He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
~Mt 22:0-21
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The Gospel of Life by Bishop Andrew Cozzens
(...continued from last week’s bulletin)
If you read “Evangelium Vitae” by St. John Paul II, which I highly recommend you do, you will find this full picture of what it means to respect life, which includes condemnations of euthanasia, racism and the death penalty as well as the Church’s concern for the poor, the immigrant and the environment. To be pro-life means we must work against all these evils because we proclaim a culture that welcomes and holds up the inherent dignity of each human life regardless of race, creed, sex, special need, age or nationality. Each life is directly willed by God from the moment of conception until natural death and he desires each person to live with him in eternity. And yet the weakest and the most vulnerable have a special claim on our help, especially those who are too young to have a voice of their own. As St. John Paul II says, “Today there exists a great multitude of weak and defenseless human beings, unborn children in particular, whose fundamental right to life is being trampled upon…. Such attacks strike human life at the time of its greatest frailty, when it lacks any means of self-defense.”
This evil, which we perhaps have grown too accustomed to because it has been legal for 57 years, claims more innocent lives than any other in our culture. Almost 1 million abortions happen in our country every year; that is more than 2,000 a day. (And this only counts the surgical abortions and not those done by chemical “contraceptives” that often also cause abortions.) The attitude that treats the inestimable gift of a human life as a choice to be disposed of continues to teach our children that not every human being has inherent dignity and that violence and death may be the answer to their problems.
As Pope Francis has made clear, “This defense of unborn life is closely linked to the defense of each and every other human right. It involves the conviction that a human being is always sacred and inviolable, in any situation and at every stage of development. Human beings are ends in themselves and never a means of resolving other problems. Once this conviction disappears, so do solid and lasting foundations for the defense of human rights, which would always be subject to the passing whims of the powers that be” (“Evangelii gaudium,” No. 213). We will not end racism and violence, we will not heal our culture of death, until we become a culture that recognizes the inherent dignity of the unborn child.
How then are we as Catholics called to proclaim this Gospel of Life?
First, we must always speak of God’s mercy to those who have been directly involved in abortion. We know that many women choose abortion under pressures that limit their culpability; this is why we sponsor healing retreats like Rachel’s Vineyard every year for those who have been wounded by abortion. No sin is beyond God’s mercy, and many women who have had abortions have become incredible pro-life advocates.
Second, we must work to make abortion unnecessary. We are so blessed to have an incredible network of crisis pregnancy centers in the Twin Cities. No woman or man ever needs to choose abortion, because no child is unwanted. These wonderful centers in every community will walk with any woman in a crisis pregnancy and give her the resources to choose life for her child, including offering her adoption with loving parents if that is what the birth mother needs.
Third, we must work for the legal right to life for the unborn. This includes electing civil officials who will work to change our laws regarding abortion and implement other policies that work to safeguard the life and dignity of the unborn. As long as the law of our land enshrines the “right” to kill an innocent child, no one’s rights are safe. What other right matters if there is no right to life itself?
During this Respect Life month, the Church appeals to every Catholic, and every member of society, as St. John Paul II did 25 years ago: “In the name of God: Respect, protect, love and serve life, every human life! Only in this direction will you find justice, development, true freedom, peace and happiness!”
Peace,
Fr. Talbot
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COVID-19 Incident
We have been notified that two people who felt fine, subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 after attending Mass at St. Mary of the Lake. One person attended the 11:00 AM Mass on Sunday, October 4 and the other attended the 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday, October 11. We contacted the MN Department of Health and explained the situation, including our protocols for Mass and the distribution of Holy Communion. The MDH representative confirmed that we were following all the recommended safety measures, which ensured that no direct contact occurred between the person who tested positive and anyone else. Therefore, the MDH representative advised that no one in attendance at that Mass is required to be tested or quarantined. This case offers the opportunity to remind everyone to 1) stay at home if you do not feel well or are experiencing any symptoms or have been around anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms; 2) sanitize your hands often; 3) wear your mask as required; and, 4) practice social distancing. Thank you for following our safety protocols and for your care for one another! ~ Fr. Talbot
Updated: 10/14/2020
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Blessed Chapel Sacrament - Adoration Hours
The 24 hour Eucharistic adoration chapel at church is now open for parishioners. Please call our main number 651-429-7771 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM weekdays for the three-digit code to get in the chapel. You will be asked to provide your name. Only one or two worshipers are allowed in the chapel at a time, to ensure social distancing. You must wear a mask in the chapel.
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Current Options for Mass at St. Mary of the Lake
Please view the guidelines for attending Mass HERE. Masks are required and seats are assigned.
Daily Masses
We have daily Mass in the church at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There is no limit to the number of times you can attend daily Mass. Sign up is no longer necessary.
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Sunday Mass
We have Mass in the church on Sundays at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Sign up is required as space is limited. These Masses are for those who are unable to attend Mass during the week.
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Sign up for Sunday Masses HERE. Or you may call the parish office between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday at 651-429-7771 option 1.
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Parish Calling Campaign
The Mission Committee along with members of the PLC will begin calling all parishioners in mid-October. The purpose of the calls is to connect with each other, offer hope and comfort, as well as access to resources and other ministries. If you would like to participate by calling other parishioners—we need help! If you would prefer not to be contacted, call the office and we will be sure you are not called.
Contact Samantha Hagel for more information at srhagel@stmarys-wbl.org.
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World Mission Sunday
“Here I Am, Send Me;” World Mission Sunday is celebrated on the weekend of October 17/18. On this day, every parish, school and order celebrates World Mission Sunday and our baptismal call to be a missionary by sharing the Gospel message of love and hope and offering gifts of support as we are able. Due to the current pandemic, the World Mission Sunday celebration and collection will include mission in our own country through Catholic Home Missions. This is one World Mission Sunday collection for all struggling missions everywhere. To support the missions, please write a check to St. Mary’s with World Mission in the memo line. You may also use the World Mission envelope in your envelopes packet. World Mission Sunday benefits over 1,100 struggling dioceses worldwide and 80 mission dioceses in the U.S. Learn More HERE
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Archdiocesan Synod: Healing and Hope Retreat,
October 20-November 17
Date: October 18 – November 15 (Livestreams Tuesdays beginning October 20 at 7:00 PM)
Location: Videos will be posted online and available on the Archdiocesan Synod app beginning October 18. The videos will also be livestreamed Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, beginning October 20 through November 17, on Facebook and YouTube.
Cost: FREE
This virtual five-part retreat grounds each person’s fundamental identity as a beloved child of God. Yet each has experienced wounds that bind. This retreat explores how to unbind these knots through the intercession of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, and open these wounds to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Encountering Jesus’ love and mercy brings healing and hope.
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Miracles in the Making
The Women’s Life Care Center Premier Virtual Fundraiser
Thursday, October 29, 2020 7:00 PM
Find out about our amazing journey and experience the stories of mothers who rallied impressive courage on behalf of their babies. They’re proving that babies are the most amazing motivators!
Featuring Keynote Speaker: Sister Deirdre Byrne!
She is superior of the D.C. Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts and a retired U.S. Army colonel, board-certified general surgeon, and recent speaker at the 2020 Republican National Convention!!!
Learn More and Register HERE
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Appalachian Christmas During COVID
Due to the COVID pandemic the season of giving will have to change for a number of St. Mary’s ministries. Appalachian Christmas in which parishioners donate gifts for two parishes in Beattyville and Pikeville Kentucky will experience change. Items for gifts will be collected at St. Pius (door A at the church) and monetary donations can be send to St. Mary’s. Please write “Appalachian Christmas” on the memo line of your check.
If you have any questions please email or call
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Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis monthly prayer request for priests:
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Subscribe to St. Mary of the Lake on YouTube
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Parish Office Information
The parish office front desk will be open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday–Friday. During office hours, the door from the front entryway towards the front desk (to the right) will be unlocked. However, pick-ups and drop-offs are still available without approaching the front desk itself. If you would like our answering service to pick up your call when the front desk is closed, please call 651-429-7771.
Note to Our Parishioners
Assistance may be available for parishioners who need some help during these uncertain times. Email cjgreen@stmarys-wbl.org or call the parish office at 651-429-7771 option 1 and ask for Casey Green. Thank you to parishioners who have made a donation to our Emergency Assistance Fund.
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How To Subscribe to Our Parish Bulletin on Parishes Online
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Go to www.parishesonline.com.
- Enter your church name and your city, state or zip. Click the search icon.
- Find your church on the search results page and click on the name of the church.
- Under recent publication, click subscribe.
- Enter your email, first name and last name in the pop-up box. Click subscribe.
You will now receive alerts in your inbox when new publications become available for your church on parishes online.
View this process step-by-step with visuals HERE.
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Consider Remote Giving to Support Our Parish
There are currently three ways to give electronically:
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Monthly amount transferred from your bank account (click on the DONATE button on our website home page to find a form). It would be better to mail the form to us, since you need to include a voided check.
- Weekly, monthly, or one-time checks sent by your bank or other financial service organization (contact your bank to set up a plan that works for you). It is helpful to have your envelope number on the check your bank sends to us.
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Weekly, monthly, or one-time gifts charged to your credit card (click on the DONATE button on our website home page to set up your gift).
There is a way to give remotely that is not “high tech”: Simply mail us your check. Our address:
4690 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake, 55110.
Thank you so much for your support in this difficult time.
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FRASSATI CATHOLIC ACADEMY NEWS |
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Frassati 5K - Thank you!
Thank you to all those who participated in the fourth annual Frassati 5K and Family Fun Run/Walk for Kids and Education on October 8-11!! Funds raised will go to operating expenses to keep Catholic education affordable. We hope you consider participating again next year!
A HUGE THANK YOU to our event sponsors! Thank you Blue Line Logistics, Nails & Spa, White Bear Mitsubishi, Mike McHugh – State Farm Agent, Life’s Pure Balance, Creative Adrenaline, 9Round Fitness, The Computer Shoppe, BELFOR Property Restoration, Lakes Orthodontics and Emily Korb Re/Max Results! We are so grateful for your support!
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Grief Support Education
Companions in Grief is a 4 week series divided into 8 sessions per year to provide group information and support for those on the journey of grief. There is no fee. Due to COVID the sessions are currently held via Zoom on Thursdays, from 4:00-5:00 PM.
To join the virtual group or if you have questions, send your name, phone number and email address to the facilitator, Linda Cherek, at lindacherek@gmail.com.
The remaining 4 week sessions are:
- October 29-November 19. 2020
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White Bear Area Food Shelf
will have “To-Go” Bags, Monday-Friday
No Appointment Necessary, any and every household is eligible to receive them. Food helpline 1-888-711-1151. Hours:
Monday: 10 AM-12:30 PM
Tuesday: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM – 12:30 PM
Thursday: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10 AM -12:30 PM
Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf: 651-395-5350
Vadnais Heights Community Food Program: 651-746-4158
Questions about “ Meals On Wheels” 651-653-3123
National Alliance on Mental Health: 651-645-2948
Northeast Youth & Family Services: 651-429-8544
Medicare/Health Insurance – Senior Link – Age Line: 1-800-333-2433
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YMCA Food Distribution
The YMCA is partnering with Loaves & Fishes and United Health Group to serve free healthy meals to families in need. These organizations believe that supplying healthy fresh food is critical to supporting families in our communities to alleviate food insecurity and hunger. Together they combine the YMCA region-wide distribution network, Loaves & Fishes internationally recognized program, and United Health Group efforts to cover the more than $2 million in food costs and wages for the cafeteria employees preparing meals for people in the Greater Twin Cities.
Families may pick up food from Noon – 1:00 PM Monday through Friday at select YMCA and choose a meal package for a family of four including a protein, vegetables and other fresh food. Also, lunch bags with a sandwich, snacks and fruit are available. The White Bear Lake location is a designated pickup spot. Go to
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