Issue 29 St.

Mary’s Parish Newsletter Fall 2010

St. Mary’s Parish Staff

Father Lawrence L. Hummer, Pastor
Deacon George Lovensheimer
Administrative Assistant - Joan D’Antoni
Secretary - Peg Whalen
Music Director - Delma Rouleau
Coordinator of Religious Education - Katie Boesch Father Lawrence Hummer
Maintenance - Jim Bridges

Advent, 2010

Since I published my remarks on the upcoming changes (Advent, 2011) in the liturgy, Bishop has
forbidden me to write anything more about the liturgy. Since sometime in the summer, what I write for the
Catholic Times has been subject to a censor’s pen. Who the censor is has remained anonymous. I always
sign my work. It stands to reason a critic ought to sign his. Such is the state of things today. Certainly it
suggests that the “fresh air” which Pope John XXIII desired to let into the Church has now blown itself
through the window which John had opened and we are now living with the window closed again. And like
the gray of an early winter day, the Church of Columbus has made it clear that it will abide nothing but the
party line as interpreted by God knows who.
Many priests are torn by this development, because most of us older clergy have never seen
anything like this happen. It is happening on a world-wide scale so Columbus is not alone. Stay tuned for
whatever else follows. Bishop will meet with the priests in February to address the changes and
parishioners can rest assured that I shall share with you anything of substance which arises (probably
nothing). It is the silence which is deafening. Power exercised in high places by a few unknowns…it has its
own sort of byzantine intrigue.
But there are more important things to consider, more to do with our salvation than the petty
politics of the Church in 2010. This is because Isaiah the prophet calls us “to walk in the light of the Lord.”
This is because Isaiah announces to us that “they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears
into pruning hooks.”
Far more important is Paul’s reminder that “our salvation is nearer than when we first believed; the
night is far advanced the day is at hand....let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day.” It is far more
important to hear Matthew’s Jesus remind us “you must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,
the Son of Man will come.”
Far more important is to hear Isaiah remind us that “ a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse
and from the roots a bud shall blossom…the Lord’s spirit will rest upon him….not by appearance shall he
judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide…justice will be the band around his waist…his dwelling shall be
glorious.” More important are Paul’s words: “Whatever was written previously was written for our
instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the
God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with
Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ.” More important too are the words of the Baptist: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
More important to our salvation are the words of the Psalmist: “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he
has done marvelous deeds.” More important indeed are Isaiah’s words: “Be strong, fear not! Here is your
God, he comes with vindication…to save you…you will meet with joy and gladness…sorrow and mourning will
flee.” More important are Jesus’ words to John’s disciples: “Go and tell John what you hear and see; the
blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor
have the good news proclaimed to them.”
Indeed, Isaiah reminds us “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”
More important than anything else is to remember Paul’s words to us “Grace to you and peace from God
our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” And finally let us remember what Matthew assures us …that “God
is with us.”
I have sifted these words of salvation from the Advent readings. They are first and foremost
reminders to me of what’s important. It is in these words and in this Word that I find salvation. This is far
more important than the petty politics of the Church in 2010. May the enfleshment of God sustain us all
with renewed confidence in God’s eternal love for us.
 St. Mary’s Parish Newsletter Page 2

Finance Council Report

by Steve Burkhardt

The Catholic Diocese of Columbus has established guidelines for all Parish Finance Councils and has
defined their roles and responsibilities in accordance with Canon 537 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law requiring
the creation of a Parish Finance Council. I felt that on my first report I would review these guidelines.
The Parish Finance Council works closely with the Fr. Hummer who is accountable to Bishop Campbell
for the administration and stewardship of the temporal goods of the parish. Fr. Hummer is responsible for parish
and temporal management and has the final say in all matters in that regard. The Parish Finance Council is a
consultative body that assists Fr. Hummer in fulfilling this responsibility and in the prudent planning of all parish
financial matters. While the Parish Finance Council is not a decision making body, except as defined in the
Diocesan Guidelines, there are instances where its consultation is required.
Although a pastor is not obligated to follow the counsel of the Parish Finance Council, the pastor should
not act against such advice, especially when there is consensus, unless there is an overriding reason. When
acting contrary to its counsel, the pastor should provide an explanation regarding the reasons for his decision.
At a minimum, the responsibilities of the Parish Finance Council will include:
1. the preparation of the parish budget for the coming year and the examination of the annual report of
the receipts and disbursements.
2. give counsel to the pastor regarding acts of extraordinary administration as defined by the Diocesan
Bishop (i.e. alienation of property, incurring indebtedness, encumbering assets, entering into
contracts, undertaking major projects – where the value is greater than $10,000)
3. give council to the pastor on matters of ordinary vs. extraordinary acts of administration.
4. to review quarterly financial reports submitted to the diocesan bishop by the parish
5. give counsel to the pastor on acts of alienation
6. give counsel to the pastor regarding the investment of pious foundation
7. give council regarding the equitable diminishment of obligations arising from a pious will
8. give council to the pastor regarding the hiring of the financial staff.
9. publish the financial statements and budgets to the Parish community.
10. review internal control and procedural comments generated by periodic audits of the Parish and
recommend changes consistent with implementation of the recommendations.
Each year the Parish Finance Council shall send a letter to the Bishop of Columbus containing:
1.) dates the Council met during the preceding year and since the end of the fiscal year.
2.) the dates on which the approved financial statements for the fiscal year and budgets for the next fiscal
year were made available to the Parish community.
3.) a copy of the approved financial statements and budgets should be provided to the Bishop with the
letter plus a statement signed by the pastor and the Parish Finance Council members that they have met,
developed and discussed the financial statements and budget of the Parish.
In addition to the policies outlined by the Diocese other areas to be considered for inclusion in the
Finance Charter include counsel on management of funds, review and evaluation of banking arrangements, and
review of indebtedness.
The Finance Council also reviews the activities of any auxiliary groups including finances to assure that
they are not jeopardizing our tax-exempt status.
The Finance Council consults on the construction of new facilities and the purchase and sale of property.
Members also assist in planning for repair, replacement or service of property and equipment to assure that
buildings and property are properly maintained. The Council also reviews maintenance and utility costs seeking
to minimize costs through preventative maintenance, energy conservation and implementation of risk
management programs and recommendations.
Fundraising activities including new programs and changes to existing programs if revenues are not
sufficient also fall under the Council’s responsibilities.
The current members of the Parish Finance Council are: Fr. Hummer, Joan D’Antoni (Secretary), Dave
Miller, Jane Ragland, Cathy Evanoff, Judy Benson, Mike Haller, Dick Wagner, Jeff Benson, Eric Braunlin (2nd
Officer), and Steve Burkhardt (1st Officer).
Please feel free to contact any member of the Finance Council should you have any questions.
 St. Mary’s Parish Newsletter Page 3

Notes from the Loft

by Delma Rouleau

The purpose of a choir is to enhance the congregational singing with harmonies and to support the
sung prayer of the assembly. Currently, our choir is a very small ensemble. We have six sopranos, two altos
and two basses. With such a small group, part singing is very limited. If you would like to join us,
rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 P.M. in the church. Please use the sacristy door.
We also meet on Sunday morning at 10 AM to review the selections and vocally warm-up.

Our choir members are very dedicated and I appreciate greatly their commitment to sacred music
and their cheerful willingness to serve our parish. Soon we will be working on material for the Advent-
Christmas Season. Perhaps you or your family would like to make a short term commitment and
participate with us during this special season. If so, please call me at 773-2678. I would love to hear from
you!

If you are an instrumentalist and play in a high school band, orchestra or community group and
would like to play for special services, please let me know.

Parishioners are always invited and welcome to attend Mass at Bishop Flaget School. Small
individual class Mass is celebrated in the Chapel on Tuesdays at 9:30 A.M. It is always a delight to pray,
sing and share our faith with the students. All School Mass is celebrated once a month in the school gym.
Check the weekly bulletin for exact dates.
As part of my Mass preparation with the students, the fifth grade class is learning about hymn
writing. They will be writing hymn texts, which we will be using at our Sunday liturgies. Students who are
studying voice with me are preparing a special song for the Feast of Christ the King. I am delighted in their
enthusiasm and willingness to share their developing gifts with us.

Also new this year in the music ministry is the utilization of our parish web site. I have posted the
musical selections for the months of October and November. If you are interested in the complete music list,
feel free to download it and print it out. Each week, I plan to blog about the assigned weekly responsorial
psalm. Every week I slowly trudge through the Septuagint. If I discover a treasure, I’ll share it with you.

Thank you all for singing at Mass. Your voices in praise to our Lord, are so edifying and
encouraging.

Welcome parishioners who have registered since March 1, 2010: Frank, Jamie, Julia & Jake
Bynum, Aida, Alejandra & Harry Hafner, Debbie Zeigler, Don & Mary Gatchell, Jack & Angelita
Alvis, Bret, Angela & Nathanel Mavis, David, Patricia, Tessa, Kelsie & Ray Byers, Lauren Kremer,
Conor Miller, Holly Elliftitt, Paul Ellifritt, Jose & Avamarina Guerra, Bradley Gay, Rick, Julie &
Elizabeth Henson, Thomas Hewitt and Jennifer Molnar

Welcome to our newest members of the Christian community through Baptism: Calvin
Hirsch, son of Mike & Carrie Hirsch, Lucas Walls, son of Jarod & Lindsay Walls and
Maddox Berry, son of John & Lori Berry.
 St. Mary’s Parish Newsletter Page 4

Reformation Sunday, 2010

by Delma Rouleau

Today after Mass, I started my Sunday cooking. On the schedule for this day was the cooking of beef,
chicken and vegetable broth. The three large “flesh” pots were fired up on the Detroit Jewel and kept the
kitchen warm. Sunday is always some type of baking day. Sweet corn cakes, zucchini bread and pumpkin pie
were slated for the little easy bake oven. I took my apron off at 1:20 pm and headed over to the cemetery.
A small crowd was gathered at the entrance of the burial grounds. A simple, country priest, bundled up in
an overcoat, holding a rather worn book of prayers stood next to the master of ceremonies . The rite called for
“sprinkling” and the MC seemed a bit unnerved that the good father had forgot to bring a “bottle of holy
water”. Improvise! A one gallon bucket, water from a hand-pump spicket, a twig of juniper fir, a sincere
blessing, we are good to go. Singing a hymn of praise, processing to a sung litany of saints to a tune from the
9th century, a reading from Maccabees ( just in case I was entertaining the idea of harboring a whining attitude
about the cold, I had to be reminded of a woman of faith who had a two more sons than I ) a comforting
sermon, a final prayer and blessing embraced the tiny community. We dispersed to visit the resting site of our
loved one.
It seems so strange to stand on ground that keeps my husband nestled in death. His American flag fluttered
in the gentle wind. In that flag holder was the turkey vulture feather I had placed there on his birthday in
August. My warrior is now with the ancestors. I never pray there at his grave. Words don’t come in my mind,
mouth or heart.
But I always squat, Native American style and tap out drum cadences on his metal headstone. I am sure he can
hear me. And then I walk away, alone and silent.
As I came to entrance of the cemetery, the bucket of water with the sprig were resting by the side of the
road. I almost laughed out loud as I spotted those two “sacred items.” What would the Congregation for
Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome, think about the “Liturgiam authenticam” of
our afternoon prayer?
I would argue that since the faith of this community is somewhat shaped by our particular culture in the
foothills of the Great Mountains where the Spirit of Yoha dwells, I think a galvanized bucket is quite
appropriate, and the everlasting green twig - very native.
I poured the blessed water on flowers which still had the courage to bloom despite the morning’s frost; hung
the bucket back on the pump; and took the twig with me.
My kitchen was warm on my return. Even alone, I felt at home. It is Sunday and I about ready to perform
the Liturgiam authenticam of cooking. I measure out flour into a new crock bowl. I thank the Lord, for the
friend who gifted me this beautiful vessel. I mix together the incense of various spices and set them aside in a
French white dish. I sprinkle flour on the old kitchen table that my maternal grandparents acquired as
newlyweds in the 1920’s. I feel like past, present, and future is converging in this one moment. It is as if all
the ancestors are standing around me, watching, waiting for me to do something. A floured rolling pin
replaces a sacramentary. I do not need that cookbook. και ευθυζ , as Mark would say, I suddenly closed my
eyes and was standing in front of the ancestral altar. Tenderly I picked up the new bowl and lifted it up. I spoke
aloud: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this grain to offer,
Which mother earth has given and human hands have ground.
Blessed Be God, for all ages.

I divided the dough and rolled it out. It was if the circle of life was appearing on my table. I was so
thankful. The juniper twig became a new rectory furnishing for Monsigneur Betta. He swam about its tiny
needles while I made pies for those I love.
 St. Mary’s Parish Newsletter Page 5

FAMILY LIFE COMMITTEE REPORT

by Karen Leeth
The Family Life Committee said good-bye to summer and welcomed fall with the Hog Roast. It was another
huge success! Thanks to all who attended. We were blessed with beautiful weather and lots of wonderful
people. The hog was prepared from our roast masters Mike Haller, Walt Arth & Terry Degarmo (three men
and a pig). Thanks to all the parishioners who brought in all the wonderful dishes to share. Thanks to Travis
Velarde, Mr. DJ for an enjoyable host of music. Our committee would like to thank Steve Hirsch for
providing some beautiful fall decorations and our decorator, Margaret (Maggie) Kessler with a little help
from her mother Chrissy for making it all look wonderful. Roger Blum lit up the parking lot with the spot
lights and helped turn our fall gathering into a beautiful sight. It was an evening filled with great excitement
for everyone and we look forward to bringing this back in 2012.

The Family Life Committee continues to provide family activities throughout the coming fall and winter
months. We will host our monthly Coffee & Donuts every 3rd Sunday. Coffee & Donuts is a great way to
meet other parishioners and spend a few minutes with family and friends. The Family Life Center will be
open after the scheduled mass times- Please join us.

The Mother/Daughter Luncheon will be held on January 29, 2011. Please mark your calendars and plan on
attending a wonderful day with the women of the parish.

If you would like to get involved with any of the events throughout the year please contact Karen Leeth at
775-6020 or by email leethfamily@roadrunner.com. We would love for you to share your time & talents with
us.

The Sew ‘N Sew Quilting Group

Five years ago, a small group of women formed a sewing group with the plan to make and
donate quilts to individuals or groups who are facing difficult challenges in their lives. We
wanted to sew quilts with love, prayer, and concern for others, in order to uplift their spirits,
and remind them of God’s love.

Since that modest beginning, our group has grown to 13 active members and we have
completed 110 quilts. Our youngest recipient was a small baby and our oldest was in her
90s. Some recipients live in Ross County and other quilts have traveled hundreds of miles to
reach their intended destinations. Lovely notes of appreciation have been received and we
know that our quilts have provided the love and comfort for which they were intended.

Our group would like to thank members of the parish for your kind support over the years.
Fr. Hummer, Jim Bridges, Joan D’Antoni, and Peg Whalen have been helpful and
supportive throughout the entire five years making it possible for us to use the Family Life
Center each week for our sewing group.

Many parish members donated fabric to our group in the beginning, and we continue to be
appreciative of these materials. If you have fabric that you would like to donate that is
100% cotton, please contact Kathy Jalbuena 772-6723 or Nancy Hagen 775-1825.
 St. Mary’s Parish Newsletter Page 6

Bishop Flaget School News

by BFS Principal Laura Corcoran

Fall is coming to an end, and soon we will have our first snowfall. The school year is in full
swing, and I cannot express to you how blessed I feel to be the administrator at Bishop Flaget.
It is easy for us to forget the great blessing that we have in our Catholic school. Sometimes the
little successes are lost in the rhetoric about test scores, academic growth, and enrollment numbers.
We sometimes forget the real reason that we should be happy to have our parish school.
Each day, I am blessed to work with a group of people who love what they do. We all know
that it is not for the money that our staff members come to school. They come to school because they
are called to be a part of the spiritual and academic growth of the children of our community. Some
days are harder than others, but we thrive in the knowledge that we are making a difference. We
know that for each extra moment that we spend, a family will grow stronger, a child will become
more confident, and our community will be strengthened. My staff works hard to make sure that the
needs of all are met, and when they are not, we are not afraid to ask why. My staff works after
school, on weekends, and through the summer to grow in their own knowledge and faith to be better
teachers and leaders for our students. No one ever asks, "What's in it for me?"
The young people with whom I work are here because their parents have placed an
importance on their development as faithful citizens of the community. They strive to not only grow
academically but to also learn the importance of the faith journey and need to help one another. Our
students understand the role of service in their lives as Christians and that it is not something that is
required and must be completed, but something that you participate in as a member of the body of
Christ. They understand that their faith is something that is practiced every day and not something
that only happens on Sunday. Their faith is an integral part of their lives, a part from which they
cannot be divorced...it is a part of who they are.
The theme for Catholic Schools Week is "A+ for America: Catholic Schools." The A+ in our
community goes to those who strive to be on the "honor roll" every day: the student who helps
another who is struggling on an assignment, the teacher who attends a conference to better
understand the special needs of one of her students, the maintenance man who consoles the child who
has lost their puppy, the teacher who plays soccer with the students, the teachers who attend health
conferences in the hopes of making for healthier students, the secretary who phones home for the
student who is worried about a family member, the parents who reach out to those who have lost
loved ones, the volunteers who plan parties and events for the classes, the parents who come in to
spend a Saturday working at the school, the students who write to the shut-ins, and the classes who
visit the nursing homes to share their time with the elderly. These activities challenge us and make us
who we are. Thank God for Catholic Schools!

Upcoming Events:
Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass - Dec. 8th, 10AM - please join us!
Christmas program - December 9th at 7pm - feel free to join us!
Reverse Raffle - February 12, 2011 - tickets on sale now
 St. Mary’s Parish Newsletter Page 8

St. Vincent de Paul Society News

by Kathy Senff

St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank you for your support. During the fiscal year
that ended Sept. 30, 2010, we served 4550 people spending $39,624 on items such
as food, utilities, rent, medicine, and clothing. The need for our services has
increased due to declining funding at other community agencies.
The Bean Soup and Hot dog dinner on Saturday, November 13th was a huge
success. We made $555 on Saturday and $223.85 on Sunday. The left overs
were given away during the SVDP office hours on Monday. Some of the food was
also donated to the Carver Soup Kitchen.
Envelopes located in the back of the church can be used for donations for
Christmas, birthdays, memorials or any special occasion.

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Friday, December 24th – 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 25th – 10:00 a.m.
There will be no 5:00 p.m. Mass December 25th
Sunday, December 26th - 11:00 a.m. only

NEW YEARS WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE

No Years Eve Mass
Saturday, January 1st – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 2nd – 8:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Father Hummer and the Staff of St. Mary’s

wish you a Blessed Christmas and Happy
New Year!
 St. Mary’s Parish Newsletter Page 7

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REPORT

by Katie Boesch

PSR: Our PSR program is now here at St. Mary’s on Sunday mornings in the parish office building from 9:45- 10:45 am.
This flexibility allows families to attend either the early or late Mass. **Please note that the sessions only last one(l) hour!
If you, the parents would like to just stay and help you are most welcome or you could form your own scripture study
session in the office as well.
We are developing a High School Program watch for further details.

Adult Faith: Bible Study for Advent: Mary, Our Mother and Guide....through the season of Advent on Tuesdays
from 12 noon to 1 pm and 6:30 - 7:30pm.-in the Parish Office a light lunch/supper will be provided. Contact Katie
Boesch 772-2061 or 701-5167. Bring your bibles.
Book club. The group will meet only on the Third Wednesday of the Month in the parish office from 6-8pm. Study
guides are available in the office (please call ahead) Katie Boesch 772-2061 or 701-5167
Protecting God’s Children Training: ( A mandatory program for all adults wishing to volunteer either at the
school or with parish programs involving children). Please go on line www.virtus.org to register.

Sacraments: Baptism: All parents needing to have their first child baptized, please make an appointment with Katie
Boesch 772-2061. Second child just call the office.
First Reconciliation: the sacrament will be received on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010 at 11am in the church. Students
are to bring their “robes”. Small reception to follow in the Family Life Center
First Eucharist: Parent Meeting on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at noon in the parish office.
Rehearsal will be on Friday, April 15, 2011 6pm in the church please bring the children’s banner and a can of food.
Celebration of the sacrament: Saturday April 16, 2011 at 11 am in church. A small reception will follow in the
Family Life Center.
Confirmation: Parent Meeting with students, Sunday, Jan 23, 2011, at noon in the Family Life Center.
Sponsors and student meeting, Sunday March 13, 2011 at noon in the Family Life Center.
Mandatory Retreat on Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 1pm – 6pm (Mass included). At St. Peter’s parish hall. Please
bring $10.00 to offset the retreat costs.
Rehearsal: Immediately following retreat May 21, 2010 ….sponsors need to be there for the rehearsal at St.
Peter’s. 6pm.
Confirmation Mass is Tuesday, May, 24, 2011, 7 pm. Students and sponsors are to report to St. Peter’s School
Hall no later than 6:30 for lineup and brief review.

R. C. I. A.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults has begun for a new year on Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 in the parish
office. We have several new Inquirers already among us. Please keep them in your prayers. Invite others to come and see
what the Roman Catholic Church is all about or just come yourself to refresh your knowledge and offer support.

Returning Home Program

This program is for those in our community who have not been with us for awhile. While you have been gone a
number of changes have taken place and we would like to welcome you back home to the Catholic Church and catch you up.
Sessions will be held in January 2011 for four weeks then again in May 2011 for four weeks. The January sessions are from
7pm – 8:30pm on Wednesdays…Jan. 5, Jan. 12, Jan, 19, Jan 26, 2011. Those wishing to assist with this program or who
know of anyone who would like to be invited please call the office or Katie Boesch 772-2061

ON- LINE RETREATS

If you would like to go on retreat but can’t find the time to go somewhere…how about spending 30 minutes each
day for a week on a retreat in the quiet of your home? Bergamo – Mount Saint John’s in Dayton Ohio offers on-line
retreats. If interested go to their web site and check it out. www.bergamocenter.org/retreats-online.

Senior High School Baccalaureate Mass

A Mass for all High school seniors will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at the 11am Mass. Please note on your
calendars and a letter asking for information will be in mailed the first week of April, 2011. Please call the office if you do
not receive a letter by April 15th or if you are new to the area.