For the Week of
Sunday, August 20, 2017
20th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Dear Members of Pax Christi,

Thank you to all who generously donated school supplies for the Twelve Baskets Back-to-School Drive. Twenty-one shared ministers helped sort items, and five shared ministers delivered the supplies to Risen Christ School, Blessed Trinity School, Community of Saints Regional Catholic School, the Church of Gichitwaa Kateri, and our local outreach at PROP. One hundred sixty backpacks and 3735 school supply items were delivered to these recipient organizations and schools. Thank you!  

Next Monday a celestial phenomenon occurs that has many in the United States paying attention to and thinking about how they will mark the solar eclipse. Emily Bruner from the Arts, Campus, and Gardens Council has shared ideas (below) of how to mark this day with awareness and safety to the passages of these two great wonders of the sky.

The following prayer written by Gregory Petrov, compiled in Earth Prayers, highlights the magnificence of our Creator God and the tenderness that we are all called to have in the mutual service that is ours with creation, with a song of praise to the One who has fashioned this astounding beauty:

O Lord, how lovely it is to be your guest.
Breeze full of scents, mountains reaching to the skies;
Waters like a boundless mirror,
Reflecting the sun's golden rays and the scudding clouds
All nature murmurs mysteriously, breathing depths of tenderness.
Birds and beasts of the forest bear the imprint of your love.
Blessed are you, mother earth, in your floating loveliness,
Which wakens our yearning for happiness that will last forever
In the land where, amid beauty that grows not old,
Rings out the cry: Alleluia!

What sort of praises can I give you?
I have never heard the song of the cherubim,
A joy reserved for the spirits above
But I know the praises that nature sings to you.
In winter, I have beheld how silently in the moonlight
The whole earth offers you prayer,
Clad in its white mantle of snow,
Sparkling like diamonds.
I have seen how the rising sun rejoices in you,
How the song of the birds is a chorus of praise to you.

I have heard the mysterious mutterings of the forests about you,
And the winds singing your praise as they stir the waters.
I have understood how the choirs of stars proclaim your glory
As they move for ever in the depths of infinite space.

You have brought me into life as if into an enchanted paradise.
We have seen the sky like a chalice of deepest blue,
Where in the heights the birds are singing.
We have listened to the soothing murmur of the forest
And the melodious music of the streams.
We have tasted fruit of fine flavor and sweet-scented honey.
We can live very well on your earth.
It is a pleasure to be your guest.
Glory to you for the feast-day of life.
Glory to you for the perfume of lilies and roses.
Glory to you for each different taste of berry and fruit.
Glory to you for the sparkling silver of early morning dew.
Glory to you for the joy of dawn's awakening.
Glory to you for the new life each day brings.
Glory to you O God, from age to age.

Blessings to you this summer week!

Jane


Jane Schmitz, Parish Director
jschmitz@paxchristi.com

952-405-7238




ECLIPSE ACROSS AMERICA
Monday, August 21  

On Monday, August 21, we are reminded of the beauty of the infinite universe when the moon covers the sun in its entirety to reveal a total solar eclipse. The last time a total solar eclipse passed over the U.S. was 38 years ago. For more information, visit NASA's website below. For those who plan to enjoy the wonderment of the eclipse, please remember to take extra care of your eyes by wearing protective eyewear. Wearing specialized solar filtered eyewear is the only safe way to view the eclipse. Please check out the links below for a list of reputable filters. Regular sun glasses are not safe! "

"For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly." (New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha, Psalm 84:11)

To follow the total solar eclipse interactive map - CLICK HERE

Protect your eyes! Here are "Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters & Viewers" - CLICK HERE

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED ANNOUNCEMENTS   

EMPTY NESTERS NEEDED FOR FOCUS GROUP

As part of the Aspire Eden Prairie 2040 planning process, the City of Eden Prairie is seeking empty nesters (parents with grown children no longer living at home) currently living in Eden Prairie to provide feedback about their housing preferences now and in the future.

The empty-nester focus group will be conducted in late August. If you fit the criteria and are interested in participating, please CLICK HERE to submit your contact information by Monday, Aug. 21. A City staff member will follow up with an invitation including the date, time and location of the meeting.  Questions? Contact City Planner Julie Klima at 952-949-8332.

COMING SOON - ADULT FAITH FORMATION SERIES 
CAST INTO THE DEEP     

Cast into the Deep is tentatively scheduled for the second Monday of each month, beginning September 11, 2017. Updates to follow!

Please take a moment to answer a few questions that will help us determine a time frame for this series - CLICK HERE

Participants will grow as lifelong learners and be better prepared as faith leaders within the parish and beyond. Just as Jesus told Peter to "cast into the deep" of the sea of Galilee (Luke 5:4), he invites us to cast into the deep of the riches of our Catholic faith!

This year, Cast into the Deep will use Bishop Robert Barron's DVD series Catholicism to explore what Catholics believe and why. Bishop Barron takes us through 50 locations in 16 countries and reveals the beautiful artistic, historical, architectural, musical, and literary treasures that illuminate the timeless teachings of the Church. After each segment, we will break into small groups to discuss what impacted us and to seek how Christ desires to transform our lives.

Cast into the Deep is for Catholics who want to be enriched in their faith, as well as non-Catholics who want to learn about Christ and his Church. We will meet monthly beginning in the fall. Come join us!

SOULCOLLAGE® - COMMITTEE SUIT  
Wednesday, August 17, 6:00pm 

In this session we will focus on learning more about the Committee Suit, the foundation suit of a SoulCollage® deck.  We will see how the inner parts of our personality, our life roles, and our interests are named and imaged on individual cards. The objective of this session is to bring more awareness to our lives to realize personal growth and transformation. There will be time to create at least one card.  A short review of the SoulCollage® process will be offered. Those new to SoulCollage® are wel-come and will find this session very helpful.  For questions or more information contact Lynn Sche-litzche, Director of Faith Formation at LSchelitzche@paxchristi.com or 952-941-3150.  CLICK HERE to RSVP online.

100 MILE POT LUCK DINNER 
Thursday, August 17, 6:00pm 

Join us for the 100 Mile Pot Luck Dinner.  Bring a food to share that has been made from ingredients within 100 miles of Eden Prairie.  It will be held near the Butterfly garden at Pax Christi. IF it rains, we will move inside.  We have a speaker from the U of M Bee Squad coming to visit with us about the bee hives they have added to the Pax Christi back yard.  Come enjoy healthy food for the mind, soul, and body.  RSVP to Andrea Ward at award@paxchristi.com.

ON THE ROAD TO JERICHO SPEAKER SERIES  
Sunday, August 20,
12:30pm, Room 212  

This week's conversation will focus on the experience of immigrants who are documented and undocumented who come to the US due to economic hardship hoping to create a sustainable life for themselves and support folks back in their homeland. Peggy Heillier will speak as a lawyer who is currently working pro-bono to assist folks who are being detained and/or at risk of deportation. John Pullis and Scott Foster will speak from their years of experience in the restaurant industry which largely employs an immigrant population that power their businesses.

YOUTHLINK COOK OUT!
Monday, August 21,
11:00am to 1:00pm  

Parishioners Gary and Victoria Gregus will be leading a special cook out event at the YouthLink Drop In Center, 41 N. 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403.  The grille will be serving up hot dogs, hamburgers, beans, salad, chips, grapes, and cookies. If you are interested in volunteering and being a part of this event, please contact Gary or Victoria Gregus at 612-261-3721 for additional details.


45th ANNIVERSARY OF
FR. BILL MURTAUGH'S ORDINATION 
Join us August 27, following
9:00am and 11:00am Masses, Dorothy Day Hall  

There will be a cake reception to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Father Bill's ordination. Originally from Hastings, MN, Father Bill studied for the priesthood in Chicago and served in Cleveland and New York City before returning to Minnesota in 1982. He has served as pastor of St. Thomas Becket in Eagan, St. John the Baptist in New Brighton, St. Henry's in Monticello, St. Joan of Arc in Minneapolis, and an associate at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. After serving as Pax Christi's senior associate  pastor from July 2006 to July 2008 and July 2011 to June 2012, Fr. Bill was appointed pastor of Pax Christi Catholic Community on July 1, 2012. He can be found most days in his office with his golden retrievers Opie and Orie at his feet.

CONFIRMATION ORIENTATION  
September 6, 7:00pm
in the main worship space      

Students in 10th-12th grade and their parents are invited to the Confirmation orientation on Wednesday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Worship Space. We will be going through the calendar for the year as well as describing the various elements of the Confirmation process. If you are planning to participate in Confirmation prep this year or would like more information, please attend the orientation. Contact Jessie Bazan at jbazan@paxchristi.com with questions.

SISTER KRISTINE HAUGEN WATERCOLOR ART EXHIBIT 
September 7-October 3, Pacem In Terris Gallery      

Stop in to see the artwork created by Sister Kristine Haugen. The opening reception is Sunday, September 10, following morning Masses. "To be sure, watercolor is the medium that most attracts my eyes and hands to work with. Using the nature that I see outside my window as a springboard, watercolor paints flow colors and shapes together in a beautiful and sometimes surprising way. I find harmony in it much as can be found in music, which I have heard is the subject of much research. In a way, there can be a transcendent or mystical life to art which speaks to the artist and viewer alike. My hope is that others find inspiration and meaning in my artwork. " +Sister Kristine, Mt. Carmel Hermitage, Luck, WI. www.hermitagearts.com

SILENT SATURDAY  
Saturday, September 16, 9:00-11:30am, Room 239  

Jesus says, "Come to me... and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Care and Support Ministry invites you to spend a few hours of quiet, uninterrupted time, in prayer and reflection on our beautiful Pax Christi campus. We will create a peaceful environment for prayer time, journaling, walking, or just time to rest in God's loving embrace. Sometimes we need to set aside time for silence and step away from the clutter of both our life and our mind so we can rediscover a contemplative spirit. The morning will begin with a short reflection followed by a simple tour of our grounds to highlight some quiet places and spaces both indoors and out. We will conclude our time together with optional group sharing time. There is no fee but we do ask that you notify us that you are attending. Jean Thoresen, Director of Care and Support Ministries,   jthoresen@paxchristi.com.

JUSTFAITH   
24-Week series beginning September 18 through April 23   
JustFaith is a process that provides a context in which participants can grow in their commitment to care for vulnerable people and become advocates for justice. During this extended formation and justice education process, groups employ books, videos, guest speakers, discussion, prayer, retreats, and hands-on experiences. Participants also form a community and share a journey of faith and compassion that is life-giving and challenging. JustFaith participants discover a deeper connection to their faith, parish, and community. Discover new perspectives Participants develop a new level of understanding of systemic issues and see more clearly the faces and lives of people most affected by those systems. Inspired by new insights about the world's needs, JustFaith participants develop passion, compassion, and patience that prepare them for the work of social ministry. CLICK HERE to register online now!

PILGRIMAGE TO THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE     
Monday, September 18, 7:00am-6:00pm, $65.00     
Pilgrimage is one of the most ancient spiritual practices, going back to the Old Testament. When we go on pilgrimage, we leave the familiar surroundings of our everyday life to journey to a holy place - a spiritual time to be renewed in faith, hope, and charity. The shrine's grounds are located on over 100 wooded acres, above the city of La Crosse. The shrine consists of 12 devotional areas, bronze sculptures, votive chapel, and the shrine church. There will be time to enjoy the gentle Meditation Trail with various stops, leading to the church. Golf carts will shuttle pilgrims as needed. Also available will be an optional tour of the church and confessions.

CLICK HERE for more information about the day and to register online!
CLICK HERE to view an orientation video of the Shrine.

CROSSING BORDERS: MIGRATION, THEOLOGY, 
AND THE HUMAN JOURNEY    
8-Week beginning
September 25

6:30-8:30pm, in Chief Joseph Room 247      

Immigration is a complex issue that is reshaping the cultural, economic and political landscape of the planet. Crossing Borders: Migration, Theology, and the Human Journey offers the opportunity for prayer, reading and reflection as well as discussion and discovery related to this critical and controversial issue of our day. We will find common ground and discover more about ourselves, our values, our God, and the millions of people who are on the move in every part of the world. Fee of $35 per person.  Questions? Please contact Joan Howe-Pullis, jhowe-pullis@comcast.net, or 952-405-7247.   CLICK HERE to register online now!

WOMEN WITH SPIRIT
BIBLE STUDY 
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30am,
September 26-April 10, $100     
Women with Spirit Bible Study invites women of all ages and faiths to spend 23 Tuesday mornings exploring "The Alpha and the Omega." The series will start with a study of the Gospel of Mark, the first of the gospels (Alpha), and end with a new look at the last book of the Bible (Omega), Revelation. In between, a few weeks will be devoted to exploring the books of Daniel and Ezekiel as a prelude to the study of Revelation. Each session starts with a one hour presentation by university professors who share their extensive knowledge of biblical texts, and the second hour is spent in small groups, sharing insights and personal perspectives on the lecture. Please consider joining this active group of women who share a desire for a greater understanding of the scriptures. Tuition includes books used during the series and childcare. Register online today. Questions? Contact Bible Study member Kathy Ogrin, 952-934-3639, or Lynn Schelitzche, Director of Faith Formation, 952-405-7230.  CLICK HERE to register online or CLICK HERE to download a registration form.

ENGAGED COUPLES RETREAT   
Saturday, November 11, 2017 or Saturday, April 21, 2018
8:30am - 7:30pm 

Engaged couples are expected to participate in a marriage preparation retreat. The tradition of "retreat" is an ancient one, especially for people of faith. Scripture tells us many stepped out of the normal rhythm of daily life to reflect on one's journey and response to God's call. Even Jesus took time in quiet places to draw more deeply into the mystery of God's will. From this example we lift up the value and opportunity to retreat for some concentrated time to focus on your marriage. Pax Christi provides a retreat option for both members ($50/couple) and non-members ($75) preparing to celebrate the sacrament of marriage. This day long experience is facilitated by staff and mentor couples from the PREPARE ministry of the parish. Couples are encouraged to register for a retreat as early in the preparation process as possible. For more information please call the parish office, 952-941-3150.

CLICK HERE to register online now.

HOLY LAND AND JORDAN WITH
FR. BILL MURTAUGH

April 16-27, 2018      

Travel to the Holy Land and Jordan with Fr. Bill Murtaugh and walk in the footsteps of Jesus throughout this special pilgrimage. Explore the Red Rose City of Petra. Take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Renew your wedding vows in Cana. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane for Holy Hour. Walk the Via Dolorosa and pray the Stations of the Cross. Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. To learn about this special pilgrimage, please visit www.magitravelinc.com. Register online soon as a limited number of seats are available.

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