Special Easter Edition

Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church Page 2 Page 2 Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

Washing Feet ~ Holy Thursday by Sr. Ruth Maier

We walk with Jesus through these 40 days of Lent, listening to His Word, changing our heart, following in His footsteps. As Lent comes to a close, the Sacred Triduum is celebrated throughout the Christian World. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday form a seamless celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

The flow of prayer these three days invites us to enter into Jesus’s experience of suffering, of dying and of rising to new life.

On Holy Thursday, we put our feet at the Table as Jesus comes to each disciple to wash our feet and then invites us to do likewise in memory of Him.

Jesus kneels first at the feet of John, to whom He seems naturally drawn. Did they share a kindred spirit, have the same values, interests, tastes? John’s feet followed easily and eagerly.

Next the feet of James, a cousin of Jesus. Could there be a family resemblance? Perhaps in feet but certainly not in temperament. James was upwardly mobile. He wanted his feet to walk the road toward assistant kingship in God’s kingdom, whereas Jesus had suggested the lowest places. James was a “son of thunder” who kicked his feet in anger and defiance

Why would Jesus choose to have these aggressive feet under His table? Did He foresee that James’ feet would take him far and wide to preach the Good News, he only dimly understood this evening? Loveable or not “blessed are the feet of those who bear glad tidings”.

Now the feet of Matthew. Jesus would know them anywhere. Was it just His imagination or did they seem a little pinched, a bit cramped, almost stingy looking—just the way you would expect a tax collector’s sole to look?

Then Jesus finds himself before the feet of Judas’ hard, unyielding feet. Did He hesitate to wash these feet? His heart was deeply troubled, yet he could not betray the very one who in a little while would betray Him for a mere 30 pieces of silver.

And so, Jesus goes around the table. Each pair of feet having a story to tell, of how their owner had journeyed both physically and spiritually to this Upper Room, to the Passover Meal, at this unique Table.

Finally, Jesus comes to the feet of Peter. They are solid, square, functional, like those of a quarter horse, no good for racing, but unequalled for the ordinary chores of daily life. Peter’s feet are proud feet that refused to be washed, yet humble feet that could turn around when they found themselves going in the wrong direction.

They are light feet that could walk on water, yet heavy feet that could sink like a rock; fearful feet that would run from persecution and repentant feet that would return for crucifixion: earthly feet

to carry a Church and at the end, they pointed heavenward as Peter died upside down on a cross in Nero’s Rome.

And what about your feet? What does Jesus find as He moves to wash your feet…..

The friendship of John; the thunder of James; the shrewdness of Matthew; the arrogance of Judas; the stubbornness of Peter?

No matter the condition or status of our feet, Jesus invites us to have our feet washed, so that we can go forth in loving service to wash the feet of one another.

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Rite of Christian Initiation (R.C.I.A) by Elmer & Sue Beke

“In the early 1970’s following the

Second Vatican Council, the Church

restored the Rite of Christian Initiation

of Adults, (commonly referred to in

our day as the RCIA).

The RCIA is the process that was used

in the early Church by which people

wishing to become Christian prepared

to be received into the church and

receive the Sacrament of Initiation.

The Sacrament of Initiation consisted

of what we celebrate today as

Baptism, Confirmation and First

Eucharist.

The RCIA Community of seekers,

sponsors and Parish Team Members

meet weekly through the year

learning about the ways of Christians,

reflecting on the words and deeds of

Jesus, discerning God’s call to holiness.

Those who decide that the Catholic

Church is right for them are initiated

at the Easter Vigil.” (Ruth Maier,

S.S.J.)

After reading about RCIA in the church

bulletin in 2004, Sue discussed with

Elmer that she would like to accept

Sister Ruth’s invitation to attend RCIA

and learn more about his religion.

Elmer immediately said he would be

her sponsor, so that she didn’t know

more about it than he, being a cradle

Catholic. For Sue, being raised in the

Methodist Church, the RCIA

experience is part of a faith journey.

As we took part in the sessions, Sue

was focused on the similarities of the

Methodist, Episcopal, and Catholic

teaching. When she learned that the

reception of candidates into the

Roman Catholic Church only happens

once a year at Easter Vigil, she was

convinced to become a Catholic in

2005.

So at Easter Vigil at Saint Catherine of

Siena, Sue expressed, “Having

renewed my belief in the person and

message of Jesus Christ, I, Susanne

Ruth, now express my intention to live

out that relationship in the Roman

Catholic faith community. I ask your

prayers and support that I may be

faithful to this commitment.”

The RCIA experience is extremely

enlightening with a new perspective

developing as each year goes by. We

have continued as part of the RCIA

core since 2005 and are ever inspired

at seeing the joy and wonder that

occurs at the Easter Vigil.

The Rite is captivating as we welcome

the RCIA candidates into the church. It

is an annual event that all must

experience.

Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church Page 4

Dear Friends,

I greet each of you praying you have had a Lent that has been fruitful in "heart work" and that this "heart work" will continue throughout the Easter Season. Of course, for all of us devout Christians, this call to "heart work" is year round Easter stewardship/discipleship!

I am particularly happy in this great liturgical season to have the Arts & Environment Ministry featured! From the day I arrived as pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena I knew there was a strong prayerful understanding of the Sacred Liturgies. I recognized how the Arts & Environment Ministry of our great parish understood its role in

enhancing the settings of all the seasons we celebrate as faithful Christians. These dedicated ministers/stewards have prayerfully set each liturgical season for the blessed worship of all who join us in worship. We could not have a more perfect setting coming from the "heart work" of these individuals.

For as long as I can recall, the person who has taken time to be still in prayer, thought and contemplation, as well as being one fully engaged in community worship, has appreciated the environment of our worshipping environment. For sure, some need explanations about what is being offered, and we trust this person has found spiritual discovery as its shared. I have always brought before

my own wonder and questioning at times that even Jesus did not always speak outright. Recall why He used parables. Sometimes, humbly, we may need to understand why Jesus does not always seem to speak directly to ourselves. Let us slow down, even stop in our "necessary busy lives" and spend time in sacred contemplation. There is nothing like meeting a spiritual AH HA moment before the Lord when we take the time.

Have a blessed Easter moment of resurrection and see the Lord in ways your never thought would happen, but He did!

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,

Father Rob

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Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church Page 6

Easter, as I learned at Ascension grade

school, was the greatest feast of the

Ecclesiastical Year. I’m not sure I

remember learning in the 1950’s what

an Ecclesiastical Year was.

The Resurrection was part of the story

from religion class where Sister

explained why and how Jesus died,

was buried and rose from the dead.

At our house in 1957, Easter Sunday

involved new clothes, Mass in Latin,

the glorious music of Handel’s

Hallelujah Chorus, a warm church, a

crowded pew, a rather long sermon

(homily) and heading home for

breakfast and Easter baskets.

A year later, I guess we had new

clothes. Mass was still in Latin. I was in

the children’s choir trying to

remember that Jesus died for our sins

and rose again for each of us. The pew

was still crowded, but the time

seemed to pass quickly. It was home

to cold cereal for Mom was in the

hospital. Grandparents came to watch

my four brothers and me while Dad

went to the hospital.

Before the next Easter, I saw death. I

remember how pretty Mom looked

while she slept. The big room she was

in was full, with soft spoken people

and the heavy scent of flowers. My

two younger brothers (ages six and

three) just wanted her to wake up.

Christ’s Resurrection is the basis of our

faith. The empty tomb is an essential

sign that we too will be raised up. But

why do people have to die? Lent

seemed to go on forever. I wanted

Easter with the celebration of the

Resurrection.

In 1990 my husband died three weeks

before Easter after battling melanoma

for several years. My children would

repeat the Easter process I had so

many years before. I questioned why

we had to endure this loss at a joyous

time of the year, and I remembered

the years old religious story.

It was surreal to realize the sorrow we

shared at losing a loved one was

shared centuries before by Mary and

the Apostles. Easter Sunday was a day

of confusion for us as I now believe it

was for Christ’s followers. Were we to

celebrate the feast with others, or

remain by ourselves?

Even as I

spoke to the

children

about death, I

wanted to

turn away

from the

truth, avoid

the feeling of

loss and the need to regroup. The

Jesuits and the Sisters of Mercy

encouraged all my children to

participate in the funeral Mass. The

Mass was in English, the music

provided by friends, the church filled

with family, colleagues and friends.

We were supported by all present.

Following this celebration, life

returned and grieving snuck in at quiet

times. I remembered the word

Resurrection comes from the Greek (a

na sta sis) meaning raising up;

something I needed to do.

I recently discovered Ascension

Gardens, an extension of Holy

Sepulcher Cemetery. The staff offers

assistance, explanations and guidance

about options and services available.

Planning before the need occurs is less

stressful.

I know I am glad for the Lord opened a

new door for me. I have met and

married a wonderful man. We will be

present at Mass to share with all of

you the joys of the Resurrection this

Easter.

Death is neither fair nor unfair.

It is just reality. The

Resurrection of Jesus Christ is

our Faith. Let us rejoice and

be glad.

Easter Recollections by Linda Stoddard

Elmer Beke & Sue Corwin-Beke I am a recipient of their caring and assistance. Due to some health issues they offer to drive me to religious events. Sue would call and ask, “May we pick you up tonight?” I appreciate, very much, their caring and kindness.

With Gratitude, Glenda Nothnagle

Janet Bossert Ray and I have been a recipient of her assistance. Due to some health issues she offers to drive us to nighttime events at St. Catherine. This is just one example of the many kindnesses that Janet provides for us. We appreciate, so much, her caring and kindness toward us.

With Gratitude, Glenda Nothnagle

Pat Carosa I would like to nominate Patrick Carosa for Starlight recognition for his outstanding service as a Lector for the St. Catherine’s community, particularly those parishioners who attend the Saturday 5PM Mass. Patrick combines quiet reverence, always wearing a suit and a distinctive red tie, with a unique presentation style to make the Bible readings, prayer intentions and even announcements come alive. I, for one, am excited to see Patrick sitting in the Lector’s pew when I walk into church. I know I am not alone. Patrick, thank you for your service. I look forward to seeing you in 2018 (unless you get a job providing voiceovers in Hollywood).

With Gratitude, Jim Zielinski

Mark Gilbride I would like to thank Mark for his stewardship. Mark participated as a vendor at the Fair Trade Sale. He brought wonderful products from his farm, Lazy Acres Alpacas, as well as from The Alpaca Store which he owns. Mark is graciously donating a portion of his proceeds to our CMA campaign. Thank you, Mark, for your generous Stewardship!

With Gratitude, Maureen O’Connor

Karen Luke We are nominating Karen Luke for a Star Light recognition. All of us know Karen in her role as Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation. Her innovative and effective leadership is evident in our young parishioners. For that alone she could be

"Stars of St. Catherine lighting our world"

commended. However, Karen goes beyond her Job Description. She is our resident technology expert. Two examples are, revamping the website and assuming responsibility for the bimonthly publishing of the Newsletter. In addition, Karen and her husband Jeremy design and produce all the materials for our annual Stewardship Renewal. We are grateful for her presence here at St. Catherine’s and for her generous sharing of her talents.

With Gratitude, the Stewardship Committee

Sr. Ruth Maier It would be impossible to identify one good deed when I think of Sr. Ruth. In her unassuming manner she is ever-present with a warm smile and an air of tranquility emanating from her. Unsung hero comes to mind when I think of the many ways in which Ruth provides and responds to the needs of the parish, be they liturgical, pastoral or everyday administrative responsibilities. As a relative “newbie” I would frequently look to Ruth for direction. On the rare occasions when neither Rob nor Jim were present, one could always find Ruth unruffled, like an anchor making sure everything was running smoothly. When in doubt I would “seek Ruth out!” But that’s not all; underneath that calm exterior simmers a great sense of humor. Her affable nature recently led her to being cast as an angel in St. Catherine’s Christmas Car Karaoke. Though she was clearly not comfortable being in the spotlight as such, I believe she was perfectly cast as she undoubtedly can be claimed as St. Catherine’s Angel, hands down. Sustainable seems to be a buzz word frequently used in the political and social arenas. And although it is not typically used to describe a person, this term comes to mind when I think of what Ruth contributes to St. Catherine’s Parish. With gratitude I nominate Ruth as a Star Light.

Blessings, Marilyn Sietz-Pickett

Joe & Mary Sirianni Thank you to Mary & Joe Sirianni for being part of our Christmas Karaoke production. They played the parts of…Mary and Joseph! The recording took the better part of the afternoon and Mary and Joe were patient with us and fun to work with. They also generously let us borrow their van for the video. Thank you, Mary and Joe, for your stewardship.

With Gratitude, Maureen O’Connor

Do you know someone who is a Star Light? We encourage YOU to write a Star Light to recognize a kindness received or observed, no matter how big or small.

Page 7 Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

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