Serrans Meet Brides of the Victorious Lamb

A Publication of the Serra Club of Omaha
November 2012
Serrans Meet Brides of the
Victorious Lamb
By William E. Ramsey and Betty Dineen Shrier
At our first Serra meeting in October, Bernadette Esposito, president elect
and vice president of programs, introduced our speaker for the day, Mother
Elizabeth Marie of the Most Blessed Trinity. She is the superior of the
new community of religious women who were former members of the now
defunct group, Intercessors of the Lamb.
Mother Elizabeth Marie spoke of their gratitude for Archbishop George
Lucas’ guidance through the difficult process of transition as the
community of men and women disbanded. She said he arranged their time
of discernment for the 48 men and women at the former Dana College in
Blair, Nebraska. Its rural 150-acre campus proved to be a perfect setting
with former dormitory buildings to accommodate their needs during some
of the past 16 months of discernment.
The Sisters could no longer use their religious names and Mother
Elizabeth Marie said they experienced poverty in every way. “Then God
is everything to you,” she said.
However, they were provided with a chapel area and a dining space.
Father Gregory Baxter assisted them throughout their time of searching for
the right path according to God’s will. Spiritual and doctrinal formation
courses helped the new community. She spoke of learning how to chant
the Divine Office as one of many activities engaging their time.
When that community dissolved and the men were let go, nine of the
Sisters wanted to bring a new charism to South Omaha. The spiritual
gifts granted to the Sisters could be used for the benefit of others as they
intercede with Jesus for all the different needs in our Church and the
world, especially for priests.
They currently reside at St. Bridget’s Convent in Omaha and will soon be
moving a few blocks away to St. Mary’s Convent upon completion of its
renovation. Father Kevin Joyce is their Chaplain.
After praying about their new religious attire, Mother Elizabeth Marie said
Archbishop Lucas asked to be involved in the decision. He approved their
choice of blue and while colors of their habit. The Sisters have a great
Continued on page 6
Our Serra Luncheon Meetings are never dull. We have stimulating
conversations, great meals, and inspirational guest speakers. Always
attend as many as you can and BRING A GUEST!
Inside ... we celebrate the life and
mourn the death of Ray Stratman.
Omaha Serran, Geri Stratman, was our club
newsletter editor for 14 years, 1994 to 2008.
Geri has been a Serran since 1991, the year
women were allowed to join. She was the second
woman to sign up and has been an active member
ever since. Geri’s husband Ray Stratman’s
funeral was on Thursday, October 18th at St.
Pius X Church.
Ray was not a member of the Serra Club of
Omaha, but he was a strong supporter of our
mission. During the 14 years Geri was editor
of the newsletter, he put the address labels and
stamps on copies of the Mission Bell every month.
Ray and Geri also entertained seminarians
from Boys Town when that program first began
Continued on page 4
2
Serra Club of Omaha
Words from Club President Doug Quinn
A
Photo by
Br. Paul.
Grounds of
the Abbey of
Gethsemani
near Louisville,
Kentucky.
Doug Quinn
Serra Club of Omaha
President
Prayer, often in special
forms, is encouraged,
as is daily or increased
Mass attendance,
the seeking of
spiritual direction,
the Rosary,
and other practices.
One way that I believe
is especially appropriate
is the making of a
pilgrimage.
With the beginning of the Year of Faith, we have been encouraged to take our faith life to the
next level. Prayer, often in special forms, is encouraged, as is daily or increased Mass attendance,
the seeking of spiritual direction, the Rosary, and other practices. One way that I believe is
especially appropriate is the making of a pilgrimage.
Margaret and I have been privileged to make it to a major pair of holy places. The first one we
went to was on our first overseas trip, to the Marian Shrine at Knock, in County Mayo, Ireland.
Later, we traveled to southern France, near Toulouse, for the Shrine at Lourdes. The latter,
especially, exuded a heavy sense of sacredness and peace. Our visit there was both moving and
refreshing.
But you don’t have to take a long trip, or go to a foreign country, to make a pilgrimage. On a
family trip a number of years back, we visited El Santuario de Chimayo, in New Mexico, the
“Lourdes of America”, with its own tradition of the apparition of the Lord. Often, when I was on
business trips, I made stops as well, such as at the beautiful modern downtown Cathredral in Los
Angeles, and many times to St. Patrick’s in New York.
Most recently, during planning for a trip to the Louisville, Kentucky area, I came across a reference
to the Abbey of Gethsemani. Located about an hour’s drive south of Louisville, the Abbey is the
home of Trappist monks. The most famous of those monks, as I discovered, was Thomas Merton,
a writer of many religious books, including The Seven Storey Mountain. In any event, as we
approached the Abbey, we felt a pronounced sense of peace and calm. The house of the monks is
over 150 years old, and surrounded by beautiful grounds and gardens.
The monks put in long days of work and worship. They rise before 3 am, with their first service at
3:15 am, followed by at least 8 others. We were able to join in the 6th of these, at 12:15 pm. The
monks, who observe silence except during worship, conducted a beautiful and soul-lifting service.
Visit their website at http://www.monks.org
We had tried to make a retreat there, but found that you need to book almost a year in advance.
We have put a retreat on the list for another trip, however, perhaps to another Trappist abbey,
such as the one near Dubuque, Iowa.
In any event, this mini-pilgrimage, if you will, was both delightful and refreshing (and not just
spiritually-the monks also produce very tasty cheese and fudge). I highly recommend trips of this
sort, even if only for a half-day or so. Peace.
http://omaha.serranebraska.org
Do you have an inspirational story to share with other Serrans?
I’d like to talk to you about featuring it in one of the issues of
Mission Bell. Email Duffi Goodrich or 402.592.0823.
3
Mission Bell • November 2012
A Reflection from Msgr. William Whelan
Bartimaeus is a man of Faith. He lived in Jericho, and has heard about Jesus. He now hears that the
retinue coming down the road is accompanying Jesus. This poor man was blind from birth. He could
not work effectively nor read anything. He earned his living by begging.
Now as the crowd accompanying Jesus draws near he finds his hope stirring and he tries to get a place
near the road where Jesus is coming. If you have ever been in Rome during an audience with the Pope
you know how people push and shove to get near the Holy Father. This is a situation something like
that. Bartimaeus is pushed to the back of the crowd.
As Jesus draws near he cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” The people around Him tell
him, “Be quiet.” But he is not to be deprived of this opportunity to meet Jesus. He continues to cry out,
“Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus hears Bartimaeus and is moved by his Faith.
The Navarre Bible commentary states that Bartimaeus calls Jesus “Son of David.” This is the messianic
title. Bartimaeus believes that Jesus is the Messiah. As Bartimaeus calls to Jesus with this Faith, Jesus
is moved. He stops and says to his apostles who are with him, “Bring him to me.” They come to
Bartimaeus, pushing through the crowd. “Come on!” they say, “take heart. He is calling for you.”
Bartimaeus, sensing this may be the moment he has been seeking, throws aside his only cloak, and
forgetting the people’s rudeness he comes to Jesus led by the apostles. Jesus simply asks Bartimaeus,
“What do you want me to do for you”? Bartimaeus does not hesitate he says, “Master I want to see.”
Jesus says, “Go your way your Faith has made you well.”
Bartimaeus follows Jesus down the road. He apparently becomes a disciple of Jesus. While we don’t
hear more about Bartimaeus, I wonder if he was not among the 3,000 baptized on Pentecost Sunday.
Speaking of the time after Pentecost, a similar event takes place with Peter and John. They are
approaching the temple at the third hour and a beggar calls out to them and asks for alms. Peter and
John look at him intently and respond, ”I have neither silver or gold, but what I do have I give you. In
the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean rise and walk. Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised
him up. And immediately his leg and ankles grew strong. He leaped up, stood, and walked around and
went into the temple with them walking and jumping and praising God.”(Acts 3:5& 6-8)
Peter and John speak to the people who are clinging to them, saying, “The Author of Life whom you
put to death, but God raised him from the dead of this we are witnesses. And by Faith in his name this
man, whom you see and know, his name has made him strong. And the Faith that comes through it
(this name) has given him perfect health In the presence of all of you.” (Acts 3:15-16)
Later the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Saducees confronted them. Later they
brought them into their presence and questioned them, “By what power or by what name have you
done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered them and said, “Leaders of the people and
elders, if we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely by what means he
was saved, then all of you should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, whom you
crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in His name this man stands before you healed …. There
is no salvation through anyone else nor is there any other name under heaven by which we are to be
saved.” (Acts. 4:7-12)
All healing comes through the power of Jesus name. He is our Savior! The Catechism commenting on
this states that Jesus’ name means, “God Saves.” Here we might hearken back to the Annunciation
and we hear the Angel Gabriel say to the Blessed Virgin Mary, “you will conceive in your womb and
bear a Son and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most
High.” Later Gabriel appears to St. Joseph in a dream and reassures “Joseph son of David, do not be
afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been
conceived in her. She will bear a son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from
their sins.’ (Matthew 1:20-21) Jesus is our Lord and God, our Savior and our best friend, and it is only
in Jesus name that we can be saved.
Msgr. William Whelan
Chaplain
Serra Club of Omaha
Jesus simply
asks Bartimaeus,
“What do you want me
to do for you”?
Bartimaeus does
not hesitate.
He says, “Master
I want to see.”
Jesus says,
“Go your way
your Faith has
made you well.”
4
Serra Club of Omaha
Ray Stratman ... continued from front page
and they continued for a number of years. After 42 years, he retired as a manager
with the U.S. Postal Service. Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and
friend. A Korean War veteran, he was dedicated to the mission of the Siena/Francis
House serving as a volunteer, board member and president. He was one of the first
Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors at St. Pius X Parish. He took the Eucharist to
numerous patients at various hospitals over many years. Ray and Geri shared 62
years of marriage and were blessed with five children.
The World Needs More Rays and Jerrys
By Tom Schmitt, Publisher The Daily Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, IA
Submitted by Betty Dineen Shrier
During my career, Linda and I have lived in 13 communities.
Each one has had its own distinctive personality but, for the
most part, all have had one thing in common – interesting and
enjoyable people.
That’s certainly been the case in Council Bluffs. Since moving
here nearly 12 years ago Linda and I have met an incredible
number people we’ve enjoyed getting to know. It’s one of the
things we like best about living here.
One thing I’ve learned through the years is that often times you
meet the most interesting people in the most unexpected ways
and, many times, in some pretty unexpected places. I have found
that such encounters simply add to the spice of life.
There is however a sad side to a life filled with a constant steam
of new faces and friends. One has to say good-bye far too often;
and the older I get the more often the good-byes are final.
This past week I experience two more such good-byes.
Neither individual – both males – were what you might call
really close friends. We didn’t do the holidays together or
vacation together or even attended a ballgame together.
One was what I would call a social friend, someone Linda and I
saw three or four times a year. The other, whom I hadn’t actually
seen in a few years, was just a friendly acquaintance. But both
were enjoyable, and I will long remember each man.
Ray and Geri Stratman, Christmas 2011
There was an immediate link. Like me, Geri is a cancer survivor.
She’s actually beat the big “C” twice. But beyond that, there
were numerous other connections.
Linda and Geri instantly started talking about each others’ kids
and grandkids. Ray and I talked about our careers, politics and
current events. There was no strain to any of the conversation.
It just flowed smoothly from one topic to the next. Most
importantly, the evening was peppered with a lot of laughter.
Like me, Ray enjoyed laughing.
As the years rolled on, Linda and I saw Ray and Geri at three
or four community functions a year. Regardless of the amount
of time between our last visit, things just picked up where they
had left off. Linda and Geri would start chatting away while Ray
and I immediately began catching up. As with the first meeting,
each encounter was warm and inviting, and filled with laughter.
A few months ago Ray was diagnosed with cancer. Unlike Geri
and me, it would not be possible for Ray to win his battle. The
outcome was set and the timeline would not be long.
Upon hearing that time was running short for Ray, a couple of
weeks ago Linda and I went to see Ray where he was being cared
for. Geri was there, of course, and once again the conversations
went as they always did.
The first was a gentleman – and he was a gentleman in every
sense of the word – who was actually a friend of a friend, who
Linda and I first met at a fundraising dinner several years ago.
There was one difference, however. While we all hoped
otherwise, we all knew that this might be our last conversation
together. But that didn’t darken the moment, nor did it prevent
Ray from laughing. Our visit was a great one; and I will forever
be grateful for having had it.
Ray Stratman and his wife, Geri, were longtime friends of Betty
Shrier, who had purchased a table at an annual fundraiser for the
Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha.
On Tuesday morning, I sadly learned my life had suffered
another loss – Jarold (Jerry) Brown had past away on the same
day as Ray, Saturday, Oct. 13.
After purchasing the table Betty invited Linda and me to be
among her guests at the dinner. Ray and Geri Stratman were
two of Betty’s other guests.
I came to know Jerry – or Mr. Brown as I referred to him – when
I started shopping the men’s department at Dillard’s. Despite
being close to 80 at the time, Jerry gave me excellent service
and he always served it up with a smile that went from ear to ear.
Each time Linda and I went to Dillard’s I found myself strolling
The Stratmans and the Schmitts hit it off immediately. It was
just one of those times that within minutes Linda and I felt as if
we had known Ray and Geri for years.
Continued on page 5
5
Mission Bell • November 2012
A Miracle of Love
By William E. Ramsey
A life-size statue of Saint Kateri stands in front
of the St. Augustine Mission Church.
Photo: Bill Ramsey.
Above: Saint Katharine Drexel
(1858-1955)
Foundress of St. Augustine
Indian Mission
Photo: St. Augustine Indian Mission
The World Needs More
Rays and Jerrys
Continued from page 4
over to the men’s department simply hoping
to spend a few minutes with Jerry Brown.
I will remember him for his kindness, his
professionalism and, most of all, his smile.
On Sunday evening, Betty sent me an email
telling me Ray’s time had run out. I read the email
with a mixture of sadness for our loss combined
with relief that Ray’s battle had ended.
In her note, Betty described Ray as “one in a
million.” That was certainly true.
When Linda and I left the visitation service for
Ray on Wednesday evening I couldn’t help but
wonder about how much better our world would
be if there were millions more Ray’s laughing
and Jerry’s smiling. I will truly miss them both.
The publisher of The Daily Nonpareil in Council
Bluffs, Tom Schmitt, gave us permission to use
this article from the Opinion Page of the paper
published on October 21, 2012
To Geri:
Our continued prayers for you and also for Ray,
of whom Our Blessed Lord will say,
“Well done,
my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master’s joy.”
Matt 25:21
Saint Augustine Indian Mission located in the
Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska is celebrating
its second canonization in the past 12 years.
Thirty-two people, including 22 from St.
Augustine Indian Mission in Winnebago and
Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Macy, Nebraska
traveled to Rome to attend the canonization of
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha by Pope Benedict XVI
on October 21. She is the first Native American
to be declared a saint.
Various fund-raising efforts at fish dinners, community breakfasts,
donations, and raffle drawings in Winnebago and elsewhere raised the
necessary amount to make the pilgrimage possible. Father Dave Korth,
Director of St. Augustine Indian Mission said that the canonization is
a profound event in the history of Native American Catholics because
many feel it will help give them the recognition they deserve in the
Catholic Church.
Father Korth said that since the late 1800s, Native America Catholics
have made appeals to the Catholic Church and many offered prayers
daily for Kateri’s canonization. He said, “This is most definitely a
message that Native American Catholic are being recognized and fully
accepted and incorporated in the church.”
Making this event all the more historic is the fact that Saint Katharine
Drexel, founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and foundress
of the Winnebago mission, was canonized on October 1, 2000 by
Pope John Paul II. Now, 12 years later, Saint Kateri was canonized
largely through the devoted support of Native Americans who urged
the Church to consider sainthood for this Mohawk Indian woman who
served the Church faithfully. She overcame opposition from relatives
and chose to be baptized. Kateri desired to pursue religious life, took a
private vow of virginity and was devoted to prayer. She taught children
how to pray and assisted the sick and elderly at Caughnawage in Canada
A life-size statue of Saint Kateri stands in front of the St. Augustine
Mission Church. Over the years, it had been vandalized and became
deteriorated from the elements. To add to the blessing of Kateri’s
canonization, Father Korth told the story of two men who stopped
to tour the mission. When they viewed the statue, they asked Father
Korth if he would mind if they might try to improve its deteriorated
condition. Although surprised by this spontaneous request, he gladly
gave permission. Later in the day, Father walked down to the site but
the men had disappeared. Then he saw the beautifully restored statue
of Saint Kateri. It seemed like a miracle to him, but if not a miracle, it
was certainly a labor of love.
6
Serra Club of Omaha
Serrans Participate in “An Evening of Prayer”
By William E. Ramsey and Betty Dineen Shrier
On Tuesday, October 8, The Institute for Priestly Formation
invited Serrans, friends of IPF and parish members to join
them in an “An Evening of Prayer” at St. Margaret Mary
Church. Bob Campney, president of the Serra Club of West
Omaha, had requested that a Rosary for Vocations be included
in the services.
The evening opened with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
by Archbishop George Lucas. Deacon James Keating presented
a deeply spiritual homily with the title, “How to Take on the
Mind of Christ.”
Deacon Keating used the image of being taken into the desert
while letting go of all the “hindrances” we may be utilizing to
avoid this intimate contact with Christ; i.e., alcohol, gambling,
improper sexual activity, excessive work, concentration on
hobbies, television addiction, shopping, traveling and more.
When we “let go” of whatever is preventing our closeness to
Christ, we begin to seek and to find the true treasures found in
closeness to Christ.
Serran Art Hastings then sang a deeply inspirational hymn
entitled “You Are All I Want” by Lori True. It reflected
well the message that Deacon Keating had presented. Bob
Campney led us through the first decade of the Rosary; then
four other members of the Serra Club of West Omaha led us
through the remaining decades.
Benediction followed and Art Hastings once again led us in
the singing of the closing hymns. All were invited to the
Suneg Center on the lower lever of the church for a delightful
reception. At the end of the day, all felt nourished by the gifts
and graces we experienced throughout this evening.
Quick Snapshots
ABOVE & RIGHT
Jane and I were able to take Fr.
Scott Hastings and seminarians
Toby Letak and Matt Niggenmeyer
to dinner while we were in Rome earlier this month.
Also pictured is the Gregorian University where they are
taking classes while in Rome. - Bill Cheese
ABOVE RIGHT
Doug Quinn (left), President of Omaha Serra Club, and Bob Campney, President
of the West Omaha Club, are standing at 84th & L near this year’s billboard
celebrating Priesthood Sunday, October 28th.
Serrans Meet Brides of the Victorious Lamb
continued from front page
devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes and these garments reflected
their dedication. Mary is the patroness and Mother of their
ministry.
The Sisters professed their vows, took their religious names and
once again wore their religious habits.
On February 11, 2012, the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes,
Archbishop Lucas signed the Decree of Recognition that
recognizes the new community, Brides of the Victorious Lamb,
as a Private Association of the Christian Faithful.
They strive to bring contemplative spirituality to the broader
Church to form contemplative intercessors through retreat
work, spiritual direction and participation in the life of the
parish where they reside as they visit the sick and elderly and
bring the Eucharist to those who are unable to get to church.
Following the signing ceremony, Fr. Gregory Baxter, their
delegate, presided at a private Mass in the convent chapel with
Fr. Kevin Joyce concelebrating.
Serrans wished them well as they continue their journey in the
months and years ahead in union with Mary and empowered
by the Holy Spirit.
Find out more about the Sisters and their mission at http://www.bridesofthevictoriouslamb.com
7
Mission Bell • November 2012
Advent Morning of Reflection
“Stilled and Quiet is My Soul”
Saturday, December 8
8:15 Mass – 12:00 Noon
Christ the King Church
Fr. Rich Gabuzda
Deacon James Keating
Kathy Kanavy
The Institute for Priestly Formation invites you to a “mini-retreat”
Saturday, December 8th
These annual Advent gatherings offer an opportunity for the laity to experience the IPF charism used in the spiritual
formation of diocesan seminarians and priests who participate in our programs.
This opportunity arises from a desire in our hearts to offer a gift to those who generously support the Institute’s
mission. Fr. Rich Gabuzda, Deacon James Keating, and Kathy Kanavy will be this year’s presenters.
The format is simple: we will gather at Christ the King Church, 654 S. 86th Street, for the parish’s 8:15 a.m. Mass.
Following Mass, we will move to the parish center where there will be a light breakfast served (coffee, fruit, bagels,
etc.). The presentations and time for prayer will conclude by noon.
There is no cost for this Morning of Reflection; a free will offering for the refreshments will be gratefully accepted.
You can register on-line at
www.PriestlyFormation.org or call Linda Antonelli in the IPF office 402-280-3901.
ADVENT PRAYERS TO TAKE WITH YOU - http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
Loving God, make room in our hearts for people who need
us. We thank you for friends and strangers who have received
us when we were lonely, afraid, or tired. May we be ready to
receive the love you offer us and have the courage to share that
love with others through loving action. Amen
Gracious God, send us your grace this Advent Season so that
we can prepare for your coming. Touch our hearts with longing
so that we can better love and serve you and each other. Fill
us with the hope that we can be transformed by your Spirit and
so help transform the world. Give us the peace of knowing that
you came to share our human life and redeem us for the sake of
love. We ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Loving God create in us a fountain of joy, stir in us a spirit ready
to dance, kindle in us the fire of gladness, set loose in us songs
of praise, for You are the One who comes with healing and
blessing. Amen.
During this Advent, let your light of peace and love shine in
our world. Give us eyes to see the signs of your presence in the
world. Help us to prepare our lives and our homes to receive
the One who said, “I am the light of the world.” Amen.
http://omaha.serranebraska.org
The Mission Bell
The official publication of the
Serra Club of Omaha
Duffi Goodrich, Editor
8818 Ohern St.
Omaha, NE 68127-2536
[email protected]
The Mission of the
Serra Club of Omaha
is to foster and promote
vocations to the priesthood
in the Catholic Church;
to support priests
in their sacred ministry;
and to encourage
and affirm vocations to
consecrated religious life.
SERRA CLUB OF OMAHA • IMPORTANT DATES
Nov 6 Mass for Shut Ins, WOWT 10 a.m.
Nov 7 Serra Club of Omaha Board Meeting, Noon, WCCC
Nov 11
Mass for Shut Ins, WOWT 10 a.m.
Nov 12
Mass and Luncheon, Westside Community Conference Center
Guest Speaker, William Beckman, Director Office of Evangelization & Catechesis
Nov 13
Mass for Shut Ins Taping, WOWT
Nov 18
Mass for Shut Ins, WOWT 10 a.m.
Nov 20
Mass for Shut Ins Taping, WOWT
Nov 25
Mass for Shut Ins, WOWT 10 a.m.
Nov 26
Mass and Luncheon, Westside Community Conference Center
Memorial for Deceased Serrans and Serra Family Members
Nov 27
Mass for Shut Ins Taping, WOWT
Dec 3 First Saturday Mass, New Cassel Retirement Center 11 a.m.
Dec 8 IPF Mini Retreat, Christ the King 8:15 a.m. (See page 7)