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QUARTERLY PARISH NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2014
THE PASTOR’S CORNER | MONSIGNOR DAVID FUNK
CATHOLIC MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE
Pope Francis this year called for an Extraordinary Synod
of Bishops to meet in Rome. This took place for two weeks in
October. The topic centered on Catholic Marriage and Family
Life. This Extraordinary Synod is to be followed by the World
Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, PA, next September, 2015;
and then the Ordinary Synod of Bishops in October, 2015.
So many pastoral challenges and questions surround our
Catholic Church’s teaching on the Sacrament of Marriage; its
mission in the midst of the world; children; and the passing on of
the faith to the next and future generations of the Church.
The Extraordinary Synod prepared a working document that
some hoped would be a quick fix and offer immediate solutions.
But the Synod voted in the end to send it back to committee for
reworking. This seems to be a good choice, because this concern
of the Church should be carefully thought out and reflected upon.
Here at the local level of the parish of St. Pius X, our Parish
Council, at its August retreat, made it a goal to strengthen
marriage and family life in the parish. Those council members
chosen as liaisons to the various committees and organizations,
were to ask them to think of ways they might practically
strengthen the Sacrament of marriage and family life.
I personally committed myself to speak to parents of our school
children and our PSR children. I did so at the opening of the
school and PSR program. I am in the process of meeting with
parents on the Sundays of early PSR to speak more on the role of
parents as primary educators of their children in the Faith. It is my
wish to work with our Elementary parents in the same way. I am
working with Mr. Cuniak, Principal, and the faculty on a schedule.
Other ways to strengthen our Pre-Cana preparation for
marriage will be topic for discussion with the Deacons and our
Pre-Cana team. There will be bulletin inserts after the first of next
year, 2015, that will be forthcoming.
I highly recommend a book published by Our Sunday Visitor
Press (www.osv.com) that I have gotten recently. It is titled: Love
is our Mission, The Family fully alive. It is a book published in
advance of the World
Meeting of Families in
Philadelphia. Copies
have been given to
our parish staff and to
Parish Council. It is a
good personal read; and
it can be used for group discussion. It has reflection questions at
the end of each chapter.
If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to contact
me, the Deacons, Parish staff or Parish Council. If those who are
married more deeply understand marriage as a vocation from
God; as the Sacrament of the love of God the Father for humanity,
and that shown forth most concretely in the sacrifice of His Son
Jesus Christ out of love for us; as a mission to educate and raise
the next generation of Christians in their children, then marriage
and family life can be greatly strengthened.
There will be much discussion and much written on this topic
and the Synod of Bishops and the World Meeting of Families in
Philadelphia. I encourage everyone to work to strengthen the sacred
institution of marriage and the mission of family life here at St. Pius X.
Sincerely,
Msgr. David Funk
PARISH WEBSITE
www.spxreynoldsburg.com
IN THIS ISSUE
Teens Serve with Smiles
3
PARISH E-MAIL
[email protected]
Symbols of our Church
4
Christmas Cookie Sale
6
2014 Advent Schedule
7
RECTORY/CHURCH OFFICE
(614) 866-2859
MISSION STATEMENT
We, the people of God at St. Pius X Parish, are a community of believers
faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Tradition. We seek
holiness through prayer, worship and the sacramental life of the Church.
Inspired by the fire of the Holy Spirit, we give witness to the Gospel
through education, service and sharing of our time, talent and treasure so
that God’s kingdom may live and grow in our midst.
QUARTERLY PARISH NEWSLETTER
FROM THE DESK OF JON CUNIAK, ST. PIUS X SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
PHONES
Rectory & Church Offices
(614) 866-2859
PARISH PASTORAL STAFF
Dial (614) 866-2859 and then
Msgr. David Funk, Pastor...................
Deacon John Vellani..........................
Deacon John DuPrey........................
Deacon Jim Kelly..............................
Deacon Charlie Miller,
Business Manager..............................
Michelle Carey, Administrative Asst
Judy Miller, Bookkeeper....................
Brenda Brammer, Finance.................
Christina Zacovic,
Bookkeeper/Receptionist...................
Ext 104
Ext 102
Ext 102
Ext 102
Ext 101
Ext 102
Ext 105
Ext 116
Ext 112
Pastoral Ministers
Leah Kelly......................................... Ext 103
Sr. Maxine Shonk , OP ............ (614) 866-1575
EDUCATION & MINISTRY STAFF
Jonathan Cuniak....... (614) 866-6050 Ext 222
School Principal
Mary Benedict....................... (614) 577-0826
Co-Director, Children’s Center
Sharon Miller ....................... (614) 577-0826
Co-Director, Children’s Center
De Ann Bukowski . .............. (614) 864-3505
Coordinator of Religious Education
Judie Bryant.......................... (614) 864-3505
Youth Minister
SELF STUDY TOWARD ACCREDITATION
Over the last eighteen months, Saint Pius X School faculty and staff have
been working through the Self Study process in anticipation of renewing our
accreditation through the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association. In
recent parish newsletters, I have shared updates on our progress through this
process including the creation of our revised school mission statement that is
now prominently displayed in all classrooms. As our process draws closer to
a culmination with an external team visit in February or March, I wanted to
provide another update.
Our faculty was surveyed in May on 60 areas identifying student strength
and weaknesses in the areas of: Creativity and Innovation, Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving, Communication and Collaboration, Information Literacy,
Applying Technology, Adaptability, Initiative and Self-Direction, Social Skills,
Productivity and Accountability and Leadership/Responsibility.
The responses were reviewed by the committee and then were shared with the
faculty at the first faculty meeting of the 2014-15 school year. The faculty identified
10 areas as possible goals for improvement that will lead to the creation of our
student learning goal as part of our school improvement plan. The survey alone is
not enough to justify our goal going forward. A similar process will take place as
we identify a goal in the area of Catholic Identity.
Many lengthy discussions have taken place over the last few months as our
staff has reviewed different data pieces and best practices to identify the direction
we wish to pursue. At this point, our goal areas are quite broad; however we have
identified social justice as the area of focus for our Catholic Identity goal and goal
setting and student self-reflection for the area of Student Learning.
The next piece is to discuss the goal areas and reflect upon them focusing
on the areas of Catholic Identity, Curriculum, Data, Assessment, Instruction
and teacher Professional Development. In doing so, we will come together as a
faculty to identify that the plan will impact our school for great student success
and move our students forward.
In addition to reviewing our self study and school improvement plan, the
external team that will visit our school will certify that our school meets or exceeds
all operating standards required by the Diocese of Columbus and the State of Ohio.
A Diocesan internal team reviewed this documentation in October as well.
Thank you for your prayers and support as our school continues through
this important process. I look forward to sharing the news that our plan was
approved and the school re-accredited late this Spring.
Beth Antommarchi................ (614) 866-1209
Director of Latchkey
John Pottkotter...................... (614) 501-0104
Coordinator of Music
PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Barbara Martin...................... (614) 861-5809
2
FOR INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER — Saint Pius X School offers a well rounded
curriculum, rooted in our Catholic Faith. Our school family attends Mass each Tuesday.
In addition to daily Religion classes and our core curriculum, students have weekly Art,
Music, Physical Education, Library, Technology and Spanish classes, with technology
integrated across all content areas. Please call 614/866-6050 ext. 223 to learn more
information, schedule a tour or to begin the registration process. Limited financial
assistance may be available.
ST. PIUS X PARISH, REYNOLDSBURG OHIO
NOVEMBER 2014
FROM THE DESK OF JUDIE BRYANT, DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY
Teens Serve with Smiles
One of the most incredible things about the high school teens involved in
the youth ministry program here at St. Pius X is their depth of compassion and
their willingness to serve. In addition to being a vital part of our Parish Summer
Vacation Bible School staff and volunteering with the Parish School of Religion,
they are also a huge part of our Confirmation Retreat Leadership Team. These
are all high level commitments, involving many hours of service directly working
with children in our parish in grades preschool thru junior high.
Another popular service opportunity with SPX teens is the Diocesan
sponsored Gospel Road Mission Trip. Held every summer in July, this trip
sends students to a community located within the Diocese to spend a week
helping individuals and agencies in need of assistance. Projects include painting,
landscaping, cleaning, and construction and repair. This year, our teens
participated in a “Teach and Build” session before heading down to London,
OH - this year‘s Gospel Road “Base“. In addition to learning safety tips and how
to use many tools, they constructed a beautiful picnic table. It was raffled off, and
proceeds helped attendees fund their trip.
@spx_youthgroup
WHAT IS YOUTH GROUP?
From the FAQs of the
St. Pius X Youth Group website:
The high school Youth Ministry Program
at St. Pius X Parish provides programs and
resources to assist our high school-aged
parishioners to grow and mature in their
faith, understanding, and love of God, and
to discover and use their gifts to be of service
to the parish and the community at large. In
other words, it’s a chance for you, as a teen, to
hang out and have fun with friends in a safe,
comfortable atmosphere.
Any student in Grade 9-12 that belongs
to St. Pius X parish is eligible to participate.
If you have a friend in Grade 9-12, they are
welcome to attend our weekly events, too.
They don’t even have to be Catholic! There
is no membership fee; simply show up to
an event. Although some activities require a
separate fee, generally our activities are free.
Learn more at:
http://asrls6.wix.com/stpiusyouthgroup
Upcoming Events &
Stewardship Opportunities
Youth Ministry
Tom Vollmer gives Gospel Road attendees some construction tips.
During the school year, students involved in youth ministry are provided
opportunities monthly to serve in many different ways in both our parish and
our community. They worked together to build (and continue to maintain) the
new Rosary Path, located next to the Rectory. They have unloaded, sorted, and
distributed household goods and clothing with Joseph’s Coat. They have worked
at the Mid Ohio Food Bank, have sorted toys at the Firefighter for Kids Toy
Drive, and have even walked dogs at a local animal shelter.
Bishop Hartley freshman Kassady Herriott explains why service to others is
so important to her. “I like participating in service projects because it literally
shapes who you are. Not only do you get fulfillment from making a difference in
other people’s lives, but it’s really fun! Service overall makes you a better, happier
person.”
All projects are completed with a smile, and sincere interest in acting as
Christ’s hands in the world today. Their enthusiasm to help those less fortunate
serves as an inspiration to all.
WWW.SPXREYNOLDSBURG.COM
m
FOR DECEMBER 2014
6
Service Saturday - Joseph’s Coat
9
Taco Tuesday
13
Girls Night Out
(Following 5:00 Mass)
14
Guys Night Out
(Following Noon Mass)
21
Christmas Party (6:00 - 8:00)
28
No Meeting - Christmas Break
3
QUARTERLY PARISH NEWSLETTER
BY MICHAEL BERGER
RICH SYMBOLISM WITHIN OUR SACRED WALLS
Catechumens and
Candidates, and
explains much of
the rich symbolism
and history behind
the architecture.
Deacon Jim Kelly
also offers his
perspectives. They
recently gave this
tour for our RCIA
group. So let’s take a
quick tour through
our church!
A few months ago, Deacon Duprey
was discussing in his homily how we need
to make it our job to continually learn
and re-learn our Catholic faith. How can
we teach our children and others what we
don’t know ourselves?
We are called to be active participants
in this “new evangelization” — to proclaim
the gospel by how we live our lives, and to
be prepared to give an explanation for why
we as Catholics believe what we believe.
“Always be prepared to make a defense to
anyone who asks you for the reason for
your hope” (1 Peter 3:15).
As I was listening to Deacon preach
from the ambo, from the angle I was
seated, I couldn’t help but notice the ChiRho monogram and four symbols of the
gospel writers on the mosaic wall behind
the altar. I tried to remember what these
symbols meant. It occurred to me that
for starters, we could probably all use a
refresher regarding the rich symbolism
within our church walls; perhaps a deeper
understanding and appreciation behind
the meaning of what we see could help
enrich our experience at Mass.
If you have ever gone through the St.
Pius X Rite of Christian Initiation for
Adults (RCIA) program, or have been
a sponsor, you know that Monsignor
Funk provides a tour of the church for the
4
We enter into the
rear of the church
and arrive in the
narthex, also known
as the vestibule. We then proceed into the
main body of the church, called the nave,
which is from the Latin word navis for
‘ship.’ So we are now “in the boat” with
Jesus and our fellow brothers and sisters.
Jesus did lots of teaching from a boat, and
his first disciples were fishermen. Now we
hear Jesus teach us from the boat in the
Liturgy of the Word! Through the years
the Church has been likened to Noah’s Ark
getting tossed about in the storm; those
outside were destroyed, but those within
were saved. So one can’t help but notice
the ceiling of our church looks like a small,
inverted boat. Much of the stained glass
along the sides of the church is blue, like
water, and contains abstracts of fish. You
must step down into the baptismal well
(where the baptismal font sits) which is also
in the shape of a boat. The walls behind the
sanctuary are the highest in the church,
symbolic of our sacrifice being lifted up,
made holy, returned down to us, and then
we are sent out to the world to bring Jesus
to others. So standing on the altar looking
out into the nave, the ribs of the ceiling flow
toward and converge on the doors, where
we are sent forth.
The front of the church is also called the
sanctuary from the Latin word sanctus
meaning ‘holy.’ It is in the sanctuary where
the two parts of the Mass are celebrated:
the Liturgy of the Word, read from the
pulpit or ambo, and the Liturgy of the
Eucharist, which takes place on the altar.
It was on the altar in the Jewish temples of
the Old Testament that the priest would
sacrifice animals and make offerings. In
the Mass, we offer an unbloody sacrifice,
the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and then
consume Him in the Eucharist. Jesus is the
priest and the sacrifice.
Early Christian churches were built over
the tombs of martyrs and saints. Since
not every church in modern times can be
built on such a site, encased within every
Catholic church altar are the relics of saints.
Relics are actual remnants of these saints’
bodies. The altar in St. Pius X church houses
relics of saints Aurelius and Florence, and
contains small crosses on all four corners
and in the middle of the altar, representing
the five wounds of Jesus. The altar should be
built of substantial material such as stone or
marble, and is often located in the east side
of the church, representing the direction
where Jesus, as symbolized by the rising
sun, will come again.
Behind the altar is a large mosaic with
gold coloring that appears heaven-like. The
monogram is formed by superimposing
the first two capital Greek letters —Chi and
Rho (ΧΡ)—of the Greek word for Christ.
Symbols of the four gospel writers are also
depicted at the tip of each arm of the “X”
surrounding the throne of Christ. St. Jerome
formulated early meanings for these beasts,
with each symbol having a three-layered
meaning: a representation of the evangelist
himself, the nature of Christ, and the virtues
required of a Christian for salvation.
Matthew is symbolized by a winged
man, or angel. Matthew’s gospel starts
with Joseph’s genealogy from Abraham. It
represents Jesus’ Incarnation, and so Christ’s
human nature. This signifies that Christians
should use their gift of reason for salvation.
Mark is symbolized by a winged lion,
a figure of courage and monarchy. Mark
has John the Baptist preaching “like a lion
roaring” at the beginning of his Gospel.
ST. PIUS X PARISH, REYNOLDSBURG OHIO
NOVEMBER 2014
The symbol also represents Christ as King and
Jesus’ Resurrection, because lions were believed to
sleep with open eyes, a comparison with Christ in
the tomb. This signifies that Christians should be
courageous on the path of salvation.
l c o m e Ba c
New Fa c e s
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&
k, Old
...
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Luke is symbolized by a winged ox or bull, a
figure of sacrifice, service and strength. Luke’s
account begins with the duties of Zacharias in the
temple. The symbol represents Jesus’ sacrifice in
His Passion and Crucifixion, as well as Christ as
High Priest and Mary’s obedience. The ox signifies
that Christians should be prepared to sacrifice
themselves in following Christ.
FROM THE DESK OF DEACON CHARLIE MILLER, BUSINESS MANAGER
John is symbolized by an eagle—a figure of the
sky and believed to be able to look straight into the
sun. John begins his gospel with an eternal overview
of Jesus the Logos. Unlike the three synoptic gospel
writers, he goes on to describe many things at
a “higher” level. This symbol represents Jesus’
Ascension and Christ’s divine nature. It reminds
us as Christians that we should look on eternity
without flinching as we journey towards our goal of
union with God.
On the far right side of the sanctuary is the
tabernacle. which means ‘dwelling place.’ A candle
is always lit nearby, symbolizing Christ’s eternal
presence. The tabernacle houses the Eucharist
outside of Mass for the purposes of adoration,
distribution to the sick and dying, and to prevent
its profanation.
Arrayed on the tabernacle are the letters
ICHTHYS which is Greek for ‘fish.’ This acrostic is
also the letters which spell Iesous Christos Theou
Yios Soter, which translates to “Jesus Christ, Son
of God, Saviour” in English.The symbol of the fish
was familiar among early Christians, and there are
volumes of literature written regarding the deep
meaning behind the association of the Eucharist,
Jesus Christ and fish.
The stained glass window on the far right side of
the sanctuary, behind the wall where the tabernacle
is located, also contains rich symbolism. The
Chi-Rho monogram is found here, with vines and
clusters of grapes growing from it. Christ is the vine,
we are the branches, and we are called to bear fruit.
We can’t bear fruit apart from the vine!
So there you have it, a quick refresher on some of
the rich symbolism and tradition found within our
church. As we all gather to celebrate the Mass, I hope
we will all take time to admire and appreciate the
beauty that is found within this sacred place.
WWW.SPXREYNOLDSBURG.COM
WELCOME TO MICHELLE CAREY
St. Pius X Church and School welcomes Michelle Carey to the rectory staff
as Administrative Assistant. Michelle and her husband Timothy have been
members of St. Pius X Church for over 20 years. She will be the first person to
greet you as you enter the rectory. We wish her success in this new endeavor.
FROM THE DESKS OF MARY BENEDICT/SHARON MILLER, CO-DIRECTORS
CHILDREN’S CENTER GETS UPDATE
We’ve gotten off to a great start here in preschool. The new three year
olds have adjusted well and the returning Pre-K’s never missed a beat! We’re
having a great time teaching our youngest citizens how to “do school” in our
safe and friendly environment.
Through an anonymous donation, we were able to make some muchneeded building improvements — new electrical wiring, new flooring, and
a brand new kitchen to update our 1947 model. All of us at the center are so
thankful and happy in our “new” digs!
ABOUT US The St. Pius X Children’s Center operates in its own facility at 1067
Waggoner Road, site of the prior parish convent. The center offers preschool
classes for three-year-olds and their first experience in a classroom setting. It
also offers Pre-K classes constructed to prepare four- and young five-year-old
students for kindergarten. The center is licensed by the Ohio Department of
Education and follows or exceeds the Early Learning Content Standards. If
you have questions about St. Pius X Children’s Center, please call the center
during school hours at (614) 577-0826. You may also visit its website at:
http://www.spxelementary.com/school_newsArticles.aspx?schoolid=1
FROM THE DESK OF DE ANN BUKOWSKI,
COORDINATOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
A WELCOME BACK FROM PSR
I hope that everyone is having a good start to the new school year. The Parish
School of Religion (PSR) classes are still welcoming students back to the task
of learning about their rich Catholic Faith.
Currently we have 222 students enrolled in PSR and Rite of Christian
Initiation of Children (RCIC) classes. Between the school, PSR, and RCIC we
have 100 Confirmation and 67 First Communion Candidates. Please keep all
the students and volunteers in your prayers. Everyone is always in my prayers.
God Bless,
De Ann Bukowski, CRE
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QUARTERLY PARISH NEWSLETTER
SUPPORT JOSEPH’S COAT
2014 Christmas Cookie Sale
WHERE St. Pius X Church
1051 S. Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
WHEN December 6 & 7, 2014 after all Masses
WHAT Homemade Christmas Cookies, Pre-Packaged and Ready for Purchase
Take home delicious home-baked cookies and help families in need.
COST Medium Box $12 • Large Box $20
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Patricia Lutz, Co-Chair (614) 395-2057 | [email protected]
Eileen Kaminski, Co-Chair (614) 753-3838 | [email protected]
All proceeds benefit Joseph’s Coat of Ohio.
St. Pius is happy to announce that it will again conduct a
Christmas Cookie Sale benefiting Joseph’s Coat. Working with
Messiah Lutheran, we have devised a few changes which we feel
will be more convenient for everyone and be less labor intensive
for the volunteers. Each church will sponsor and conduct a cookie
sale on its own grounds. St. Pius X will conduct its sale on Saturday,
December 6 and Sunday, December 7. Homemade Christmas
cookies will be boxed and ready to buy after all Masses. Boxes will
again be the same price – $12 for medium size and $20 for large size.
All profits from the sale will be used to support families in
need through Joseph’s Coat, a non-profit community outreach
ministry of Messiah Lutheran Church, in partnership with St.
Pius X Catholic Church, Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church,
Parkview Presbyterian, and Eastpointe Christian Church located
in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The mission of Joseph’s Coat is to help
individuals and families provide for themselves by offering
clothing, furniture, personal care items, and household goods. Last
year, our Christmas Cookie Sale netted $5,000 and every dollar was
used to help support families in need.
6
STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITY
BAKE AND/OR PACKAGE
m
Many families volunteered in 2013 to make
their favorite cookies for us. Our committee
has been busy contacting our parish bakers.
If you have not been contacted but would
like to bake, please email or call us.
We will also be asking for volunteers to
assist with packaging cookies for the sale
on the morning and afternoon of December
6. This will be done in the PAC room. We
hope many of you will want to be part of
the fun of the sale. There are jobs for youth
and men, as well as women.
Please call or email Pat Lutz or Eileen
Kaminski, Co-Chairs for the event, with any
questions, or to volunteer for any part of the
sale. Our contact information is provided
above.
ST. PIUS X PARISH, REYNOLDSBURG OHIO
NOVEMBER 2014
2014 ADVENT CALENDAR
d DECEMBER 2014 - JANUARY 2015 e
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
9
10
11
12
13
Advent Evening
of Reflection
7:00 p.m.
7
14
8
Feast of the
Immaculate
Conception*
8:30 a.m. &
7:00 p.m. Mass
Communal
Anointing of
the Sick
5:00 p.m. Mass
15
16
17
18
19
20
Communal
Anointing of
the Sick
8:30 a.m. Mass
Communal
Penance Service
with Private
Confessions
7:00 p.m.
at St. Pius X
21
22
23
Christmas Eve
Masses
4:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
Christmas Day
Mass
9:00 a.m.
26
27
28
29
WWW.SPXREYNOLDSBURG.COM
30
Note: Change
of Mass times.
Note: There is
NO Midnight
Mass.
31
1
Vigil
Solemnity
Solemnity
of Mary the
of Mary the
Mother of God*
Mother of God* 9:00 a.m. Mass
5:00 p.m. Mass
X
* Feasts of the
Immaculate Conception (12/8)
& Solemnity of Mary
the Mother of God (1/1) are
Holy Days of Obligation.
7
Check out our SPX Happenings on our website: http://www.spxreynoldsburg.com
WELCOME MINISTRY
ROMANS 12:13
“Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,
exercise hospitality”
As part of the ministry’s activities we will be sponsoring a
Quarterly New Parishioner Brunch. Upcoming brunches are
scheduled for February 8 and May 3, 2015 . The brunch is held
immediately after our 10:15 a.m. Mass In the School Cafeteria.
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to St. Pius X!
WEEKEND MASSES
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 8:30, 10:15 a.m.
& 12:00 Noon.
HOLY DAY MASSES
Evenings: As Announced
Day: 8:30 a.m.
WEEKDAY MASSES
8:30 a.m
SPX NEWSLETTER
Published quarterly
• November 2014
• February 2015
• May 2015
• August 2015