Parish St.MarySt.Mary Newsletter QueenQueen ofof thethe UniverseUniverse

June 2014 The Simple Beauty of Prayer and Ritual Inside Page 2 Cheryl Blake Remembering St. Joseph on rayer sustains Cheryl Blake “Volunteering was our mutual Father’s Day P— and did so when she interest,” Cheryl says. “With Jay- Page 3 battled cancer at a treatment cees, we would volunteer and raise Are We Ordinary, or center in Houston. In the absence money for causes but also socialize Are We Extraordinary? of her health and her ability to with other singles.” physically attend Mass, Cheryl Though not Catholic, Ken ac- Page 4 Deacon Andrew depended even more on prayer and tively supported Cheryl in the raising Rockers: the generosity of the priests and of their two sons, Brian and Scott, A Summer With Us parishioners of St. Mary. in the Catholic tradition. Their boys Page 5 “I relied heavily on prayer, and served at Mass, received their religious Ladies of Columbus it got me through,” says Cheryl, a Cheryl and Ken Blake emblems as Boy Scouts, and attended Group Continues member of St. Mary Queen since 1987. Religious Education at St. Mary. to Grow “The power of prayer is amazing. I remember when While her boys attended PRE, Cheryl taught Page 6 someone would come and bring me the Eucharist. It in the Religious Education program for nine years, Celebrating the was so overwhelming to be able to receive.” which employed her interest in teaching. Cheryl Feast of the Sacred Cheryl has always been a quietly steadfast Cath- not only enjoyed teaching, but she also liked at- Heart of Jesus olic. She grew up in a small town in Kansas and re- tending conferences and researching the faith to Page 7 members playing the organ at Mass as a high school augment her instruction. School Building Update student, as well as serving as a lector in college. “I enjoyed the research because I’m analytical, “Playing the organ was scary because I’m a shy so I like the rituals of the Church and the sacra- person,” Cheryl says, with a laugh. “In college, you ments, the rich details,” Cheryl says. “With PRE, I take responsibility for your faith, and I did. I found was learning along with them. I was a participant a place close to campus for Mass.” along with their parents in helping the kids learn After college, Cheryl describes meeting her more about the Catholic faith. I hope it helped husband, Ken, at a conference for the Jaycees non- them through their growing-up years.”

profit civic organization. continued on back cover St.Mary Queen of the Universe page 2

Remembering St. Joseph on Father’s Day

elieve it or not, Father’s Day wasn’t recognized as a national holiday Buntil 1966. History states that two women were the driving forces behind the establishment of Father’s Day as an official holiday. In 1908, Grace Golden Clayton suggested a day of paternal obser- vance to her Methodist pastor. Ms. Clayton’s request, sparked by a tragic West Virginia mine explosion, sought to honor the fathers who perished beneath the mountains during the blast. Two years later, a Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Wash., inspired by the popularity of Mother’s Day, pushed to establish a similar holiday honoring fathers. Mrs. Dodd was called to remember the selfless actions of her own father, Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart. Mr. Smart lovingly raised Sonora and her five siblings single-handedly after the death of his wife. The holiday was celebrated on June 19, 1910. Today, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. A celebration in honor of all fathers, we are called to give thanks to the men who raised us, provided us with protection and support, and patiently watched as we stretched our wings for flight. Fathers are notorious for their silent wisdom. They are the strong em- brace daughters run to when in fear or sorrow, the righteous shoes sons attempt to fill when approaching manhood, the unending catalogue of answers to life’s hardest questions. A parish priest once likened fathers to the human skeleton – fundamental, yet often forgotten. Just as we rarely notice the stabilizing existence of our backbones, without the guidance of fathers and father figures, we would lack the poise and dignity we carry because of their presence. Consider the importance of Christ’s earthly father, St. Joseph. When contemplating the Holy Family, St. Joseph doesn’t hold the “celebrity” status of Jesus and Mary. Catholics everywhere hold special devotions to Mary, but what about St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse? Sadly, he often stands in the shadows of his wife and child. But isn’t that what fathers are supposed to do? A good dad provides his children with the necessary tools to succeed in life, and then steps aside, hoping and praying that they will lead a life better than his own. A good dad honors his wife and encourages her to shine in the virtue of her own femininity. A good dad follows in the footsteps of St. Joseph. This Father’s Day, as you rush to the hardware store and grab your dad a gift certificate, consider the relationship Christ and St. Joseph shared. Cherish the silent love that fathers hold for their children. Under- stand the honor that fathers deserve and recognize the blessed nature of their guidance and leadership. June 2014 page 3

A Letter from Our Pastor Are We Ordinary, or Are We Extraordinary?

ur Catholic saints provide us with some superb Oexamples of stewardship, in action and in approaches to our spiritual lives. I think we sometimes view saints as being distant and different, statues and mythical. However, so many of them were people like you and me — people who looked at life and the world a little differently, closer to the way the Lord might look at the world. Just a few weeks ago two men were canonized, made saints — St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II. Certainly most of us vividly remember the living John Paul II, and many (over the age of 65 to be sure) remember John XXIII. Someone recently commented to me how much Pope Francis reminds them of St. John XXIII. You can certainly see that if you study the two men. St. John XXIII, born An- gelo Giuseppe Roncalli, was the eldest son in a farm family our parish. You will see more than a few saints. Think about in northern Italy. One of the most apt descriptions of him your family, your friends, your neighbors. There are saints describes him as an “ordinary” man. You may have heard a there as well. description of saints as “ordinary people doing extraordinary I do not feel like a saint very often, and I doubt if you do things.” That would seem to fit with everything we know either. However, that does not mean we cannot try to be a bit about John XXIII. And that is the stewardship point I am more holy, a bit more loving, a bit more caring, and a lot more trying to make. forgiving. Those are the kinds of things good stewardship We, like many of the saints, have an opportunity to do leads us to. some outstanding things here at St. Mary. Most likely we Easter has come and gone, but we are still an Easter will not be beatified or canonized, but that does not mean we people. St. John XXIII – that remarkably down-to-earth man cannot strive to be holy. Stewardship, recognizing that God – advised his people, and us, “Consult not your fears but your has gifted us and knowing that God is with us, is one of the hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, ways we can at least move in the direction of holiness. but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not St. John XXIII died 51 years ago on June 3. Here we are a with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still mere half-century later recognizing and acknowledging that possible for you to do.” Fellow stewards, we have much to this was a holy man indeed. Yes, he was a simple and ordi- do. It is time for us ordinary people to achieve extraordinary nary man, but a man who had no pretensions about himself. accomplishments. As a young man in seminary he wrote in his journal, “From the saints I must take the substance of their virtues.” Yours in Christ, In the Apostles Creed, we recite that we believe in “the communion of saints.” That phrase means that we accept the fact that we are united, each of us, with all on earth and all in heaven. We are one body in Christ. The saints are as much a part of our lives as we are of their lives. Look around you in Fr. Barry Brinkman St.Mary Queen of the Universe page 4

Deacon Andrew Rockers: A Summer With Us

little over two years ago, we Berens and Chad Stramel, thus bringing Afeatured a young seminarian, him one step closer to his priestly ordi- Andrew Rockers, in one of our nation next May. seminarian spotlights. We learned “There is no doubt that John Paul that he grew up in Hays, Kan. with his II helped me seek God’s providence,” parents and an older brother, that he Deacon Andrew says. “His canonization had felt lost during his first two years occurred nine years after his death in of college, and that the death of Pope 2005, which was essentially when my Deacon Andrew Rockers (front) serving at a friend’s wedding. John Paul II profoundly affected him. journey of discernment began. Then, When we last visited Andrew, he was he was canonized one month before being able to take all he learned while in his fourth year at Kenrick-Glennon my diaconate ordination. So there is a in the seminary and put it into practice Seminary in St. Louis studying Theology definite parallel with John Paul II and when he comes to spend two months II, and he credits his decision to attend my journey to the priesthood. I know with us this summer. seminary to Pope John Paul II. he’ll be a great intercessor as I approach While he is here, Deacon Andrew “God had been working on me for my priestly ordination.” hopes to continue to work with the youth a while, and I was praying again and Deacon Andrew says that these – something that he has been passionate going to Mass,” explained Andrew two last few years in seminary have been about. Additionally, he is looking forward years ago. “But John Paul II’s death was wonderful, and that he has been blessed to interaction with parishioners. the climax that started me on the path with certainty in regards to his voca- Here are a few fun facts about to the seminary.” tion – there has been a gradual and Deacon Andrew – he doesn’t have a So it is almost fitting – and divinely consistent excitement about becom- favorite food because he enjoys them all; inspired! – that a little over a month after ing a priest, and any lingering doubts his favorite saints include the Blessed St. John Paul II was canonized, Andrew that he may have had while discerning Mother, St. Joseph, St. John Vianney, was ordained to the Transitional Diacon- have long gone. He is especially looking St. John Bosco, and (he can say this ate at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Sa- forward to making that transition from now) St. John Paul II; he likes the Lord lina, along with fellow seminarians Kyle seminarian to parish priest, as well as of the Rings trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien, but turns to True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort for spiritual guid- ance; his favorite movie is Last of the Mohicans; and finally, he is an ordinary, mellow guy who is looking forward to spending the summer with us. “I am absolutely looking forward to parish life,” Deacon Andrew says. “Seminary is great, but as I get closer and closer to ordination, I feel less called to the seminary and more to the life of a parish priest.” (From left) Deacon Andrew Rockers hiking in Estes Park, Colo. with his father, Glenn, and brother, Aaron. June 2014 page 5

Ladies of Columbus Group Continues to Grow or many years, the Knights of Columbus have enjoyed a The Ladies of Columbus support the Knights in various Fstrong sense of camaraderie with their fellow Knights. ways. For example, they have often provided monetary dona- This past fall, Deanna Hauschel had an idea to bring their tions, and they also made desserts for the Knights’ Lenten wives together to form their own group within the parish. fish fry. The group also hopes to expand their reach so that Although the group is still new to the parish, the Ladies they can support more ministries and organizations in the of Columbus have already been able to use their time and parish and local community. They have already begun an talents to form bonds, build fellowship, and support parish effort to support Birthright, which is an international crisis and local organizations. pregnancy service with 500 locations in the U.S., Canada and The Ladies of Columbus meet at the same time as the South Africa. Knights for their monthly meetings – the first Tuesday of “We have these items called ‘Precious Feet,’ which is each month at 6:30 p.m. With a small donation, they are able a little lapel pin with an unborn infant’s feet at the size to share a meal and spend time together. they would be when they are ten weeks old,” Deanna says. “When we first started out, I put an announcement in the “It comes with a card that explains that. We sell these at bulletin to see if anyone was interested in getting together for Knights’ events, and then that money goes to Birthright.” some fellowship,” Deanna says. “The only stipulation is that With women of all different ages, the group is a great your spouse be a Knight of Columbus. We’re not chartered or place to get to know other members of the parish. anything – just some ladies getting together to visit. People can “The nice thing about it is that though we all have differ- come and talk to each other if they have anything on their mind.” ences, we can all come together with the same beliefs that we The women have also had book discussions several times, share,” Deanna says. “It’s a way to create a really good friend- and many women have shared their crafting talents, as well. ship with someone we may have never crossed paths with “The last time we met, we talked about one of the Mat- before. It’s a lot of fun – there’s no pressure to have anything thew Kelly books, since he had come to speak at our parish one planned, but if you have something you want to share, we en- time,” Deanna says. “Also, if anyone has something of interest, courage that. We hope that it will grow to have more people like a craft, or something they enjoy doing, they can come and over time!” share that. One time a lady brought her pottery and we talked For more information, or to get involved, please contact about that. Another lady made jewelry out of old designer but- Deanna Hauschel at 785-826-9718. tons. And of course, sometimes we just sit and visit.”

The Ladies of Columbus support the Birthright crisis pregnancy organization through sales of the “Precious Feet” lapel pins. St.Mary Queen of the Universe page 6

Celebrating the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

he Sacred Heart of Jesus is probably the most widely Reporting her vision to Fr. Claude de la Colombière, Trecognized representation of Christ’s divine love and Margaret Mary was then directed to write an account of the unwavering compassion for all of humanity. Devotion to the apparition. Despite her initial reluctance to do so, as well Sacred Heart of Jesus has been practiced for centuries, and as her misgivings upon its completion, this written account this devotion continues to play an important role in today’s would soon be published and widely read among both clergy Catholic faith. As we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart and laymen, thus playing an instrumental role in spreading of Jesus on June 27, we have a wonderful opportunity to the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Another book, learn more about this essential Catholic devotion and its role The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was written by Jesuit in Church history. Father Croiset after Jesus told Margaret Mary to have Fr. Devotion to the Sacred Heart extends as far back as the Croiset write it. Following Margaret Mary’s death in 1690, 11th or 12th centuries. While there are no definitive texts or Fr. Croiset would compose a short biography of her life that histories that verify initial devotees, it is understood that the was amended to his book, which served to further increase devotion grew out of the Benedictine and Cistercian monas- interest and practice of the devotion. teries of the time. By the 16th century, documented devotion- Over the course of the next century, devotion to the al prayers and exercises had been formulated, and the ascetic Sacred Heart of Jesus would continue to spread. By the lat- writers began making more extensive reference to the Sacred ter half of the 18th century, a Mass of the Sacred Heart was Heart. But it was not until the 17th century that devotion to given papal approval for Poland and Portugal, followed two the Sacred Heart moved beyond being practiced on a private, decades later by Venice, Austria and Spain. Then, in 1856, individual basis. St. Jean Eudes established the first feast of the Feast of the Sacred Heart was officially established by the Sacred Heart, and this was shared with devotion to the Pope Pius IX. Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was then that the devotional While the specific readings and exercises for the feast feast of the Sacred Heart began to spread to other dioceses day have been changed and replaced over the years, the basic and religious communities. tenets that extend back to the visions of St. Margaret Mary However, the devotion as we know and understand it Alacoque remain the same — the acknowledgement of and today largely stems from the visions of Jesus Christ to St. devotion to Christ’s unending compassion and love for all of Margaret Mary Alacoque. While these visions were numer- us. Indeed, the Catholic Church maintains and continues to ous, the most remarkable revelation, known as “the great build on this wonderful devotion. A key tradition was estab- apparition,” occurred during the octave of Corpus Christi lished as recently as 2002, when St. John Paul II decreed a in 1675. As Jesus said to Margaret Mary, “Behold the Heart world day of prayer for the sanctification of priests — World that has so loved men... instead of gratitude I receive from the Priest Day — to be observed annually on the Feast of the greater part (of mankind) only ingratitude.” Sacred Heart of Jesus. June 2014 page 7

School Building Update The construction process at St. Mary’s Elementary School is currently underway. So far, the basement underneath the kindergarten rooms has been completed, and the concrete for the kindergarten rooms and the gym floors has also been finished. The steel structure of the building has been put in place. Once the walls and roof are in place, construction on the classrooms will begin so that classes can start in the fall. Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Salina, KS St.Mary Permit No. 71 Queen of the Universe

230 E. Cloud St. Salina, KS 67401 Phone: 785-827-5575 www.stmarycc.com

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Cheryl Blake continued from front cover Cheryl also hopes that the religious education from the parish helped her own boys, both of whom are now in college. “I tried to always be an example and answer their ques- tions about the faith,” Cheryl says. “Now Brian is at Emporia State, my alma mater, and Scott is at Kansas State. It’s their turn to take responsibility for the faith.” Since joining St. Mary, Cheryl has served in a number of public ministries, such as her involvement in Religious Edu- cation, in the Mass as a lector, and on the Finance Council, drawing on her career in banking. But for Cheryl, being ac- tive also has a personal, private connotation. “I personally believe in the power of prayer and try to The Blake family. (From left) Brian, Scott, Cheryl, and Ken. pray a lot,” she says. “I’m on the Prayer Line here at St. Mary “I do what I do because I know it is the right thing, and and remember those on the list when I say my Rosary or I never at any point wished I wasn’t Catholic,” Cheryl says. prayers at night, along with my prayers for my family. It’s a “When you’re involved, you meet more of the parish com- good way to be connected to others when not at the church.” munity, and you’re working together — whether it’s a Faith Though Cheryl has never doubted her faith, she believes Formation class, traveling to a retreat, cleaning the parish, that being involved — whether in public ministries or pri- or bringing a salad to a funeral lunch. The parish can be a vate ways such as the Prayer Line — creates a parish family. second home, your parish family.”

Daily Mass: Mon. - Fri. 8:05 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. • Saturday: 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. Confessions: Saturday 4:00 p.m. until done