FEBRUARY 17, 2013 F ather V ern S mith St. Mary's Catholic Church

F E B R U A R Y 17, 2013
F a t h e r V e r n S m i t h
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
E-MAIL STMARYSHAMBURG@Q.COM
WWW.STMARYPARISHHAMBURG.PARISHESONLINE.COM
PLEASE JOIN US FOR COFFEE AND DONUTS AFTER MASS.
Welcome to the House of the Lord as we begin our Lenten journey.
We have washed the ashes from our forehead and now prepare to go
into the desert with Jesus. Let us make the coming forty days truly a
time to reform our lives and resolve to resist temptation, so that when
Easter comes we may be fortified to continue our new way of life into
the Easter season and beyond.

The Wilderness Test
We have all found ourselves wandering lost and
directionless in the wilderness. We have all had to
make our way through a lonely, dangerous desert.
It may have looked like a hospital waiting room to you, or the
sheets on a cheap motel bed after you got kicked out of your house, or maybe it
looked like the parking lot where you couldn't find your car on the day you lost your
job.
You found yourself lost in a wilderness place you could not find your way out of.
Or the desert may have been a time: the life-altering decision you felt unprepared
and incapable of making, the endless calls and interviews for the job that eluded
you, the nights of waiting up for the son or daughter who was not coming home.
Wildernesses are the places where we feel lost and helpless; deserts are situations
we don't know how to handle.
And yet, we somehow find a way through that unfamiliar terrain; we manage to
cross that emptiness and barrenness.
We discover something inside of us that enables us to make our way safely; we see
routes open to us that we had not seen before.
The wilderness changes us; the desert frees us to trust, to hope, to move.
The journey begins with allowing the Spirit to lead . . .
[Adapted from a sermon by the Rev. Brown Taylor.]
REFLECTION:
The wildernesses and deserts of our lives are those unknown and terrifying
places in which we find ourselves as a result of circumstances beyond our
control or our own mistakes and sins. But it is in those deserts and
wildernesses where we discover the Spirit of God in our lives.
The same Spirit that led Jesus into the desert accompanies us in our
wilderness experiences of fear, despair, confusion and grief. This Lent, the
Spirit calls our souls into the deserts of our hearts to discern what God calls
us to make of the time we have been given, to re-center our lives with new
hope and renewed vision as we continue our journey to the Easter promise.
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THE HOLY FATHER’S RESIGNATION
Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation has taken the world by surprise.
However, the abdication of a pope is not unprecedented. There have
been six others. Albeit, the last Pope to resign was Gregory XII in 1415.
The pope is now almost 85 years old and Benedict has been obviously laying the
groundwork for his resignation for some time. In an interview with Peter
Sewald, in 2010, Benedict stated, “If a pope clearly realizes he is no longer
physically and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office, then he
has a right and under some circumstances, also an obligation to resign.”
The Code of Canon Law (1983) allows for this possibility. Canon 336§2 states,
that a pope may resign if he does so “freely and his intention is duly
manifested.” With his public announcement to the world Benedict has fulfilled
this requirement.
At the time of his election, in 2005, Benedict predicted a short papacy, since he
was already 78 years old. He also referred to himself as a “little pope” in
comparison to his predecessor John Paul II, who he called a “great pope.”
Of late, it has become obvious to many Vatican watchers that the Pope’s
energy is declining. For example, he no longer walks down the aisles of St.
Peter’s Basilica. He is wheeled in standing in a wagon like vehicle by aides.
There are also rumors that he has lost control of the unwieldy and often arcane
Vatican bureaucracy; the management, of which, stands as a challenge even to a
younger man.
And finally, rumors have it that, even the Italian bishops are seemingly ignoring
his wishes. This is most especially obvious, in their reluctance to allow their
priests to celebrate the traditional Mass (The Extraordinary Form) which
Benedict himself implemented in a 2007 Motu Proprio, Summorum
Pontificum (a document proclaimed on his own authority as the universal
pastor of the Church).
Pope Benedict, is teaching another lesson. He recognizes that he can no longer
give his best to the Church, he loves. He is willingly stepping down so that
another pope may more effectively lead the Church.
Benedict’s greatest gift to the Church and the world is his humility. His
resignation will set a precedent for future popes. And, his humility will be
spoken of until the end of time.
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Statement of Bishop Richard Pates
Bishop of Des Moines on the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI
for Health Reasons
"The totally unexpected yet courageous decision of Pope Benedict XVI to retire at
the end of February is clear testimony of his commitment to generous service as long
as he is able for the well-being of the Catholic Church. Surely, he has been attentive
to the voice of God speaking to him in prayer.
"When he was first elected pope, a Protestant theologian commented to me: 'The
Catholic Church now has at its helm a first class theologian.' In his nearly eight years
as pope, Benedict XVI has exercised this capacity as theologian with writings and
talks that will provide understanding and inspiration for centuries to come. His
pastoral heart also emerged on the world stage generating hope and consolation.
"Personally, I had the great privilege to become acquainted with Cardinal Ratzinger
when his itinerary on his first personal trip to the United States included three days in
St. Paul, Minnesota on a visit to St. John Vianney College Seminary and the
University of St. Thomas.
Since his election as pope, I have met him three times, most recently last spring
during the ad limina visit of the bishops of Region 9 of the United States Conference
of Catholic Bishops. The pope is always personally attentive, friendly and gracious.
"Our prayers now turn to the College of Cardinals as they prepare to elect Benedict
XVI's successor. May they experience the powerful guidance of the Holy Spirit in
the process of electing the successor of Peter the Apostle."
NY Cardinal Dolan: Startled by Pope's Announcement
New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan says he was as startled as the rest of the world about
Pope Benedict XVI's announcement that he will resign later this month due to failing health.
Dolan says he feels a special bond with the Pope because he was the one that appointed
him archbishop of New York.
Dolan, speaking on the "Today" show Monday, says he wears the ring and the cross the
Pope gave him.
The Pope announced Monday that he would resign Feb. 28 because he's simply too infirm to
carry on.Dolan says the conclave to elect to a new Pope would do well to look for the kinds
of qualities Pope Benedict possessed: knowledge about the world, a theological depth,
personal piety and linguistic talent.
4

Benedict XVI plans life of prayer after Retirement
After Pope Benedict XVI retires at the end of February he will dedicate himself
to a life of prayer and study in a Vatican-based monastery.The Pope, who
announced today he will step down on Feb. 28, will first stay in Castel
Gandolfo before eventually going back to the Vatican to live in Mater
Ecclesiae monastery.
The monastery is currently being renovated, but it is normally inhabited by a
group of nuns who pray for the ministry of the Pope, a mission Pope John
Paul II gave to them.
"He will be dedicating himself to prayer and reflection," said Vatican
spokesman Father Federico Lombardi, during an unexpected Feb. 11 media
event at the Holy See press office.
"The Pope will not be cloistered nor should he be considered confined in any
way, and he will have his freedom," said Fr. Lombardi."Certainly this is a new
situation and we will see how he lives it," he added.
Some fear having two Popes alive will cause problems, but Fr. Lombardi
dismissed those suggestions."I wouldn't have any fear about this because
there's a knowledge of Pope Benedict XVI as being discrete, and there would
not be any interference with his successor," said Fr. Lombardi.
"This would be completely against his personality," he noted.
On the matter of how the Pope came to his decision, the Vatican spokesman
said it was “not a rash decision; he is not depressed or overwhelmed by his
pontificate.”
Canon law states a meeting to choose the next Pope, a “conclave,” must be
held within a maximum of 20 days after his seat is vacant.
This could mean the Church will have no head during most of Lent, but the
Vatican hopes to have one by Easter.
This is the first time since Gregory XII relinquished his office in 1415 that a
Pope has resigned.
Pope Benedict will still hold his title of cardinal that he had before he was
elected Pope.
5

WHERE DOES LENT COME FROM?
The prayers of the liturgy refer to Lent as “this joyful season.”
Though the character of the season is penitential, the intent of
Lent is to prepare our dispositions for the greatest feast of the
church year, the always-jubilant Easter.
Easter is the primary day of rejoicing. Every Sunday is
considered a “little Easter,” a commemoration of how Jesus
triumphed over sin and death through the power of God for the
sake of humanity’s emancipation from those ancient twin evils
that bound it.
The entire church year spins on the axis of Easter faith. In the
first three centuries of the church Christians prepared for this
mother-of-all-feasts by fasting—between two days to a week
depending on local custom.
In Rome the “paschal fast” may have lasted as long as three
weeks. This extended fast was linked to the preparation of new
members for baptism at the Easter Vigil. By the fourth century
a full 40-day period of preparation was observed, imitating the
40-day fast of Jesus in the desert before undertaking his great
mission.
Fasting and prayer were natural components of the season
because that’s how Jesus prepared himself. Almsgiving was
added to the practices of Lent as it, too, was a traditional way
of making sacrifice to God.
SMILES FOR LENT-----Lenten Prayer
"So far today, God, I've done all right. I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my
temper. Haven't been grumpy, nasty or selfish. I'm really glad of that. But in a
few minutes, God, I'm going to get out of bed; and from then on,
I'm probably going to need a lot of help."
6

THIS & THAT, PLUS LOTS MORE!!
1. I will be gone, hopefully, from Sunday afternoon until Tuesday evening. The
19th, Tuesday, is my birthday. This may all change as we could quite possibly
have a death in our parish family; and, of course, your pastor would be present
to minister to the needs of the family and to preside at the Mass of Christian
Burial.
2. Just want to remind everyone once again that each Wednesday evening
during Lent, I will be out at Hamburg to conduct my Catholic Classes; and,
each Thursday evening in Shenandoah. Each Friday in Shenandoah, I will be
having confessions, Stations of the Cross, Mass, plus Fish Fry afterwards. As
your pastor, I have a very busy Lenten schedule of events this year. During our
Lenten journey, we will also be having a Parish Mission as well. Fr. Bob
Dufford, Jesuit Retreat Master/Hymn writer, will be our speaker. Fr. Bob is best
known for his beloved hymn, “Be Not Afraid.”
SMILE!-The End is Near!
Father Boudreaux and pastor Thibodeaux
were fishing on the side of the road. They
thoughtfully made a sign saying "De End
is Near! Turn yourself around now before
it's too late!," and showed it to each
passing car.
Well this one car that passed didn't
appreciate the sign and was shouting at
them: "Leave us alone you religious nuts!"
All of a sudden they heard a big splash,
looked at each other, and Father
Boudreaux said.....
"You think we should just put up a sign
that says: 'bridge out' instead ?"
7
Happy Birthday
Joyce!!!

HOLY HUMOR-------- Getting Ready for Lent
If you can start the day without caffeine or pills,
If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can do all these things,
Then you are probably the family dog.
New Tables and Chairs
have arrived!!
We have had several inquiries
about the old tables and chairs.
The tables will be available to
members of the church first @ a
cost of $25 each with a limit of
two per family.
The chairs will be available for $2
each -- as many as you desire.
Please see Joe Travis to purchase
these.
8
From dust you are
taken..to dust you shall
return
A little boy came home from
Sunday School and went into
his room to change his
clothes. When he emerged he
asked his mother, "Is it true
we come from dust?" "Yes
dear," replied mother. "Is it
true that when we die we go
back to the dust?" "Yes dear,
that's right." The little boy
ran into his room and came
out all excited, "Mom, I just
looked under my bed and
there's someone either
coming or going!"

High Road III us a Country & Gospel group out
of Nashville. They have performed several times
on national TV and have several CD’s available.
Sarah Davison(left) is from Braddyville, Iowa
and a 2002 graduate of South Page High
School. This group is becoming very successful,
so it is a privilege that we have the
opportunity to have them perform in Hamburg! They all have a heart for serving God, and you will
be blessed by their vocal talent of harmonizing, and playing the fiddle, guitar and piano! They will
perform a variety of traditional hymns, gospel, and country/gospel and maybe a little Blue Grass
too! Something for all to enjoy.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013
COLONIAL THEATRE--HAMBURG, IA.
7:00 P.M.
FREE WILL DONATION
DID YOU KNOW? There is a place in the heart of Des Moines that offers easy
access to spiritual direction, a quiet chapel for daily prayer and twice weekly Eucharistic
celebration, or just a place to step away from the busyness of life in order to enjoy an
opportunity for silence and solitude. Emmaus House, located in a restored Victorian
house in the Sherman Hill Neighborhood, provides the setting to help facilitate renewal,
rest and contemplative reflection, and to strengthen one’s spiritual growth. To reserve a
room for a day, overnight, weekend or longer stay, or to schedule a private or staff
retreat, please call Cindy Shaw at 515-282-4839 or visit our website at
www.emmaushousedm.com.
9

Coming soon................
February 19th--Mission by Fr. Bob Duffard --7 pm @ Red Oak
February 20th-- Catholicism Class -- 7 pm @ Hamburg
February 21st-- Catholicism Class --7 pm @ Shen
February 26th --Mission By Fr. Bob Duffard--7 pm @ Shenandoah
February 27th -- Catholicism Class --7 pm @ Hamburg
February 28th --Catholicism Class --7 pm @ Shen
March 5th -- Mission by Fr Bob Duffard--7 pm @ Red Oak
March 6th -- Catholicism Class --7 pm @ Hamburg
March 7th -- Catholicism Class -- 7 pm @ Shen
March 13th -- Catholicism Class -- 7 pm @ Hamburg
March 14th -- Catholicism Class --7 pm @ Shen
March 19th -- Mission By Fr. Bob Duffard -- 7 pm @ Shen
March 22nd -- FISH FRY @ ST. MARY’S HAMBURG!
March 24th --PALM SUNDAY
March 26th --Inter Church Council Holy Week Service--
7 AM @St. Mary’s Hamburg
March 31st--EASTER SUNDAY
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CONFESSIONS WiLL BE HEARD
BEFORE EACH CATHOLICISM
CLASS --STARTING @ 6:30
IN HAMBURG
x
X
Stations of the cross will take
place before each Sunday
Mass during Lent.
10

PRAY FOR THOSE
SERVING IN THE
MILITARY
PAT HINES
CHRIS HINES
MICHAEL VAN DAMME
SHANNA VAN DAMME
STEPHEN KAY
JIM MAYBERRY
BRANDON LOGGINS
BENJAMIN BROWN
TROOPS FROM
168 INF & BSB 334
TYLER VAN DRIEL
DUSTIN BRAKE
BRANDON HAMM
JOE GUDE
JOSH SIMMONS
TREVOR ANDERSON
JACOB ANDERSON
. YOUR
CONTRIBUTIONS
February 10, 2013
Tithes--$883.00
Plate--$72.00
Coffee--$45.00
Cost--$53.22
Thank You!
St. Mary’s Happenings
February
Birthdays
2-1 -- Frances Nahkunst
2-6 -- Addison Foster
2-7 -- Larry Phillips
2-8 —Seth Ettleman
2-9-—Cameron Whitehead
2-14 --Rick Jamison
2-17 --Joyce Travis
2-19 --Fr. Vern Smith
2-19 --Meredith Mayberry
2-21 --Monica Whitehead
2-21 --Cara Goodman
2-22 --Andrew Gude
2-25 --Marilyn Gude
Happy
Anniversary!
Greg & Beth Phillips 2-2
Rick & Teresa Jamison 2-13
Denny & JoElla Travis 2-22
Seth & Cindie Gaines 2-22
11
PRAY FOR THE SICK
Greg Andersen
Merle Hein
Guy Scdoris
Grady Secht
Shirley Dovel
Brian Dalton
Velva Mitchell
Rachel Neely
Frances Zuck
Larry Goracke
Reese Kemp
James Dowling
LeRoy Herscheid
Joesphine Zanker
Herschel Dalton
Kathy Brennan
Valerie Able
Maria
Buttercase family
Noah Howe
Mary Beth Grundman
Helen Maher
Barbra Vannoy
Florence Goracke
Mary Lou Miller
Dottie Dankof
Kay Mather
Chad Dovel
Lloyd Sebek
Isacc Durr
Jerry Gude
Emma Gallagher
Joseph Moore
Marissa Robinson
Bob Dalton
Brenda Ziolkowski
Judy Clark

2013
FEBRUARY 17
1st Sunday of
Lent
8:30
FEBRUARY 24
2nd Sunday of
Lent
8:30
MARCH 3
3rd Sunday of
Lent
8:30
MARCH 10
3rd Sunday of
Lent
8:30
MARCH 17
4th Sunday of
Lent
8:30
Greeters and
Ushers
Henry & Helen
Martin
Scott & Beth
Mayberry
Jim & Cheryl
Owen
Kathy Moody
Suzie Moores
Angie Sheldon
Georgann
Stephens
Jan Kraft
John & Joyce
Travis
EuniceTravis
Troy & Monica
Whitehead
Family
Eucharist
Ministers
Denny & JoElla
Travis
Anne
Hendrickson
Dan Goodman
Vince Hilton
Annie
Wakefield
Joe & Robbi
Travis
Bill Green
Denny Travis
Servers
Jed Whitehead
Maddy Duncan
Ryan Dewhirst
Noah Goodman
Jake Smith
Bryson Duncan
Aaron Goodman
Cameron
Whitehead
Daniel
Whitehad
Cale Phillips
Lector Susan Hilton Michael
Gallagher
Mark Gude Rick Jamison Carolyn Maher
Mass Setup Vince Hilton Joe Travis Rosie Callahan Denny Travis Vince Hilton
Cantor Kate Roberts Beth Phillips Kate Roberts Beth Phillips Kate Roberts
Accompanist Kim Lauman Donna Whelan Kim Lauman Nancy Pitts Kim Lauman
Coffee and
Donuts
Randy
& Wendy
Duncan family
Jim & Ruth
Folkes
Bill & Gloria
Green
Marty &
Carolyn
Maher
Henry & Helen
Martin
Jeff & Lisa
Phillips
Greg & Beth
Phillips
Marvel Travis
Terry & Kim
Travis
Wash Linens Verona Mitchell Verona Mitchell Bev Finnigan Bev Finnigan Bev Finnigan
PASTORAL ASSISTANT BOOKKEEPER DIRECTOR OF FAITH
FORMATION
R.C.I.A.
Cheryl Phillips
712.382.2668 (h)
712.350.0169 (c)
cheryljphil@gmail.com
Anne Hendrickson
Bookkeeper
712.382.2432
Scott Mayberry
712-374-3300
Jeff & Tara
Menke
712-246-1718
Catholic Charities - www.CatholicCharitiesDM.org - 515.244.3761