PRIESTS: 402-564-7151

Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Michael J. Swanton

Sr. Associate Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. Michael Keating

In Residence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fr. Matt Capadano

Permanent Deacons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dan Keiter Larry Mielak, Jim Naughtin and Art Spenner

PARISH OFFICE TEAM: 402-564-7151

Parish Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dianne Keiter

Pastoral/Youth Ministry . . . . . . .. . . . . . Belinda Keiter

Family Faith Formation Coordinator. .Cheryl Rambour

Business Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norma Krzycki

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clint Torczon

Music Coordinator Jan Moser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402-564-6121

HISPANIC MINISTRY Fr. Gerry Gonderinger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .402-352-3540 Fr. Gregory Congote, OSB. . . . . . . . . . . 402-352-3540

Rocio Adame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .402-564-7151

GRADE SCHOOL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402-564-7153 Principal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Zoucha

Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barb Brockhaus

PRESCHOOL/CHILDCARE. . . . . . . .402-564-9338 Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathy Zadina

SCOTUS JR. & SR. HIGH SCHOOL 402-564-7165 President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Ohnoutka

Sixth Sunday of Easter May 21, 2017

St. Bonaventure Catholic Church

1565 18th Avenue Columbus, Nebraska 68601

www.stboncc.com

RECTORY OFFICE . . . . . . . .402-564-7151

FAX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .402-562-6025

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. –12:00 noon; 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Bulletin notices: Submit to office@stboncc.com or deliver in writing to the rectory before 10:00 a.m. on Mondays. Online calendar notices: Submit in writing or via email any time.

MASS SCHEDULE Weekend: Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.-Spanish

Rosary is prayed 30 minutes before Mass Twenty-four hour Eucharistic Adoration

Daily: Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 6:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday: 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

First Saturday: 9:00 a.m.

SACRAMENTS Reconciliation: Tuesday and Thursday: 4:30-5:20 p.m. Saturday: 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. and by appointment

Baptism: Pre-Baptism class is required. Classes are offered every month on the Monday before the second Sunday. To register call the rectory. Parents should be active in their faith and be registered in the parish.

Marriage: Contact one of the priests at least six months prior to a wedding. Couples should either be registered in the parish or have some connection to the parish.

Hospital Visitation: Due to laws regarding privacy, hospitals no longer notify the parish office if parishioners are admitted. Please contact the rectory if you or one of your family members are going to be hospitalized and you would like the priest to visit.

Sick Calls: Contact the rectory if you are not able to attend Mass and would like Holy Communion on Sunday or First Friday.

Vocations: Do you have questions about vocations, or would like to talk with someone about your vocation? Contact one of our priests, go to archomaha.org/ministries/vocations/, contact Fr. Roza at 402-558-3100 or at ajroza@archomaha.org or our Vocation Committee: Leonard & Theresa Gabriel 402-564-2593-L or 402-910-4563-T or tree.gabriel@gmail.com. We're here to help.

ST. BONAVENTURE COLUMBUS, NE

CHURCH CLEANING Thank you to the following people who cleaned church on May 13: Kathy Zadina, Karen Melcher, Glenda Steinsberger, Shirley

Zegar, Kathleen Lohr, Liz Czuba, Victor Santiago, Becky Laska, Eric Mustard and Theresa Petr.

Crew #6 will be cleaning the church on May 26 at 5:30 pm

From our Pastor…

Summer is upon us! Ok, so June 21st is the first day of summer, but in my book, when school’s out, summer’s in! With the nice weather and more free time, there are camps and camping, travel and sunbathing, sports and gardening. Don’t take a vacation from your spiritual life and Mass. God is greater than any activity. If you plan to be away from St. Bon’s, plan to find a parish near your destination. The Eu-charist is the source and summit of our Faith. Jesus is present. Jesus sacrificed Himself for us. At times, we must sacrifice to attend Mass. Sometimes Mass and our Catholic Faith are not convenient. This Thursday is Ascension Thursday—a

holy day of obligation. The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend is a holy day of obligation. Not

attending Mass is like not eating for a week. We

become weak. So super-size your summer with

our Savior!

Blessings,

LADIES OF THE LORD NEWS!

LOL Circle Rotation as follows: May - Circle 1 & 2 Funeral Dinners

Next Ladies of the Lord meeting will be Monday May 22nd at 6:00 pm in the St. Bon’s elementary library. Note the time change! All ladies of St. Bon’s are invited! At 6:30 pm we will transition to the Project 2020 Event “Chocolate, Champagne & Fruits of the Spirit” in the Social Hall.

PARISH NEWS

PASTRIES WITH THE PASTOR

This weekend after 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses in the

Parish Center. All are welcome, even if you

didn’t RSVP!

HEAVENLY DUSTERS-HELP NEEDED The next church cleaning schedule will be July - October 2017. Contact the rectory before June 1 if you have a new phone number or to change the time when you clean. We invite all able members to join this ministry to keep our church beautiful. Each crew is scheduled once every 2 months. Can you give an hour to help keep our church clean? Call Dianne at 402-564-7151.

MEMORIAL DAY CEMETERY REGULATIONS St. Bonaventure and All Saints Cemetery regulations allow wreaths and flowers in non-permanent vases, (no glass allowed) to be placed on graves three days before and five days after Memorial Day. Cut flowers will be removed during the week as they become wilted and no longer add to the appearance of the cemetery. Any items not set into the concrete base or are higher than 16 inches, will be removed after Sunday, June 4th, due to maintenance needs. At this time when we honor our deceased loved ones, consider purchasing your cemetery space(s) if you haven’t already done so. It is also a good time to look over your will and estate plan. Please consider including St. Bonaventure Parish when doing so.

“WHO'S WHO” WELCOME WEEKEND

All new and current members of St. Bonaventure are invited to the Parish Center for refreshments from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 4. There will be a prize drawing for our new members. Help us welcome and greet our newest members! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 938

Pancake, sausage and hash browns breakfast Sunday June 11, 2017. Serving from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the KC Hall—3115 6th St. Adults $6.50 - Children $4.00. Everyone welcome. Carry Outs Available. Proceeds to support youth Activities.

MEN’S CHOIR Music rehearsal for Men’s Choir will be Wednesday, May 24 at 8:30 p.m. in church. They will sing for 9:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 28. New members always welcome! Contact Jon at jmisfeldt@hotmail.com.

The t-shirts are coming! Order forms are in the back of church or at the rectory. The campaign logo is on the front of the shirt, and the youth logo (designed by Camille Cox) is on the back. $8 each. Order forms and payment due to the rectory by May 23.

PROJECT 2020 T-SHIRTS

ASCENSION THURSDAY

The Ascension of the Lord is May 25, and it is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass times at St. Bon’s are as follows:

Wednesday, May 24, Vigil Mass 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 25 6:30 a.m. 12:10 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. in Spanish

STEWARDSHIP SPANISH

LOTTERY CALENDAR WINNERS May 15 - May 21, 2017

$55-(702) Kurt Gasper 05-15-17 $55-(671) Jim Heimann 05-16-17

$55-(036) Pattie & Brad Baumgart 05-17-17

$55-(619) Eldon Engel 05-18-17

$55-(163) Martha Aerni 05-19-17

$55-(874) Dustin Volkmer 05-20-17

$75-(070) Norman Witt 05-21-17

SCRIP SALES Purchase all scrip at St. Bon’s School, or only Wal-Mart, Super Saver & Hy-Vee at the church office.

Weekly Sales………………………..……………….$121,720.00 Profit…………………………………..……..…….……..$822.71 Year-To-Date.……………..……………………………$3,838.28 March 31, 2018 Goal…………………...……………..$35,000.00

WEEKEND COLLECTIONS May 14, 2017

Contributions Received………………………………….$11,438 Monthly Bank Withdrawals……………………………..$14,032 Year-To-Date Actual Received……………..…….……$912,302 Year-To-Date Actual Budget .……………..…….……$902,060 Net Excess (deficit)………………………...…………....$10,242

ANUNCIOS en ESPAÑOL STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED AT ST. BONAVENTURE

EMHC: Eucharistic Minister s are needed to take Sunday Communion to the homebound, care centers and hospital. Those called to this particular ministry can work as often as they like. Please call Maxine Becker at 402-564-7956. If you are not mandated as an EMHC, and would like to join this ministry, call Dianne at 402-564-7151.

FUNERAL: We need help to set up and take down tables/chairs for funeral luncheons. Call Mary Lu Podraza at 402-564-5705.

GIFT BEARERS: Families are invited to carry up the gifts at our Sunday Masses. Please consider participating in this ministry. If you can help, inform an usher as you enter the church for Mass.

USHERS: We need usher s, especially for the 6:30 p.m. Mass on Sundays. Please call the rectory if interested at 402-564-7151.

MUSICIANS: The funeral choir is seeking more members to sing for funerals at St. Bon’s! It’s a wonderful ministry to the family going through a tough time. Please call the rectory (402-564-7151) or Jan at 402-564-6121 or text 402-270-6124.

MY WEEKLY OFFERING TO JESUS Helping Mom

Soccer, softball, gymnastics, volleyball and basketball

Cleaning my room

EMHC TRAINING AND MANDATION We need your help! If you are interested in serving as a Eucharistic Minister for our parish, call Dianne at 402-564-7151 to register. You must attend the Archdiocese training either Sunday, August 20 (Norfolk) or Sunday, August 27 (West Point), and the mandation on Wednesday, September 6 in Norfolk.

MEALS ON WHEELS The volunteers of St. Bonaventure are scheduled to deliver Meals on Wheels May 30-June 2. There will be no deliveries on the 29th. If you can help, please call Pauline Sander at 564-0497.

De nuestro Párroco

¡El verano llegó! Ok, el verano comienza el 21 de Junio, pero en mi libro, cuando la escuela termina, el verano ya llegó. Con el buen clima y más tiempo libre, hay campamentos y nos vamos a acampar, viajamos y nos bronceamos, los deportes y la huerta. No tome vacaciones de su vida espiritual y de Misa. Dios es mucho más importante que cualquier actividad. Si planea estar lejos de San Bons, busque una parroquia cerca-na en el lugar a donde va. La Eucaristía es la fuente y la cumbre de nuestra fe. Jesús está presente. Jesús se sacrificó por nosotros. Algunas veces, nosotros nos podemos sacrificar para asistir a Misa. Otras veces la Misa y nuestra Fe Catolica no son convenientes. Este jueves es el Jueves de la Ascensión—un día santo de obligación. El domingo del fin de semana feriado del (Memorial Day) es un día santo de obligación. El no asistir a Misa es como no comer en una semana. Nos ponemos débiles. ¡Así que maxi-miza tu verano con nuestro Salvador! Bendiciones, Padre Mike

Los invitamos hoy domingo 21 de Mayo después de la Misa al Evento Bocadillos con el Padre Mike en el Parish Center. Tendremos comida y cuidado de niños. Venga y pase un rato agradable. Esta es tu Iglesia, Esta es tu historia.

ORACION

Padre eterno y siempre amoroso, alabamos tu nombre y te damos gracias por las muchas bendiciones que has concedido a nuestra familia Parroquial de San Buenaventura.

Al contemplarte en la Eucaristía, estamos arraigados al pasado, situados en el presente con nuestros ojos fijos en aquel que nos guía.

Creemos en la visión para el futuro de nuestra parroquia, no por lo que somos, sino por quien Tú eres. Unénos y guíanos mientras nos rendimos a tu voluntad.

Por la intercesión de San Buenaventura y de nuestra Santísima Madre María, permitenos imitar los sacrificios de los corazones de aquellos que nos han precedido en la fe.

Por la gracia y el poder del Espíritu Santo, pertenecemos al Cuerpo Místico de Cristo. Con el espíritu franciscano, seguiremos construyendo tu reino.

Por Jesucristo, Nuestro Señor. Amén.

JUEVES DE LA ASCENCION 25 DE MAYO

Misa en español a las 7:00pm

Misas en inglés: 6:30am, 12:10pm, & 5:30pm

Monday, 5/22

6:30 AM Jerry Prososki

8:15 AM Marcella Jaworski - Anniv.

Tuesday, 5/23

6:30 AM Pat Steiner

5:30 PM Liv/Dec Maurie Melcher Family

Wednesday, 5/24

6:30 AM Pat Steiner

8:15 AM Bernadette Sueper

7:00 PM Dori Stracke Thursday, 5/25

6:30 AM Clifford Stopak - Anniv.

12:10 PM Frances Gablenz - Anniv.

5:30 PM Margaret Keiter 7:00 PM Project 2020

Friday, 5/26

6:30 AM Margaret Keiter

8:15 AM Liv/Dec Alois & Catherine Frischholz Family

Saturday, 5/27 5:00 PM St. Bonaventure Parishioners Sunday, 5/28

7:00 AM Gloria Wemhoff

9:00 AM Leonard Martin

11:00 AM Agnes, Judy and Pat Steiner

1:30 PM Antonino & Rocio Adame

6:30 PM Nicholas Mrzlak

Liturgical Roles Weekend of May 27 & 28

SATURDAY-5:00 PM Presider: Fr. Swanton

EMHC: P. Heimes, P. Parry, Please volunteer Lector: Joyce Dohmen Sacristan: Tami Williams Servers: A. Baumert, A. & A. Chavez Ushers: R. Campbell, L. Bierman, S. Jahn, J. Swirczek, K. Wojcik Music:

SUNDAY-7:00 AM Presider: Fr. Keating

EMHC: B. Heimann, W. Piitz, R. Voboril, Please volunteer Lector: Theresa Ingram Sacristan: Betty Heimann Servers: G. & K. Young, Please volunteer Ushers: K. Bernt, P. Rupprecht, D. Vavra

SUNDAY-9:00 AM Presider: Fr. Swanton

EMHC: M. Becker, B. Kuta, L. Naughtin Lector: Jerry Albin Sacristan: Deacon Keiter Servers: M. & S. Bichlmeier, M. Faltys Ushers: J. Albracht, J. Davis, D. Korger, M. Massman Music: Men’s Choir

SUNDAY-11:00 AM Presider: Fr. Keating

EMHC: J. Bator, L. Gabriel, L. Humlicek Lector: Theresa Gabriel Sacristan: Leonard Gabriel Servers: J. Bixenman, D. & D. Borchers Ushers: D. Curtis, M. Landkamer, M. Lenihan, D. Nicolas, B. Ruskamp

Music:

SUNDAY-6:30 PM Presider: Fr. Keating

EMHC: D. Stone, Please volunteer x 3 Lector: Ashley Karges Sacristan: Servers: S. Swiatek, M. Vazquez, J. Villa Ushers: D. Eisenmenger, J. Dubas, B. Motley, J. Ternus, R. Wolpert Music:

Sixth Sunday of Easter May 21, 2017

Readings for the Week of May 21, 2017 Sunday: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17/Ps 66:1-7, 16, 20/1 Pt 3:15-18/Jn 14:15-21 or Acts 8:5-8, 14-17/Ps 66/1 Pt 4:13-16/Jn 17:1-11a Monday: Acts 16:11-15/Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b/Jn 15:26--16:4a Tuesday: Acts 16:22-34/Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8/Jn 16:5-11 Wednesday: Acts 17:15, 22--18:1/Ps 148:1-2, 11-14/Jn 16:12-15 Thursday: Acts 18:1-8/Ps 98:1-4/Jn 16:16-20 Friday: Acts 18:9-18/Ps 47:2-7/Jn 16:20-23 Saturday: Acts 18:23-28/Ps 47:2-3, 8-10/Jn 16:23b-28 Next Sunday: Ascension: Acts 1:1-11/Ps 47:2-3, 6-9/Eph 1:17-23/Mt 28:16-20

SPIRITUAL/LITURGY

Present needs for Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration are: Co-Captains needed: Sunday 6am-6pm & Wednesday 6am-6pm Sunday: Morning 6:00 - 7:00 am - call Joan 402-910-0958

Call Joan at 402-910-0958 for details. God is never outdone!

Today we include the following parishioners and friends who are sick and are in need of your care and love. You may want to send them a card of encouragement. Please pray for

those who need the hope and strength of the Lord: Sam Nahorny, Amanda Wessel, Diane Keeshan, and

Romayne Hogelin.

We also pray for those who have died: Bea Siegel

Get in the fight for the soul of America – Pray the Rosary daily.

Don’t have time, then pray 1 decade. Don’t have time, then pray 1 Hail Mary – but get in the fight!

Memorial Gifts Have Been Given In Memory of:

Margaret Keiter: Gene & Jan Engelber t, Leonard & Theresa Gabriel, Susie Hengge-

ler, Gene & Shirley Hoessel, Doris Horne, Jim & Terri Hotovy, Tim & Carla Hottovy, Steve & Joan Jahn, Bernie Kampschnieder, Jane Kelly, Milan & Linda Levos, Larry & Sue Mares, Frances & Michelle McDonald, Rich & Marge Nosal, Clete & Chris Pillen, Jeff & Deb Ohnoutka and family, Mary Lu Podraza, Pat Scow Jerry Prososki: Louise Bridges Dori Stracke: Louise Br idges, Marv & Glor ia Rinkol, Ray & Virginia Staroscik, Paul & Joyce Dohmen, Dewayne & Barbara Nicolas, Wayne & Nadine Jungemann, Jan Brezinski, E. Jedlicka

MAKE A PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA HERE IN OUR OWN ARCHDIOCESE! St. Isidore’s Church, Columbus, NE is hosting the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima on May 29, 2017 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. as

part of the Fatima Centennial US Tour for Peace, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. Many favors and graces, including cures, and countless conversions are associated with the historic Image. Join us for a day of graces, healing and prayer with Our Lady & in all day Eucharistic Adoration of The Most Blessed Sacrament.

COMMUNITY PRAYER - ALL ARE WELCOME Join us as we pray for the success of Project 2020 - Behold, Believe, Belong. Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. in the church. There will be communal prayer, meditation time and adoration. Come for 15 minutes or the whole hour. All are invited!

Welcome the following new parishioners to our parish:

Yaramis Ramos; Aurora Joan Lehr; Walker, Bailey, Calvin, Brooke Connie Nagengast Jon & Elissa Heibel; Steven and Cara

Please join us in prayer! Father Flanagan League will meet Tuesday, May 23 at 5:30-6:00pm in St. Anthony's East Chapel.

Catholic Daughters of the Americas - Reminder: The Annual Banquet is on Sunday, June 4, 2017, at the Knights of Columbus Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $12.50 per plate. Please call your reservations to: Joan Van Dyke (402) 564-4912 by Sunday, May 28, 2017. Your spouse or guest(s) are most welcome to join us.

PROJECT 2020 YOUTH & SCHOOL

AROUND THE AREA

100th Anniversary Pilgrimage! To the Shr ine of Our Lady of Fatima, 10 Day Pilgrimage in October 2017. Land inclusive cost of $2149.00 in twin accommodations. Call for the special air price from your city. Visiting Lisbon, Fatima, Santaerm, Portugal, Lourdes France and Barcelona Spain. Call James Adair at 1-855-564-1008 or email jlmadair@thecatholictour.com

Youth Mission 2017 Pope Francis calls each of us to become a missionary disciple! Join us for a week of service, faith, and fun this summer in St. Louis or Tucson during the week of June 24 to July 1. Call Virgil at 402-285-2261 or Belinda at 402-564-7151.

FUNDAY Camp will be Tuesday, June 13 for kids enter ing 6th, 7th & 8th grade. Applications are available at church or school offices. The application deadline is Monday, May 22nd to any of the church offices. For more information, contact Mike Kosch, 402-910-0605.

2017 JC CAMP CAMPER REGISTRATIONS We are now accepting registrations for campers. Camp dates are June 8-11 and June 22-25. Registrations and other camp forms needed can be found at scotuscc.org For questions or registrations you can email JC_Camp@neb.rr.com

The Bible and the Sacraments! The Bible and the Sacraments developed by Dr. Scott Hahn will be presented for all men and women who are interested in learning more about the Sacraments which Jesus Christ instituted out of His Love for us. This is an 11-week program, but don’t be concerned that you might not make all of them as each session stands on its own. It starts on Sunday, June 4th at St. Isidore Cafeteria at 7 p.m. To sign up call Deacon Jack at 402-562-6071 or email to jwkonsel@archomaha.org.

Come, Holy Spirit. Join us for Benediction and Adoration in preparation for Pentecost on Wednesday, May 31st, 7pm at St. Anthony’s Church. All are welcome!

2nd Annual Baby Bottle Boomerang Columbian Squire Circle #5832

Pick up your bottles this weekend after Mass, fill with coins and return by June 18th. Proceeds will be distributed to Youth

Ministries, Seminarians, and Mothers and Children in need in the Columbus area. Last year’s Boomerang was overwhelming and the money raised helped many. Thank you for your support.

Come and learn more about our parish campaign!

Our next events: Chocolate, Champagne Fruits of the Spirit - Monday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Social Hall.

Eat of the Forbidden Fruit - Sunday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Center. Childcare provided.

RSVP to Theresa at stbons2020@gmail.com or 402-276-0357.

All families are encouraged to attend at least one event so you can be knowledgeable about the Project 2020 campaign.

REMEMBER TO BUY SCRIP GIFTS! Get your scrip before you buy your groceries, gas, wedding gifts and more! During the summer, scrip

will be sold at the rectory office. The rectory is open M-F from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. -4:30 p.m. Off Campus has joined the scrip program with $25 cards. They give 3% back.

PROJECT 2020 - RUN FOR THE ‘SON’ The Youth Committee invites you to join in the fun with a Color Run for children 5 and up on June 2nd at 6:00 p.m. The untimed event is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. Registrations can be turned in to the St. Bonaventure rectory by May 26.

4 THINGS EVERY CATHOLIC PARENT SHOULD MAKE SURE THEIR CHILDREN

KNOW BEFORE LEAVING HOME:

*You are loved. It has been proven over and over that young adults who know beyond any doubt that their parents love them are less likely to engage in risky behavior, including premarital sex, drugs and alcohol. This doesn’t mean you will condone all their choices or bail them out of every difficult situation, but it does mean that in a changing world, your love will be a steadfast constant they can rely upon.

*Know your faith. The “real world” is going to challenge our children’s Catholic beliefs. Catholics with a weak knowledge of the teachings of the Church often fall victim to evangelization by other faiths, or, worse, fall away from faith completely. Even if your children have had the best Catholic education, don’t assume they fully understand what they’ve been taught. Take time to dis-cuss the faith. Listen to your children and ask pointed questions.

*The Church is your home. Make sure your children know that they may be leaving your family home, but they never have to leave their church home. When bouts of homesickness threaten (as they probably will), a nearby Catholic Church and the Mass can be a touchstone of safety in what can feel like an impersonal world.

*Pray daily. As impor tant as fr iends are, fr iendship with God is even more important. Our children need to understand that friendship with God requires time and energy. While it is true that God is always there waiting for us, and that God does, in fact, take the initiative to contact us, we need to spend time every day in prayer in order to know and understand God’s will for our lives.