Saturday, January 8, 2022 |
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Surrounded by Sacramentals |
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'Tis the season...for sacramentals?
The liturgical season of Christmas ends this Sunday with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. I must admit, one of the things that struck me most during the lockdown and subsequent return to church with Covid precautions was the empty holy water fonts. I understand the need to be safe, but I missed the usual ritual of dipping my finger in the font and crossing myself. It's one of those things that helps me recall my baptism and the grace I received in that Sacrament. It's a sacramental!
You probably know sacramentals are things we use or actions we do to deepen our faith and live a life of grace. They are valuable not because of virtue of the rite or thing itself, like a Sacrament, but by the prayerful disposition of the person and the fact that the Church approves it. Using holy water is one of those sacramentals the Church has instituted to help us remember the saving power of our own baptism.
Today, we remember that Jesus made the water holy through His baptism, so we could be made holy by our baptism. Other seasonal sacramentals are blessed palms, the ashes we use on Ash Wednesday, crucifixes, and rosaries. This time of year, there are a couple more unique sacramentals that give us a unique opportunity to celebrate God's love and protection for us. On Epiphany, there is a special blessing for making holy water mixed with blessed salt. Many people thought it was the most potent of all holy water! Then, there is blessed chalk that is used on or about Epiphany to bless homes. You might see the 20+C+M+B+22 above the door of a home, standing for the year and the prayer "Christus, mansionem benedicat" which means, "May Christ bless this house." The C, M, and B also stand for the traditional names of the three kings: Casper, Melchior, and Balthazar! Coming up on February 2nd is the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, formerly known as Candlemas, when the candles for the use in the church in the next year are traditionally blessed. Following that on the 4th, and using those blessed candles, is the blessing of throats on St. Blaise's feast day.
'Tis the season for sacramentals, all right! May your faith life be enriched by the sacramentals you have in your homes, offices, and with you each day. May they always remind you of the love God has for You, His forgiveness, and the abundant life He wants you to enjoy!
-Deacon Mike Powers
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Virtual Children's Liturgy of the Word
This week's theme: Baptism
Jesus has John the Baptist baptize him, making way so we can in turn receive this gift. Why is baptism special? Do you remember your own baptism?
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
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Eucharistic Adoration
Monday-Friday: 2pm-12am
Life is busy. All the more reason to retreat to our Lord for rest, strength and to intercede for others. Spend some time with Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist.
We have a great need for adorers!!
"Do you realize that Jesus is there in the tabernacles expressly for you, for you alone? He burns with desire to come into your heart." - St. Therese of Lisieux Adorers are in great need for Thursdays, 10:00 p.m. & Fridays, 10:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m. Consider being a prayer partner for Wednesdays, 8:00 p.m. & Fridays, 2:00 p.m. or be a substitute adorer. Contact Barb Kleiter at 651-774-1172.
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Homebound Communion Ministers Needed
We are hoping to start up our Homebound Communion Ministry again, but can only do it with your help. We have many parishioners who are homebound and/or shut-in and have requested to receive the Eucharist.
The beautiful responsibility of Our Homebound Communion Ministry is to bring Jesus to our homebound regularly, through the Eucharist and by spending some time with them in conversation.
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CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
The Baptism of the Lord
January 8-9, 5:00pm (Sat.), 9:30am (Sun.)
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Presentation 55 Club Luncheon
The next Presentation 55 Club Luncheon is January 18 at noon at Blessed Sacrament Church. The menu is lasagna, salad, Italian bread with butter, and chocolate chip mint ice cream catered by Little Oven. Entertainment is a Personal Safety presentation by a police officer. Reservations should be made by
Friday, January 14 by calling Teri Garrity at 651-303-2145.
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Get your home blessed for the New Year! If you would like your home blessed in the new year, please contact the parish at 651-777-8116 or mail@presentationofmary.org to set up a time.
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Thank you again!
We have received numerous notes and messages of gratitude from recipients of gifts that were given through our Giving Tree - some were so touched they were brought to tears. Your generosity and initiative to care for one another really makes a big impact in enriching the lives of others. This community truly walks in the ways of the Lord and helps spread His light and love to all! We are grateful for you!
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New Church and School Websites
Take a look at our newly designed websites and share it with others!
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RCIA has begun.
Registration forms can be found on our website, in the parish office, or by contacting Kay Mottaz at
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Faith Formation
Faith Formation has started.
If you still need to sign up, registration forms and the schedule can be found here or picked up at the Parish Office. Questions? Email: fr.ly@presentationofmary.org.
Classes resume this Sunday, Jan 9th.
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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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The Parish Annual Report for the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year is available.
Copies can be found at the Parish Center.
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Work at Presentation of Mary!
We are hiring!
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Auction Items Needed - Come on Down!
Come on Down, the Pres is Right! Our 2nd Virtual Panther Pride Benefit & Auction will be held on Saturday, February 5th.The Panther Pride Benefit & Auction Committee is currently accepting auction item donations - gift cards, wine or spirits, event or game tickets, or theme baskets are all great ideas!
Any donated items can be brought to the school or parish office. Questions? Contact Sam Rita.
Winner, winner! Auction raffle tickets are currently being sold by Presentation of Mary students. School families will be selling tickets before and after masses at church entrances over the next few weekends. Tickets are $10 each and get you a chance to win one of 3 prizes: a Weber smoker, 1/4 of a cow from Sandberg Land and Cattle Company, or $500 cash! Get yours today!
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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 School Newsletter. |
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Come to the Drive-In!
Park your car, come in the church and head to the Reconciliation Room with the lit candle.
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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Troop/Pack 461 Scouts are teaming up with Presentation’s HEO (Help Each Other) for the weekend of February 5th & 6th to collect additional non-perishable food items. This promotion will benefit the Salvation Army, Maplewood. Just bring your donations as usual to the weekend Mass. We will have many strong helpers to deliver the food so be as generous with your donations as you would like! We appreciate your participation and generosity. Together we can fight hunger!
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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
Loaves & Fishes at Dorothy Day Collection Our beloved ministry serving meals to those who have none still continues during this pandemic. Your donations are greatly appreciated.
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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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