
High School, and Emiliano, age 9, with his parents in
Mexico.
Cancun, a large and beautiful city located on the Gulf
of Mexico, is much warmer than Boise, Florentina
says. They do not have a central heating system in
their homes because of the hot climate. Florentina
loves ocean swimming and fishing. Swimming, soccer
and shopping are some of her favorite past times. At
Christmas, Florentina looks forward to large family
gatherings with her grandparents, many uncles and
aunts and numerous cousins.
BOISE At Its BEST
FLOWERS
717 S. Vista
342342-4885
Georgia Wells-White
Parishioner
Compliments of
In Boise at:
1205 W. Bannock
343-6493
Do you think those are the priorities he has worked on?
Another important item Father stressed was communication. Do you think the parish does a good job in communicating what is going on?
Is the parish offering enough spiritual and educational
offerings for adults?
What is at least one thing which would make Saint
Mary's even a better parish?
If anyone wants to write more or make more suggestions
please do so.
The relationship between a pastor and the parish is very
important. I can only be as good a pastor as you help me
to be. Thank you for helping me become a better pastor.
Peace,
Fr. Tom Faucher
In Mexico the school day is 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Teachers do not give homework on Fridays. They study
the same subjects, except grammar, and study more
about Mexico. Florentina’s father, Rodrigo, attended
high school in the United States and lived with Mary
Brownsen whom Florentina lived with last year. This
year she lives with Mrs. Brownsen’s daughter, Mary
Lane, and Florentina’s brother lives with Mrs. Brownsen. Florentina has also made many friends and is a tremendous asset to Saint Mary’s.
We are very fortunate to have these three young ladies at
our school. It helps our students learn more about the
countries that they have only read about. These girls are
very generous and kind and have added a delightful dimension to our school.
PAGE 8
Magnificat
PARISH TO STUDY BUILDING PLAN FEASIBILITY
After a six-week study by an ad hoc committee of the
parish, the Parish Council has recommended to Father
Faucher that the Trinity Fund Raising Company be
contracted to do a formal Feasibility Study to
determine the finances available for the proposed
building plans.
The committee was headed by John Krueger, with
Keith Pettyjohn, Rita Briltz, Darlyne Pape, Rita
Franklin, and Mike Thomas as members, assisted by
Vic Haus, Parish Council Chairperson, Jim Hughes,
Diocesan Fund Raising Director, and Jim Faucher.
Father Faucher attended all the committee's meetings
as well. They interviewed five national companies,
FATHER FAUCHER TO LEAD
SAINT PAUL TOUR
interviewed two finalists and made their final choice to
be Trinity Fund Raising Company.
Immediately after Christmas the Feasibility Study will
begin with interviews of parish families, a parish wide
survey, and various parish meetings. The goal of a Feasibility Study is to determine the amount of money the
parish can expect to raise in a major fund raising campaign. Building Committee estimates indicate that the
minimum needed for the necessary parish construction is
about eight and a half million dollars. This is probably
considerable more than the parishioners will be able to
donate directly, so other fund raising measures will need
to be used to find the necessary money.
STEWARDSHIP PRAYER
Lord God,
Father Thomas Faucher, Pastor of Saint Mary's, has
announced that he will lead a study tour to Turkey and
Greece next June 7th - 26th. Join Father Faucher on a
truly splendid tour to follow...
You alone are the source of every gift, of the vast
array of our universe, and the mystery of each
human life. We praise You and we thank You for
Your great power and Your tender, faithful love.
The Footsteps of Saint Paul Through
Turkey and Greece
Everything we are and everything we have is Your
gift, and after having created us, You have given
us into the keeping of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
The eighteen day tour will follow the route of Saint
Paul from Antioch on the Turkish border with Syria
through central Turkey to Ephesus and Istanbul.
Moving into Greece the tour will go from Philippi in
the north to Corinth in the south.
"This is a tour I have done before," Father Faucher
said, "and it is both a very fun trip as well as educational and spiritual”.
Fill our minds with Christ’s truth and our hearts
with His love, that in His Spirit we may be bonded
together into a community of faith, a parish family,
a caring people.
In the name and Spirit of Jesus, we commit
ourselves to be good stewards of the gifts entrusted
to us, to share our time, our talent and our material
gifts as an outwards sign of the treasure we hold in
Jesus. Amen.
© 2005 - 2003 Archdiocese of Detroit
Anyone interested in the tour can obtain more information from the parish office, 344-2597.
Amy
Miller
Parishioner
250-0321
Accredited Buyer’s Representative
Certified Residential Specialist
www.boiseidahohome.com
Saint Mary’s
Christmas
Bazaar
December 12 - 14th
Raffle items needed. Please contact
Teresa at 345-4129 or Karie at 321-2614.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6
PAGE 9
PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center is collaborating with
community churches in the development of Parish Nurse
programs that help to meet the emotional, physical and
spiritual needs of the person.
The parish Nurse facilitates the integration of mind, body and
spirit.
· Trains volunteers to extend health-related activities To
all church members
· Gives group presentations
What is a Parish Nurse?
A Parish nurse is a registered nurse who serves within a faith · Provides nursing services across the life span
community, recognizing spirituality as central to healthcare. A
Parish Nurse empowers individuals and groups with tools that The Parish Nurse is a valuable health resource.
promote harmony of the mind, body and spirit. The Parish · Acts as liaison to hospital and community
Nurse is dedicated to the healing mission of the church.
· Assists parishioners in assessing resources
· Supports members in positive lifestyle changes
Health Educator
· Visits members in home, hospital and nursing home
Facilitates understanding of health and spirituality.
Health Counselor
Offers attention to individuals and families related to ·
understanding health concerns they may be experiencing. Parish Nurses provide noninvasive assistance at home, hospital ·
and nursing home.
·
Advocate
Helps clients access the appropriate hospital and community ·
·
resources.
Benefits to the Congregation
The Parish Nurse plans classes and programs.
· Exercise
· Grief
· CPR/First Aid
· Health and Safety
· Mind, Body and Soul Connection
· Lifestyle Management
· Stress management
· Healthy Aging
· Parenting and Birthing
· End-of-Life Issues
· Spirituality of Aging
Dennis Schlegel Parishioner
855 Boeing St.
Boise, ID 83706
386-9446 Fax: 385-9552
·
Parish Nurse Coordinator
Provides support in the development and implementation
of Parish Nurse Ministries within the church
Provides a central location for continuing support of area
Parish Nurses
Facilitates access to hospital professionals as resources
Facilitates access to education and community resources
Encourages worship, sacrament and fellowship during
times of transition and challenge
Focuses on health and holistic healthcare as the core of
Parish Nursing
Saint Mary’s welcomes our new ministry! Our current
parish nurses are Leona Howell, Christie Chapman, Marina
Edwards, Teresa-Sanchez Lopez.
Saint Mary’s Parish Health Ministry program can always use
more nurses. For more information contact Leona Howell,
345-6042.
The next issue will personalize the Parish Nursing program
and explain what is occurring at Saint Mary’s.
corner of 8th & Main
downtown
100 north 8th street
208 433 - 0872
Lillian J. Kurek - Parishioner
Custom Deck & Patio
Design & Construction
Jeff Ware & Darren Beumeler
208 884884-1121
www.bearcatbuilders.com
PAGE 10
Magnificat
The Twelve Days Of Christmas(
In 1995 the song the Twelve Days of Christmas was explained by the following story. Later the story was said to be
false. At this point it is unclear which is true. See the footnote which follows the story. True or false it makes a lot of
sense.)
An Underground Catechism
Most folks, I believe, are familiar with the Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas". If
you listen to the words carefully, it seems like nonsense set to rhyme and music. However, it was
written with a serious purpose.
It is more than just a list of twelve silly gifts. Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829
were prohibited by law to practice their faith either in public or private. It was illegal to be Catholic.
(Note: Parliament finally emancipated Catholics in England in 1829.)
"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England as one of the "Catechism songs" to help
young Catholics learn the basics of their faith. In short, it was a memory aid. Since the song
sounded like rhyming nonsense, young Catholics could sing the song without fear of imprisonment.
The authorities would not know that it was a religious song. Actually, the Catechism to which it referred was rather ecumenical so it could probably be claimed to be Protestant if cornered.
The song's gifts had hidden meanings to the teachings of the Catholic faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, but it refers to God Himself. The "me" who
receives the presents refers to every baptized person. i.e. the church. The partridge in a pear tree is
Christ Jesus, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge in
memory of the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem!
How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst
not have it so..."
Here is a complete list of the 12 symbols with their meanings*:
1 Partridge in a pear tree = The One true God revealed in the person of Jesus Christ
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch" which contain the
law condemning us of our sins.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments of the Catholic
faith
8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
*Original source of symbol meaning: an article from Catholic Information Network that we discovered in 1995 by Fr. Hal
Stockert of Fishnet. Later it was discovered that some other resources backed-up this article, but later efforts discovered
that these all linked back to Stockert's article. In actuality, it seems that the words originated around 1780 in England and
the music much earlier from France. The song was merely a child's game with no religious significance.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6
PAGE 11
COMING EVENTS! MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND BRING GUESTS
BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH
The Christmas Scriptures
Presented by
7:00 p.m. CITYWIDE
ADVENT RECONCILATION
SERVICES
Kevin Saunders
Saturday, December 6th
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cathedral of the Rockies
11th & Hays
$10.00 includes lunch
Register now
St. Mary’s, 2612 State Street,
Boise, ID 83702
Dec. 3 Risen Christ
Dec. 9 Sacred Heart - Boise
Dec.10 Holy Apostles
Dec.11 Saint Mark’s
Dec.15 Saint Mary’s
Dec.16 St. John’s
Dec.17 Sacred Heart - Emmett
Dec.18 Our Lady of the Rosary
Please contribute to Christmas
poinsettia purchase in honor or
memory of a loved one. Include
name of your honoree or remembered one with
your
donation.
Please mail or
place in collection
basket.
Moms & Tots
Dec. 12 Traditions
Jan.. 14 Mind & Body Fitness
Jan. 28 Moms Role In Healthy Child
Development
Trisha Wieber 853853-0796
CATHOLIC BILLBOARDS COMING TO BOISE
“Jesus, I trust in you”, the Divine Mercy Prayer and the figure of Jesus will appear on
ten billboards in and around Boise beginning in December thanks to Joe Cannon, a
retired businessman and councilman from Cleveland, Ohio. He thought he was just
coming to Idaho on vacation to visit his nephew but it appears his ministry was to visually touch Idaho!
In 1992 he and his work partner provided literature for the first Divine Mercy Sunday,
the Sunday after Easter. In 1995 they arranged for a 32’ x 16’ canvas painting for a conference of 3000 people in Cleveland. It has repeatedly gone to Washington for Respect
Life Sunday, has been carried in Saint Patrick’s day parades or events in Florida, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, Saint Louis, Boston, Battery Park, NY and Cleveland and
this December 6th it will be in the Caldwell Holiday parade. 25 strong men are needed to carry the painting.
Call Bill Teske, 344-8114, to volunteer. (A Boise site is being sought to hang the painting after the parade.)
The idea of billboards emerged six years ago. Divine Mercy Billboards are in all 88 counties of Ohio and a
total of 145 have been mounted in Ohio and in other states. Joe sells Irish Walking sticks (made in Ireland).
Divine Mercy banners, for which he has the copyright, and volunteers have activities to raise money to pay for
the billboards. His use of a national billboard company enables him to have a low rate. Boise billboards will
cost him $200 each for a 30 day mounting. He can be reached at 1(888)479-3030 for literature containing the
history, process of acquiring billboards and the names of other states with billboards.
Exploring Yesterday
Joseph P. Cannon
Celebrating Today
Preparing for Tomorrow
Jesus, I trust in You.
4405 Brooklyn Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44109
216.741-6157
888-479-3030
February 27- 29, 2004
A Bethany House Conference
Information,, brochures and registration forms in
the back of church. Excellent Adult Ed. Event!!
Call Joanne Lechner, 344-2782 for more information.
Magnificat
The purpose of Magnificat is to
provide a forum for communication within Saint Mary’s Catholic
Community. This newsletter is
mailed bi-monthly to all registered
households. If your household did
not receive a copy of Magnificat,
by mail please contact the parish
office to update your address or to
register with the parish.
We welcome your comments about
Magnificat..
Published Bi-Monthly
Personal sized ad in
various shapes
1/2 business card size
$25 per issue
Business card sized
ad
$50 per issue
Double business card sized add
$100 per issue
Pastor: Fr. W. Thomas Faucher
Editors: Mike & Joanne Lechner
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 208 344-2782
Please support our advertisers.
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
St. Mary’s Church
Magnificat Newsletter
2612 West State Street
Boise, Idaho 83702-2243
Saint Mary’s is on the Web:
www.stmarys-boise.org