Saint George, the Dragon Slayer! |
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My dear brothers and sisters, I wrote this article last year and I think it is good to share it again. The reason for this is that I truly believe that Satan, the evil one, the “serpent”, has been trying really hard to take advantage of the sufferings that we have been going through this past year. Satan is the “prince of lies,” and he envies God’s children and the relationship we were made to have with God and one another. In his quest to separate us from God, what better way than to bring division among God’s children, and to keep the family apart, divided?
Many of us have seen images or have heard of Saint George, but do you really know his story? He has intriguing legends attached to him, this virtuous man from the second century.
Saint George grew a Christian in the early years of the Church. His father died for his Christian faith while George was a young teen, and his mother passed away shortly thereafter. He joined the Roman army and was later persecuted for his Christian faith and also put to death for it. But through that steadfast witness of his Christian faith, he brought many people to Christ, including Empress Alexandria.
The dragon slaying legends were added in the 11th century. A dragon was devastating a region, so to appease the it the people began to sacrifice animals to it until even that was not enough to satisfy its appetite. The people then elected to sacrifice the king’s own daughter! Enter George, who signs himself with the Sign of the Cross and then slays the dragon with a lance, saving the princess. He receives a large sum of money, which he in turn gives to the poor. Because of his actions, the people become Christians and are all baptized.
Each of the St. George legends carry similar themes. First, it’s clear that his Christian faith formed him into the man that was a warrior, a dragon slayer, and a hero. Second, when we look at legends and folk lore, dragons and serpents are typically associated with evil. Thus, in the accounts of Saint George’s life, we see that the “dragons” attributed to Saint George are those who seek to sacrifice the lives of others for their own benefit. Thus, we see Saint George stand up against the evil with that steadfast faith he has in God and conquer it, winning over souls for Jesus Christ.
My dear brothers and sisters, are there any “dragons” in your lives? When you face these “dragons”, do you remember to call upon God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, to come to your aid in your time of need? May Saint George intercede for us, that we too may have strength and courage to call upon Jesus to face the “dragons” in our lives.
Saint George, pray for us!
Easter blessings,
-Fr Peter
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Virtual Children's Liturgy of the Word!!
This week's theme is: Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Engage your children with the Word of God with
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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 have a great need for adorers!!
9:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Contact Barb Kleiter if interested at 651-774-1172. Thanks!
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World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Sunday, April 25
Please pray that young men and women hear and respond to the Lord's call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes.
Prayer for Vocations
God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Click on the image to visit the website. |
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As part of our year- long 75th celebration, the pastoral council will be hosting its first Friendly Feud challenge on Sunday May 2nd @ 6:30 pm. First up will be a Battle between the Sexes, when the Ladies CCW takes on the Pres Mens’ Club. Complete question cards left in the pews following mass at church and then ZOOM IN to see how your answers rank among the top answers on the board. Consider challenging a family or a group and be part of our next Feud by contacting Patti Adams via the parish center. Play Nice!:)
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Treasures of the Church
The Church of the Epiphany will be hosting a teaching and exposition of over 150 Sacred Relics on Wednesday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. Among the treasures will be relics of St. Joseph, St. Maria Goretti, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Anthony of Padua. In addition, there will be present a piece of the veil worn by Our Lady and one of the largest remaining pieces of True Cross in the world. Church of the Epiphany, 11001 Hanson Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433, 763-755-1020. Visit www.treasuresofthechurch.com for more information.
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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.
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Presentation Men's Softball Team
Games will likely start on Wednesday, May 5th. The season consists of 10 regular games and 3 playoff games for a total of 13 games. Games start at 6:30 PM every Wednesday. The cost is $20 for a jersey if you do not belong to Presentation Men's Club (no extra charge for Men's Club members). Once a year each member of the team will be asked to bring 40 hamburgers and 40 hot dogs for the team meal after each game. Contact Tim Koran at 651-775-2612 for further information if you are interested in joining the team!
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Vacation Bible School 2021
Rocky Railway: Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through
At Rocky Railway, kids discover Jesus’ power can pull them through life’s ups and downs. Rocky Railway is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch, and even taste! Sciencey-Fun Gizmos™, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life. Plus, we’ll help kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life— something we call God Sightings®. Registration forms are available by calling the Kim Roering at 651.774.1585 ext. 128 and having one mailed to you, or find them online at stpascals.org/faith-formation-for-children-and-youth.
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It's never too late to learn more about your rich Catholic faith and share it with others. Join us on Tuesday evenings.
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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.
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Enroll for the 2021-22 School Year!!
Presentation School is now open for 2021-2022 for Preschool-Eighth Grade enrollment. Visit mytads.com to complete your enrollment 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!
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Presentation Summer Camp Options! |
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Click on image above for more information and to register. |
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Click on image above for more information and to register. |
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Click the image to see the latest pics and posts on the school Facebook page. |
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Click the image to read the latest
Panther Post.
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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
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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
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Prayer, Participation, and Generosity |
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Care to help with some Parish Maintenance Tasks?
We are starting to schedule monthly maintenance activity on the last Wednesday of each month -We fix, we clean, we move, we cut, we.... Do it all! We usually start at 6:00 p.m. go until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. Inside and outside tasks, skilled & unskilled laborers are needed. We sure could use some help! Want to get on the email list? Contact Rick Bidwell rickbiddy@comcast.net
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The Parish Pastoral Council Needs You!
We are looking for members of the Parish to fill vacancies on the Pastoral Council. If you feel called and would like to serve on the Council, please complete this application (can also be found on the parish website): bit.ly/2QHE1C9. The deadline is May 23, 2021.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Website: Check Mass times, read latest news, sign up for online giving, etc. |
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Bulletin: Read the latest issue and subscribe to the online version. |
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Facebook: Watch livestream Mass & see what our community is up to. |
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Presentation of Mary Church | Website
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