THE VERNACULAR - stfranciswichita · Jennifer Jones, on Oct. 1 Gatlin Kade, son of Richard and Kelly Hamilton, on Oct. 8 Jaxson Alexander, son of Kelly and Alyssa Standridge, on Oct.

Wichita, Kansas

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

THE V E R N A C U L A R

NOVEMBER 2016

UPCOMING EVENTSVespers Every Sunday of Advent, 4 p.m., church

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 11, Cana Hall

Sacred Music Ministry Concert Dec. 11, after Vespers, church

Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Party Dec. 14, 6 p.m., Clare Basement

Parish Penance Service Dec. 15, 7 p.m., church

Night Fever Dec. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Church

SFA School Christmas Break Dec. 21, Noon dismissal Jan. 4, Classes resume

True gifts include the gift of selfWell, Black

Friday is upon us when shoppers go berserk to get their Christmas shopping kick started. Stores open super early, clerks work through the night, and shoppers burst upon the store like a broken water balloon to scramble for that perfect gift and an unbeatable price. Or is it? Are Black Friday bargains the “perfect gift”? Are the prices really “unbeatable”? The answer is in fact, no.

Think about it: what is the point of a gift? Is it not love? Doesn’t a gift express a love that is already present? Strangers do not give gifts to one another. Family, friends, spouses … they give gifts to one another.

Why? Because a gift is a physical expression of a love that has already been given. In short, a gift is simply a sign of the true gift that is the root of all gift-giving: the gift of self.

This is the very reason why the picture on the front of this Vernacular is the picture of Mother Teresa feeding a child. You see, Mother Teresa knew that poverty and destitution are a tragic part of a fallen human society. Yet, she did not pretend that she or her sisters would be able to provide enough food, clothing or shelter to undo

the effects social injustice.

Rather, she knew that the true gift that people needed was love. She knew that the only gift truly

worthy of another human person was the gift of her very self. All other gifts were simply an expression of a care and concern that she had for the dignity of every person she encountered.

She knew that the “perfect gift” could not be bought on Black Friday; because what people truly desire is the gift of another’s love. And she also knew that the “unbeatable price” was not written on a sales tag. The truly unbeatable price is true sacrifice. And this she learned from her Savior.

Jesus himself is the perfect gift. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). Notice that this passage did not say, “God so loved the world the he gave it more stuff.”

No, God knew that the human heart desires love; and love is nothing other than the gift of self. And Jesus gave himself at the truly unbeatable price: the sacrifice of his own life.

As St. Paul says, “You were bought at a price” (1 Cor 7:23) and St. Peter continues, “You were redeemed not

with gold and silver but with the precious blood of Christ” (cf. 1 Peter 1:19-19).

Jesus himself is the perfect gift bought at the only unbeatable price; and he teaches us the true meaning of gift giving. The only gift truly worth giving to another person is yourself; and the price is sacrifice.

So this Christmas remember: it’s not so much the “stuff” you give or receive; but rather is it the person who gives or receives it. You are the gift other people desire.

Message From

THE PASTOR

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SFA Girl Scouts offer holiday babysitting

New Daisy Scout troop forms at SFA

Girl Scout Cadette Troop #40551 from SFA will be hosting two evenings of babysitting during this holiday season. Mark your calendars for Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 10.

Drop your children off at Clare Hall from 5-10 p.m. for an evening of games, crafts and all-around fun! The girls attended a babysitting camp

After school on Sept. 21, a new Girl Scout troop at St. Francis of Assisi gathered for their first meeting. This Daisy Girl Scout troop consists of seven kindergartners and 11 first graders.

The girls earned the Promise Center badge to their Daisy badge set by saying the Girl Scout Promise and talking about what it means to them. They also enjoyed a craft, a healthy snack, a game, and learned two Girl Scout

where they learned all about caring for children, and they are now ready to put what they learned into action!

Dinner and snack included, all ages welcome. Free will donations will help the troop complete their Silver Awards and other activities. RSVP is not necessary, but very much appreciated to ensure enough food

traditions. The troop is led by volunteers

Adele Jordan, Tiffany Brown and Dustyn Morgan. Both girls and adults can participate in Girl Scouts at SFA and can join at any time.

If interested in joining please contact Aimee Hampel at 393-8509 or [email protected].

– Aimee Hampel

and supplies. For questions or to reserve spots

please call or text 393-8509 or send an email to [email protected]. We hope your children will be able to join us!

– Aimee Hampel

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BAPTISMS

Paislee Jo, daughter of Ryan and Jennifer Jones, on Oct. 1

Gatlin Kade, son of Richard and Kelly Hamilton, on Oct. 8

Jaxson Alexander, son of Kelly and Alyssa Standridge, on Oct. 9

Constantine, son of Nathan Brown and Tiffany Newbrey, on Oct. 15

Penny Marie, daughter of John and Shannon Pirtle, on Oct. 15

Gianna Teresa, daughter of Charles and Bridget Mersmann, on Oct. 16

FUNERALS

Guadalupe Montes, wife of Francisco Montes, mother of Frank Montes, Michael Montes, Maria Montes and Rita Laham, on Oct. 1

Bradley “Brad” Reid, son of Maynard and Mary Lou Reid, father of Sydney Reid and Carter Reid, on Oct. 10

James “Jim” E. Kofford, husband of Georgie Kofford, father of Mark Kofford, Todd Kofford, Kelly Anderson and Kara Grant, on Oct. 17

Kathleen R. Smith, sister of Mary Sexton, Patricia Daniels, Connie Swisher and C. Michael Looney, on Oct. 17

Victoria Mayer, mother of Richard, Stephen and Susan, on Oct. 21

NEW PARISHIONERS

John and Kristin Behrmann, 3 children

Robert and Dolores Hemmen Clayton HubbellAdrian and Carol MarinerLouis and Riana Morales, 2 childrenJames NybergCaden and Michelle RobertsTroy and Pamela RoeDon and Patty SmithE. Jason Westerfield

Stewardship Thought“Whoever sows sparingly will

also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully … God love a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor 9:6-7)

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RCIAPancakes

Giving helps us express gratitude to GodI went to lunch with

my nephew last week. Ivan is turning nine so it was certainly cause for a celebration. We feasted on cheeseburgers and fries. I even offered to buy him ice cream for dessert because I am the fun Uncle. His response surprised me.

“You really don’t need to do that,” he said.

I assured him that it was ok, and I really wanted to do this for him. Our lunch was complete with a nice big serving of ice cream with Butterfinger pieces.

I think there have been times in my life when I have responded to God in a similar way. He has given me so many blessings and gifts. The true gift of His son, given freely and without hesitation, comes to mind as a gift that was given to me that was not warranted or earned in any way.

My wife, my family, friends and my parish family quickly come to mind as gifts that I have received through no merit of my own. I think that one of the true blessings of a gift freely given. It is out of love just for me.

Our reaction to God, when we are counting our blessings in gratitude, is one of “you really don’t need to do that,” or what did I do to deserve that. That may come to us out of a sense that we can never repay these gifts, yet here they are. I believe that is one of the blessings of stewardship as a way of life.

We get to experience, in a small way, the joy of freely giving a gift. Whether it be serving a dinner at The Lord’s Diner or praying for someone who has passed away as part of Tobit’s Ministry. Stewardship is that grateful response that we make and yet we are the ones who receive.

It feels good to serve, to give, to be generous.

Our annual stewardship renewal is a time to celebrate our gifts as a parish and recommit to God for all the gifts He has given to us.

Just as a mother or father (or even an uncle) freely gives to a child, our heavenly Father gives freely to us. These gifts continually come our way every day in so many ways. Recognizing that we are gifted and that God lavishly gives to us makes the gift even more appreciated. It also fills the gift giver with joy.

The attitude of gratitude that my nephew Ivan showed me at lunch made me very proud. The ice cream was sweet and the Butterfinger chips were an added bonus. The true gift was the gift of time together and the appreciation that we are loved. Now that is a sweet treat!

– Pat BurnsDirector of Stewardship & Finance

Fr. Jarrod baptizes some of SFA’s current RCIA participants during a recent ceremony.

Cub Scout Pack 762 host their annual All-You-Can-Eat Pancake & Sausage Breakfast in Clare Hall. Proceeds help fund their Scouting adventures.

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CYM hosts annual Parish Bingo in January

CYM invites parishioners to Coffee & Donuts

It’s time once again to look ahead and mark your calendar for CYM Parish Bingo, coming up on Sunday, Jan. 15. We will begin our games at 2:30 p.m. in Cana Hall and hope you will be able to join us.

The high school youth group, Catholic Youth Ministry, hosts this event each year as a way for parishioners to come together in fellowship, congregation and friendship, and maybe even come away with a prize or two if they find that lucky card.

We’ll offer concessions that include sloppy joes and delicious home-baked pies and cakes donated by some generous members of our parish, along with other tasty treats. We will play 20 games of bingo, with a prize table for our winners and cash prizes for the two games of blackout.

SFA CYM seeks to instill and nurture a sense of faith and connection and community among our youth members. Serving others and developing an appreciation of stewardship are important parts of that formation.

St. Francis Catholic Youth Ministry invites everyone to join them for fellowship, fun and food at Coffee & Donuts most Sunday mornings after the 8:30 and 10 a.m. masses in Clare Hall. Come and spend time with other parishioners while enjoying your food and drink.

Our selection includes the ever-popular sprinkle donuts, and you will find delicious hot coffee, hot cocoa with or without marshmallows, and a variety of juices.

In the words of a couple of our younger patrons, Rachel and Gabriel, “The donuts are yummy!”

Theresa, a long-time SFA

Hosting this annual event provides an opportunity to grow in these actions. Thanks to the generosity of our parish family and the funds earned at Parish Bingo, many students have been able to take part in Prayer and Action, which is a weeklong immersion into prayer and the missionary way of life.

The CYM would like to thank all members of our church family who have contributed to the success of Family Bingo and our mission trips. Through your attendance, donations and prayers, we have continued to participate in these faith-building experiences, and have a lot of fun along the way too!

Remember to check the Bulletin for our Coffee & Donuts after the 8:30 and 10 a.m. Sunday masses; we’d love to see you there as well.

Thank you again for your continued support.

– Sue Gunther

parishioner, invites others to join her. “Yes, the donuts are good and the coffee is good. But, mostly it is good to talk with other people.”

The dates scheduled for December are: Dec. 4 and 11. Be sure to bring your kids or grandkids on Dec. 11 to “Breakfast with Santa,” a good opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa.

The Coffee & Donut dates are always listed under the CYM section in the weekly Bulletin. The schedule aligns with the school schedule, so Coffee & Donuts will start back up in January.

Although a donation basket is available, there is no charge to come and enjoy the company of fellow

parishioners and visitors. Should you choose to donate, those funds are divided among the youth workers to earn money for religious trips. Some of the trips the CYM members can choose from are: March for Life, Steubenville, Totus Tuus Camp, Prayer & Action, and Holy Family Camp.

If your schedule does not allow you to stay for the fellowship, we have take-out available. Just stop by Clare Hall between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., make your selection and we will wrap it up for you.

We look forward to seeing old and new faces this year at Coffee & Donuts. Come join us!

– Jackie Burns

WINTER W O N D E R L A N D

December 20164 • COFFEE AND ROLLS • 9:30 AM- NOON • ST. CLARE HALL

4 • BUNKO TOURNAMENT WITH THE MARIAN SISTERS• NOON-2PM • SEAS

7 • MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT • 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

11 • BREAKFAST WITH SANTA • 9:30 AM- NOON • CANA HALL

14 • COME LET US ADORE HIM • 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

21 • ADORATION, BENEDICTION AND CONFESSION • 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

28 • NO CYM • MERRY CHRISTMAS

January 2017

February 2017 1 • PIZZA PARTY AND GAMES • 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

5 • COFFEE AND ROLLS • 9:30 AM- NOON • ST. CLARE HALL

8 • ADORATION, BENEDICTION AND CONFESSION • 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

15 • OPEN GYM • 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

18-20 • TEENS ENCOUNTER CHRIST (TEC) RETREAT • SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER

20-22 • PARISH MISSION • CHURCH

22 • PARISH MISSION • CHURCH

25 • WARMING SOULS SERVICE PROJECT • 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

26 • COFFEE AND ROLLS • 9:30 AM- NOON • ST. CLARE HALL

4 • GUEST SPEAKER: TARA ELPERS • 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

8 • COFFEE AND ROLLS • 9:30 AM- NOON • ST. CLARE HALL

11 • ADORATION, BENEDICTINE AND CONFESSION • 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

15 • COFFEE AND ROLLS • 9:30 AM- NOON • ST. CLARE HALL

18 • SPEAKER: AUSTIN MERNAGH • 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

25 • PIN BALL • 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

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SFA Family Fun Night 2016

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Veterans Day Mass

JCYM

Ladies Auxiliary

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Fr. Dan says the 5:30 p.m. Mass at SFA outside on the hood of a JEEP on Veterans Day. The Mass was in honor of Fr. Kapaun and was a reenactment of the way he would have said Mass on the battlefields as a U.S. Army chaplain.

Junior Catholic Youth Ministry is off to a great start this school year, with more than 100 in attendance at its October and November events. In November, three IHM Sisters were special guests. All 6th, 7th and 8th graders of the parish are invited on the first Wednesday of every month (October-April) in the school gym from 6:45-8 p.m. Each night includes prayer, guest speaker, music and games.

In October, 32 ladies of the parish attend “Wicked the Musical” at Century II. The Ladies Auxiliary, in addition to organizing and serving at parish and wedding receptions, meets occasionally throughout the year for social activities.

SFA SOCIAL SITES

If you’re on any of these social sites, take a few minutes to follow or like us:

• www.facebook.com/kssfachurch• www.instagram.com/kssfachurch• www.twitter.com/kssfachurch

Youth Ministry• www.facebook.com/sfacym• www.twitter.com/sfacym

Spread the word!

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

WICHITA, KSPERMIT #152

Catholic Diocese of WichitaSt. Francis of Assisi861 N. SocoraWichita, KS 67212-3237