Saint Francis Solanus july 2015 “Strengthen the Spirit of God in Your Home” Honoring the Lord’s Day With David and Roberta Hirstius

oberta was working the do to make sure that our family was Rswitchboard at St. Xavier a place of refuge and strength in the University in Chicago when David world,” David Hirstius says. “It’s not brought her a grape soda. When they about attending church once a week. were married in 2002, they toasted There has to be more of a practice in with grape soda at their wedding. the home.” Shortly thereafter, they moved At the time, David was studying to Quincy for David to begin his the Jewish roots of Christianity and medical residency, and they began began reading about how the Jews attending St. Francis Solanus. keep the Sabbath. “It is the closest church, and we “For the Jews, the Sabbath is like an older looking church like all about the home,” David says. St. Francis, which is over 150 years “They have a particular saying that old,” Roberta Hirstius says. “Before is, ‘By keeping the Sabbath, the The Hirstius family – (from left) Evan, our son was born, I didn’t feel much Sabbath has kept us and kept our Roberta and David of an opportunity to get involved. families together.’” Ten years ago, the Hirstius family But once he started preschool, we The Catechism of the began an intentional keeping of the got to know people, and it snow- shares about honoring the Lord’s Day Sabbath, or honoring of the Lord’s balled from there.” (2168-2195), a tradition seen through- Day. They haven’t missed a Sunday The arrival of their son Evan, 11, out the Bible – from Genesis, where since, even when traveling. transformed Roberta and David’s God rests on the seventh day, to the “If I could bottle this, give it to lives. They felt the need to live their Ten Commandments. St. Pope John families and say, ‘This is how you faith in a very real way. Paul II also wrote the apostolic letter keep your family together,’ I would “One of the things that I needed Dies Domini, which discusses keeping give the bottle to everyone for free,” to think about was what we could Sunday holy. Roberta says. “The fruits have been continued on page 5 The Family That Plays and Prays Together A Look Back on Our Annual Parish Picnic

ou may have heard all the parishioners come Ythe phrase “the family out, and that’s what really that plays together, stays makes it so special – see- together.” Or, common in ing people from our parish Catholic circles, “the family that I haven’t spoken to in that prays together, stays a while, seeing the people together.” We believe that that used to just bring their both are true. And as the kids and now bring their family of God at St. Francis grandkids with them.” Solanus Parish, we enjoyed “St. Francis is such the opportunity for families a welcoming parish, but to share in both at our through the picnic, we annual Parish Picnic! have made some wonder- And while our picnic, ful new friendships,” says which took place on June Jayna Klauser, who just 13, had all the typical mak- “We all come together to support the parish completed her second year, ings of summer fun – food, in our own way. God has given each of us serving as a Picnic Commit- games, and awesome mu- tee Chairperson. sic – it also had something talents, and we use the talents we are blessed “My faith is strength- more. St. Francis parishio- with to help make the picnic a success.” ened when I really get to ners had an opportunity to know my fellow parish- grow in their relationship – Ryan Klauser ioners,” Dennis adds. “By with God and His family, the Church. working hard together and raising money for the parish, The picnic began with the celebration of Mass as a com- we grow, not only in friendship, but also community.” munity, providing a powerful reminder of the most import- For those who served at the picnic, they’ve also found ant reason we come together. Following Mass, parishioners it to be a chance to build camaraderie with fellow parish- were given the chance to spend time having fun with the ioners, working together for a common goal of supporting people we pray with each week. the parish. “It’s an opportunity to get to know everybody better “It makes us a stronger community,” Jayna says. “When in a different setting – a more laid-back setting,” says Karl everyone is working toward a common goal, it deepens a Venvertloh, who has been attending the picnic since he was bond between us.” a child and, with his wife Shelly, has served on the Picnic “We all come together to support the parish in our Committee for the past two years. own way,” says Ryan Klauser, Jayna’s husband, who “The people really make the picnic, we’ve got good has also served on the Picnic Committee for the past food and music and games, but the smiling faces of the peo- two years. “God has given each of us talents, and we ple make all the hard work worthwhile,” says Dennis Hol- use the talents we are blessed with to help make the brook, who, with the other men of the Holy Name Society, picnic a success.” is responsible for the outdoor food. “To see the enjoyment that people have at the picnic, The Parish Picnic served to foster a sense of community the enthusiasm people have in wanting to help, it shows among the parish in several ways, both through getting to how much they love the parish, love the Church and the spend time with parishioners you might not always see, as people in the community,” Karl says. well as meeting new people. So, while you’re out enjoying the rest of your summer, “On a weekend, we’ll have five Masses, and you don’t don’t forget to thank God for the gift of your family at St. always see the same people because everybody attends dif- Francis – and maybe give them a call to plan some more ferent Masses,” Dennis says. “But on that day, you get to see fun in the sun! 2 St. Francis Solanus

A Letter From Our Pastor We Provide the Gifts, God Performs the Miracles Dear Parishioners, t is human nature to try to neatly with one boy who was willing Iplace things into categories. If we to share what little he had. Be- categorize the miracles performed cause the boy made the gift of by Christ, the two largest groupings his fishes and loaves, the Lord might fall under the headings took it and multiplied it many “Healing” and “Feeding.” times over, nourishing so many This is exactly what we are about more people than what that lit- here at St. Francis Solanus. At the base tle bit initially could. of all our liturgies is the Eucharist, Isn’t that what we as a par- when we come together in commu- ish are called to do? We make nion with the Lord and with one an- gifts of our time, our talent, other to be both fed and healed. Even and our treasure as good stew- one of Christ’s most famous miracles ards – but nevertheless, it is – the Feeding of the Multitude – in- God who takes those gifts and volved both healing and feeding from performs miracles with them. a spiritual and a literal perspective. Our goal is to give what we The reason the large crowd gath- have so that Christ might use ered was because Jesus’ reputation as it, multiplying it to feed, to a healer had spread and grown. He heal and draw a multitude of felt compassion for that crowd, which people closer to Him. is another way of saying He loved The reality is that without them and felt sorry that they were hungry due to their the gifts, there can be no miracles, and without miracles, willingness to sit and be with Him for so long. Recogniz- we are a hungry and broken people. Christ has come to ing it was late in the day and that many of them had not renew, nourish, fulfill, and restore – and that, brothers eaten, Jesus literally fed them – but that day, He didn’t and sisters, is what Christianity is all about. stop with physical nourishment. He also fed them spiri- tually with His words, and simultaneously, healed their Sincerely yours in Christ, wounded hearts by preaching a message of hope and forgiveness in the midst of a dark and hardened world. The narrative of Christ taking a small amount of food and using it to feed thousands is familiar to all of us. It is reported in all four Gospels. However, I would Fr. Don Blaeser, O.F.M. like to highlight one aspect of that miracle. It all started Pastor

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1- Introduction to Acts of the Apostles 11- Acts 11-12: The Church in Antioch 2- Acts 1: Prelude to Power 12- Acts 13-14: Paul's 1st Missionary Journey 3- Acts 2: The Power of Pentecost 13- Acts 15-16: The Jerusalem Council/Paul's 2nd Journey 4- Acts 3: The Miraculous Power of Jesus' Name 14- Acts 17: Converts and Conflicts: Turning the World Upside Down 5- Acts 4:1-31: The Church Acts with Boldness 15- Acts 18: Ministry in Corinth; 3rd Missionary Journey 6- Acts 4:32-5:42: Problems Within; Persecutions Without 16- Acts 19: Ministry in Ephesus 7- Acts 6-7; The First Christian 17- Acts 20-21: Paul Heads for Jerusalem 8- Acts 8: Kingdom Borders Expand 18- Acts 22:1-25:12: Paul Makes His Defense 9- Acts 9: The Persecutor Becomes the Preacher 19- Acts 25:13-28:31: Paul's Final Defense and Witness in Rome 10- Acts 10: St. Peter's Un-Kosher Picnic 20- Conclusion

Dates / Times Registration Wednesdays - 1pm-3pm OR 6:30pm-8:30pm Forms can be placed in the weekly collection or Dates - September 2nd, 2015 to March 16th, 2016 mailed to the rectory office. Registration Deadline - August 17th, 2015 Location For More Information St. Francis Solanus - Parish Center Brad Kendrick - Coordinator / Facilitator 1721 College Ave. Email - [email protected] Quincy, IL 62301 Cell - (217) 430-2593

Acts Registration Form

20-part study. Each session will be approx. 2 hrs. Name Price per person:$ 30.00 Address City State Checks payable to: St. Francis Solanus Zip Phone 1721 College Ave. Email Quincy, IL 62301 Parish

Circle which session you will be attending: 1 - 3pm Session 6:30 - 8:30pm Session 4 “Strengthen the Spirit of God in Your Home” continued from front cover

tremendous. Strengthen the spirit of God in your home, and then you can go out and be God’s hands and do stewardship.” Roberta Hirstius has generously shared Every Sunday, David, Roberta and Evan wake up her recipe for Sunday blessing bread. The and meet in the center of their home to light the Sabbath recipe is included below: candle. Roberta, “the queen of the home,” says a blessing to invite in the Sabbath. Then, David, “the priest of the 2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F) home,” makes the sign of the cross in oil on each member 1 tablespoon active dry yeast of the family. 1/2 cup honey “On Sundays, we have our meals in the dining room 4 tablespoons vegetable oil on the good china with the wedding silverware,” Rober- 2 eggs ta says. “You are inviting the Holy Spirit into your home, 1 tablespoon salt so it is a special day.” 8 cups unbleached all-purpose flour After attending Mass together, the Hirstius family ½ cup gold or dark raisins (optional) has a big meal in the middle of the day. The meal in- cludes a special dessert and bread that Roberta bakes Note: The above ingredients make two very large loaves. Halve called challah, or Sabbath bread, the delectable result of the ingredients to make one large loaf for a smaller family. trying numerous challah bread recipes! “The blessing that we use to start the meal is the bless- ing that the Jews use on the Sabbath,” David says. “We also have a kiddush cup, or Cup of Blessing. Each person 1. In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over barely warm says what they are thankful for and then passes the cup.” water. Beat in honey, oil, two eggs, and salt. Add The rest of the day is spent focused on family the flour one cup at a time, beating after each ad - togetherness. They share in activities like playing dition. Add raisins, if using. Graduate to knead- games, riding bikes, going for ice cream, and simply ing with hands as dough thickens. Knead until enjoying their family. smooth and elastic and no longer sticky, adding David and Roberta are straightforward about the flour as needed. Cover with a damp clean cloth fruits they have received from honoring the Lord’s Day – and let rise for 1 1/2 hours or until dough has it saved their marriage and continues to center their lives. doubled in bulk. “What we do helps prevent compartmentalizing,” 2. Punch down the risen dough and turn out onto David says. “It is easy to compartmentalize the Church floured board. Divide in half and knead each and God, but your life has to be transformed. The fruit half for five minutes or so, adding flour as of the Eucharist for me is that I go home, and my home needed to keep from getting sticky. Divide each is also my church.” half into thirds and roll into long snake about David and Roberta have found ways to practice stew- 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Pinch the ends of the ardship in their community, and they enjoy participating three snakes together firmly and braid from in a Bible study at St. Francis. Roberta also volunteers at middle. Grease two baking trays and place fin- the school and on the Parish Picnic Committee. ished braid on each. Cover with towel and let The “tradition” of enjoying grape soda on their wed- rise about one hour. ding anniversary is a small, though meaningful example 3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. of how David and Roberta embrace ritual. Through hon- oring the Lord’s Day, tradition and ritual become sus- 4. Beat the remaining egg and brush a generous taining and centering for them and their family. amount over each braid. David and Roberta would encourage members of the 5. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 40 minutes. Bread faith community to find consistent and meaningful prac - should have a nice hollow sound when thumped tices to sustain their own families! on the bottom. Cool on a rack for at least one “We are the Body of Christ, and just as living out cer- hour before slicing. Enjoy with your family! tain rituals and observances at home solidifies my faith, it also strengthens me to know that others are living out the faith,” David says. 5 “The Apostle of and ” St. Francis Solanus

oday, St. Francis Solanus is Tremembered as the “Wonder “O powerful St. Francis Worker of the New World,” and we occupiers of a digital age might Solanus, you who feel distanced from this fearless explored and evangelized missionary and healer. Yet, his story shares details of his in the wilds of South humanity. He fostered a talent for mu- America, please assist sic. He learned languages to nurture hospitality. He was close to his mother. me in the wilds of this He desired to bring Christ to, and be world and obtain for me, Christ for, others each day. through our Lord Jesus As we look again at his narrative, St. Francis Solanus and the virtues and Christ, the grace I ask of habits of his daily life seem clearly rel- you. Amen.” evant to us today, over 400 years later. In 1549, individuals of local no- Offer up your petition and bility and renowned piety, Mateo say one Hail Mary in honor Sanchez Solano and Anna Ximenes, welcomed their son into their home of St. Francis Solanus. in Montilla near Cordoba, Spain. One story shares that his mother found time to return to his hometown multiple challenging native lan- consecrated her son to St. Francis of and quietly care for his mother after guages and dialects to communicate Assisi while still in her womb. the passing of his father. with others in their own language. This consecration might account In 1589, St. Francis sailed from St. Francis predicted his own for St. Francis’ proclivity to the Fran- Spain to the New World aboard a death, which occurred in 1610 in ciscan spirituality, for he entered the slave ship. Several accounts tell of the , Peru. In that same year, while Franciscan order at Montilla and devastating hurricane this 16th century preaching in Trujillo, Peru, he fore- then studied in seminary at . ship encountered. The storm would told the calamites that would occur in He spent the first 40 years of his lifeeventually split the ship in two! Yet, that city, which was nearly destroyed living and working locally in Anda- while the captain and the crew aban- by an earthquake nine years later. lucía, a region of Southern Spain. St. doned the frigate, St. Francis selflessly Pope Benedict XIII canonized the Francis first felt drawn to North Af- gave up his place in the lifeboat and “Apostle of Peru and Argentina” in rica, desiring to achieve martyrdom stayed with the slaves to baptize and 1726. St. Francis’ feast is kept through- there. But his vision would shift to comfort them until their rescue. out the Franciscan Order on July 24 the American missions. Upon beginning his work in and in the United States on July 14. During his years in Spain, St. South America, St. Francis braved He is the Patron of Argentina, Bolivia, Francis first gained the reputationhitherto of nearly unexplored regions Chile, , and Peru. a wonder-worker and healer, a repu- of present day Argentina and Par- Our vocations might not bring tation later fortified by hundreds of aguay. When he had studied phi- us across unexplored shores, but let witnesses who gave testimony to his losophy and theology in seminary, us endeavor to model St. Francis’ works. While many accounts exist of St. Francis also pursued music and strength, selflessness and devotion his tending the sick and even nursing now played the violin for the native to the Gospel as we pursue our own victims of the plague, St. Francis also people. He also diligently learned paths to sainthood in our current age. 6 St. Francis Solanus

Ministry Helps to Lead Catholics Back Home

s we’ve heard many times in the could be 10 different reasons why – if AGospel, Jesus is the Good Shepherd you ask 10 different people why they – not only does He look after his flock, came back, there could be 10 different but He also constantly seeks His lost reasons for that, too,” Deacon Wayne sheep. As Catholics, we are called to says. “Folks all come here with different follow Jesus’ example and extend our stories, so we keep the topics very basic. compassion to those who have fallen And that is why we have our team mem- away from our faith. Here at St. Francis bers – they are all very different, and it’s Solanus, the Catholics Returning Home amazing how, when someone tells their Ministry serves to welcome people back story, there will likely be someone on the to the Church, hear and address their team who can relate to that.” concerns, and show them that above all, Apart from a basic reintroduction to our faith is based in love. the Church in general, the program facil- “You can more explain what Catholics itates open, confidential discussion; gives Coming Home is all about by saying what returnees a “refresher” on the Mass and it’s not,” says Deacon Wayne Zimmerman. sacraments such as Reconciliation; and “It’s not RCIA, it’s not Bible study, it’s not discusses what the Church believes and catechism class. It is a six-session program to welcome folks why. The ministry’s team also works to understand and back home, if they want to come back to the Catholic Church. relate to each person’s unique experience, to try to pro- We’re there to listen and there to answer their questions – but vide reassurance and quell any fears. the main thing is that we’re there to invite and welcome.” “One quality the team members have to have is a realiza- The ministry first started in 2009, shortly after Deacon tion of the shortcomings of some members of the Church, Wayne was first ordained. He met with then-pastor Fr. Kurt and to understand how individuals in the Church may Hartrich, O.F.M., who asked him to start a program for have hurt them,” Deacon Wayne says. “But they also have Catholics who wanted to return to the Church. After doing a tremendous love for the Church, and love for Jesus Christ. some research, Deacon Wayne found Sally Mews’ Inviting These laypersons all have their stories to tell, and the con- Catholics Home program and was excited to get it started nection that people have with the team is amazing. We now at the parish. Although Fr. Kurt was transferred soon after, do have one woman on our team who has gone through the Deacon Wayne was encouraged to continue developing the program. That’s kind of our goal, to have everyone on the program by current pastor, Fr. Don Blaeser, O.F.M. team have gone through the program. We’re not there yet, The ministry puts the word out to others in several but we hope it can happen naturally over time.” different ways – they always have an ad in the parish bul- After the session ends, the team works to connect the letin, and often put ads in the local newspaper. A couple returnees with other programs at the parish, depending of years ago, Deacon Wayne visited a local radio show, on their individual faith journeys. Each returnee is en- hosted by a friend, to speak about the ministry. Catholics couraged to continue to let faith grow in their lives. And Returning Home also relies often on word of mouth. although the sessions are not regularly scheduled, be “The way people hear about it has always been much sure to keep an eye out in the bulletin to find out when varied,” Deacon Wayne says. “I’ve had a father influence the next one will commence – usually, sessions begin af- his son and daughter-in-law to come. I’ve heard of people ter Christmas and Easter. who have read the bulletin on a certain day, people who “It is sometimes a sporadic program, but the power have heard about it on the radio – I’ve heard everything!” of the Holy Spirit really plays a role,” Deacon Wayne The program is a six-week course that reintroduces says. “Sometimes, one team member will call me and its “returnees” to the life of the Church. The program is say, ‘I think we really need to do it again’ – and then ev- moderated by Deacon Wayne and led by a team of dedi- erything works out the way it needs to.” cated parishioners. For more information about Catholics Returning “If you ask 10 people why they left the Church, there Home, please contact the parish office at 217-222-2898. 7 NONPROFIT ORG St. Francis Solanus US POSTAGE PAID ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 58040 1721 College Avenue PERMIT NO. 3 Quincy, Il 62301 (217) 222-2898 stfrancissolanus.com

Dedication Event I/WE WILL ATTEND THE YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE Dedication of the St. Francis Dedication Dinner Solanus Parish Center AT 6:15 P.M. Name: ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH.

Bishop Paprocki will be the principal celebrant of Mass at 4:30 p.m. # attending: Immediately after the Mass, Bishop Paprocki will bless the Parish Center, RSVP by August 1, 2015 and this will be followed by a “picnic dinner” at 6:15 p.m. (Detach and drop in the offertory or mail to the parish office.) Details of the dinner will be forthcoming soon.

Please return the reply message at the right if you plan to attend the dinner.

Liturgy Schedule Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. │ Sunday: 6:30, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 a.m. Weekday Mass: M, T, W, Th, F, 6:30 a.m. │ M, T, W, Th, F, S, 8:00 a.m. │ W, F, 8:35 a.m. during school year Confessions: Saturdays 8:30 a.m., 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Holy Days of Obligation: Vigil 5:30 p.m.; Holy Day: 6:30 a.m.; 8:35 a.m. on school days; 8:00 a.m. during summer; 5:30 p.m.