sea; they were fishermen.” (mark 1:16) a close look at...

The St. Andrew Network March/April 2011 of 8

552 Main Street ● Milford, Ohio 45150 ● 513-831-3353

“As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon

and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the

sea; they were fishermen.” (Mark 1:16)

A Close Look at the Church

At Mass on the second Wednesday of March the priest spoke, “Take a close look at the

church.” The people fell for his antic. They looked at the ceiling, stained glass, lights,

walls, pews, doors and floor, and then back at him, puzzled as to what he wanted them

to see that they didn’t. “No,” he said, as he motioned toward different corners of the

congregation and to individual faces in the assembly, “Take a close look at the church.”

For fewer moments than at his first instruction, they uncomfortably looked around at one

another, and turned back to him again. “And take a close look within, as we begin Lent.”

We are not called “the Church” because we gather in the church building. It is the other

way around. The building is called the church, because we “the Church” come together in the building.

In May and June we can focus on the cracks and potholes in the parking lot, and on the splinters and stained glass of

the side doors of our building. In March and April, during Lent and at Easter, right now, we focus on “the Church” –

on us!

In “the Church,” that is, within our own self and in ourselves, do we see potholes or any need for patching?

Within our own self and in ourselves, do we see splinters that need to be removed or stained glass that needs

cleaning or repair?

ST. ANDREW PARISH NEWSLETTER MARCH-APRIL 2011

Fr. Rob Waller, Pastor of St. Andrew Parish

To the

Church

a happy

and

holy Lent!


Stewardship Observations By Shirley Soellner, Pastoral Associate for Facilities and Finances

LEGACY OF LOAVES Do you want to leave a Legacy to St. Andrew

Church? You can do so by leaving St. Andrew in your will; no gift is too small.

An example would be that one family would choose to designate $1,000 from their

estate; another person may choose to leave a percentage of their estate, while

another family may indicate they are using an IRA for their donation.

Additionally, St. Andrew Church can accept estate jewelry, real estate, insurance

policies, or Charitable Trusts. In appreciation of this, you will become a member

of the ―Leaving a Legacy of Loaves‖ Society. Just tell Fr. Rob you want to

designate a gift in your will for St. Andrew, and you will be included in this group.

Remember, gifts to St. Andrew Church during your lifetime or after death may

reduce your estate and income taxes depending upon your individual

circumstances and the gift made.

―Leaving A Legacy of Loaves Society‖ began in 2006 with 4 members. Currently,

there are 37 members. The Society also includes 19 deceased individuals who previously left St. Andrew in

their will. A ―Leaving a Legacy of Loaves‖ Society luncheon is being planned for April.

All donors are urged to seek the advice of a competent legal or tax professional as to the consequences of

their gift prior to entering into a Planned Gift Arrangement. For more information, please contact me at

831-3353, or by email, [email protected].

Words We Pray

(about the new translation of the Roman Missal) By Barbara Aluotto, Director of Religious Education

Words say a lot! They tell us something about who we are, where we come from, and

what we believe in. They have the power to build up or tear down, to energize or

deflate, to inspire the imagination, to comfort the bruised. There are casual words we

use with family and dear ones; there are more formal words used to address a person

of prominence or authority. Words can be simple (what you see is what you get), or they can be complex;

sometimes many layers of meaning evoke images, feelings and attitudes. Words can be flat, sometimes so

overused that our minds tune out their intended meaning. “Have a nice day” or “How are you” can become

just pleasantries without much meaning attached.

So it is with our prayer; we may use casual words of endearment to the God who walks with us daily in our

private prayer. When we pray with our family, we might use prayers that we all know. At Mass, where we

gather as a whole community we pray other, often more formal prayers. (How can we participate unless we

all know the same words?)

Some of the words we use at Mass will be changing soon (next Advent). Some of our responses and some

of the prayers that we are used to hearing the priest say will be different. More information will be given and

some specific examples will be noted and explained.

It is the Church’s hope that these changes will lead to a more vibrant and life-giving worship experience for

all.

mailto:[email protected]


SMILE

News By Catherine

Fasano, Youth

Minister

We’ve had quite a busy past two months! Our High School Retreat was a great success with 49 high school students in attendance. The group was able to take time out of their busy routines to have some time with themselves, their peers and with God. Thank you to the adults and peer ministers that helped to make the weekend possible. We have also continued with our monthly game nights at SEM Villa and the Saul House. The Saul House is the only homeless shelter in Clermont County and we have truly learned a lot from our experiences there. At the end of January, the youth group joined about 400 other youth and took part in an Archdiocesan-wide youth event called Cast Your Nets. This event focused on vocations and seeing what we are all called to do. It was a fun-filled event enjoyed by all! Below you will see our upcoming events for March and April. We’re always looking for new faces!

March 6 SMILE Meeting, St. Andrew Church Hall 14 Game Night at Homeless Shelter 17 Game Night at SEM Villa 20 Senior Luncheon, Seton Cafeteria SMILE Meeting, St. Andrew Church Hall

Holy Name News by Phil Groeber The Holy Name Society creates an opportunity for the men of the Parish to come together for Mass, prayers, cards, fun, food, and to work for the Church through different projects. It is open to all men of the Parish. We meet the second Monday of each month in the Church basement after 7 PM Mass. Our meetings last about 30 to 45 minutes, followed by a light lunch, and cards, poker/pinochle. You will be a "newcomer" only once. .Your parish brothers all look forward to greeting you, meeting you, and beating you (at cards that is). Holy Name is sponsoring the annual Men's Breakfast on Sunday, March 27th, after the 8 am Mass in the Church basement. There is "No Cost" to attend, but we do need a head count. Please call Sue in the Parish office, by noon Friday, March 25th and leave your name, and "How Many are Coming". The phone number is 831-3353...Holy Name would like to thank Rick and Chris Schmidt, and "Helpers" for preparing the food for the Men's Breakfast. Holy Name would also like to thank R.J. Vilardo for emceeing the Men's Breakfast, and lining up our speaker. Watch the church bulletin for the speaker. Our annual Train Show was held on February 19th. The gym was full of vendors displaying train equipment and supplies, as well as the interactive train display. Holy Name has sponsored theTrain Show for more than a dozen years now. Hats Off to Steve Singer for being the general chairman of this event since it started. Next Meeting..Monday, March 14th..Church Basement, after 7 PM Mass. Come, join us. .For more Information, contact Phil Groeber: [email protected] or 831-0901.

April 3 St. Andrew Graduation Mass & Luncheon SMILE Meeting, St. Andrew Church Hall 10 Pancake Breakfast, Seton Cafeteria 11 Game Night at Homeless Shelter 17 SMILE Meeting, St. Andrew Church Hall 21 Game Night at SEM Villa

Our group picture from the High School retreat



Proclaiming the Word By Mike Hazard

In all of the world’s religions one thing is common—they all seek God. However,

the unique thing revealed to us in Christianity is a God who seeks us and a God who

loves us much more than we love ourselves. This is the story we hear in the Bible

from the beginning of the Hebrews and then throughout the Christian Scriptures.

God is constantly seeking us. After he tries so many times as we hear in the Hebrew

Scriptures he finally becomes one of us, in Jesus, because he loves us so much and

longs to be with us. Imagine that! While we often think of the verse that says, ―seek and you shall find,‖ in

reality it is not so much that we seek God but that we let ourselves be found by God.

And what is it we are to do when we let ourselves be found by God? Well,

in this Easter Season I think we can take a cue from Mary Magdalene who

sought the presence of Jesus. We hear in John’s Gospel that the risen Lord

seeks out Mary who was weeping and searching for His body. Jesus tells her

to stop holding on to Him and to go tell the disciples what she had seen. In a

sense Mary was called to be the first to proclaim the Easter Gospel—the

good news that Christ had risen. I think that is what we do when we let

ourselves be found by God—we proclaim the good news, this same good

news, to others—Christ Has Risen!

Parishioner Spotlight –Vi Jordan

By Bob Huxell, Spotlight Editor This issue’s St. Andrew Spotlight Parishioner shines on long-time

parish member, Vi Jordan. Vi has been a member of the parish since

1937. Vi and first husband, Don Zeigenhardt, saw all three of their

children, Mark, David and Paula progress through St. Andrew School.

At the time, St. Andrew contained all grade levels 1-8. All classes

were taught by nuns who lived in the rectory across the street from

the church. Vi recalls the exhaustive efforts made by Father

Herrmann to provide a parish school for his membership and a permanent residence for

our priests. Vi stated that “the campaign initiated by Fr. Herrmann is a lasting memory for our parish families.”

Likewise, in the years before St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School was erected, St. Andrew was the home to many parish

festivals. The parking lot behind the school was the center of parish activity throughout the week. Booths, games

and bingo were the favorites. But the festival wasn’t the only fun taking place at St. Andrew. Prior to the renovation

of the church basement, there was a stage that was well used. On weekend nights in the summer, the men of Holy

Name Society would cast themselves as minstrels and entertain the members of the parish. Perhaps the biggest

event of the year during that time at St. Andrew was the May Crowning. Vi noted that the entire membership of the

parish would gather at the grotto, sing songs and parade around the church. A picnic always followed the

celebration.

Vi gives credit to both her health and fresh outlook on life to her continued practice of yoga. She keeps busy around

the parish as a sacristan and lector. Vi also gives the Liturgy of the Word in the absence of Fr. Rob. Anne Rein, the

eldest member of our parish, and Vi have been walking the streets of Milford for the past 20 years. They’ll be out

again soon…once the weather becomes more agreeable for all of us!


Grief Support Group by Judy Hoffman, Coordinator

Writer C.S. Lewis described losing his wife to cancer like having your leg amputated.

You don’t get over an amputated leg. The wound may heal but the leg will never

grow back. There will always be a big absence in your life and you will always walk

with a limp.

According to Dr. Kenneth C Haugk, a grief counselor who has written many books on grieving, grief does

end. “The intense pain subsides, memories bring more smiles than tears and the future appears more

hopeful than foreboding.” He says, “Most people will take 2-3 years to do the grieving they need to do.

There is no one size-fits-all time frame for grief.” Everyone has their own unique and personal time frame

and “that is the only one that really matters for you.”

“Many people describe grief as waves from a storm crashing onto the shore,” says Dr. Haugk. At first the

waves are very large, coming right after another. Each wave knocks you flat. Often you don’t even have

time to get back on your feet before the next one knocks you down. But gradually the waves get smaller

and come farther apart. In time an occasional wave may batter you, but more often, you’re able to keep

your balance and stay on your feet.”

Right now, if you are grieving, don’t let anyone pressure you to stop that process. The waves of grief

cannot be stopped anymore than the waves of a storm can be stopped. They will gently subside. It takes

time. It can’t be rushed or hurried. Take all the time you need and let the waves roll in.

Healing Touch Ministry

by Ceese Belisle, Coordinator The St. Andrew Parish Healing Touch Ministry continues to get very positive evaluations from

those who attend our healing sessions. As we strive to follow Christ’s example of ministering to

each other in a spirit of compassion and forgiveness, we realize that we can be vessels for each

other from which God’s love can flow to bring deep relaxation , a sense of peace, closeness to

God, and/or less pain or discomfort. We strive to encourage and restore those in need of healing

in body, mind or spirit through prayer, and the laying on of hands using Healing Touch

techniques. It can be beneficial just to maintain wellness and to relieve the stresses of everyday life.

Our healing ministry combines Catholic tradition of care and prayer for the suffering with a nursing approved

Healing Touch Program-TM. We also follow the guidelines, “Instructions on Prayers for Healing” issued by the

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (9/14/2000) and written by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, (now Pope

Benedict XVI)”.

We encourage those who have attended to come again, and anyone who desires a relaxing quiet time to experience

God’s love through prayer and healing to come and bring a friend. We will meet in the church basement on March

26, April 16, and May 14 . We hold 3 sessions each day, 9:30 a.m., 10:10 a.m., and 11 a.m. No appointments are

needed.


Lent – A Special Time Kathy Bitzer-Associate for Religious Education

Lent is about to begin in a few days - a time to think

about Jesus and his suffering and dying for each

one of us, leading to his Resurrection. During Lent

our families are encouraged to spend time in

prayer, to make sacrifices including fasting, and

consider what they can do for the poor. Some of

you may do without dessert, candy, soft drinks, and

maybe limit the use of ipods, cell phones, or T. V… etc. When we make

these sacrifices, it is an opportunity for us to take the time to think more

about Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice. It gives us perspective on what

we are doing and why we are doing it. As you are well aware, we are also still in difficult economic times

throughout the world. Many persons are without work, food, medicines, and in danger of losing their

homes. At PREP class we will once again be using the Operation Rice Bowl program to reach out to

those who are struggling. You are encouraged to use this program as a way of instilling the concept of

caring for others into your family lifestyle. It is our hope that the student’s emphasis will turn from an inward

one to focusing on how to relate to others around us in a positive and helpful manner. Let this time be

special, as we join Jesus in His sufferings. Let us pray that we may listen to what He has to say to us, and

be willing to follow Him.

St. Andrew-St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School

We have had an incredibly busy start to this new year with Catholic Schools Week, Science Fair, Power of the Pen, a visit from the Archbishop, as well as plenty of snowy days sprinkled in between. We congratulate the 8th grade students that accumulatively acquired over $350,000 in

scholarships through area high schools! And we continue to thank the Lord for our many blessings as we prepare for this Easter season.

SASEAS Students competed in the Power of the Pen Tournament at Summit Country Day. Seven students advanced to Regionals to be held at

Princeton Middle School on March 12, 2011.

Congratulations to all of our 7th & 8th grade students who presented their scientific method & engineering projects at the SASEAS Science Expo. Twenty seven students are eligible to represent our school at the UC Science &

Engineering Expo on March 12, 2011.

Archbishop Schnurr presided over SASEAS All

School Mass! Parents welcomed the Archbishop

at a reception immediately following Mass.

Teachers Triumph! Seton Campus teachers beat the Catholic Schools Week (CSW) tournament-winning 5th grade team in the annual, highly spirited CSW volleyball game.

Please visit

www.saseasschool.org

to stay current with your

parish school!

The Grand Event March 19th

All proceeds benefit SASEAS Textbooks, Teachers &

Technology.

Invention Convention March 25th

St. Andrew Parish Center From idea to finished

product…our 6th graders take their inventions through the

entire patent process.

Right to Read Week April 11th -15th Seton Campus

The entire Seton Campus is transformed into a reading

wonderland as students celebrate the right to read!

http://www.saseasschool.org/


EDUCATIONAL UPDATE:

IMPACT INVESTING (SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING)

Allocating your assets with the goal of helping the world … and your portfolio.

BY GREG OLIVER

“Do well by doing good.” You’ve probably heard that phrase. In the financial

arena, it is often written or spoken in reference to impact investing – also known as socially responsible

investing.

A chance to be an activist. Maybe you don’t think of yourself as an activist – you don’t take to the streets,

you don’t have the time or energy to get involved on the ground in social or political causes. Well, many

investors around the world are choosing to be economic activists through socially responsible investing.

The fact is, sometimes a corporation or a big business can generate large-scale environmental or social

returns for a community or a region – an impact that many non-profit organizations would be hard-pressed

to match. Socially responsible investing means allocating some of your investment assets across private

sector change agents working for sustainability.

The demand is there and financial firms are noticing it. Many investors want to affirm sustainability

through their portfolio choices. The fund companies must meet an interesting challenge as they seek to serve

this expanding investor niche.

As of January 2011 there were 166 impact investing funds available – more than twice the selection found

in 2001.

Go to: http://www.smartmoney.com/investing/mutual-funds/what-you-need-to-know-about-socially-

responsible-mutual-funds-1294427152167/ to learn more.

St. Andrew is Now on facebook By Emily Sullivan

St. Andrew is a special church where many of its parishioners know and care for one another. In this spirit,

a facebook group has recently been established for all of its parishioners and staff. Through the St. Andrew

facebook page, we hope church members and staff will be able to share special events and important news

with other members of the church.

So far, more than 60 people have joined the St. Andrew facebook group! If you are interested in joining the

group and you are already on facebook, just search for St. Andrew. Milford, OH in the search field at the

top of the page. ―Request‖ to join the group and you will begin to receive updates within 24 hours.

If you are not yet on facebook , but would like to join, simply go to www.facebook.com and sign up for a

free account. Once you are logged in, search for St. Andrew, Milford, OH in the box at the top of the page,

click on the name of our church, and ―request‖ to join the group. You will soon receive updates from the

group.

http://www.smartmoney.com/investing/mutual-funds/what-you-need-to-know-about-socially-responsible-mutual-funds-1294427152167/

http://www.smartmoney.com/investing/mutual-funds/what-you-need-to-know-about-socially-responsible-mutual-funds-1294427152167/

http://www.facebook.com/


structure a CRT in conjunction with an irrevocable life insurance trust so that they are not disinherited as a

result.) Talk with a financial or tax professional NOW rather than in February or March. Little year-end

moves might help you improve your short-term and long-term financial situation.

The St. Andrew Network Welcome to the March/April issue of The St. Andrew Network. It is the purpose of the St.

Andrew Parish newsletter to center the parish in Christ, our community and the people we serve.

We invite your articles, pictures and comments and ask that you submit them by April 8th for the

May/June issue. All submissions are edited for space, clarity and appropriate content. Send to Chris

Nunner, Editor, [email protected] or call (513) 575-2116.

But more than anything I ask you to preserve me from despair. No matter how dark the days, how

deep the disappointment; no matter how humiliating the defeat or great the loss, you are

always there to bring me back to life.

That is springtime for me. That is hope forever green. That is truth unchangeable, love

undying, leading as you alone can lift and lead me to everlasting life.

SPRING By William J. Byron, S.J.

Lord of all creation, Lord of heaven and earth,

be Lord of all my hopes and dreams.

Protect me from the trap of self-sufficiency and

preserve me from even a hint of a suggestion that I can

make my own grass grow, or bring the trees of my talents

to life.


sea; they were fishermen.” (mark 1:16) a close look at...

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