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The Church of the Blessed Sacrament now has an RSS feed! If you would like to have information from Blessed Sacrament Parish fed to your news reader automatically, sign up for our RSS feed today. Click here to obtain the link to add it to your news feeder. Internet Explorer 7 and FireFox Users can click on their RSS Feed icon to subscribe. |
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St. Paul Weekly Readings and RCIA Topics
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The RCIA catechetical sessions for those not yet baptized or without training in the Christian faith (Wednesday evenings at 7pm), and those already baptized and well catechized (Sunday mornings at 10am), has started. Every week we will post the topics that will be presented at these sessions so that any adult member of the parish may attend for his or her own benefit. For more details on RCIA, click here.
Weekly Scripture Readings Year of St. Paul
Monday: 1 Corinthians 12
Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 13
Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 9
Thursday: 1 Corinthians 14:1-25
Friday: 1 Corinthians 15:1-34
Saturday: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58
Sunday: 1 Corinthians 16
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RCIA for the Non-Baptized
Wednesday at 7pm
Bishops Hall
Topic: Rosary & Advent
By John Hammans
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RCIA for the Baptized
Next Sunday at 10am in the Commons
Topic: Protestant Reformation
By Stephanie Mann
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Blessed Sacrament Parish Meetings - Summary
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Father McKnight and the Pastoral Council thank all 446 parisioners who responded to the invitation to participate in the parish meetings in July and August of this year. Great apprecation also goes to Johnny Riter, who compiled the information you find listed below. We have listed the top 20 concerns voiced by parishioners. Addressing these issues will be the basis for the parish pastoral plan, which is in the initial phases of development.
Blessed Sacrament Parish, through this plan, will more clearly define our tradition of a spiritually oriented family parish and extend a welcoming hand with support and formation to new parish members as well as to our existing parishioners. The center of our parish life will be the joyful celebration of the Liturgy.
Top 20 Factors (744 comments) |
Group |
Count |
Percentage |
Music |
Improve |
89 |
12.0% |
Communion use both forms |
Improve |
66 |
8.9% |
Welcome |
Improve |
54 |
7.3% |
Mass Content |
Improve |
46 |
6.2% |
Facility Issues |
Improve |
45 |
6.1% |
Family atmosphere / sense of community |
Keep |
36 |
4.9% |
Communication |
Improve |
33 |
4.4% |
Communion (use rail) |
Keep |
32 |
4.3% |
Stewardship |
Improve |
27 |
3.6% |
Formation for all |
Improve |
24 |
3.2% |
Adoration Chapel |
Keep |
23 |
3.1% |
Involvement (help people engage) |
Improve |
22 |
3.0% |
Tradition / doctrinally conserative / reverance |
Keep |
20 |
2.7% |
Youth Programs |
Improve |
19 |
2.6% |
Mass Times |
Change |
17 |
2.3% |
School Issues |
Change |
17 |
2.3% |
Educating and molding youth of Parish |
Keep |
15 |
2.0% |
Married couples program |
Change |
11 |
1.5% |
Asked to be stewards / opportunities to serve |
Keep |
11 |
1.5% |
Reverence until candles are out |
Keep |
11 |
1.5% |
Plan
The Pastoral Council, Stewardship Committee, Altar Society, Men’s Club, School Board, Finance Council, Liturgy Committee and Parish staff are working to develop a Pastoral Plan for Blessed Sacrament Parish by March 2009.
Actions Already Underway
Some issues can be addressed more readily than others. For instance, a great desire was voiced to move the time of the first Sunday Mass to 6:30 a.m. That schedule change will take place on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30.
Other improvements / changes will require prayerful consideration and time. To begin this process, those individuals and organizations responsible for the issues cited in the meetings will be asked to address these concerns and to offer a plan for improvement or change. Father McKnight, working with the Pastoral Council, will review this information and develop a pastoral plan to be implemented over the next three years. This report is the first of a series of reports to keep parishioners informed of the actions as they are implemented.
Call to Action
Our parishioners are asked to keep all involved in the development of this plan in their prayers. A vibrant Faith community, rooted in the traditional principles of the Church, will offer spiritual nurturing and growth for our families and serve as an example of Christ’s love to our neighbors.
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Last Spring Blessed Sacrament School conducted a survey and asked all parents to participate.
We have posted the results of this survey. Click here to view the results.
Parents were asked a variety of questions and were asked to rate if the Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree or Strongly Disagree.
A few of the questions:
Teachers challenge my child/children to do their best work.
Teachers provide a reasonable and appropriate amount of homework to help students succeed in their studies.
Teachers hold high expectations for student learning.
Teachers give students extra help in class when it is needed.
The new elective system enhanced the educational opportunities for students.
Blessed Sacrament offers learning opportunities that support the full range of student abilities.
The grading and evaluation of my child's/children's schoolwork is fair.
The grading and evaluation of my child's/children's schoolwork is fair.
Reports on my child's/children's progress are clear and easy to understand.
Teachers communicate effectively with parents about learning goals and strategies. |
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| Liturgy for Pre-K at 9:00 Mass |
Help your pre-kindergarten child understand the scripture readings of Mass by enrolling them in our new Liturgy of the Word for Children!
Beginning Nov. 30 during the 9am Sunday Mass, the priest will dismiss children ages 3-5 who are enrolled in the catechetical program to participate in this formation program located in Bishops Hall.
They will learn about the week's readings and receive a related coloring page to take home. Children will return to the church before Mass ends. Class size limited to 20 so registration is necessary. NO charge for the program.
KMC students receive volunteer hours as aides.
We need more volunteers to teach the program on a rotating basis.
To register or to volunteer, contact Katie Lewis: parish office, 682.4557 or home, 686.2004 or email kathleenzlewis@gmail.com.
Registration forms are also located in the church entrances and parish office. |
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| Advent Angel Program |
This long-time parish activity is a favorite of many families.
All parishioners are invited to participate. Here's how:
1) On Sunday, Nov. 16, put family information in Advent Angel box at the Douglas Street entrance of church.
2) On Sunday, Nov. 23, draw the name of a family to "Angel" through Advent.
3) On each Sunday of Advent (Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 & 21), take a small gift to your family anonymously.
4) On Sunday, Dec. 21, introduce yourself as the Advent Angel to your selected family.
Gifts can be as creative as you like or more traditional gifts such as holiday food treats.
If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Oldfather or Sarah DeVries.
Nancy Oldfather at 684-8695 or email
Sarah DeVries at 652-0245 or email
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| Parish Ski Trip |
Parish ski trip to Copper Mountain, Feb. 6-10, 2009.
Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Transport via sleeper bus for 9 hr. travel time.
Depart from Wichita Feb. 6 at 7pm and return Feb. 10 at 7:30am. (Blessed Sacrament School in session Feb. 9.)
For details: Mark Vanderpool, 682.2533 (home); 517.5032 (work); email: mvanderpool@cessna.textron.com. Sign up deadline is Nov. 24. Spaces available on bus #2.
Watch a video from last year's trip, click here. |
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| 2008 Parish Pictorial Directories |
2008 Parish Pictorial Directories are now available!
If your photo was taken in February or July of this year or you submitted a photo, you may pick up your FREE directory at the Parish Office Monday-Friday, 9 am-5pm and 7-9pm.
Please sign the pick-up sheet and date it. One directory per family.
You may also pick up your directory Oct. 26 in Bishops Hall after the 7am and 9am Masses. |
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| Historic Holiday Home Tour |
It's that time of year!
Holiday decorating ideas in a festive atmosphere at three historic, decked-out College Hill and Eastborough homes: 137 N. Belmont, 204 N. Belmont and 9 St. James.
Blessed Sacrament parishioners are invited to tour the homes during a progressive party on Friday, December 5 from 6:30-9:30 pm.
Tickets for the Friday event are $25.00 which includes advance tour, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and appetizers at each home.
The homes will be open to the public on Saturday, December 6 10:00 am-4:00 pm.
Tickets for Saturday are $12.00. Starting November 17, parishioners can purchase tickets for Friday and Saturday in the parish office, Watermark Books & Cafe, 4701 E. Douglas, or Maxine's 5400 E. Central.
Tickets will also be available at each home.
Due to the nature of this event, no children under 14 years of age, please.
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Religious Symbolism in Our Church |
At a parish meeting recently, someone questioned the meaning of the symbols above the Douglas Avenue doors to the church. In response to that question, the following explanation is taken from the Spiritual Self-Tour, a guide that was researched and written by Dee Ziegert and Jacquelyn Fremin for the Jubilee Year Pilgrimage weekend celebrated at Blessed Sacrament in August 2000.
FISH & BOOK: The apostle Phillip is often associated with the feeding of the multitudes, therefore making the fish one of his symbols in art. He was martyred in Hierapolis, Phrygia in 90 A.D., crucified upside down like St. Peter.
X: The apostle Andrew, the brother of Peter, is considered to be the founder of the Greek Orthodox Church and the first Bishop of Byzantium (later renamed Constantinople, now modern-day Istanbul). He was martyred in Patras, Greece in 70 A.D. on a cross called a “saltire” which is in the “X” form.
KEYS: Jesus gave the apostle Peter the keys to the Kingdom as the first pope of the Church. He was crucified upside-down in Rome in 66 A.D.
AXE & BOOK: The apostle Matthew, the brother of James the Less, was a tax-gatherer at Capernaum. He was martyred in 50 A.D. in Nadabar, Ethiopia after preaching for 15 years in Judea.
SAW & CLUB: The apostle Simon the Zealot preached in Egypt and then went to Persia where he was martyred by being sawn in half. He reportedly traveled with the apostle Jude, also called Thaddeus. The club is a depiction of the apostle James the Less (brother of Matthew and Jude) who was martyred in Jerusalem by being clubbed to death.
BELT & STONES: The apostle Matthias was bound by a belt and stoned to death in Jerusalem in 51 A.D. after returning from Armenia.
CHALICE & SNAKE: The apostle John was the brother of James the Greater and the cousin of Jesus. He was the only one of the Twelve to die a natural death although a priest of Diana tried to poison him. It is written that when St. John blessed the poisoned cup that was offered to him, a serpent flew out of it.
PURSE & PILGRIM’S STAFF: The apostle James the Greater, brother of John, is often depicted as a pilgrim because of his travels and evangelization in Spain. He was martyred by being beheaded by King Herod Agrippa in Jerusalem. He is buried in Compostella, Spain, a famous pilgrimage site. His death is the only biblical record of the death of an apostle (Acts: 12:12).
CARPENTER SQUARE & CROSS: The apostle Thomas was reported to be a carpenter instead of a fisherman like most of the other apostles. He was stabbed to death with a spear in 72 A.D. in Meliopor, Sought India. Indian writing states that St. Thomas used the cross as a religious symbol and that would have made him the first to do so. In the Western Church, the cross did not become the symbol of Christians until after Constantinople outlawed crucifixions in the 5th Century. St. Thomas is the patron saint of architects, masons and stonecutters.
SWORD (KNIFE) & HALBERD: The apostle Bartholomew, also called Nathaniel, was flayed alive then beheaded in 62 A.D. in Armenia. He is sometimes depicted carrying skin over his arm with a knife in his hand. The apostle Jude was martyred by a halberd while preaching the gospel in Persia with Simon.
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| Scrips Online |
Students returned to Blessed Sacrament School ready to tackle its many academic challenges and joys. Providing the excellent teachers, updated technologies, and educational opportunities for the students is an ever-increasing financial burden. The parish is responsible for the school and maintaining the high standards that make Blessed Sacrament School a standout institution.
Every parishioner can help offset some of these costs for education by taking advantage of the Scrips/Dillons card program. There is really no cost to supporting this program for you. Each time the card is used, a portion of the purchase price is given to our school in the form of a rebate. The amount of the rebate varies from business to business. You can purchase the gift/Dillons cards after the 9:00 Sunday Mass in Bishops Hall or go to the school office during school hours.
Parishioners have a long history of rallying to meet parish needs and your use of this program can bring in thousands of dollars for use in Blessed Sacrament School. Please take advantage of this opportunity for found money for the school.
They are the same gift certificates that you buy at the store. Many popular retailers participate in our scrip program including Applebees, Sears, Blockbuster, Kohl's, Best Buy, Walgreens and many, many others. To read more about our Scrip program, click here. To see our complete list, please click here.
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| Stewardship Opportunities |
PARISHIONERS: All leaders of ministries and activities received their lists and have begun to call volunteers. If you completed and returned your stewardship forms, check your answering machine for an invitation to be involved in the ministry or activity for which you volunteered.
If you haven’t returned your stewardship forms, it’s NOT too late. Please prayerfully consider how you would like to make a return of God’s gifts to you. Through which ministry or activity in the parish or wider community would you like to show your gratitude to God? Complete and return your forms, and your name will be forwarded to the corresponding leader or contact person. Stewardship Forms can be found at all the church entrances and at the parish office.
Ministries/activities that need additional volunteers include:
• Adoration Chapel
• Adult Choir
• Parish School of Religion (teachers & helpers)
• Children’s Liturgy (teachers & helpers) during 9:00am Mass
• Messenger Bible Study (for disabled adults)
• Oktoberfest (for 2009)
• Funeral Dinners: setup, serve and cleanup
OPPORTUNITIES
Bingo – The Men’s Club and the Knights of Columbus co-sponsor Bingo as a fundraiser to assist in maintaining the parish and school grounds. Volunteers work at Bingo Casino West on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 6:00pm. To volunteer, contact: Kevin Arkin, 682.6528 or Fred Johnson, 684.9511.
Co-Leader for Messenger Bible Studies – Blessed Sacrament Messenger Bible Studies, is looking for a co/leader (retired teachers or college students) who have leadership/lesson planning skills to occasionally substitute. Call Marilyn Houser, 683.1972 or marilynkh@yahoo.com.
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| Persons needed for Adoration Chapel |
Have you considered making a weekly Holy Hour?
Many in our parish have been doing so for 25 years and look forward to this personal time with Jesus. When you read the lives of the saints, you realize that one common thread connecting them is their desire for personal communication with Christ through silent prayer. We are all struggling on the road to sainthood and a Holy Hour is a step in the right direction.
Since most of our lives are so hectic with many distractions and interruptions, finding one solid hour may seem difficult. Even more distressing is thinking about how to fill an entire hour with prayer if you haven’t already tried it! What prayers are appropriate? Do I have to kneel for an entire hour? Is there a formula to follow?
In our Adoration Chapel you’ll find a collection of books explaining all aspects of how to make a personal Holy Hour. Some books such as “Visits to the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary” by St. Alphonsus Liguori outline a plan you may wish to follow. Many other books offer mediations and prayers as well. You can pray the Rosary or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy or any special devotion you choose. You may read excerpts from the Bible. In the Year of St. Paul, there are daily Bible readings you may like to follow.
In the quiet, peaceful environment of the Adoration Chapel you have time to open your heart and speak directly to Jesus. Or be still and listen to God’s response to you.
You don’t have to follow the same pattern with each visit and you don’t have to kneel during the entire Holy Hour.
You might worry about circumstances beyond your control that prevent you from keeping your scheduled Holy Hour. If something unexpected arises, there are parishioners who serve as substitute adorers.
“Only try this devotion, and by experience you will see the great benefit that you will derive from it. Be assured that the time you will thus spend with devotion before this most divine Sacrament will be the most profitable to you in life and the source of your greatest consolation in death and in eternity.”
St. Alphonsus Liguori
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Sunday: Dwyer, 685.1942; Hammans, 684.8384 |
URGENT: 2 Persons 4-5 am; 5-6 am; Partner 8-9 am; 1-2 pm |
Monday: Janet Johnson, 687.5397 |
Partner 4-5 pm |
| Tuesday: Deanna Bedard, 686.1665 |
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Wednesday: Mary Sue Wright, 684.8467 |
URGENT: Partner 3-4 pm; 2-3 pm |
Thursday: Rose Kuhlman, 689.0126 |
Partner 2-3 am; 4-5 am |
Friday: Peggy or Richard Suniga, 686.4920 |
URGENT: Partner 1-2 am; 3-4 am; 4-5 am; 1-2 pm; 3-4 pm |
Saturday: Pat Harter, 683.6610 |
URGENT PARTNER: 5-6 am; 2-3 pm; 4-5 pm; 5-6 pm |
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| God's Food Pantry |
It's time for the annual Thanksgiving collection for God's Food Pantry.
If you've never donated before, please consider making a donation of food or money.
If you’ve been a past supporter of the Pantry (God Bless you!), will you please help once again?
The deadline for donating to the Blessed Sacrament God's Food Pantry Thanksgiving Collection is Sunday, Nov. 16, only one week away.
Thank you!
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