Striking a balance

There is an old rabbinic story about a faithful Jew who every morning would write down on a piece of paper the words I am but dust and ashes and place the paper in his pocket. Throughout the day he would take out the paper and read it; the words, spoken by Abraham in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 18: 27), served as a prayerful reminder of his unworthiness and humility before God.

One day his showed the paper to his rabbi. The rabbi was moved by his congregant’s reverence. But the rabbi took out a second piece of paper and wrote the Hebrew words Bishvili Novra haslam – “For my sake, the universe was created.”

“Take these words, as well, and carry them too,” the rabbi said. “Let there be balance in your life. Realize that of yourself, before God, you are nothing – but because you are created in God’s image, out of love, you possess the greatest dignity imaginable: you are a child of God.”

Our Lenten desert experience is a time for striking that balance between realizing our humility before God and our identity as God’s beloved. When we are consumed by the notion that we are in total control of our lives, when we have arrogantly self-absorbed because of what we possess and what we have achieved, we should take out the first “paper” and remember: I am but dust and ashes. But when we feel abandoned, when hope seems far away, when we feel lost in the Lenten wilderness, we need to embrace the message of the second sheet: For my sake, God created the universe. I am God’s beloved; I am created in God’s image. May these next six weeks before Easter be a time for striking that balance in our lives: a balance between humility that leads to selflessness and joy in the ever-present love of God in our midst.

From Connections: February 2012

Download the February 26, 2012 First Sunday of Lent Bulletin.

Ash Wednesday

For your convenience there will be Mass and distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, at the Parish Church at 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM and 7:00PM.

Download the 2012 Lenten Schedule (PDF).

A Wonderful Night in the Neighborhood

Last Saturday evening our parish center was transformed into a magical and mystical land. There were twinkling lights suspended from glistening silver branches that served as center pieces for each of the elegantly dressed dinner tables. In addition there was great food in abundance and of course special dessert. Toe taping music and dancing closed the evening. All of this and let’s not forget that in addition we had both an oral and silent auction right smack in the middle of it all. It was an incredible evening for our parish.

This type of an event requires a tremendous amount of planning and cooperation. The evening was a success because of the many individuals who volunteered their talent and many hours of their time. On behalf of our parish, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to each and every person who in any way contributed to the success of the evening. Your hard work and giving of your time is greatly appreciated. At this time, I would like to extend a special and very sincere thank you to our two cochairs, Stephanie Wobbe and Victoria Hatfield along with Denise Dowd who was our master chef. It is with their leadership and organizational skills that brought this event together. Once again, thank you Victoria, Stephanie and Denise and all involved for a job well done. May the Lord continue to bless our parish with laborers so willing to bring the Gospel alive in our everyday lives.

Peace,

Fr. Ron

Download the February 19, 2012 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Bulletin.

GALA: FINAL REPORT

After many months of planning, lots of work by many, and a great event by all accounts, we are pleased to share with you the financial success of the 2012 Gala.

Click here to download the Post Gala Financial Report.

GALA CREDITS

“What I valued most was the wide range in age of the participants – we had young families, old families like us, and senior citizens – all having a great time together. This is one of the great strengths of our community – its diverse structure from age to socio-economic background, all getting along together.” This review from a parishioner-guest of the Gala really encapsulates what we were trying to achieve when we first envisioned this event.

On the evening of February 11, we entertained 222 guests with cocktails, dinner, auction, and dancing for six hours in our beautifully transformed Parish Center. By all estimates, this event was a great financial success, and we can’t wait to share that information once it is finalized. But just as important is the feedback we have received from those guests, who simply enjoyed being together “at home.” At this time, we thank those in attendance and all who contributed in big and small ways. This night would not have happened without your support.

Many tireless volunteers worked together to make this magical evening happen. In addition to those listed in the Gala Program & Catalog, we would also like to thank the many who helped with setup, cleanup, and in many ways behind the scenes.

With our warmest gratitude,

Gala Co-Chairs,

Stephanie Oehler Wobbe & Victoria Chechik Hatfield

Click here to download the Program & Auction Catalog

PHOTO ALBUM

To view photos from the Gala planning and the event itself, click here and click here for a video slideshow.

GALA RAFFLE WINNERS

Congratulations to all who supported our raffles by purchasing chances! Our lucky winners are:

Tuition: Nipper/Dill family

iPad 2: Julie O’Brien

Kindle Fire: Kim Bell

Quilt: Harold Schlegel

50-50: Mary Ellen Holdenried

ALUMNI CLUB

This year, in conjunction with the Gala event, we established our first annual Alumni Club. Our school alumni, whether near or far, are an integral part of our parish community. In mid-December, we mailed letters to all 1,700-plus alumni for whom we have addresses, inviting them to participate in a special giving opportunity that will directly benefit our school. All participating alumni, regardless of the amount contributed, were recognized in the Gala program and will also be featured on a plaque to hang in the main school corridor.

This campaign brought donations from 79 alums, for a total contribution of $3,087. Thanks to all!

If you or your child is an SSP alum and did not receive our mailing, please contact Stephanie at 660.1548 or send email to gala@saintstephenstl.org to get on the mailing list.

St. Stephen Protomartyr Preschool will be located in the current Kindergarten classroom. We are now enrolling ages 3-5 for either full day or half day. Mere are just some exciting aspects of your child’s Preschool education:

• Creative Play
• Differentiated Instruction
• Fine & Gross Motor activity
• Science
• Introduction to Spanish
• Music
• Technology
• Before & Aftercare Program available (6~M-6PM)
• Available Open Gym Time in our new Parish Center
• Optional Hot Lunch Program (for all day students)

We are very excited about this new opportunity for our Parish and School. As a thank you to our first to enroll families, there will be NO ENROLLMENT FEE!

Please contact the school office at 752-4700 or email  meghanbohacssp@gmail.com. The time to enroll is NOW! Be the first to take advantage of this new, exciting opportunity for your child!

Download Forms:

Download the St. Stephen Protomartyr Preschool Contract (PDF).

Download the St. Stephen Protomartyr Preschool Tuition Contract (PDF).