What's Happening at St. Charles 

January 10, 2010
Winter Wonderland

This past week St. Charles “enjoyed” the first real winter storm of the year. The mostly colorless winter landscape of the campus was turned into a winter wonderland when it was covered by four or five inches of snow. The phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” prompts us to show the scene with pictures and only a few words.

Frozen Lakes

There are two lakes on our campus, one is 2.5 acres, the other is just over 7 acres of water. The ice augur shown in the right picture bored a hole in the large lake that showed ice below it was seven inches thick, which would allow a small car to drive over it, though that is not recommended.

Great Blue Heron

There are many great blue herons in our area during spring and summertime; many nest in the area. They are four feet tall and have a six feet wingspan. While most herons left for a better climate a couple months ago, this one stayed behind, and is looking for lunch in the only area of the lake that is not frozen over.

In the scene on the right the heron shows how birds can blend into the landscape. It is sitting on the left side of the railing above the boat near the center of the picture. Herons eat fish, frogs, snakes, and even small birds. They sometimes stalk their prey, and other times remain motionless until the prey comes to them.

This one is still hanging around our lakes and seems repentant of not going along with the others. He or she will likely head south in the days ahead because of a lack of food,. A few Herons stay through the winter, though it as a bit of a mystery to me what they eat.

Broad Winged Hawk or Marsh Hawk

There are many different hawks and I find it hard to identify them. I am not sure what this one is. It is likely a broad winged hawk or doubtfully a marsh hawk. Hawks are not popular with most people and this picture shows why. This one snatched a pigeon out of a tree and ate dinner just outside one of our courtyard doors. The hawk is 17 to 24 inches in length, and likely a juvenile as the tail shows that it will probably be white barred by springtime. While not popular with most people, hawks are part of the food chain and are beautiful birds. This one has been around for several weeks and I hope he moves on south, as the birds are not coming to the feeder while he or she is around.

Horned Larks

On our front lane small birds gather by the dozens on the side of the road. They look like drab little sparrows unless you have binoculars and they turn out of be pretty little birds called “Horned larks” and they are the only larks in the United States.

Winter Wonderland at St. Charles

On Sunday, January 10, nature created the real winter wonderland. The fog froze on the trees and bushes, creating a beautiful, though cold, scene through the campus. It only lasted till noon, but here are a few of the scene early in the day.  

January 3, 2010
Dedication of the Assumption Chapel Altar

On January 3, 2010 Archbishop Dennis Schnurr dedicated a new altar for Assumption Chapel at St. Charles Center. Preparing for this ceremony gave Fr. Angelo Anthony the opportunity to reflect upon the significance of the altar and its symbolic message for us.

Father Angelo's Reflection
Since the earliest days of the Church the altar has been seen as a sign of Christ himself. It is a table of sacrifice and the table for a banquet. It is appropriate that we begin this new year gathered around the table of the Lord.

The rite of dedication engages four visible signs of the invisible work that the Lord accomplishes through the Church. First, the altar is anointed with chrism oil making the altar a symbol of Christ who offers himself for the salvation of all. Secondly, incense is burned on the altar signifying Christ's sacrifice as well as the prayers of God's people ascending to God. Thirdly, a covering is placed upon the altar to signify that it is the Lord's table at which all God's people joyously meet to be fed by the Body and Blood of Christ sacrificed. Finally, the lighting of the altar teaches us that Christ is the light of the world, a light that shines out to all people.

The prayer of dedication used during the ceremony provides a rich meditation for our reflection throughout this new year. During the prayer there are several invocations which speak of the symbolism the altar is to have in our lives.

• The bishop prays that the altar be for us a sign of Christ.

• That the altar be a table of joy, where the friends of Christ can place their burdens and cares and be renewed.

• That the altar be a place of communion and peace where we are nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ and be filled with his Spirit.

• That the altar be a source of unity and friendship where we gather as one in mutual love.

• That the altar be the center of our praise and thanksgiving providing nourishment and strength for us until that day when we are gathered at the eternal banquet and offer an everlasting sacrifice of praise to God.

As you gather at the altar of sacrifice and the table of the Lord in this new year I invite you to reflect upon the significance of the altar and the call that we have to be "living stones out of which the Lord Jesus builds the Church's altar." Our new altar is built upon the many relationships that are bound by the Body and Blood of Christ in our parishes, schools, and other ministerial commitments. It is connected with those who suffer illness whose altar of sacrifice is their bed. This altar holds together the call we have to live the bond of charity in mutual respect and love.

Looking back over this past year there is much to be thankful for and as we look to the future we wait in joyful hope for all that is yet to be accomplished in the name of the Precious Blood of Jesus.

And so we pray with the psalmist: "You, God, are my strength. Send your light and fidelity, that they may be my guide and bring me to your holy mountain, to the place of your dwelling, that I may come to the altar of God, to God, my joy, my delight" (Ps. 43: 2-4).

(Reflections on the rite of dedication in this article (slightly edited) are summarized from The Rites Volume II, Pueblo Publishing Co. 1980).