A Staff Addition

Mrs. Hixson has joined the staff of St. Columbkille Catholic School as our receptionist for the rest of the year. We are delighted to have her help in our office. Be sure to welcome her!

In like a Lion, Out like a Lamb

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.

If that’s true, the month of March should be a metaphor for Christians, particularly during Lent.

Our conversions often start the way March does. Our hearts can be cold, harsh and blustery – the result of loving ourselves more than God and others. We begin as lions, proud and confident in our own strength.

But we are called to follow the Lamb. Lent, like life, is a path toward the Cross and Resurrection. The Lamb, Who draws us with His warmth and gentleness, hands Himself over as our sacrifice.

I have a birthday in March, which makes me reflect on all this. Every birthday should bring me closer to God; each one certainly brings me closer to meeting Him in death. Yet I remain more lion than lamb.

Good Friday will mark my 50th birthday. A double reason to be somber? No. But the timing is not a coincidence. Our Heavenly Father is showing me the way of the Lamb, and He’s telling me that I’m not getting any younger. “Behold, now is a very acceptable time.”  I have to give myself over to Him now, completely. I must be like Jesus and surrender to God’s  will.

This surrender does not end in defeat. It becomes the ultimate victory in Christ.

Inspired by this Year of Faith we will be posting columns like this from Susan Szalewski about exploring and/or deepening our faith. Watch for it on Thursdays.

We have a Crucifix

Our crucifix arrived this morning.

It was molded in three pieces. Two of those parts were joined in the studio, but the third could't be added outisde the church, otherwise it wouldn't have fit through the door.

After singing the back as the scultptor, artist John Lajba asked those who were helping put it up to sign it as well.

First the top portion was hoisted and hung.

Then the second piece was attached.

 After the inital try, the bottom portion had

 to be shifted 1/4 of an inch to the left.

 Then John worked with the seam

 so it wouldn't be noticeable.

Just as the work on the crucifix was finished,

 the spotlight on the Rising Christ burned out.

Stations of the Cross are tonight at 7:00.

Praying in Pink

Thinking of Dr. Blue, our principal, and her last chemo treatment this morning, students at St. Columbkille Catholic School had the option of wearing pink today instead of their uniform.

After Mass this morning, the first and second grade students stayed to pray a rosary for Dr. Blue at the same time that she was receiving her chemo treatment.

 We pray she is doing well.

A Sneak Peek at the Crucifix

Yesterday, most of the painting was done for our new crucifix. Today some detail work continues to create accents within this piece.This picture is from this morning.

Praying the Living Rosary

Our Respect Life group hosted the Archdiocese's Living Rosary for Life on Sunday.

Representatives from parishes throughout the diocese who attended. Within the rosary, a Hail Mary was said by people from every parish represented. It was a very good reminder of how we are always united within our prayers.

The rosary was followed by Eucharistic Adoration.

During Adoration, Monsignor Whelan spoke about how Jesus said He came in order that we may have life, and have it more fully. You can hear his talk here.

 

The time of prayer ended with Benediction, followed by a reception. We appreciate all of the generous hearted people that were willing to gather in Papillion to pray as a community for our Pro-Life concerns. We thank our Respect Life group for hosting this event.

Reflections

Papillion Jr High School's Reflections Show Choir, under the direction of Monika Peters, performed their award winning show for the Happy Club members at St. Columbkille Parish today:

The Bible Bowl

Two students each from the 4th, 5th and 6th grades at St. Columbkille Catholic School. The event was hosted by St. Bernard's School as students from throughout the area competed.

Students were divided into small groups of six, then competed against each other.

In a "Wheel of Fortune" style competition students worked to solve puzzles.

Each student competed in three rounds with different competitors each time.

 

With Mrs. Townsend as the advisor, St. Columbkille the overall champion. In addition our two sixth graders finished 1st and second overall. Congratulations!

Thank you to St. Bernard

 School for holding this event

Working on the Crucifix

Artist John Lajba is continuing to work on our crucifix. In order to fit it in our door, he has it in two pieces. So much of his work lately has been making certain it will fit together easily once it is brought inside.

 There is wood behind the piece

where the mounting brackets will go.

Today he is remiving imperfections, some by sanding ... 

 ... but most of it is detail work.

As he has been working on this crucifix, John often found himelf thinking about the wounds of Christ. In life we all go through trials and suffering. It is amazing that Jesus was so full of love that he was willing to enter into that suffering with us.

This weekend John will continue to make adjustments, then begin the painting stage.

A Suite View of the Nebraska Michigan State Game

Enjoy watching your 2013 Huskers take on the Michigan State Spartans from atop Memorial Stadium in the J Skinner Baking suite. You and three of your friends will not have to worry about the November weather while watching this critical Big Ten matchup.

 

This great package includes:

• Four (4) tickets to the 2013 Nebraska vs. Michigan St. game, November 16th.
• Four (4) tickets to the luxurious Champions Club near the stadium for your pre-game festivities.

 Get it at the Ceili tomorrow night!