Category Archives: Fr. Dave Zimmer
Fr. Dave Zimmer: “In the Bleak Midwinter… Stewardship Has Time to Grow”
In 1872, Christina Rossetti wrote a now-famous poem, In the Bleak Midwinter, that begins with an accurate account of our weather conditions here in North Dakota, especially in January.
More importantly, the poem concludes with a thought provoking verse that describes the “stewardship condition of our heart.” Thirty-four years later, Christina’s poem became a popular song by the same title. Christina’s poem begins with these words:
“In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, long ago.”
Fr. Dave Zimmer: Friends in Stewardship
Located on a hillside in Assisi, Italy, stands the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, which are actually two basilicas: an upper and a lower one. Both are filled with amazing art and frescos. During my recent visit to Italy, I was blessed to spend 12 days in Assisi. I spent a lot of time in the basilica. One day while in the lower basilica, I discovered a fresco that depicted the Madonna and the Child Jesus with St. Francis pictured on the left side of Mary and another figure on the right that I learned was St. John the Apostle.
Since I am pastor of St. John the Apostle Parish in Minot, N.D., I immediately wondered what connection could be made between St. Francis and St. John, besides their affection and devotion to Christ and His mother, Mary. There had to be a reason for the artist to put these figures together. They wouldn’t have known each other personally since their lives were separated by over a thousand years. However, spiritually, they most certainly knew each other because of their decision to be disciples of the Lord.
From Mary’s “yes,” to John’s love and message of the Scriptures, to Francis’ love of the poor, the Church and desire to serve God, there was a woven relationship between these beautiful characters of our tradition. They inspire us, if we are willing to look to them as examples of living the stewardship way of life.
Fr. Dave Zimmer: “What If” Stewardship Could Change Our World?
“What if” someone had an idea that, through music, the world could change?
“What if” that person spent 10 years traveling all over the globe finding “street” musicians anywhere and everywhere to record an old pop favorite, Stand By Me?
“What if” they did record it, despite the fact that none of the musicians left their native land or envoirnment to do so, but through technology, a street musician in New Orleans, La. was able to sing with another street musician in Santa Monica, Calif.?
“What if” those two were able to sing with a choir in South Africa, Native American drummers in New Mexico, guitar players in Brazil, Cuba, and Italy, and those musicians could play with someone playing the cello in Moscow Square in Russia?
“What if” that entire group could sing and play with other musicians from France, Israel, and the Netherlands?
Well, that is exactly what they did!
Fr. Dave Zimmer: Did the Apostle Paul Have a Stewardship Story?
Permanently etched in my memory is a painting done by the famous Italian artist Caravaggio of the “Conversion of St. Paul.” It is one of Caravaggio’s greatest works, telling the story that changed the face of Christianity and the Catholic Church. I have read the account of Paul’s conversion many times in the New Testament and celebrated the feast day of that event on Jan. 25 for many years. The story can be read in Acts 9: 1-31.
St. Paul’s original name was Saul, and he was feared by the early Christians. Before his conversion, Saul’s mission was to eliminate Christianity by persecuting the early Church. How does one change from that to become one of the most important ministers of the gospel of all time? It is conversion at its very best. The man who was Saul became Paul at the Lord’s own choosing. And it is important for us at St. John’s to know this story, and to realize that the potential Christ saw in St. Paul is not unlike the potential that lies within each of us to be Christ’s disciple.
Fr. Dave Zimmer: What Would a School of Discipleship Look Like?
The experience of learning is a human activity that is a lifelong process. Whether we realize it or even acknowledge it, our opportunities to learn about life, acquire new knowledge or strengthen our faith are always right before us. While the potential to learn is constant, our “classrooms” keep changing. Where we experience “learning” is anyone’s guess, and happens everywhere in the world around us. Most of the time, it is pretty close to home. Places of learning are all around us. To learn special skills and gain specific understanding about what is relevant and helpful to our lives and those we serve is something that happens all the time.
So… what would a “school of discipleship” look like? The answer should be obvious. It looks like the parish you and I attend, and the one to which we belong. Our parish church functions as a place of learning as well as a place of worship. It is the place where you and I learn about being a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is a place where we encounter others who are disciples ministering to others. It is a place where we practice discipleship in our own unique way using the gifts God has given us. It is a place where we practice the stewardship way of life.
Fr. Dave Zimmer: “Coincidental” Stewardship
The famous author Gilbert K. Chesterton supposedly once said, “Coincidences are God’s way of staying anonymous.” Some have told me they have no time for coincidences and even regard them as unimportant. There may have been a time when I might have agreed with them. But since a “conversion” to the stewardship way of life, coincidences have become cherished experiences for which I thank God. And rightly so! While God stays anonymous, coincidences are ways God interacts with the world He created. Are we not grateful for this mysterious intervention?
I first read this quote in The Catholic Spirit, the diocesan newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The article was about an acquaintance of mine from the seminary. Fr. Peter Christianson had been a few years ahead of me, but now had been named and ordained a bishop assigned to the Diocese of Superior, Wis. He recalled G.K. Chesterton’s quote at his ordination to the episcopacy and, since then, I also have relied on the wisdom of that statement. When it comes to the stewardship way of life, that statement couldn’t be truer.
Fr. Dave Zimmer: Tithing Made a Difference in my Spiritual Life
Tithing hasn’t always been a part of my own practice of contributing to the Church or other charities. I donated when and what I could for a number of years, but I have to admit, how much I was willing to give was sporadic and inconsistent. To make the decision to commit 10 percent of my income wasn’t given much consideration. I justified my hesitancy by thinking, “I am certain I give enough, no matter what the amount.” After all, I have given my whole life to serving the Church; what more should I give? Ten percent of my personal income seemed excessive when my salary was so limited. It was an attitude I am not proud of, or willing to share openly.
That was before I made the decision to adopt the stewardship way of life, personally and spiritually. I understood the need and desire I had to give my time and talent, the first two essentials of stewardship. But committing to the “treasure” part took some contemplation. It was in prayer that it became clear to me that being a true disciple calls me to use all that God has given me for the good of the Church at large. I had never prayed about what to give monetarily. Now, it is how I understand how to be truly grateful for all God has given to me. In gratitude, I honestly desire returning a portion of what I have to be His disciple and a good steward. I have never been as content and peaceful, even joyful, in my spirituality.
Fr. Dave Zimmer: Planting the Seeds That Become the Roots of Stewardship
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Fredericksburg, Va., was the destination of a retreat I facilitated in January 2010. The parish has 4,100 families and is located in one of the most historical areas of our country. The local residents take great delight in naming those who once lived there, and talking about what events happened that played a pivotal role in shaping much of our nation. As I listened, I couldn’t help but think about my home state of North Dakota and its beginnings as a “territory,” then as “state,” and the humble beginnings of our “Catholic heritage.”
The thoughts are appropriate, since here in the Diocese of Bismarck, we are about to kick off the celebration of our centennial as a diocese and recalling and appreciating the “characters” who shaped us, planting the “seeds” of citizenship” and, more importantly, our faith. The event will take place in Bismarck on June 11, 12, and 13. It offers us here in North Dakota, including here at my parish, St. John the Apostle in Minot, the opportunity to celebrate our history, while “beginning a new chapter” for ourselves and those that follow us.
Fr. Dave Zimmer: “Amazing Stewardship” Comes From “Amazing Grace”
A feature film production based on the life of William Wilberforce titled Amazing Grace was released three years ago. It got its name from a real-life friendship between Wilberforce and John Newton, who wrote the words to that famous Christian hymn, “Amazing Grace.” The film, however, told the story of one of the most amazing figures in British history. Mr. Wilberforce was born in 1759 in Hull, England, and in 1780 secured a seat in the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament. For over 20 years, he persisted in trying to end the slave trade in Britain. He persisted because his faith told him to do so, and it was right to do so.
