Welcome, it is July 4, 2009.

Father Harry's "Buseness"
As noted in an earlier column, we are decreasing the hours when the St. Leo Parish Office is open in the evenings. We are doing this to decrease the budget for part-time workers as well as out of a genuine concern for the safety of the youth who have covered the desk at these times. At the same time, we do have a busy building many evenings, with many activities for the parish and a few for the diocese or the community.
For all of these reasons, we have purchased a keyless entry security system for the Church. This system will enable us to remotely lock and unlock the building at preprogrammed times or to do so manually at any given time. We believe that this will serve the purpose of keeping our building secure, while also keeping our space accessible for use primarily by our parishioners.
Personally, I have mixed feelings about this move. I appreciate the possibilities modern technology offers. At the same time it is tempting to use them even indiscriminately. I believe that the very nature of who we are as a parish requires us to be present to people personally and individually, as much as possible. Things like answering machines, voice recorders, and security systems can be very useful, but using them can result in being less present to our people.
I am pleased that St. Leo Parish has a reputation for having a pleasant and hospitable atmosphere. This is due, in great part to the spirit of our welcoming parish staff. Here at St. Leo, we will continue to be present to our people as much as possible, even as we take advantage of the benefits that modern technology offers.
Fr. Harry Buse

St. Leo the Great Mission Statement
St. Leo the Great Parish is a faith-filled community dedicated to…
Offering inspiring and prayerful worship, Developing and maintaining quality, life-long religious education for everyone, Providing loving service to those in need, Celebrating the great events in our parish family.

Marriage Celebration
The Family Life Office, together with Archbishop Lucas, invites couples who have been married 5, 25, 40, 50, 55, 60 or more than 60 years to renew their vows at the annual Archdiocesan Celebration of Marriage. This year's Celebration will be held on September 6th at St. Cecilia's Cathedral in Omaha. Both celebrations will be held at 2:00 pm. To register for this event please call Amy Sather at (402) 551-9003 or 888-800-8352 or email her at alsather@archomaha.org. Please register by July 31st in order to receive a special keepsake invitation..

Faith Discoveries Book Group
Faith Discoveries Book Group: Meeting Date Change! The Faith Discoveries Book Group will meet on Saturday, July 11, 9-10:30, in classroom E5 instead of the first Saturday, July 4. Discussion will follow the book, Joan of Arc by Mark Twain. Questions: call Sarita, 498-3660, or Linda, 493-0261. Newcomers are always welcome!

Fair
The Ministry Fair will be August 8 and 9 after all the Masses.
This is a time to learn about ministries we have at our parish. If you are new to the parish, it will be a chance to let us welcome you. If you have been here a while, it will be a chance to see what's going on. For all of us, it will be an opportunity to share our gifts and talents for the service of God and God's people. There will be prizes, refreshments, and produce from the Victory of Faith Parish garden. See you at the Fair!

St. Leo Summer Picnic Sunday, July 19th
Parish Family Picnic
12noon-4pm
Please note: There will be no 12:45pm Sunday Mass on July 19th. Kids Games, Food, Music,
Kids Games, Food, Music,
Inflatable Rides, Cake Walk, Bingo, Egg Toss, Dunk Tank, Music,
Beer Garden, KC BBQ cook-off, Celebrity Dunk Tank & More.
Kids! Bring your swimsuits!
Menu:
Burgers & Dogs
$6 Adults $3 Children $20 Family
Display flyer here

Volunteers Needed for the St. Leo Summer Parish Picnic!
Helpers are needed for our Summer Parish Picnic on July 19th. All ages are invited to volunteer. We need help with children’s games, selling tickets, helping with prizes for games, the egg toss and much more. We will have sign ups for food donations and kitchen work-ers soon, but in the meantime, if you would like to help volunteer with games sign up after Mass in the commons.

Bingo Prizes Needed!
Gift certificates, gently used items, anything goes!
Drop off donations to the parish Office.

Barbeque Contestants Wanted
Contact Gordon Mankin (630-2019) to enter the barbeque contest at the July 19 parish picnic. A limited number of spots are open so you need to call now to enter this Knight of Columbus sponsored event.

St. Leo Parish Office Hours Update
This summer, there will be a reduction in evening office hours at St. Leo. The office will be closing at 5:00pm. This change is due in part to budget cuts, but more importantly we have become concerned about our teenage desk ministers being here alone and leaving the building by themselves late at night.
As time passes, the needs of the parish change. Events in the city and society in general have caused heightened concern about security and the safety of our teens. We are developing a system whereby people wishing to use the building will still have access, even if a staff person is not part of the event. Parishioners will also be able to meet in the evening with the priests by appointment.
During this transition, it is always wise to call ahead to make sure we are in the office at the particular time you’d like to come.
I appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we try to make our building as available as possible to our parishioners and at the same time be appropriately prudent about security and the safety of our people.
Fr. Harry

The St. Leo Community Garden
The St. Leo Community Garden is doing well this summer. Watch for vegetables to be sold after Masses soon, at the Ministry Fair on August 8 & 9 and at the Farmer’s Market on September 12th.ons!

St. Vincent de Paul Society
The St. Leo Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society remains strong and active. They continue to respond to the needs of families in our neighborhood. I appreciate the ongoing support of parishioners, enabling us to assist those in need. During the summer, there is a special need for food for families whose children are now home from school and not receiving the free or reduced lunches as they do during the school year. Please continue to support the food collection box found in the commons. With these donations, we are able to provide food for families, even if we are unable to fill all of their other needs.
We also observe that we serve very few St Leo Parish registered families. It may be that some families are reluctant to approach their own parish when in need. I know that a number of our parish members have lost jobs and may be in need of assistance. These are the people that our donors to the St. Vincent de Paul fund want to help. If you are in need of such help, do not hesitate to contact us by calling the parish office. Be assured that we keep complete confidence about the individuals who ask for help and whom we do help.

Prayer for Independence Day
Dear God,
as we celebrate today with fireworks and festivals,
help us never to forget the reason for our joy.
Help us remember that our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
were signed into our heritage with the willing blood of American patriots.
Most of all, help us remember
that the rights of all people
are more than words on a document,
and that all people have rights
because you have given us the dignity of human life.
Grant freedom to all, and give us the strength to protect the rights of others.
+Amen.

Independence Day
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.” John 15: 13
There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.
On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom. Let me not take my freedom for granted. My freedom cost others their very lives.
Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty meet their needs and watch over their families.

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
When children are very young, say around two or three years of age, their entire world exists within the walls of their home. And all that they are, all they believe, comes from their parents. In fact, in those young eyes, their parents are perfect; they believe everything Mom and Dad tell them is the truth, and they will do anything they ask (usually!). But as they grow older, and the world outside of those walls grows louder, the perfections of Mom and Dad seem to begin to falter. They are looked at through doubtful eyes, their wisdom challenged at nearly every turn. Often it is not until years later that we realize they were the same wise parents all along.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time before his crucifixion, he cried. Not for his fate, but because those around him did not realize of their impending salvation. In today's Gospel, Jesus has returned to Nazareth to teach in the synagogue, yet his own people doubt his truth, remembering him as a boy and as the son of a carpenter. He remarks that prophets such as him are always scorned by those who know them best, the people of their hometown.
As children, our innocent faith and belief in God is unwavering. As we grow older, we sometimes question our beliefs and put aside our faith, rather than grow even closer to Christ. This is because "Faith seeks understanding" (CCC 158). Everything else in this world is explained visually through tangible facts; only faith can come from our hearts. Perhaps Jesus cried not only for those who saw his miracles yet did not believe, but also for us who did not see. Our challenge is to be as children in our faith, unwavering, open and believing with all our hearts.
©2009 Liturgical Publications Inc

Do you have children in public school?
Registration is now happening for our 2009-2010 Religious Education Program for children in grades 1-8. If you would like to register you can find a form on the St. Leo website (www.stleo.net) or at the parish office front desk.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children
If you know of someone who has children who would like to become Catholic or have missed the sacraments of 1st Reconciliation, 1st Eucharist, or Confirmation, please have them contact Sue in the parish office.

Sunday School
Sunday School runs during the 9 and 11 a.m. Masses on Sundays. This program is for Age 3 through Kindergarten. Registration has begun for next year and they can be found on the St. Leo website, in the Commons, or at the Parish Office.

Do you want a Catholic Education for your child?
If so, St. Pius X / St. Leo School is the place for you.
St. Pius X / St. Leo School is located at 6905 Blondo Street and is your parish school.
We offer pre-school for 3 year olds, pre-kindergarten for 4 year olds, and also a full-day kindergarten program for your very young ones. We have new state-of- the-art classrooms for our pre-school, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students as well as a new, awe-some science lab for the 6th, 7th and 8th graders. We offer an exceptional religious and academic program for students. We do have room for new students in all grades.
If you are interested in sending your child or children to St. Pius X / St. Leo School, please call the school office at 551-6667 and talk with Mrs. Joyce Gubbels, Principal. We're sure you will be pleased with our school!

St. Leo Prayer Line Opportunity!
Joining the St. Leo Prayer Line will enable you to pray for prayer requests in your own style at your best time of day. You will become a vital person who devotes prayers to those who need them most. You will become part of a community who communicate once a week by phone. Your time commitment is 5 or less minutes on the phone, one day a week, and whatever daily prayer time commitment you want to make. Calls are made Monday through Fri-day, 8:30 am and 6:30 pm. Call Linda at 492-0261 or email her at lleary1@cox.net to ask questions or be put on a calling list. You will be helping others in a valuable and prayerful manner!

Hospice Volunteer Education
Hospice Volunteers are needed to provide companionship and support for individuals living with terminal illnesses and their families. Volunteers choose the hours they are able to serve and determine the geographical location in metro Omaha/Council Bluffs and surrounding areas or at Hospice House. Volunteer education sponsored by Alegent Hospice, Methodist Hospice, VNA Hospice and Hospice House—The Josie Harper Residence will take place July 9th (Thursday evening), July 11th (Saturday daytime) and July 13th (Monday evening). Volunteers must attend all three sessions.
Please call one of the agencies below to request an application. Space is limited. Call Cindy Calhoun, VNA Hospice, 930-4261; Marcy Klein, Methodist Hospice, 354-3200; or Mary Pendell, Alegent Hospice, 898-8150.

Save The Date!!!
Fr. Casey Beaumier, SJ who did our Parish Mission will be giving an Ignatian Retreat January 14-17, 2010 (note date change) at St. Benedict Retreat Center in Schuyler. Contact Sr. Ann Marie sam[at]stleo.net or 397-0407 for details. Space is limited.

From Cornfield To Community
The St. Leo 30th Anniversary History book is on sale now for $10 at the parish office. This is a wonderful book about the history of St. Leo the Great parish and would make a perfect present. Buy a copy today.

Volunteers Needed This Summer
St. Leo Parish is in need of retired individuals to volunteer their time to help cut the grass on our riding lawn mower. If you are interested in volunteering, please call the parish office, 397-0407.

A Note From Kelly -EDUCATION-
Many times, I have heard, “I liked the psalm today because I knew it. Why don’t we sing psalms that we know every week?” In order to answer this question, two things must be understood. First of all, the psalms are preselected readings just like the 1st, 2nd, and Gospel readings which follow the 3 year lectionary cycle (that’s right, the readings repeat ever 3 years!). That being said, the musical settings of the psalms chosen each week should be based on the psalm for that service. However (2nd thing to know), the American Bishops selected certain “common” psalms that can be used during certain liturgical seasons. For instance, Psalm 91 is a common Lenten psalm: “Be with me Lord when I am in trouble.” Psalm 145 is a common Ordinary Time psalm: “I will praise your name/you, Lord.” These psalms can be used over and over again in their seasons as long as they reflect the central meaning of the readings for that particular liturgy.
At St Leos, the music ministry has been trying very hard to find good musical settings of every psalm throughout the year, because we feel it is important to hear the actual scripture of the day. Since there are 150 psalms, some psalms are heard only once or twice in the 3 year reading cycle (some not at all). This weekend, we heard Psalm 123 which is only used on the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B. This is the only chance in three years to hear this beautiful song/prayer. This is a psalm of lament (a feeling/expression of grief) in which we present our woes to God in prayer. How many of us, in times of distress, turn to God. Psalms like this help us to express those emotions through the Liturgy. Today’s readings challenge us to do God’s will, even if it means being rejected. Woe to us who are burdened with this responsibility, but what joy we have to know that God is with us!
Kelly Barth, Director of Liturgical Ministries
kelly[at]stleo.net : 397-0407 ext. 212

Widowed, Separated and Divorced Adult and Children Sessions
Widowed, Separated and Divorced Adult and Children Sessions COPING SESSIONS for Adults designed to help adult individuals work through the trauma of divorce, separation or the loss of a spouse through death will be held Wednesday, June 24 July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29. These sessions are opened to individuals of all faiths. This peer ministry of people caring for people is sponsored by The Beginning Experience of Omaha and will be held at St. Patrick Church, 20500 West Maple Road, Elkhorn, NE. Cost is $20. Scholarships are available; we do not want anyone to stay away because of money. Pre-registration is not required.
“Who Am I Now?” for Children will be held in conjunction with the Coping Sessions for adults. This program is designed to help children who have experienced parental death, divorce or separation. The children, who are placed in groups according to their ages, participant in activities designed to help them express feelings about their experience. Cost is $10 for one child or $15 for a family. Scholarships are available; please ask if needed, we do not want anyone to stay away because of money. Pre-registration IS required. For info: Family Life Office at 402-551-9003.

Parish Bulletin Board
Check out our Parish Bulletin Board here for listings for daycare, things for sale and other want ads.

Memorialize A Loved One
Memorialize a loved one with a gift to the St. Leo Parish Endowment Fund and/or St. Pius X/St. Leo Educational Endowment Trust. Your gift will bear your loved one’s name and may be in any amount. It is a beautiful way to pass on our Catholic heritage and remember someone special. For more info, please call Fr. Harry at 397-0407 or Ron Worthington, Estate Planning Office with the Archdiocese at 554-8493.

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