Resurrection Catholic Church

April Showers Bring May Flowers: A Springtime Lesson in Stewardship

2010-04-01T09:04:00.000-05:00

As I look out my office window at the beautiful spring day, with its first promise of crystal blue skies and 70 degrees, I am slightly overwhelmed. Yes, by the beauty and gift of a day like today, but perhaps even more by the piles of work on my desk and in my kitchen at home that stand between me and the blessed sunshine my winter-starved soul is craving.

Spring is a very busy time for all of us! It is a challenge for many of us to find ways to reflect upon our call to be good stewards. Yet, spring offers an amazing and fairly easy way to reflect on all three aspects of your stewardship. All you need to do is plant the seed. Literally!

I encourage you to go take a walk through a local garden store. Take your lunch break or make it a sort of field trip after naptime (this exercise is great for kids). For less than $3 you can select a pack or two of your favorite seeds or pick up a starter carton flower or herb! I am personally a huge fan of seeds because there is such a significant transformation that happens from seed to seedling, but the green of a starter plant as it reaches for the sunlight is unbeatable after a long winter.

The opportunities to reflect daily on your stewardship are the same no matter what you choose. This plant is a gift that has been given to you by God. It is up to you to care for it tenderly and help it to grow. Ultimately, your goal is for it to bear fruit! Here are three ways to think about your stewardship as you care for your plant.

Prayer: As you seek the best place for your plant to live in your home, ask yourself, do I seek the best people, places and things to surround myself with in order to best use the gifts God has given me? Use the time you water your plant each day to ask God to show you where the places are for you to grow your gifts.

Service: As you feed, water, prune, transplant and nurture your plant as it grows, reflect on the ways you feed, prune, and nurture your God-given gifts. How are you strengthening your gifts by using them to serve others?

Sharing: When you begin enjoying the fruits of your plants, (the smell, the sight, or in a favorite recipe), consider taking a flower plant to the local nursing home or dropping off a bunch of herbs with your neighbor. Reflect on the ways you could be sharing your tangible and material God-given gifts with others.

Questions about Divorce and Annulments

2010-03-09T11:00:00.005-06:00

Posted by a Member of the Pastoral Staff

Someone who was recently divorced ask me if she could go to communion. It surprises me every time I'm asked that question how many myths are out there about divorce and subsequent annulments. I just wonder if anyone has a question to ask or story to share that might bring light and hope to people who have struggled through a divorce.

I'm happy to help clear up some of the misconceptions or research for you.

For starters, if you are divorced but not remarried you are free to receive Holy Communion and always welcome to come to church and participate in parish functions.

Secondly, an annulment does not cost thousands of dollars. The cost to the petitioner is $350 and even that amount can be adjusted where a need exists.

Other questions? Let's hear from you! You're probably not the only one!

Homemade Theology

2010-02-01T11:20:00.002-06:00

I am no theologian.

I am really not trained as a teacher either.

My gift is sharing the teachings of our faith in a way that makes them approachable in our daily lives. Quite frankly, that's because I have to do it in my own life!

That being said, practicality only goes so far. Conversion of heart can start with the practicalities, but as Christians we are called to reach beyond practicalities in order to live as disciples spreading the Good News of Jesus.

It's easy to say, "I just don't have time, but that's okay because I think I live a pretty good life." (I have a one-year-old and another on the way, I understand lack of time.)

It's easy to say, "I'm not a "churchy" person." (Sssshhh...I'm not either. It is much easy for me to approach God and faith from my life than from a book or a pew.)

So, if we face these obstacles, but we know that we are called to a deeper conversion of heart how are we ever supposed to succeed? Aren't we just being setup for failure?

NO.

There are so many opportunities available to each and every person. To believe that you are the exception to the rule that we need to continuously be formed in our faith is an excuse. One can customize a deeper faith experience to nearly any circumstance. Take these examples:

- Contact your parish. Most parishes have faith formation opportunities that extend far beyond the years of Confirmation. Even if they don't, they will be able to refer you to other parish and diocesan resources. These are often great opportunities for growth because they are short, convenient, within a community of others seeking spiritual depth, they are often not materials based for those who don't like to do much reading, and they have a level of accountability built in.

- Contact your pastor or pastoral associate. The role of a pastor is to shepherd, teach and witness. If you indicate a desire to learn more about your faith but are concerned about time, they can customize a schedule to meet your needs.

- Set aside one hour to visit a local Catholic bookstore or your parish library. No, this does not mean go online to Amazon. If you give yourself the gift of time and physical presence to read samples of books about your faith, you are more likely to find something that reads to your level of understanding and interest. An online synopsis is just not the same. Feel free to consult Mr. Google or contact your parish for some initial suggestions.

- Commit to only one area at a time. To think that you will process a lifetime of spiritual growth in a year is unrealistic. Take the pillars of the Catholic faith (belief, prayer, sacraments, and morality) and select one to learn about for a period of time. Take prayer for example. If you can deepen your spiritual life by way of regular conversation with God, think of how much God can share with you?

My point is, daily living of faith is great! Practical ideas that help us maintain our relationship with God in the midst of our busy lives are important. Just as important, however, is making time for a deeper exploration of God in our world and our lives. Learning about God must be more than a convenience. It must be a priority.

Financial Resolutions for the New Year

2010-01-20T11:09:00.003-06:00

Excerpt from January E-Letter from Phil Lenahan, Author of "7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free"

In a 7 Steps small group I recently led, we were discussing how applying Catholic principles to finances helps us reach two important goals in life: growing in love of the Lord, and achieving Godly financial objectives. One of the participants noted how important the word applying was. He said it's easy to dream about goals, talk about them, and even write the down. But, he noted, those aren't the same as doing them. What did the blessed mother say to the stewards at the wedding feast at Cana? "Do whatever he tells you" (Jn. 2:5).

With the New Year upon us, it's a great time to update financial goals and map out a strategy for reaching those goals. The 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free are built around a few basic principles that, when consistently lived out, lead to success with your finances, and success with life. Let's review these core principles:

Be a Steward of Providence

It all starts here. Money plays a part in all of our lives, but life's about a lot more than money. The most important resolution you can make to become truly financially free is to grow more deeply in your relationship with the Lord. Why? As you learn to better imitate Christ, your priorities will change, including the way you view your finances. You'll recognize that the Lord has a plan for your finances that is balanced and good for you, and it includes:

- Being grateful to the Lord for the many gifts he has bestowed on you. All we have ultimately comes from him.
- Growing in generosity.
- Being cautious when borrowing. When debt is used, it is to be used prudently and productively.
- Saving with a purpose.
- Spending on things that matter in the long run.
- Having a plan that assists you in living out the above priorities.

How are you doing in your daily spiritual life? Deepening your relationship with Christ doesn't just happen. Your love of the Lord should prompt you to know him better, and that is best done through the gifts he has given us through his Church. Frequent reception of the Eucharist and attendance at Mass, daily prayer and reading of Scripture and other spiritual writing, and regular confession are all ways that deepen our union with the Lord and guide us to being a more effective steward of Providence.

Prepare Your Plan

It's hard to reach your destination without knowing where you are starting from and where you want to go. Take a snapshot of your finances as of December 31, 2009. Prepare a balance sheet that summarizes your assets and liabilities. Do you see any weak areas? These may include unproductive debt and a lack of savings for future obligations. Estimate the income that will be available to you in 2010 and develop a spending plan that addresses your weak spots. Use the free tools we provide at VeritasFinancialMinistries.com to help develop your plan.

Laser-like Focus on Debt Reduction and Savings

For those dealing with unproductive debt and a lack of savings, setting achievable goals in these two areas is a simple but powerful step on the journey to financial freedom. Once you develop the savings habit by building your emergency fund, it becomes even easier to save for longer term needs like college and retirement. And with your emergency fund in place, you'll be in a position to start tackling your debt.

Unproductive debt sucks the lifeblood out of your finances. Get aggressive today about eliminating it. This requires changing spending habits, and creating additional income opportunities during the repayment period. There will be some pain today, but the reward of being debt free is worth it. Take this opportunity at the start of 2010 to learn and apply the seven steps in your life. True financial freedom awaits.

Discussion Point:
Re-read the story of the wedding feast at Cana in John chapter 2. Far too often, New Year's resolutions fail by the end of January. Don't let that happen with your finances. List your three most important financial goals for 2010, along with the greatest obstacles to reaching those goals. Develop a plan to eliminate those obstacles.

Your 2010 Stewardship of Prayer Card

2010-01-14T11:14:00.002-06:00

Did you receive your stewardship of prayer card in the mail this week? If so, you might be thinking about what kind of commitment you’d like to make in your life to grow in prayer.

This time before Lent is a great time to think about how you’d like to grow in your prayer life this year. Experts say that it takes at least 21 repetitions of an action or message to make it a habit. The same goes for a practice of prayer whether it is a commitment to dinnertime prayer or Sunday Mass. At Resurrection, we offer many special opportunities during the season of Lent to help you get into a good habit. We invite you to take this opportunity to make a new commitment and then let us help you put it into regular practice! If you’re still unsure, feel free to Amberly at the parish office for suggestions!

Don’t forget to save and return your commitment card on February 6th and 7th! Our goal is 100% returned! It is the perfect size to pop in your wallet or purse today! Stewardship is OUR way of life! We CAN do it!

The “To-do” List

2010-01-14T11:11:00.002-06:00

Did you know that the tasks on your “to-do” list are acts of stewardship? Not only are they great acts of service, but the acts of tending to your needs and the needs of others are an important piece of tending your garden of relationships. Let’s look at a few items from my “honey-do” list.

Item and Impact
Laundry - An easier morning for my family members picking out clothing
Taxes - A mommy who isn’t in tears at 11:59p.m. on April 14th, 2010
Wedding Favors - A sister/auntie who can focus on her nursing boards instead of what color ribbon to tie around her chocolate-dipped biscotti
Swiffer - No mice, no slips, and a pleasant and peaceful smell to welcome all who enter our home Write Bulletin Article - An honest look into life from one Resurrection parishioner to another.
We CAN do this!

It is important that we look upon our to-do lists, honey or otherwise, with eyes of stewardship. These tasks are important to our well-being and the well-being of others. By completing these tasks we make our lives on the journey less cluttered and allow more room to fill ourselves with God’s joy and more peace to seek God’s will.

A Brighter 2010!

2010-01-07T09:02:00.002-06:00

It's January 6th. Christmas has come and gone. Feast of the Holy Family has come and gone. The New Year has come and gone. Epiphany has come and gone. Unless you are a die hard and celebrate all the way to the Lord's Baptism, it can feel like the season of feasts and celebrations has come to a crashing halt. All you are left with is a pile of boxes and an assortment of dry evergreen needles.

I'm sitting in my office this morning feeling much the same way as I watch yet another round of winter weather blow outside the window. So the question is: How do we get out of this funk?

As Catholics, the liturgical year is somewhat designed to bring us through the different seasons of the year and of life. Advent is meant to be a quiet, but joyful building to a grand celebration. The weeks between Christmas and Lent are an opportunity to reflect on the great joy of the season and re-adjust our expectations of life and society.

So, in our family, every January my husband and I take a few hours away and reflect on the past year. We try hard to reflect mostly on the blessings of the year, but we also try to discuss some of our shortcomings. Once we have had a nice long conversation about the results of the past year, we use those items to identify our goals for the coming year.

These goals are what get me through the valley-lows of January and February. Organizing, planning, and reflecting on these goals get me through to Lent where I am reminded to actually work on those goals. In this way, the dark, quiet, short days of January give me the time I need to talk to God and listen for His plan. In this way, it can be seen as a blessing instead of a burden.

A dear friend of mine recently mentioned that in certain times in her life she feels the need to hit the "pause" button. In her case, she "pauses" until particular medical events have passed because she knows they have the potential to disrupt any other plans she might make. I feel like January is kind of a natural "pause" button in nature and our spiritual lives. It can be a chance to regroup, rebalance, and reprioritize.

Now, I'm a planner so I kind of take the planning as it comes...first family planning, then budget planning, then abstract goals. The prospect excites me. If you are thinking I'm crazy and sitting down to rework your budget or plan our your year of family events doesn't naturally get your motor running, here a few other suggestions for making January a time for "pausing", reflecting and planning.

- Turn off the TV and pick up a classic novel. Reading can often get your mind running about things you'd like to do in your life.

- Move your "spring" cleaning back. Clear out some of the clutter in your living space (or car) and allow a bit more room for your soul to breathe!

- Get some exercise, but not with the goal of weight-loss! Go sledding, snow-shoeing or for an old-fashioned walk. Try to refrain from making this walk a "mall walk". It may be warm, but the marketing messages from the windows will keep you from listening to your soul.

- Head out to a local coffee shop, order a $1.50 black coffee (cream and sugar are optional), and organize your purse, wallet, or coat pockets! You can do this at home, but sometimes a change of scenery is good for focus.

- Make a pot of chili and call a few friends for an impromptu dinner and card party! If you have children at home, have a family game night and serve dinner in the living room! Try to refrain from a movie night as it doesn't allow the same opportunities for conversation!

All of these ideas are great ways to lighten and brighten your January. They are also great ways to get in touch with the needs of your soul and allow some room for God to speak.

And then, before you know it Lent will arrive. Think of it as your "state of the soul" or your "six-week check"...

A Catholic Prayer for the Winter Solstice - The Fourth Sunday of Advent 2009

2009-12-18T12:05:00.001-06:00

From the rising of the midwinter sun to its setting,

Scatter the darkness with the light of your love, O Lord.

Make me short on mean thoughts, long on offering words of comfort.

Make me short on being driven, long on paying attention.

Make me short on focusing only on my own, long on looking beyond.

Make me short on obsessive lists, long on spontaneous acts of kindness,

Make me short on mindless activity, long on time to reflect.

Make me short on tradition as a habit, long on rediscovery and re-owning.

Make me short on rushing a tiring, long on walking and wondering.

Make me short on false, festive jollity, long on stilling and rooted joy.

Make me short on guilt, long on being merciful to myself.

Make me short on being overwhelmed, long on peace as I set forth this day.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our light, our life, and our Lord.

Amen.

From Now Until Thanksgiving...

2009-11-23T10:01:00.002-06:00

I've seen many people posting to Facebook and Twitter regarding the following reflection and I want to pose it to all of you readers to think about as well.

For the next 3 days finish this sentence:

Today I am most thankful for...

I'll start.

Today I am most thankful for the gift of my son's first year of life outside the womb. What an amazing journey it has been and I am so humbled that God would trust my husband and I with His precious child.

"Hello? God? This is Amberly calling..."

2009-09-18T14:34:00.003-05:00

Reflection Posted by Stewardship Coordinator, Amberly Boerschinger

God calls us to answer our baptismal call. For me, this is anything but easy.

How am I supposed to be mature, holy, concerned with the common good, sharing my gifts and an extension of God’s blessings all in the same day? I can barely remember to brush my teeth and grab the baby’s bottle before I leave the house in the morning!

And then it occurred to me…

- I maturely spoke kind words to the loan specialist about the loan coupon booklet that never
arrived and reversing the subsequent late fee.

- I shared holiness and patience with my son by singing along to his Bible songs CD during an
unusually long traffic delay that postponed his suppertime bottle.

- I responded to the common good by taking the time to e-mail back a flustered friend with
words of affirmation and to follow up on a state health provision that could negatively
impact thousands of marriages.

- I shared my gift for healthy cooking by making a balanced meal for my husband and sister
even though the last thing my stomach could tolerate was cooking beef.

- I was a conduit of God’s blessings as my exhausted husband sighed and opened our nightly
devotional and I said quietly, “I’ll read tonight”.

Upon this reflection, I’ve deduced that the key to answering my baptismal call is being aware of my baptismal call in my everyday life. Specific and intentional responses to our baptismal call are important as well, but I believe that most importantly, God wants us to be thinking of our call within the context of how we live our everyday lives.

And the best way to awareness? A direct line with God by way of a practical, but regular prayer life.

For me, this means prayer time from daycare to work and devotional time with my husband before bed.

If you have trouble carving out time for prayer in your life, here is a method to consider. Presented in this form by author Trudelle Thomas, the Ignatian Examen is a daily practice of spiritual reflection that has been used by Christians for centuries. In essence, it consists of 2 questions.

- What am I most grateful for today?

- What am I least grateful for today?

Sometimes formal prayer can be daunting. These two questions can bring you a greater awareness of God’s presence in your day. These questions can take other forms if you prefer:

- When did I give and receive the most love today?

- When did I give and receive the least love today?

- When did I feel the most alive today?

- When did I feel the most life draining out of me today?

Just remember, however you get there, a direct line of communication with God is the key to answering your baptismal call.

Now, stop reading and go listen.

Introducing: Theology on a Stick!

2009-09-09T11:15:00.003-05:00

Posted by Amberly Boerschinger, Stewardship Coordinator

I'll admit...I was raised on the Minnesota State Fair...and here is another reason for me to love the Fair of my childhood!

Follow the link to a program founded by the Young Adults of the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis called "Theology on a Stick"! Hear reflections from priests, religous and other baptized people on Catholicism and a varied assortment of topics including the 40th anniversary of Woodstock!!!

http://theologyonastick.org/media.html

Enjoy!

Healthy Habits are an Act of Discipleship

2009-06-16T09:32:00.003-05:00

Below are some headlines from a well-known news website.

"Is the Economy Making You Fat?"

"Blow Your Diet? Blame Your Brain."

"How the Recession Wrecked My Cholesterol"

"Too Little Sleep May Raise Blood-Pressure"

All of these headlines make an excuse for living an unhealthy life. That implies that an unhealthy life is not something natural, but instead something that is brought upon by other forces. It is time to recognize that perhaps the busier, more convenient, more "advanced" lifestyle our society proposes is not in fact the right way to live. If a life-style is compromising the very breath that gives us life, I think it is time to re-evaluate.

I've got a headline for you. "The Body is a Temple."

So, let's evaluate this metaphor.

Would you board up the doors of a temple or church like fat and plaque from poor eating habits dam up the arteries of your heart?

Would you keep all of the windows latched and never allow fresh air into a temple like keep fresh air from your lungs when you smoke or pollute the air?

What if your active temple or church hung a sign on the door that said, “No services today, we’re too busy and too tired.”? Why is it okay to hang out those excuses when you should be exercising your body?

No temple or church could withstand constant use without downtime for maintenance and care. Why do you expect your body to work well without sleep and leisure?

These items only have to do with our physical and mental health. What about our spiritual health?

I received an e-mail recently that told of a man who had decided to quit going to church. He said to a friend, “I’ve been going to church for years, but I don’t remember the topic of a single sermon.”

The friend replied, “I’ve been married 30 years now and my wife has made me supper every night. I don’t remember a single meal she made me, but I know if I hadn’t eaten them, I wouldn’t be alive today.”

So let’s take a stand! You are not called to live life as a consumer. You are called to live life as a disciple.

As a disciple we must have discipline.

Discipline: (n.) activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training

So, I’ve dug into my files and come up with a discipline from Fr. Al McBride for “Temple Maintenance”. Fr. McBride is a Norbertine at St. Norbert’s Abbey in De Pere, WI.

Everyday do 6 things:

Something Good for Others
Something Good for Yourself
Something that you don’t want to do, but needs to be done
Physical Exercise
Mental Exercise (ie: reading, writing)
An original prayer everyday by naming your blessings (lots will be constant, but everyday something will be new or original).

What maintenance have you done on your temple today?

Pope Benedict Encourages Our Generation to Use Technology to Spread the Gospel and our Values!

2009-06-16T09:25:00.001-05:00

Great read! Let's step it up and build the kingdom within and beyond cyberspace!!!!

MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHERBENEDICT XVIFOR THE 43rd WORLD DAY OF COMMUNICATIONS

"New Technologies, New Relationships. Promoting a Culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship."

May 24, 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

In anticipation of the forthcoming World Communications Day, I would like to address to you some reflections on the theme chosen for this year - New Technologies, New Relationships: Promoting a culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship. The new digital technologies are, indeed, bringing about fundamental shifts in patterns of communication and human relationships. These changes are particularly evident among those young people who have grown up with the new technologies and are at home in a digital world that often seems quite foreign to those of us who, as adults, have had to learn to understand and appreciate the opportunities it has to offer for communications. In this year’s message, I am conscious of those who constitute the so-called digital generation and I would like to share with them, in particular, some ideas concerning the extraordinary potential of the new technologies, if they are used to promote human understanding and solidarity. These technologies are truly a gift to humanity and we must endeavour to ensure that the benefits they offer are put at the service of all human individuals and communities, especially those who are most disadvantaged and vulnerable.

The accessibility of mobile telephones and computers, combined with the global reach and penetration of the internet, has opened up a range of means of communication that permit the almost instantaneous communication of words and images across enormous distances and to some of the most isolated corners of the world; something that would have been unthinkable for previous generations. Young people, in particular, have grasped the enormous capacity of the new media to foster connectedness, communication and understanding between individuals and communities, and they are turning to them as means of communicating with existing friends, of meeting new friends, of forming communities and networks, of seeking information and news, and of sharing their ideas and opinions. Many benefits flow from this new culture of communication: families are able to maintain contact across great distances; students and researchers have more immediate and easier access to documents, sources and scientific discoveries, hence they can work collaboratively from different locations; moreover, the interactive nature of many of the new media facilitates more dynamic forms of learning and communication, thereby contributing to social progress.

While the speed with which the new technologies have evolved in terms of their efficiency and reliability is rightly a source of wonder, their popularity with users should not surprise us, as they respond to a fundamental desire of people to communicate and to relate to each other. This desire for communication and friendship is rooted in our very nature as human beings and cannot be adequately understood as a response to technical innovations. In the light of the biblical message, it should be seen primarily as a reflection of our participation in the communicative and unifying Love of God, who desires to make of all humanity one family. When we find ourselves drawn towards other people, when we want to know more about them and make ourselves known to them, we are responding to God’s call - a call that is imprinted in our nature as beings created in the image and likeness of God, the God of communication and communion.

The desire for connectedness and the instinct for communication that are so obvious in contemporary culture are best understood as modern manifestations of the basic and enduring propensity of humans to reach beyond themselves and to seek communion with others. In reality, when we open ourselves to others, we are fulfilling our deepest need and becoming more fully human. Loving is, in fact, what we are designed for by our Creator. Naturally, I am not talking about fleeting, shallow relationships, I am talking about the real love that is at the very heart of Jesus’ moral teaching: "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" and "You must love your neighbour as yourself" (cf. Mk 12:30-31). In this light, reflecting on the significance of the new technologies, it is important to focus not just on their undoubted capacity to foster contact between people, but on the quality of the content that is put into circulation using these means. I would encourage all people of good will who are active in the emerging environment of digital communication to commit themselves to promoting a culture of respect, dialogue and friendship.

Those who are active in the production and dissemination of new media content, therefore, should strive to respect the dignity and worth of the human person. If the new technologies are to serve the good of individuals and of society, all users will avoid the sharing of words and images that are degrading of human beings, that promote hatred and intolerance, that debase the goodness and intimacy of human sexuality or that exploit the weak and vulnerable.

The new technologies have also opened the way for dialogue between people from different countries, cultures and religions. The new digital arena, the so-called cyberspace, allows them to encounter and to know each other’s traditions and values. Such encounters, if they are to be fruitful, require honest and appropriate forms of expression together with attentive and respectful listening. The dialogue must be rooted in a genuine and mutual searching for truth if it is to realize its potential to promote growth in understanding and tolerance. Life is not just a succession of events or experiences: it is a search for the true, the good and the beautiful. It is to this end that we make our choices; it is for this that we exercise our freedom; it is in this - in truth, in goodness, and in beauty - that we find happiness and joy. We must not allow ourselves to be deceived by those who see us merely as consumers in a market of undifferentiated possibilities, where choice itself becomes the good, novelty usurps beauty, and subjective experience displaces truth.

The concept of friendship has enjoyed a renewed prominence in the vocabulary of the new digital social networks that have emerged in the last few years. The concept is one of the noblest achievements of human culture. It is in and through our friendships that we grow and develop as humans. For this reason, true friendship has always been seen as one of the greatest goods any human person can experience. We should be careful, therefore, never to trivialize the concept or the experience of friendship. It would be sad if our desire to sustain and develop on-line friendships were to be at the cost of our availability to engage with our families, our neighbours and those we meet in the daily reality of our places of work, education and recreation. If the desire for virtual connectedness becomes obsessive, it may in fact function to isolate individuals from real social interaction while also disrupting the patterns of rest, silence and reflection that are necessary for healthy human development.

Friendship is a great human good, but it would be emptied of its ultimate value if it were to be understood as an end in itself. Friends should support and encourage each other in developing their gifts and talents and in putting them at the service of the human community. In this context, it is gratifying to note the emergence of new digital networks that seek to promote human solidarity, peace and justice, human rights and respect for human life and the good of creation. These networks can facilitate forms of co-operation between people from different geographical and cultural contexts that enable them to deepen their common humanity and their sense of shared responsibility for the good of all. We must, therefore, strive to ensure that the digital world, where such networks can be established, is a world that is truly open to all. It would be a tragedy for the future of humanity if the new instruments of communication, which permit the sharing of knowledge and information in a more rapid and effective manner, were not made accessible to those who are already economically and socially marginalized, or if it should contribute only to increasing the gap separating the poor from the new networks that are developing at the service of human socialization and information.

I would like to conclude this message by addressing myself, in particular, to young Catholic believers: to encourage them to bring the witness of their faith to the digital world. Dear Brothers and Sisters, I ask you to introduce into the culture of this new environment of communications and information technology the values on which you have built your lives. In the early life of the Church, the great Apostles and their disciples brought the Good News of Jesus to the Greek and Roman world. Just as, at that time, a fruitful evangelization required that careful attention be given to understanding the culture and customs of those pagan peoples so that the truth of the gospel would touch their hearts and minds, so also today, the proclamation of Christ in the world of new technologies requires a profound knowledge of this world if the technologies are to serve our mission adequately. It falls, in particular, to young people, who have an almost spontaneous affinity for the new means of communication, to take on the responsibility for the evangelization of this "digital continent". Be sure to announce the Gospel to your contemporaries with enthusiasm. You know their fears and their hopes, their aspirations and their disappointments: the greatest gift you can give to them is to share with them the "Good News" of a God who became man, who suffered, died and rose again to save all people. Human hearts are yearning for a world where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom finds meaning in truth, and where identity is found in respectful communion. Our faith can respond to these expectations: may you become its heralds! The Pope accompanies you with his prayers and his blessing.

From the Vatican, 24 January 2009, Feast of Saint Francis de Sales.

BENEDICTUS XVI

Stewards of Providence

2009-05-12T09:53:00.002-05:00

Resurrection Parish has just begun a small group titled "7 Steps to Financial Freedom". It's premise is seeking God's plan for our personal finances and financial future. Not only does it help individuals get a better perspective and handle on their daily spending, but it gives a unique opportunity to reflect on God's relationship with us and our money.

It has been very moving to see how many people, over the course of only 1 session, have had a drastic conversion in the way that they see their money. This resource makes it undeniably clear that our money is not ours. It is a gift from God and we are to be good stewards, or managers, of that gift.

Money is the most individual, earthly thing we encounter. Our paychecks have OUR names on them, not God's name. Our bank accounts have OUR names on them. Our raises are based on what we see as OUR performance. When individuals are able to see their money as not their own, they are also able to see many other things as not their own: their talents, their time, their relationships. They all become clearer gifts to be cared for, grown, and shared.

It is not easy to accept that our money is not our own. This resource, along with many others, creates this awareness while also creating a small group community to support each person as they move toward a life of stewarding God's money. Sometimes we need a reminder or a challenge from a trusted faith companion to get our priorities straight again.

This resource isn't about personal financial freedom. It is about freedom from the master that is our finances so that we are better able to follow the way of Christ as disciples.

I encourage you to participate in or possibly start a 7 Steps program. Your heart can be changed and your relationship with God transformed!

Eating Well for Less

2009-04-03T12:50:00.003-05:00

We all know that in times of financial and personal stress our eating habits can run a bit rampant. The convenience and low-cost factor of fast food can seem like the best solution on a Wednesday night at 6:00. However, the cost is much higher than initially perceived when one considers the rising rates of obesity and heart-related conditions.

Here are five ways to be good stewards of our time and money while also being good stewards of our bodies! I'm paraphrasing an article on msnbc.com by Anne Kadet, "Eat Better - For Less Money".

1. Buy direct. Consider farmers markets, co-ops, and local meat farmers as good sources of fresh product for lower costs.

2. Go automatic. If money isn't of concern consider grocery websites that offer delivery. For non-perishables look to amazon.com for percentage savings in bulk.

3. Don't rule out large warehouses. Clubs like Costco can actually save you quite a bit of money on health foods. Brown rice, olive oil, diapers, and formula are all staples that can save you money. But be careful, not everything is a deal. (Costco also has solid business practices for those of you also concerned about fair wages and work.)

4. Frozen over fresh. Especially for a colder climate like Wisconsin, frozen foods are not only about 50% cheaper, but they are also available year-round. In fact, many frozen foods are frozen within hours of leaving the farm and retain many more nutrients than fresh produce that is shipped thousands of miles and then sold.

5. Organic can be done, but doesn't have to be. Milk and eggs have been shown to be good options to go organic. Just be sure they also note omega-3s. Fruits and veggies with thin skins and very exposed surfaces are good to buy organic. Peaches, apples, peppers, pears, strawberries, lettuce, and grapes are good examples. Things with thicker skins and less sugar content tend to need less pesticide and allow less to permeate if it is used. Think bananas, asparagus, onions. If you've saved money by the ideas above, organic is definitely possible and affordable!

A Visible Commitment to Stewardship

2009-03-13T12:14:00.004-05:00

Take a look at these photos from our Stewardship Renewal Weekend!!!

The Basket We Presented to the Lord with Our Gifts of Stewardship

Bishop Bob Inviting Our Members to Bring Their Commitments Forward

People Walking Forward

Four Masses of People Renewed Their Commitments

Volunteers Handing Out Pedometers to Help Our Members "Take the Next Step!" in Stewardship

Would You Do ANYTHING?

2009-03-13T12:04:00.004-05:00

Submitted by Amberly Boerschinger, Stewardship Coordinator

This is last weekend’s message from an old pastor of mine…I was moved and thought I would share it.

How many times have we heard someone say: ‘I would do ANYTHING ….to get that job…to go on a date with her/him……to get into that college….to have a decent night’s sleep……to live in that neighborhood…..to drive that car…to lose 40 pounds.’ Really? ANYTHING? Granted, many of us are prone to grandiose and exaggerated statements but it does pose an interesting idea…just how far are we willing to go for something? In this weekend’s selection from Genesis we hear the story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice (at his own hand) his son in deference to his relationship with God. While in today’s culture we would decry such an action as criminal and the sign of a twisted mind, the image of sacrifice reinforces the question of how far we will go in order to obtain what we want/crave/desire/need. Will we remove our kids from private school if our financial health is threatened? Will we forgo a vacation to save for a rainy day or emergency? If we are unemployed and facing foreclosure will we contemplate a move out of state or out of county? If our marriage is in trouble, will we seek out authentic counseling to try to save it? If our friends are inviting us down unsavory paths, will we sever the connections? The cold splash of maturity reminds us that those things to which we set our hearts and minds will require sacrifice and a prioritization of competing events, ideas and relationships. Just a small example….a few weeks ago Lent was initiated with hours and hours of opportunity to come and receive ashes in the wee hours before work or school. Recognizing that some people completely forgot that it was Ash Wednesday….how about the pretty large number of people who seemingly chose to NOT get out of bed a little early? Was it a definitive choice to NOT wear ashes that day? Was it an impossibility to set the alarm clock a little earlier? When we are in our conversations with God (prayer), do we somehow think that our relationship with Jesus will not require sacrifice? Do we somehow think that we can be a disciple of Jesus and never have to make any changes in our lives? This weekend’s scripture selections remind us that our relationships with God will indeed require sacrifice…as all meaningful relationships do. So, how far will you go…what will you do to deepen your relationship with Jesus? Would you do ANYTHING?

Fr. Fred K. Bailey

Corpus Christi Catholic Community, Aliso Viejo, CA

Our Parish Lenten Prayer Book

2009-03-13T11:57:00.002-05:00

In past years, Resurrection has ordered the Little Black Books to guide our Lenten Journey. This year, we leveraged the time and talent of our very own parishioners to reflect on the daily scriptures and offer their insights. The link below is the very powerful result!

http://www.gbres.org/pdf/Faith%20Formation/2009%20Lenten%20Prayer%20Book%20Web%20Version.pdf

Into the Desert - GB Diocese Lenten Stewardship Video

2009-03-03T08:39:00.003-06:00

Click below to view a Lenten Stewardship video from the Diocese of Green Bay.

Who Were You Today?

2008-11-10T11:09:00.003-06:00

There are two kinds of people...people who add to the pot and people who simply stir the pot.

A person who adds to the pot is looking to make it better. They look in the pot and they see carrots, celery, peas, and stock and they say, "Well, you know...chicken and noodles would be awfully good in this pot." They see opportunity and goodness in everything.

A person who simply stirs the pot is fearful of what might happen to the pot if it isn't stirred. They look in the pot and they see carrots, celery, peas and chicken stock and they say, "But what if it gets too hot??? What if the carrots get too mushy??? What if starts to burn??? I better stand here and stir it." They see all the things that could go wrong and feel the need to constantly hover over the pot.

Think about your day.

Was the first comment you made to the receptionist or cashier this morning, "Goodmorning! How is your day going?" or "Did you see what the Dow opened at?"

During your morning break or snack did you spend time affirming your co-workers or your children, or did you spend time rehashing the morning news or chore to-do list?

When the phone rang, did you embrace the opportunity to let them hear your smile through the phone or did you think silently, "What now?"

Being a person who adds to the pot does not mean that the woes of the world are not going on around us. It simply means that we strive to bring God's joy and light into the world instead of stirring up the fear and apprehension evil brings to our world.

Being good stewards can often be limited in our minds to material things. Written prayers, service projects, charitable giving are wonderful, concrete examples of Stewardship. However, being a good steward on the Journey with Jesus also means being a messenger of the Good News and bread for others. This means more than material gestures. This means affirming one another, building each other up, sharing joy, and nourishing our often media-abused minds and society-battered souls.

So...ask yourself...are you offering others a warm bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup or that plain old pot of vegetable stock?

Props to our Family Life Committee!!!

2008-10-27T09:46:00.002-05:00

Each month of last year, we offered you a description and testimony about a parish standing committee. This year, after being here for just over a year, I want to share with you each month a little bit of my own admiration and gratitude for the work of each of our committees.

November’s featured standing committee (which means it is a committee of our pastoral council) is Family Life. This year’s dynamic group of women and children (and by extension, their husbands) truly have their pulse on the home lives of our community and their importance within our Church. From dressing with dignity to green living, they are always looking at new and unique ways to make God a priority in family life.

I could shout from the rooftops how wonderful it is to see such a passionate and active committee so on fire for faith-filled families. I am invigorated in my own ministry by the energy that comes out of their gatherings and conversations. I encourage you to attend their upcoming pancake breakfast, November 9th, which is a joint-fundraiser for the Young Neighbors in Action trip next summer. Come and see some of their passion, and their families, in action!

If you are interested in becoming a part of this committee, there is no need to wait until our annual Stewardship month! Contact Sheila DeLuca or Amberly Boerschinger at the parish for more information!

Note for Prayer Shawl Ministers

2008-09-02T14:46:00.003-05:00

A quick note to our prayer shawl ministers!

The 2008 monthly meetings of this ministry have been scheduled for the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 1:00 p.m. in the parish office.

This is a change from the 1st Tuesday of every month.

Please join us for an hour of fellowship, crafting and prayer!

All are welcome!

A special thank you to all who contribute their beautiful gifts for knitting and crocheting to this life-giving ministry.

The Gift of Experience

2008-08-25T15:43:00.002-05:00

How many of us consider our experience a gift? I don't just mean that we learn from experience, but from a stewardship perspective, when we are asked about our gifts, how do we answer?

If asked about my gifts, my immediate reaction is to talk about what I am good at and what I can do. I'm creative, I can think strategically, and I am a spiritual person.

But what about who I am? Like many, it is a different way of thinking for me to consider who I am and my experiences as one of my gifts.

Recently someone identified the experience of being a teen mom as one of her gifts. Wow! Now, she didn't necessarily lift it up as a good life choice, but 10 years later she views the experience as a gift. Viewing it as a gift, she has been able to offer her story and her experience to serve others in that situation. She has been able to give back with the gift of experience God allowed her to have.

What experiences do you have that you could name as gift?

- Have you experienced the birth of a child? The loss of a child?
- Are you happily married? Are you seperated or divorced? Have you lost a spouse?
- Have you gone through a life-changing or life-threatening illness?
- Do you have the experience of having a job? Have you ever lost a job or been unemployed?
- Are you a parent?
- Have you travelled and experienced another culture?
- Have you lived with someone with a disability? Do you have a disability?
- Do you own a home?
- Have you ever had to make a financial or life plan?

These experiences and so many more can and should be viewed as God-given gifts. It is so easy to think that gifts are simply talents or strengths, but they can be so much more. Viewing gifts with this wider lens gives us the opportunity to see God and our faith more clearly in our everyday life.

God, discipleship, and stewardship exist far beyond Sunday morning, but for many of us it is hard to see where they are in our daily lives when we feel distracted by status reports, dirty diapers, and the constant ring of the telephone. It is in finding the gift of these distractions and calling them out as gifts that we truly become a holy, meaning "set apart", people.

Recognizing and sharing these gifts of everyday experience is what makes us as Christians different than others in our society, those who believe they are plagued or controlled by these seemingly lesser experiences and distractions. In recognizing and sharing all our gifts of experience, minor and miraculous, we become joyful witnesses to God's ultimate generosity.

That is everyday stewardship.

What experience were you gifted with recently?

Only You...and God...

2008-07-15T08:57:00.002-05:00

“Look for your own. Do not do what someone else could do as well as you. Do not say, do not write what someone else could say, could write as well as you. Care for nothing in yourself by what you feel exists nowhere else and out of yourself create, impatiently or patiently…the most irreplaceable of things.” -- Andre Gide

You are gifted. You are called. What can you uniquely give back to God today?

A Pearl from a Pigeon

2008-06-16T13:20:00.000-05:00

Last week my husband adopted a storm-blown pigeon. “Piggie” followed Kevin around as he pressure-stripped the deck, mowed the lawn, and fixed various broken items. Anytime we walked out of our house, Piggie was patiently waiting. At one point, I caught her peering into our living room window taunting our already traumatized cats…

On Thursday, the unmistakable flutter of pigeon wings greeted me as I perched on the edge of the garden box to weed. As she bobbed her head, I fed her a few scraps of bread and told her she was “such a pretty bird”. Shortly after, Kevin and I left on a date and when we returned a storm had blown through and we haven’t seen Piggie since.

In these times of economic and atmospheric strain, the story of Piggie has something to offer. Sometimes we get windblown. Sometimes our concept of “home” is challenged. Sometimes we don’t know how our next need is going to be met. And yet, God sends us people who feed us scraps of bread, who let us perch in their garage, and who remind us that we are beautiful creations of God. Do we remember to say thank you?

Have you thanked God for those people in your life? Has God given you the gifts to be one of those people in someone else’s life?

Light and Life Weekend - Stewardship Month Completed

2008-05-05T09:59:00.005-05:00

On April 26th and 27th our parish celebrated our annual Stewardship Commitment Mass. Nearly 300 people returned their annual commitment cards with a renewed dedication to prayer, service and sharing. This year, we asked our parishioners to bring their cards to church to present during Mass. As a visible example to each other, we invited them to walk up to the altar and place their cards in baskets. It was a powerful experience!

Following this commitment, we hosted a free pancake breakfast with all the fixings to celebrate our parish commitment to stewardship! We also distributed evergreen seedlings at the doors of the church after mass as an thank you and encouragement to our members to "Watch Their Stewardship Grow!"

Check out the fabulous pictures from a beautiful weekend! Thank you to all who participate in our Stewardship Way of Life!

Live and Love Weekend - Stewardship Month Continued

2008-05-05T09:17:00.008-05:00

On the weekend of April 12th and 13th our parish continued our parish Stewardship Month with 4 families sharing their experiences of stewardship during our weekend masses. We followed this by hosting a ministry expo. All of our committees and ministries were invited to set up informational booths about their projects and stewardship.

Congrats to our Human Concerns Committee for the "Best Booth" award!!! We are so proud!

Check out the great photos below!

Listen and Learn Stewardship Weekend

2008-04-08T10:04:00.005-05:00

Last weekend we began our parish Stewardship Month with a "Listen and Learn" weekend. Our Stewardship Team prepared some wonderful displays about the principles of Stewardship and how we can practically live them in our lives.

Check out the photos!

Catholic Stewardship During Recession...

2008-03-17T08:56:00.002-05:00

Whether or not the American government has called our current economic environment a recession or not is of little matter. The reality is that many American families are feeling a serious crunch on their day-to-day finances. From mortgages to higher food prices to soaring gas prices some families may already be living penny-to-penny.

Now, I am not a financial expert so I am not going to pretend to offer suggestions on how to best manage your financial affairs in light of the economy.

However, I do want to reflect on one question. What does this mean in the context of Stewardship?

Well, stewardship means the same thing in lean times as it does any other time. We are called, by baptism and by the Eucharist we share, to be good stewards of our many gifts. Regardless of the national economic situation, we are still gifted.

God doesn't change with the economy. This can be of great comfort to us. God is a constant presence and stability in a rapidly changing world. However, this also calls us to a certain response that to many is counter-cultural.

Pennies pinched, we are still called to give of our precious time, our talents, and even our financial resources. We do not do so out of obligation, but out of gratitude. Stewardship "is what we do after we say we believe."

Remember though, stewardship should not be limited to giving money to church or charity. Certainly sacrificial giving is an important biblical principle of stewardship, but we are called to go deeper than that. We are called to be stewards of many gardens including our relationships, our emotions, our bodies, our cities, and our decisions, to name a few.

So when you are looking at the falling markets and you are running on your last gallon of gas remember that stewardship is a way of daily life and not just something you do on Sunday.

Consider the following ideas that are not only budget-friendly, but great ways of practicing stewardship.

Ask someone to teach you how to change your own oil. Not only will you be drawing on their God-given gifts, but you will be saving yourself car maintainence costs.
If you have infants in the house, consider taking an extra hour or two to cook down and puree your own baby food. Use an ice cube tray to store and freeze. This is a great way to save money as well as care for your baby's health and the environment.
Recycling doesn't always mean using the bin. Use cardboard boxes for craft projects and plastic containers for storage. When donating your used items to thrift stores, take time to look for yourself. Do you need a new sweater? It might not have that "new store smell" but a quick wash with your next load of laundry and it will certainly do the trick and keep your pennies pinched.
Consolidate your errands. This might require a little bit of convenience sacrifice on your part, but it is a great way to save money on gas, conserve fuel for our environment and use your time wisely.
Consult a faith-based financial planner or system. One great Catholic resource is "7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free" by Phil Lenahan. Invite God to be a part of your financial needs. Remember, all you have was given to you by God, who better to consult?

Need more ideas? Need some help planning for the present or the future? Contact your parish. They are some of the best resources for ideas and they can potentially connect you with someone who has a financial planning background.

Stewardship of Winter

2008-02-20T09:30:00.001-06:00

Tired of shoveling? Yes, I think most of us are tired of most things winter. I woke up this week to water flowing into our front room from the ice-dammed eaves. After removing every piece of furniture, relocating the cats, and sopping up the water-logged carpet, I sat down for a sip of cold coffee. As I sat there seething about our 70-year-old house and all of its wonderful “charm”, I looked out the window.

There to greet me was the most beautiful sight of snow blanketed trees and icicle draped homes. As the February sun fell warmly upon my lap, I realized that amidst all of my griping I had forgotten to thank God for this beautiful gift.

If you are like me, and perhaps you saw your kids’ snow day as anything but a “day off” or like my husband, you have retired from snow removal “…even if it means never leaving the house again!” here’s a thought for you. Even snow is a gift from God. A snow day can mean a few stolen moments with our children, our spouse, or even a good book. Snow removal can build our physical health or allow us to reach out to a neighbor. It just depends on how you look at it.

How do you handle the “snow” in your life? With griping or gratitude?

New Year's Resolutions...A Thought on Stewardship

2007-12-26T12:01:00.000-06:00

Christmas blessings upon you!

We are right in the thick of the Christmas octave! And yet, our world continues to move forward at light speed with the New Year quickly approaching.

The New Year's holiday ushers in the month of January, also known to many as the month of resolutions. Each year millions of people make resolutions as a form of hope and planning for the coming year.

My challenge to you is to look at your resolutions from a Stewardship perspective. This year, don't set your resolutions based on what you think you need (a better job, a better body, a better use of your time), but set your resolutions based on your gratitude for the gifts God has given you.

God Gives you Life
Show your gratitude by caring for your body and your mind as His temple. Sustain your body with healthy food, regular exercise, and lots of water. Enrich your mind with scripture, learning, and meditation. Quiet yourself and create opportunities that relieve stress instead of create it.

God Gives you Resources
Remember that the financial resources you have or you do not have are gifts from God. Say thank you by sharing your resources with the less fortunate. Find a cause that feeds your own passions and interests and share the great gifts God has given you. God does not need our money, God is all-powerful after all, but He asks us to give because it is good for us and it can help to keep us from being enslaved by it.

Remember also that God gives us the earth and we are called to be good and responsible stewards of our environment. Pay close attention to your use of utilities and natural resources.

God Gives you Time
Your time comes from God. He has given us the free-will to decide what to do with it. Does working all those extra hours or sleeping the day away bring Him glory and show Him your gratitude? If it doesn't, what can you do with your time that will show Him how grateful you are for the gift?

God Gives you Love
Show your gratitude for God's love by loving others. Love your family. Love your spouse. Love your next-door neighbor. Love yourself.

Consider these things when you are making your New Year's resolutions. And remember, if you don't succeed at them right away, don't give up. Keep trying. God never gives up on us!!!

Five Stewards of Christmas

2007-12-20T10:22:00.000-06:00

"Consider the Five Stewards: the three Magi, King Herod, and yourself. Consider these five people, given the gifts of life, love and material goods. The three Magi chose to pay homage and give their gifts to a King of whom they knew nothing. One-Herod-choose to be selfish, much like Ebenezer Scrooge. He promised homage, but in his deceit he knew he would pay none. (The only different between Herod and Scrooge is that through Jacob Marley's intervention Scrooge is eventually saved). The last? What has the fifth steward done? Only you can answer that."
Written by Deacon Stephen A. Venturini
Excerpt from "The Steward's Harvest" from the Office of Development and Planning, Catholic Diocese of Columbus

I found this excerpt quite interesting. Maybe it's because I grew up listening to my dad read "A Christmas Carol" each year, or maybe it is because I see such a significant lesson of Stewardship in Dicken's timeless classic. Either way, what a powerful thought for this blessed season of giving.

Holiday Stewardship - Part 7

2007-12-20T10:15:00.000-06:00

7. Remember the True Meaning of Christmas

It may sound like a cliche, but remembering "the reason for the season" can help you put things in perspective. Christmas is about remembering God's greatest gift, His only Son, and helping to bring Christ's love into the world. When you're feeling overwhelmed by holiday task consider asking yourself: "Is this a fitting way to remember Jesus' birth?" or "Will this help to bring God's love into the world (or to my family, parish or community)?" Keeping this focus will help make Christmas both a giving experience and a deeply fulfilling one.

I think that speaks for itself.

From all the staff at Resurrection: May your holy day be very blessed by the greatest Gift of all. Merry Christmas!

Holiday Stewardship - Part 6

2007-12-20T09:59:00.000-06:00

6. Include Nonmaterial Gifts When Giving to Family Members, Close Friends, and Children

Children can give their parents coupons for extra help with household tasks. You may wish to make a donation to charity in honor of the person rather than buying them a gift.

In addition to being good stewards of our financial gifts, this is a good way to be stewards of our time and creative gifts. Parents, this is not only a great way to check off some of the shopping items, but also can be a great way to kill an afternoon at home with the kids. Cardstock, stickers, and crayons can be a fun way to create cards and coupons for all members of the family.

If you are interested in different local opportunities to give, Resurrection's Human Concern committee is involved in many different outreach opportunities. A phone call or visit to the parish can provide you with an education in our different outreaches and contact information about how to help. Some of our projects include; St. John's Homeless Shelter, Ecumenical Partnership for Housing, St. Therese parish in Okolona, Mississippi, Friends of Haiti and many more.

Also, for those looking for a charity or more global outreach, there is a really neat project called the Heifer project. It is a giving program that supports sustainable living opportunties in other countries. You can purchase a flock of chicks, a goat, a trio of rabbits, or even shares of a heifer in order to help families in developing countries feed themselves and provide a sustainable source of income. It is very unique opportunity!

Their website is: www.heifer.org

Holiday Stewardship - Part 5

2007-12-19T08:39:00.000-06:00

5. Donate Time or Talent to Your Parish

Consider volunteering to help with parish events, such as charitable outreaches or special decoration for Christmas. Are there family members with muscial talent who may want to partcipate in special music for Christmas Masses? Due to hectic holiday schedules and parishioners who are out of town, parishes are sometimes short of ministers during the holidays to serve as lectors, altar servers and Eucharistic Ministers.

How did they know? Here are Resurrection we are still looking for ministers for our holiday masses. For our needs, please call the parish! If you are interested in becoming a more regular part of our ministries ask for the Stewardship Coordinator and she can connect you!

Holiday Stewardship - Part 4

2007-12-13T14:48:00.002-06:00

4. Plan family acts of charity

Take some time out as af amily to hlep those who are less fortunate. This may mean helping in a soup kitchen or collecting and sorting items for a local food or toy drive. Many parishes have "gift trees", where families can choose a needy child or family and pruchase a specific item that has been requested. You may wish to choose a child who is close in age to your child, and involve your child in shopping for the requested items. You can also sort through outgrown clothing and toys for items to donate to shelters or local drives.

Resurrection annually hosts the "Tree of Giving". This project was completed at last weekend's masses, but that doesn't mean that there aren't still opportunities to give. Paul's Pantry here in Green Bay is always looking for donations of food, especially during and after the holidays. Also, Resurrection's faith formation will be assisting St. John's Homeless Shelter during the month of January. Their needs include nuts, snack size treats, hand and foot warmers, bus tokens, decks of cards, gas cards, socks, reading materials and large ziplock bags to package all of these items in. This is another great option for family giving.

Holiday Stewardship - Part 3

2007-12-10T15:11:00.000-06:00

3. Count Your Blessings

At a time of the year when budgets get tighter and wish lists get longer, it's tempting to focus on what you lack, rather than what you have. At the dinner table or in family prayer time, consider taking turns naming blessings God has given your family.

This is also great activity for riding in the car.

Here are some specific questions for you to reflect on:

1. What special new people or creatures has God blessed our lives with this year?
2. What new things have we learned about God or our faith this year?
3. What gifts of health has God given us this year?

4. What challenges has God allowed us to face that have made us stronger this year?

Holiday Stewardship - Part 2

2007-12-07T13:41:00.000-06:00

2. Make Time for Family

We think of the holidays as family time, yet practical preparations can sometimes take a toll on quality family time. Consider changing some holiday "chores" (such as decorating or shopping) into family events, in which everyone shares int he task. Schedule some downtime to spend together. Prioritize family meals, making sure to sit around the table together at dinner time.

Holiday Stewardship - Part 1

2007-12-05T14:39:00.000-06:00

For the next few days I will be posting excerpts from an article out of the Diocese of Columbus on holiday stewardship.

During the Christmas season we all think about giving gifts. But as Christians we are called to be stewards, and stewardship goes beyond giving objects. It entails giving gifts of the heart and mind and soul, as well as prayer, service, and sharing. This year help your children - and yourself - understand what it means to be wise stewards.

1. Emphasize the Spiritual.
Take some time out of the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations to prepare spiritually. Many parishes have special reconciliation services during Advent. Consider going as a family. Make it a point to do some spiritual reading. Take some time to pray together as a family, perhaps at the end of the day before everyone goes to bed.

Resurrection will be hosting a reconciliation service at 6:00 tonight in the church. We will also be participating in a joint reconciliation service at St. Matthew's parish on Tuesday, December 18th at 7:00.

Resurrection is also offering the Advent "Blue Books" that contains 6-minute daily reflections for the entire season.

Consider using these resources as well as many others to focus on your preparation for the birth of our Lord.

Before the Feast - A Thanksgiving Prayer

2007-11-21T13:03:00.000-06:00

God, You satisfy the hungry heart.

We lift up to You the hollows and voids we feel.
A lack of food or the money to buy it.
A longing for security.
A yearning for a love we can trust.
An ache for a piece of our lives lost,
that stings like a wound that won't heal.
A sigh for an opportunity gone.
The need to belong somewhere, to someone.
A craving to know You, God.
We tell You of this hunger, God, and pray to be filled.

We know we can pray to You,
because we trust that You satisfy the hungry heart.

We have known emptiness before,
and now know the contrast of hearts brimming with blessings.
We have found that our needs have been met,
not just to satisfaction,
but You have filled us with delicacies.
The empty tomb of mourning has been filled,
not just with passing time,
but with peace and comfort.

The echo of loneliness has been muffled,
not just with busyness,
but with love and acceptance.

The yawning cavern of fear and uncertainty has been bridged,
not just by distraction,
but by confidence that You are near.

The hollow purposelessness of our lives have been crammed full,
not just with things
but with passion for You, and for Your ways, O God.

And so we approach You with gratitude,
immense gratitude,
for all that we have, and all that we are,
for everything from the air we breathe to sustain our bodies,
to the love we breathe to sustain our souls.

And we thank You, God,
for satisfying our hungry hearts.

Fill us again, from Your stores which are never depleted.

-- Rev. Karen Ebert in What I Tell My Heart

A Hymn for All Hallows Eve

2007-10-31T13:22:00.000-05:00

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who you by faith before the world confessed,
Your name, O Jesus, be for ever blessed. Alleluia.

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes your rest;
Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest. Alleluia.

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day:
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on his way. Alleluia.

Life Insurance as an Act of Stewardship

2007-10-29T09:44:00.000-05:00

The following reflection was offered by a member of the Resurrection staff.

When someone close to us (or even someone not so close to us) dies doesn't it seem that we naturally reflect on just how delicate life is? I suppose it has something to do with the fact that it forces us to take a step back and take a moment that we wouldn't have otherwise made time for.

My husband and I had to elect life insurance this week. We both receive a set amount as a benefit through our jobs, but we had to decide if we wanted more and how much. My husband was adament that we get life insurance on him because he is the primary source of income. He wanted to be sure that I was provided for in the event of his death. (NOTE: We are both fairly young and in good health. And yet, we are both aware that each new day is a gift, not an assurance.) He wanted me to be able to care for our children and myself in the most healthy way I could without him. I am very blessed by his thoughtfulness and provision. We filled out the election form, sealed the envelope, and placed it in my purse for the mail.

Then I got to thinking, "What if something ever happened to me? What legacy did I want to leave for my husband and my children?" I don't make a fortune, but I would not want my husband to worry about expenses or the budget upon the unlikely event of my death. I would want his complete attention to be on himself and our children and working through the greiving process. I want my children to have time with their dad. I want my children to have a good Catholic education. I don't want money to be an obstacle to the depth of their relationship in a time when they are so desperately going to need one another. I want to be sure that I leave my family in a state to successfully support one another without having to devote extra time to financial resources.

So, I ripped open the election form and changed the election over to family. What's an extra $4 a month when you consider the benefits? God has given us the resources and we have to discern with Him their best use. For $48 a year I can assure that if God calls me home before I see my children grown, they will be cared for in a fashion similar to that which I would have cared for them.

Certainly, it is not all about the money, but in this case the money is what will make the care, the mercy, and the love an easier focus in a time of great difficulty.

Isn't that what God calls us to? We are called to look beyond ourselves and be loving stewards of our time, our love, our fortune, and our future. Life is delicate. Embrace every opportunity. Love in every moment.

Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving

2007-10-25T11:12:00.000-05:00

We are so blessed as Catholics to have a daily source of prayer and worship in the Divine Office. This morning's intercessions struck me with particular interest.

Created and redeemed by the overflowing love of God, let us offer our praise and thanks:

Response: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You have filled the universe with wonders; fill us with reverence and delight.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You have called into being life of every kind: fill us with a desire to cherish life in all its forms.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You have made us in your own image to be your praise; fill us with thanksgiving.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You know all and see all; fill the needs we pray for in our world and in our hearts.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

Our Father...

O God, Creator and Redeemer, you are the author of being and life. Inspire in us aspirit of praise and a desire for obedience, that we may give you glory in everything we think and say and do, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Reflection for a Fall Weekend

2007-10-12T10:55:00.000-05:00

This is a reflection from Robert Wicks in his book "Everyday Simplicity".

"I know the sunsets are for everyone. But as in observing other works of art, what each of us receives from them are personal gifts from God. They are uniquely ours." Michaele Aileen Wicks

Find the gift God is offering you in every encouter with people, your work, nature, everything. Although you may not see the grace every time, you will be more and more sensitive to what you are being given by God.

Youth Find Labyrinth Relaxing and Centering

2007-10-11T08:54:00.000-05:00

As Generations of the Disciples at this month's "Pray It!" night we learned about and experienced the labyrinth prayer method. Here are some of the comments from our youth who participated! (Our favorite is the message "Go God!")

"It gave me a chance to relax and to forget about all of the stuff going on in my life. And it gave me a chance to sit down and talk with God."

"An awesome experience. It was a nice break from a hectic week."

"I like the sand and the message behind the station. Go God!"

"Very relaxing. I feel more connected with God."

"I felt that I was with Jesus."

"It was nice to think about and with God. It really refocused me."

"The experience was very soothing and cool because it was different than anything I've done before."

"This was a calming and humbling experience."

"I feel much more connected to God."

"I let my tensions go."

"It was very calming."

"Very emotional experience."

"I felt at peace with God."

"I got more into it than I thought and I felt a strong spiritual connection."

"It was amazing and interesting!"

"That was the most relaxing music I've ever listened to!"

Generations of Disciples "Pray It!" with a Labyrinth Experience

2007-10-03T11:22:00.000-05:00

An important part of stewardship is being generous and always growing stewards of prayer.

This Wednesday night, October 3rd, all of our parishioners were invited to gather as Generations of Disciples to "Pray It!". This prayer learning experience focused on a method called the labyrinth. It is a method of prayer that involves meditation, repetition, and following a physical path as one prays. In our case, we had two large labyrinth paths that were laid out in our parish facilities for adults and children alike to walk through while listening to portable music devices or simply their own thoughts.

The Labyrinth can be completed in many fashions. It symbolizes a prayer journey and a conversation with God. Some labyrinths are mowed into the grass. Other churches and organizations use sheets of paper for finger labyrinths. One of the original labyrinths was built in a Cathedral in Chartres, France around 1200. It is actually laid into the stone floor!

Click here for a finger labyrinth you can print for your own prayer. We recommended to those our Generations of Disciples that they print a copy and keep in on their desk or in their locker!

http://www.lessons4living.com/Finger%20Labyrinth.PDF

In addition to being a physical path for the prayer process, it was also created as a way of recreated and representing a pilgrimage for those individuals who might not have the opportunity to pilgrimage to a designated holy site. It gives each of us the experience of a journey toward God and with God. We encourage each of you to try this experience if you haven't already and send us your feedback!

"Thank You" Teaches Children

2007-09-17T11:40:00.000-05:00

This weekend I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with on of our regular ushers. We were discussing the passing of the collection basket. She said that sometimes it takes her a little bit longer to finish her section because she takes the time to thank individually each of the children who drop their offering in the basket.

I was so moved by this simple effort. She is an essential part of these children's formation. Stewardship is all about being grateful for what we are given. If we want to teach that to children we need to remember to thank them for all of their contributions. Sometimes it is just a dandelion out of the church shrubery, sometimes it is their off-pitch voice in the choir, and other times it is the portion of their allowance they have been given by their parents to contribute to church. All of these acts of service and gifts of self are stewardship and in an effort to reinforce it, we must regularly speak of it, affirm it, and be grateful for it.

And it's not just for kids...many adults can be touched and taught by a simple "thank you".

Autumnfest Thank You!!!

2007-09-10T14:24:00.000-05:00

A special thank you to all those who volunteered to help with Autumnfest. It was a smashing success! We couldn't host this annual event with you!

We had several volunteers who offered to help after the beginning of the event. These last minute offers of help were much appreciated. If you were one of those individuals, please let the parish office know so that we can make a note of it! What a beautiful example of a random act of service!!!

We are already in preparation for next year. If you are willing to spearhead any of our events (food, games, auction), please let us know!!!

Prayer for a Generous Heart

2007-08-20T11:14:00.000-05:00

Lord Jesus, you remind us that you honor a generous heart and one that lends freely. May we learn to give more and demand less. Enable us to do more letting go and less holding on. May we simply yield to your sweet spirit of generosity and in so doing relinquish that part of us that fears not being in control. Take the reins from our grasping grip and teach us to rest in that release.
Amen.

The Ten Commandments of Driving

2007-07-09T13:16:00.000-05:00

The Vatican recently issued a few suggestions to help us be better stewards of our transportation.

I. You shall not kill.

II. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.

III. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.

IV. Be charitable and help your neighbour in need, especially victims of accidents.

V. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.

VI. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.

VII. Support the families of accident victims.

VIII. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.

IX. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.

X. Feel responsible towards others.

For the entire document:
http://www.zenit.org/article-19915?l=english

A Loose Grip

2007-07-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

Professional say that most golfers grip the club too tightly. You have to loosen your grip.

What difference does the tightness of the grip make? Simple. It affects the rest of the body. The forearms will be stiff, and that tends to tighten the shoulders and the upper body, even the legs.

A loose grip results in a fluid swing. And a fluid swing is a powerful swing.

The analogy with stewardship is not subtle. To be tight-fisted with our gifts and talents tightens up everything else in our life.

To loosen our grip by freely and regularly giving a portion to the Lord brings a sense of freedom and peace.

Virtual Rosary and Cardinal O'Malley's Blog

2007-06-26T11:28:00.000-05:00

We've added a few links to the righthand side of the page that we wanted to draw your attention to.

#1 The Virtual Rosary. This is a tool to improve your daily prayer life. When you download the program it allows you to view the mystery of the day, prayer reflections, as well as prayer requests. You can even add prayer requests to the list. There is an option to have portions of the Rosary e-mailed to you each day. It is a wonderful resource for all of us busy business people!!!

#2 Cardinal Sean O'Malley's Blog. Cardinal O'Malley is based in Boston, Mass. and uses his blog to reflect and comment on just about anything that crosses his mind. You can read his thoughts, link to other websites, and even make your own comments. Check it out!

Stewardship Prayer

2007-06-19T11:17:00.000-05:00

Generous and loving God, you call us to be disciples of your Son Jesus and good stewards of all your many gifts.

Open our minds and hearts to a greater awareness and deeper appreciation of your countless blessings.

Transform us through the power of your Spirit to nurture a Stewardship way of life marked by faith-filled prayer, service to our neighbor and generous sharing.

Teach us to be faith servants of your gifts. With Mary's help, may we return ten-fold the gifts entrusted to us.

We pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Mission Statement

2007-06-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

"This is what Yahweh asks of you: Only this,to act justly, to love tenderly,and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Resurrection Catholic Parish,in union with the universal Church,and empowered by the Holy Spirit,is a welcoming faith community,celebrating the sacraments,proclaiming the Good News of Jesus,and serving with compassion.Grateful for God's many gifts,we strive to be generous stewards of our blessings,to strengthen each others' faith,to share our Christian hopeand to love one another.