Saturday, March 6, 2021
Father, I have sinned... Luke 15.21a
Last week I shared with you a song by Matt Maher called "Run to the Father" which coincides very well with today's readings from Saturday of the Second Week of Lent.

The Gospel reading is the Parable of the Prodigal Son, a story which most of us are familiar with. In this parable, the first words of the younger son to his father after returning from living of a life of squandering all of his wealth was, "Forgive, I have sinned against heaven and against you..." Notice how as he acknowledges his wrongdoing, he acknowledges that he has sinned heaven first, then his own father, and not the other way around.

This should be a reminder to each of us that when we sin, we hurt ourselves as well as others (there's no such thing as a private sin!). And ultimately, it hurts God, our Father. How do our sins hurt God?
If we recall the time when Jesus is asked which of the Commandments is the greatest. His response, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments” (cf: Mt 22.34-40).

When we sin against others, we hurt God because He has already commanded us to love one another. It's the same we do at home already, we go to our parents to ask forgiveness when mistreat a sibling, but we go to that sibling to ask for forgiveness also.

Going back to the Prodigal Son, we recall that that there are two sons involved in this parable/story. Now notice how the father in the parable goes to each of them personally to reconcile their relationships; how beautiful is that? That the father would go to each of them, to help reconcile the concerns and bring them home.

As Catholics, we experience this same thing through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It's not about the priest who might be in the confessional, but it's about us running to Jesus, to God, seeking to unburden ourselves of the sins in our lives that we may remain at his side. He waits for us like the father in the parable, not forcing himself on us, but waiting with great anticipation and joy as he desires to encounter us intimately, one-on-one, to "remove our guilt and [pardon] sins" (Micah 7.18a).

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-5:45pm and Saturdays from 4-4:45pm, or by appointment. Also, our Day of Mercy is on Thursday, March 18th from 2pm-8pm. Take advantage of this gift from Jesus. Unburden yourselves to the Father.

... run to the Father, again and again, and again and again.
Grow Your Faith!
Virtual Children's Liturgy of the Word!!

This week's theme is: Hearts on Jesus!
Engage your children with the Word of God with this video and activity,
Print out the attached and find the differences in the two images.
Eucharistic Adoration
Monday-Friday: 2pm-12am
With so much still going on in our country and the world, how important it is for us to remember to retreat to our Lord for rest and strength, and lift up your prayers to Him. Come spend some time with our Lord, truly present in the Eucharist. Click here for our adoration protocols.
Limited to 4 adorers at one time.
We are in need of adorers at 4:00 p.m. on Mondays and 9:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Contact Barb Kleiter if interested at 651-774-1172. Thanks!
Click on the image to visit the website.
"Behold, I make all things new!"

Lenten Retreat with
Father Michael Becker

Join us for a Lenten Retreat and Reflection with Father Michael Becker. The theme is "Behold, I make all things new!"
The Lord wants to liberate us from every evil, grant us rest from the anxieties which plague our lives, establish friendships and family bonds in peace and security, and create the milieu of charity in our environment. Holy Week is such a profound opportunity for all to open up to the grace of God brought in Jesus Christ, whose suffering, death, and resurrection was entirely aimed at redeeming God's children, indeed all who will walk the road of faith. Come and receive inspiration for your intentions and prepare well for the holy days approaching.

The day will include:
  • 9:00am Mass
  • 9:40am Conference: “Behold, I make all things new!”
  • 10:30am Adoration (Reconciliation available during this time)
  • 11:30am Rosary
  • 12:00pm Conclusion

Free will offerings will be accepted.
Upcoming Events
Lenten Day of Mercy

Join us Thursday, March 18th between 2:00-8:00 p.m. in the church. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available with multiple confessors. You are also welcome to stay for Adoration and reflection in the peaceful setting before our Lord.
Stations of the Cross

When: Fridays during Lent, except Good Friday. Starts at 6pm.

Where: Church

Come pray in-person or via our Parish Facebook live-stream as we pray this beautiful Lenten devotional of the Stations of the Cross.
Through the generosity of one of our families, each household may pick up a Stations of the Cross prayer book to keep for use at home or in-person.
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fish Fry & Soup Supper To-Go!

When: March 12, 19 and 26 from 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Where: Kenney Hall

Cost:
  • $10.00 Large Fish Meal, includes: large portion of fried fish fillets, lemon slice and tartar sauce on the side, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, roll, butter and drink.
  • $7.00 Small Fish Meal, includes: small portion of fried fish fillets with all of the same sides.
  • $4 Soup Supper (Cream of Broccoli or Vegetable Chili), includes: 12 oz serving of soup of choice, roll, butter and drink.

Cash, check, or credit card accepted.

Would you like to volunteer on one of our Meatless Meal nights?
Click here to sign up!
Presentation is participating in Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl program. Rice Bowl collection boxes are available at entrances of the church as well as in the parish office. Learn more about how the Rice Bowl program helps provide much-needed meals for those in need around the world at crsricebowl.org. Rice Bowls will be collected on Palm Sunday, March 28th.
Options for Women East Baby Bottle Drive

The last day to turn in full baby bottles is Sunday, March 21st. Bottles can be placed in the large receptacle at the Kennard Street entrance. Thank you for your support!
Presentation's CCW (Coalition of Catholic Women) is taking up a collection for the Venezuelan Mission to support Fr Greg Schaffer. Collection baskets for items will be at the Parish Center and church entrances labeled CCW (make sure not to put items in HEO baskets).

Needed items are:
  • Irish Spring Men's Deodorant Soap Bar, Original Scent
  • TRESemmé Moisturizing Shampoo
  • Ibuprofen, 500 Mg
  • Acetaminophen PM 500 Mg
  • Colgate Tooth Paste
  • Degree Deodorant – Bar
  • TYLENOL Cold & Flu SEVERE
  • NIVEA Orchid and Argan Oil Infused Body Lotion
  • Sour Patch Sweet & Sour Gummy Candy & Chocolates
  • Multivitamins (men/women/children)
Logo Design Contest!

The Presentation Parish Pastoral Council is hosting a Logo Contest as part of our 75th anniversary celebration! Draw your design on a 4”x6” white notecard or piece of paper and turn it in to the school or church office by March 16th. Logo can be color or black/white and must be hand drawn—no computer-generated images allowed. Simple text is allowed. One entry per person. Name and phone number should be written on the back of your design.
The winner may be featured on bumper stickers, placemats, letterhead, signage, or in stained glass, and will also receive a $50 Visa gift card!
Blood Drive Saturday, June 19th, 8:00 am—1:00 pm

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive. This is the earliest the Red Cross has opened up registration so we wanted to give our parishioners an early chance to sign up! Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!
 to make an appointment or call Barb Swanson at
651-395-0453. Appointments only. No walk-ins.
Important Information
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Rite of Christian
Initation for Adults
It's never too late to learn more about your rich Catholic faith and share it with others. Join us on Tuesday evenings.
Faith Formation
All in-person Faith Formation classes have resumed in the Parish Center after Sunday Mass.
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Reconciliation Hours
Reconciliation/Prayer/Conversation
Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:00-5:45pm
Saturdays from 4:00- 4:45pm
Also available by appointment.
Panther News
Enroll for the 2021-22 School Year!!

Presentation School is now open for 2021-2022 for Preschool-Eighth Grade enrollment and financial aid applications. The deadline for financial aid applications is March 19, 2021. In addition, if you get your enrollment completed by March 19, your registration fees will be waived! Visit mytads.com to complete your enrollment and financial aid application today!

Do you know a family looking for a great school? Tell them to check out Presentation! If you refer a family and they enroll you can earn $250 off of your tuition!
Click the image to see the latest pics and posts on the school Facebook page.
Click the image to read the latest
Panther Post.
We're Here for You
Drive-Thru is now Drive-In.
Park your car, come in the church and head to the Reconciliation Room with the lit candle.
Disinfectant wipes will be available.
Tues & Thurs: 5:00-5:45pm
Sat: 4:00-4:45pm
Or make an appointment: fr.ly@presentationofmary.org
Pastoral Care

Presentation of Mary is here for you!
Conversation, prayer requests, resources...? Please ask.

All information will remain confidential.
Contact the Parish Office at
651-777-8116 or Mail@PresentationOfMary.org.

Prayer, Participation, and Generosity
Stewardship
Amidst this pandemic, I have been very edified by the generous outpouring of love and support from our community. Thank you!
If you would like to switch over to e-giving, click on the image to sign up.
Questions? Please contact the parish:
651.777.8116 or Mail@PresentationOfMary.org
Loaves & Fishes
Serving meals to those who have none is still an essential ministry during this pandemic.
Please prayerfully consider giving to this ministry. Donations can be placed in an envelope with Loaves & Fishes written on it, and dropped in the basket at church or in the secured mailbox at the Parish Center.
2021 Catholic Services Appeal
The 2021 Catholic Services Appeal is getting ready to roll out for this year. The 2021 theme is “Together in Hope” which is most fitting in these challenging times. This Appeal is wonderful as it reminds us that as a Christian people, we are one family in faith, who need Jesus first and foremost in our lives, as well as one another. Your participation will help support ministries that serve the poor, support life and strengthen our Faith.
Helpful Links
Website: Check Mass times, read latest news, sign up for online giving, etc.
Bulletin: Read the latest issue and subscribe to the online version.
Facebook: Watch livestream Mass & see what our community is up to.
Presentation of Mary Church | Website