News

Small Groups at HNOJ

*Article in the September 2024 HNOJ Newsletter

By Chris Kostelc, Director of Mission and Faith Formation

In the Eucharistic procession in the streets of downtown Indianapolis, I was amazed at the sea of people. Honestly, 40,000 folks sitting in a stadium looks completely different than 40,000 people in motion, on an adventure. This is a fundamental truth of Catholicism. We are not a people sitting in a stadium, but a people on a pilgrimage home to heaven. 

Looking at all these people I couldn’t help but think of James Joyce’s quote from Finnegan’s Wake, “Catholic means ‘Here comes everybody.’” Not only are we a people on the move, a people moving towards heaven, we are a people who welcome all. Truly. 

I know the narrative about Catholicism doesn’t believe this, but it is true. The path is narrow, true, but all are invited to the journey. All are invited to do what it takes to walk the narrow path. It isn’t easy, but the result is heaven. 

Small Groups at HNOJ are like this too. All are invited to join the movement. All are welcome to be part of a small group. Groups aren’t only for the religious elite or those with enough time. Small Groups also help us to move. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a group. Our faith flourishes when lived with endurance. To endure the journey, it just works better to go with a group. 

Small Groups at HNOJ, here comes everybody. Join today – details below.

This September to December we’ll be following a similar format for small group sign-ups as we did last January to April. During the weekend of Sept. 28-29, you will have the opportunity to sign up for a small group. And you can ask our team questions in the Gathering Space after Masses that weekend. Or you could sign up today at hnoj.org/smallgroups

If you’re interested in being a small group leader, please contact Tim at [email protected]. There will be several training options available before groups start the first week of October or by appointment. 

Our focus for the fall content will be the Eucharist and the Mass! Group options include (but are not limited to):

• Reading A Biblical Walk Through the Mass by Dr. Edward Sri
• Watching talks from this summer’s National Eucharistic Congress
• Reading papal homilies from Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis
• Other great options upon request

Please join us as we continue to work to become a “parish of small groups” as we learn, pray and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Please contact Tim for more information or with any questions.

Children's Holy Hour

Families of HNOJ, come together for a great hour of family formation each month October to May. We meet from 4-5 p.m., starting each session with 20-30 minutes of Eucharistic Adoration in the church and then follow with a family faith activity for all. This is a chance to pray alongside your child and teach them the sacredness of experiencing the Eucharist outside of Mass. Parents and kids should both plan on being in attendance at HNOJ’s Children’s Holy Hour. 

Eucharistic Adoration is a form of prayer before Jesus in the consecrated host. Bringing your kids to this is bringing your kids to be with Jesus! This event is for squirmy and noisy families so bring everyone!  

Check out the topics for the fall sessions of the Family Holy Hour:
Oct. 4: Introduction to Eucharistic Adoration
Nov. 1: All Saints
Dec. 6: Advent

More information at www.hnoj.org/FamilyHolyHour. Please sign up online so we can get a count for the activity.

Why Is the Door Locked?

In recent weeks, you may have noticed some changes around Holy Name of Jesus aimed at enhancing our security measures. Some of these measures are invisible to most parishioners and maybe even staff. Others beg the question – Why?

Despite being located in a relatively safe neighborhood, Holy Name of Jesus faced a security incident several years ago when an attempted break-in occurred at our offices. In response, we installed cameras and upgraded certain locks, leading to fewer security incidents since then. However, with reports of crime in nearby areas, our leadership has taken proactive measures to further enhance the security of our facilities for the safety of our large parish family, especially during school hours and on Faith Formation nights when children are present.

Investing in Our Safety:

Controlled Access: Card readers have been installed at various entrances, allowing us to monitor and regulate who enters our facilities.
Automated Door Schedules: By implementing automated door schedules, a consistent level of security is maintained, even when personnel may not be readily available.
Video Intercom System: The newly installed video intercom system at the main entrance serves as an added security feature, enabling individuals to be verified before having access to our facilities. Should you find yourself arriving early on weekends to for a setup or running late to pick up your child during Faith Formation nights, we kindly ask that you utilize the intercom system located at Door 1. Rest assured; someone will be available to respond to your call until 9 p.m. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. 

These investments are just the beginning of HNOJ’s efforts to prioritize safety within the parish. As we continue to explore ways to enhance security, reduce risks and insurance premiums, we appreciate your help in maintaining a secure environment for all.

We understand that these changes may feel different from how things have always been done in the past. We value your feedback and encourage you to reach out to Janna Webskowski, Parish Administrator, or Jeff Ruchti, Facilities and Maintenance Manager, with any questions or concerns regarding our security measures. Together, we can work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for our entire parish community.

Communion Outreach

The Eucharist is at the core of our celebration each Mass. The sacramental signs become the Body and Blood of Jesus we receive.  At the Last Supper, sharing His Body and Blood with the disciples, Jesus said, "Do this in memory of Me" and so we do, through Holy Communion. The Eucharist not only brings us into communion with God, but with others as well.

For many, the bond of the Eucharist is felt and celebrated at Mass. But some members of the HNOJ community are not able to physically attend Mass. For this reason, HNOJ’s Communion Outreach team has dedicated volunteers who go out into the community to visit and bring the Eucharist to those who cannot get to Church due to their circumstances.

At Holy Name of Jesus it is our joy and honor to be able to provide this ministry through our Communion Outreach Team. If you or someone you know is homebound in our parish area and would like Communion brought to them, please contact the parish office at 763-745-3492.  This ministry will be led by Steve Hayes and Maureen Laird-Hayes.

Do you take photos while you're at HNOJ that ought to be shared? Send them to us!

We love seeing photos and video taken by parishioners. It gives us a unique perspective on what you experience. It's especially helpful to have more photos and videos to use in our marketing materials such as social media, publications, our website and more.

In particular, the Stewardship Commission would like images or short videos that show your ministry!

Please make sure that all submitted photos and videos that depict people have the person(s) permission to share with HNOJ, and that they understand that HNOJ may publish these photos and videos in upcoming marketing materials, on our website, social media channels or any other medium.

Email photos and videos to [email protected].  Please call Sarah Reid at 763-746-8194 with questions.

A few parishioners have received text or email messages from people pretending to be our pastor. These messages state pretty generically that he would like your help.  When a person responds, they receive a reply requesting donations in the form of gift cards. Please know that text messages are fake and should not be responded to. Fr. Wratkowski will never text or email you for gift cards.

In all cases, we have found that the contact information was "skimmed" from our website. This is a very common practice among spammers and is seen in businesses of all types. To help reduce the possibility of emails being copied from the website, icons with links to the email are used instead. This is not effective with phone numbers as a desktop would not be able to call out.

HNOJ takes security and the confidentiality of your data very seriously.  We have multiple systems in place to help keep us all as safe as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Michelle Hudlow, Director of IT at [email protected] or 763-233-0250.