Third Sunday of Easter

Third Sunday of Easter
April 30th, 2006

St. Xavier Parish Home Page

     We gather this day, praying that the face of the Lord will shine upon us. Like the disciples walking to Emmaus, we long to hear the scriptures interpreted for us. We also long to know the very presence of Christ in the breaking of the bread. As we begin this holy Mass, let us praise God for the nourishment given us at the tables of word and Eucharist.
     Today's readings place the death and resurrection of Jesus within the broad scope of salvation history. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob sent the Lord Jesus, the holy offspring, to this world to wipe away our sins. In today's Gospel the Lord helps the disciples understand the scriptures, of which he is the fulfillment. Let us be attentive to God's saving word and pray that we will be witnesses of the power of the death and resurrection of Christ.

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During the Easter Vigil our parish was blessed to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation with the following:
Baptist, Confirmation and Eucharisht -
Holly Grant, Tim Kirkman, Jessica Reed, and Randy Tuggle
Confirmation -
Natalie Frakes, Dixie Garcia, Keven and Kathy Jones, Cassandra Ramos, and Angel Velez.
Please pray for them as they enter their Neophyte year.

Congratulations to Logan Joy and Emily Kirkman who received First Holy Communion Easter weekend.

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MAY FRIENDSHIP DAY
All women of the parish are invited to join in prayer at 11:30 am, Friday, May 12 at Zion United Church of Christ for May Friendship Day. Celebrating the inter-generation bonds between women, May Friendship Day is open to women of all ages and faiths. Sponsored by Church Women United, this annual ecumenical event is an opportunity to worship together as well as to highlight the contributions and gifts of outstanding Christian women in our community. This year's theme explores the mentoring relationship portrayed in the biblical story of Naomi and Ruth. This service seeks to discern true signs and growth that comes from deeper connections and relations between generations. These strengthening bonds nourish and nurture the ability and courage to meet the personal difficulties as well as the larger social injustices that plague women and their families locally and nationally.

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Our special thanks for all who participated and prepared for the Celebration of our church's 100th Anniversary. Expecially Ellen Westerhaus, who organized and worked to see that all was in order. May God bless you all for you generosity of giving time, talent and finance for His favor and glory.
May the memories of faith created over the years be ones that we will pass on for generations to come.

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School NewsMay 1st -- NO SCHOOL, NCA Accreditation Visit

May 2nd -- Activities & Atheletic Banquet in the Assembly Room

May 24th - Fun Day for K-11

May 25th - LAST DAY of school. This will be a 1/2 day.

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The Memorare
    Remember, O Most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it know that anyone who fled to you protection, implored you help, or sought you intercession was left unaided.
    Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother! To you we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful.
   Oh, Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in your mercy hear and answere us. Amen

Jesuit Jubilee

ICON OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA AND COMPANIONS – St. Francis Xavier, St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Peter Faber are shown in an icon released by the Jesuit General Curia for the order's jubilee year. The 2006 celebrations mark the 450th anniversary of the death of the Jesuit founder, St. Ignatius, and the 500th anniversary of the births of his two closest companions. (CNS/courtesy of Jesuit General Curia)
The 2006 celebrations mark the 450th anniversary of the death of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, and the 500th anniversary of the births of two of his closest companions, St. Francis Xavier and St. Peter Faber.



(TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS NEWS ITEM, VISIT Catholic Online.)

Second Sunday of Easter

Second Sunday of Easter
April 23rd, 2006

St. Xavier Parish Home Page

    The celebration of the Easter mysteries of Christ's death and resurrection cannot be confined to one day. Therefore the Church graces us with fifty days to savor the paschal mystery. The Holy Spirit gathers us together as an Easter people to listen to the saving word and to share at the table that brings us new life. With Easter joy we raise our voices in praise and thanksgiving.
     Today Saint John reminds us that all who believe that Jesus is the Christ are begotten by God. As God's adopted children we open our ears to listen to the word that has the power to strengthen our faith, even in times of doubt. Let us listen to the stories of the early Christian people and pray that we will imitate that church by sharing with those who are in need.

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Bishop Paul Coakley will celebrate Mass in our Parish on April 26th for Confirmation of our young adults. Please make an effort to attend this special event to meet Bishop Paul and to celebrate with our young parishioners. Your presence is an outward sign of support for our youth and our parish.

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We congratulate Rustin Bobzein and Mary Kelly who celebrated their marriage covenant this weekend. May your love continue to grow each day for each other and God.

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Where is God?
He was just a little boy, on a week's first day.
He was wandering home from Sunday Religion Education, and dawdling on the way.
He scuffed his shoes into the grass; he found a caterpiller.
He found a fluffy milkweed pod, and blew out all the "filler".
A bird's nest in tree overhead, so wisely placed on high,
Was just another wonder that caught his eager eye.
A neighbor watched his zig zag course,
and hailed him from the lawn,
Asked him where he'd been that day and what was going on.
"I've been to Religion Education class," he said
and turned a piece of sod.
He picked up a wiggly worm replying, "I learned a lot about God."
"M'm very fine way," the neighbor said, "for a boy to spend his time."
If you tell me where God is, I'll give you a brand new dime."
Quick as a flash the answer came!
Nor were his accents faint.
"I'll give you a dollar, mister,
if you can tell me where God ain't."

Author unknown

What a wonderful way to tell others about God.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday
April 16th, 2006

St. Xavier Parish Home Page

     This is the day the Lord has made. This is the day of resurrection. Our fast has ended and now we join in singing our praises to the Risen Christ. Let us enter this liturgy with renewed faith and hope in the power of Christ to be the light that shatters the darkness of sin and death.
      For the past week, we have listened to the central stories of our salvation. We have traveled to Jerusalem with the Lord and his disciples. In solemn rememberance we recounted his triumphant entry into the holy city. We climbed the hill to Calvary and were stunned by the horror of Christ's death. Now, with Mary of Magdala, Simon Peter, and the disciple whom Jesus loved, we come to the empty tomb and stand in amazement at the miracle of Christ's resurrection.

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Bishop Paul Coakley will celebrate Masses for the first time in our parish on April 23rd (100th Anniversary of Church) and on April 26th for Confirmatin of our young adults. Please make an effort to attend these special events to meet Bishop Paul and to celebrate with our young parishioners. Your presence is an outward sign of support for our youth and our parish.

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A SPECIAL THANKSWe thank all who helped & participated in making our holy week services inspirational and faith filled. Truly this high point of the Liturgical Year helped to embrace our faith journey and gave us a reason to hope in greater things to come as promised by our risen Savior. May the blessings and promises of Christ enlighten our days ahead.

May Easter be ongoing every day of your lives as you experience Christ walking with you on life's journey. We thank you for your inspiration, faith, and presence at St. Xavier.

Father Al and St. Xavier Staff.

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We extend our prayers and sympathy to the families of Jenny Hopper and Evelyn Coons, who passed away. May the consolation and love of God be with you and may He welcome them into eternal happiness.

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Meetings This Week

April 19th	5pm	Finance Council
April 19th	7pm	School Council Meeting
April 20th	7pm	Parish Council Meeting

Please pick up materials in the sacristy so that you may be prepared for the meetings.

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Circle Meetings
Circle III will meet Friday, April 21st, at 1:30 pm at Bev Robinson's house. Guest speaker will be Kansas Historian, Ron Harris.


Circle I will meet Thursday, April 20th, at 8:30 am at Bev Robinson's.

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Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
April 9th, 2006

St. Xavier Parish Home Page
SaintXaviers.com "old style" bulletin page

      Today marks the beginning of a holy week of rememberance. Through scripture, song, and sacred ritual, we celebrate Christ's passion, death, and resurrection. Our Lenten journey of repentnace and conversion leads us to the gates of the holy city of Jerusalem. We carry palm branches and raise our "Hosanna," a word that means "Pray, save us!" We know what awaits us on the other side of the city gates. Let us begin this week tasting once again the salvation of God.
      Let us prepare ourselves to listen to the saving word of God. Christ's passion and death have held the power to bring billions of people to redemption across the expanse of two millennia. It has no less power in this place, right here and right now. Let us be open to the wonders of the powers of Christ's death -- a power that brings new life to those who have lost hope, a home to the lost, and healing to all who Suffer.

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We welcome to the Christian Community, Levi Christopher Hager, child of Jason and Jennifer; Cheyeanna Rose Seeker, child of Emialino and Dixie; Tailis L. Vazquez, child of Tito and Cecilia; Karley Jean Kramer, child of Clinton and Kelly. May God's love and blessings be with all of you.

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MIGHTY BIG THANKS!

We would like to thank everyone for the incredible support of our 20th annual school auction. Everyone made a huge difference for St. Xavier School by helping us raise $67,000. We were overwhelmed once again by the generosity of our parishioners, parents, community members, businesses and all of the people involved. For this, we are truly thankful.
Congratulations to the winners of the raffle: John Sissel- $1000; Patty Woydziak - $500; Basil Bixby - $250 and Hilde Folwell - $100 as well as Debbie Braaten - winner of our $500 bill giveaway and John Sissel - winner of the $100 bill giveaway.
We hope that everyone was properly acknowledged in our auction book and addendum. If for some reason you were not, please accept our sincere apology.
On behalf of the Auction Committee, thank you once again. May God bless you all!
Kim Coy & Lee Breidenstein, Co-Chairs.

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Preschool and Kindergarten Round-up

     St. Xavier School will have its annual Preschool and Kindergarten Round-up on April 27th. The Preschool Round-up will be held in Mrs. Rubash and Mrs. Houser's classrooms from 5-7 pm. The Kindergarten Round-up will be help in Mrs. Kane's classroom (Rm 231) starting at 7 pm.
     The Preschool offers two, three and five-day programs. All classes last half a day. A non-refundable fee of $25 is required to register. Parents & guardians coming to the round-up may bring their children to visit with the teachers.
     Parents and guardians wanting to enroll students to St. Xavier's all-day kindergarten class MUST fill out an application, accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $25, and must attend the Round-up meeting for consideration. From these applications, 20 students will be accepted into the fall kindergarten class; all others will be placed on a waiting list. Babysitting will be provided during the round-up meeting. To be eligible for Kindergarten, a student must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2006. For more information, call 238-2841.

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On Holy Thursday we will have adoration following Mass till Midnight.

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Holy Week Confessions
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday following 7:50 am Masses.
Thursday following 7pm Mass and Friday following services at NOON and 7pm.
Saturday at 4pm.