By Shelby Siegfried
for the Register
In the tight-knit community of Blue Hill, Holy Trinity Church has stood as a steadfast pillar of faith, compassion, and unity for generations.
However, the past year brought unforeseen challenges as five beloved members of the small parish faced a formidable adversary: cancer.
“Over the past year, our parish community, and indeed many beyond, have been touched by the challenging and sorrowful presence of cancer,” said Father Adam Sparling, pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Blue Hill. “This unforeseen burden has left many of us with a sense of shock and sadness as we watch our loved ones and dear friends navigate this difficult journey. However, in times of hardship, it is our faith and unity as a parish family that can provide solace and strength.”
At the beginning of the year, the community received the shocking news that Ryder Armes, a 2-year-old, was diagnosed with leukemia. It was a difficult moment for Ryder’s family, who leaned on their faith and the support of their community.
Kellie Armes, Ryder’s mother, said it was “overwhelming” to receive Ryder’s diagnosis.
“We leaned on our faith and trust in God,” she said. “It felt like that’s all we could do.”
The Holy Trinity community rallied swiftly, organizing fundraisers and providing prayers.
“After the diagnosis, right away, the people from Holy Trinity began offering prayers, planning a benefit, bringing meals,” Kellie Armes shared. “Father Sparling checked in on us every day, even when he was traveling.”
While Ryder’s journey is still ongoing, there is hope, as he is now in remission. Kellie Armes remarked, “God has a plan for Ryder and for all of us. We’re thankful to live where we do and to have the love and support of so many.”
In July, another diagnosis struck the Holy Trinity community, affecting Rita Petska, a beloved figure within the parish. Petska, a long-serving labor and delivery nurse at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, had been a steadfast advocate for pro-life causes, not only within the parish but also in the surrounding areas. Her unwavering faith and dedication had made her an inspiration to many.
Petska’s discovery of her illness was marked by faith and a pilgrimage to Chimayo, N.M.
“God works in all sorts of ways,” she said. “To celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, we traveled to Chimayo, a pilgrimage site known for healing soil, for my husband, who has heart problems. Because we were riding in the car for so long, the tumor blocked my main bile duct, and I started having liver problems. If it hadn’t been for that trip, we wouldn’t have found the tumor until who knows when.”
Initially diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Petska’s prognosis was bleak, with doctors giving her one month to a year left to live. Holy Trinity Parish rallied in support, offering holy hours of Eucharistic adoration, rosaries, and the St. Peregrine Novena for her healing. Petska found solace in the beauty of the novena prayers, particularly embracing the part that prays for healing if it’s God’s will, but more importantly, for salvation and to be closer to Christ.
“I wasn’t afraid of the diagnosis,” Petska remarked. “I’m thankful my parents and grandparents gave me a great foundation of faith. Life is just a journey, and the purpose is to get to life with Christ in the end.”
Petska recounted, “It was never a question of ‘why is this happening to me?’ but ‘what do you want me to do today?’” The parish united in faith, with approximately 62 Masses being offered for Petska and her family, in addition to a special Mass with prayers for healing offered at Holy Trinity Church.
Miraculously, subsequent scans revealed that the tumor had vanished, and the pancreatic cancer had regressed to a treatable stage 1, defying the initial terminal diagnosis. Petska conveyed her profound gratitude.
“I truly feel like each day is a gift,” she said. “I’m so thankful for everyone who prayed for me, my loving family, my parish, and community.”
Inspired by Petska’s cherished pastime of walking, the Holy Trinity Parish organized “Walking with Rita,” a 5k or 1-mile walk/run event to raise funds for medical expenses and time away from work. Petska expressed her heartfelt appreciation, saying, “It makes me tear up to think about the time and effort that people put into supporting me through this.
“I love to walk,” she continued. “It’s how I relax, and I just really enjoy it. So to have my friends walk with me, the fellowship, and being surrounded by all those people was truly amazing.”
Megan James, a dear friend of Petska’s and one of the event’s organizers, shared the remarkable journey of their friendship over the years. She emphasized how Petska had played the role of mentor and role model in her life. The idea for “Walking with Rita” emerged when co-workers decided to create supportive t-shirts to show solidarity with Petska. The event gained rapid momentum, thanks to the unwavering support of the community.
The walk, held Oct. 15, began at Holy Trinity Church and drew more than 275 participants, both in person and virtually, with 29 sponsors contributing to the cause. James marveled at the overwhelming love and support, saying, “We have an amazing community, and that day you could definitely feel the love. Our parish has been hit hard this year but the faith we have is unmatched.”
Hard times continued in the community as another challenge emerged. Taylor Kirschner, an 8-year-old, was diagnosed with leukemia. Holy Trinity Parish once again rallied around the family, offering not only financial support but also spiritual and emotional assistance. Christy Kirschner, Taylor’s mother, said, “God has a plan for everyone.
“Cancer wasn’t what we planned, but it was always a part of God’s divine plan. It’s been hard, but we cling to our faith and trust in God,” she said.
Taylor’s treatments meant traveling and time away from home, which took a toll on the family. The Holy Trinity Parish and the Blue Hill community came together to help with meals, transportation, and financial support.
“The mental strain on the family during out-of-town treatment was tough,” Christy Kirschner said. “It feels so good to be home.”
Kirshner said Taylor is a resilient girl, and she’s faced her diagnosis with courage and a positive outlook. “She’s never complained, she’s been so brave and she takes each day as it comes,” she added.
Taylor has been supported by a host of friends, including the Holy Trinity CCD students who offered a rosary for her healing and made cards.
Her classmates stay in touch with video chats and make the effort to include her in special school events and parties.
“It helps to know that we have people praying and a community supporting us,” Taylor’s mother said. “That’s how small towns are – everyone takes care of each other.”
The outpouring of compassion from the parish continued as October brought another cancer diagnosis to the Holy Trinity community, this time affecting Liz Buschow, who was diagnosed with merkel cell carcinoma. The news spurred the parishioners into action once again, demonstrating their commitment to helping one another during times of crisis. Together, they organized prayer sessions to offer Buschow and her family the strength and support they need.
The same support has been offered to Lee Ostdiek, as he battles a skin carcinoma diagnosis at the age of 88. The Holy Trinity community, recognizing the importance of supporting their elder members, has surrounded Ostdiek with love and prayers. Through prayers and acts of kindness, the parishioners have come together to ensure that Ostdiek feels the warmth of their collective embrace as he confronts this health challenge.
In the face of adversity, Holy Trinity parishioners have proven that through faith, unity, and unwavering support, they can weather any storm.
“Together, we can be a source of hope, healing, and light in these trying times,” Father Sparling said. “The Church is a family, and coming together to support one another can make a significant difference.”
Courtesy photos
Healing with the Divine Physician
By Shelby Siegfried
for the Register
In navigating a cancer diagnosis or health challenge, maintaining inner peace demands a combination of spiritual, emotional, and physical strategies. Father Adam Sparling, the pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Blue Hill, said by incorporating various spiritual exercises into daily life, individuals can take a holistic approach aligned with the Catholic faith, fostering spiritual growth, resilience, and a deeper connection with God during hard times.
Sacraments
Receiving and staying close to the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, is a must for all of us to maintain and grow in a relationship with our Lord.
Frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation can provide spiritual healing and comfort.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is particularly relevant for those facing health challenges, offering grace and strength.
Daily Prayer
Establishing a consistent and personal prayer routine, including the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet, can bring peace and resilience.
Incorporating daily reflections on Scripture and the lives of saints can provide inspiration and hope.
Mass Attendance
Regular participation in the Holy Mass offers a profound encounter with the Eucharistic Lord, providing spiritual nourishment and consolation.
Spiritual reading
Engaging in spiritual literature, especially those that speak to the challenges of illness and suffering, can provide insights and encouragement. For example, St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients
Offer it up
By offering up their suffering through prayer, endurance, and love, individuals can find purpose, grow spiritually, and trust in God’s providence even in the midst of their challenges. The concept of offering up one’s suffering is deeply rooted in the understanding of redemptive suffering, which aligns with the belief that individuals can unite their pain with the suffering of Christ for the salvation of souls. It is about viewing adversity as an opportunity for spiritual refinement.
Community support
Joining a faith-based support group or connecting with fellow parishioners can foster a sense of community and shared prayer intentions.
Intercessory prayer
Seeking the intercession of saints known for their compassion towards the sick, such as St. Jude and St. Rita, can bring comfort and hope. St. Joseph’s steadfast faith, humility, and commitment to God’s will make him an inspiring figure for families and parishes to emulate in times of adversity.
Mental prayer and meditation
Practicing mental prayer and meditation, perhaps using the Ignatian method or other contemplative approaches, can deepen one’s relationship with God and provide inner peace.
Seek guidance
Reach out to your priest for guidance and support. The Church community is there to provide pastoral care, counseling, and a sense of community during difficult times.
Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and Catholic counselors can provide support while integrating the teachings of the Church.
Gratitude journaling
Keeping a gratitude journal to focus on the blessings amidst challenges can foster a positive perspective and strengthen faith.
Acts of Charity
Engaging in acts of charity, even in small ways, can bring a sense of purpose and contribute to the well-being of others.
