Perhaps you have noticed a change in the Mass readings last week and this week. It will happen again next week. Normally, we would be using readings from Cycle B, the current liturgical year Sunday reading cycle, but because we have adult baptisms this year, we have to use readings from Year A.

 

On their way to baptism, our inquirers have become catechumens and, most recently, Elect through the Rite of Acceptance in to the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Election. After their baptism, the will be called neophytes (the new born) as they begin to live their new life in Christ in the Church as baptized believers.

 

In between, these three Sundays have within them rites called the Scrutinies. The word scrutiny can be defined as a close inspection of something. Here, the Elect will be encouraged to dig deep into their own hearts as they prepare for their baptism at the Easter Vigil. They are intended to “deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to love God above all” (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, 141).

 

The Gospels of Year A are specifically chosen to further this relationship with Jesus. We heard last week the story of Jesus encountering the Samaritan woman at the well where He revealed Himself as the Messiah and the source of living water. In Him, our deepest thirst is satisfied. Today, in the healing of the blind man, Jesus reveals Himself as the light of the world. By Him, we truly see everything. Next week, the Gospel will be the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ own resurrection, His power over even death. Truly He is the resurrection and the life.

 

Along with these Scrutinies are prayers that are called exorcisms. No, they are not the driving of demons from the possessed in this case, but prayers that are designed to help them deepen their understanding of sin and increase their desire for salvation. Many of the prayers within the Mass (the collect, preface, and prayer after communion) refer to the particular Gospels as well.

 

May God continue to strengthen our Elect on their spiritual journey and open their hearts to the graces they will receive in the Easter Sacraments. May we use this time also to reflect on our spiritual journey deepen our love for God!

 

Deacon Mike

Have you been looking for an opportunity to grow in your relationship with Jesus and your neighbors? Our small groups are being carefully crafted to do just that, & we would love for you to join us. Simply click below to see the opportunities that the Lord is opening up to you!

Mark your calendars for our Lenten Day of Mercy, which will take place this Thursday, March 14, from 2-7pm in the Church. There will be multiple confessors available for Reconciliation, as well as Adoration and reflection in a peaceful setting. If you can’t make our Day of Mercy, please note that St. Jerome will be offering their Reconciliation service on Tuesday, March 12, from 4-7pm. Please remember also that we offer regular Reconciliation times at 5pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays, at 4pm on Saturdays, and by appointment.

There will be a Presentation Men's Club meeting on March 14th from 6:30-8pm at 2010 Sherwood Ave. behind home in the garage (closed & heated for cold weather). Please bring your cares, concerns, and ideas on how we can help the church, school, and its ministries. Food and beverage are provided. There is also friendly social interaction before, during, and after the meeting with some card playing afterwards. If you can't attend and have cares, concerns, and ideas for the meeting, please contact: Tim Kleiter at 651-428-1172.

Come to the next 55 Club Luncheon! It will be held on Tuesday, March 19 at noon at Blessed Sacrament. The meal will be beef ravioli, salad, Italian bread with butter, and ice cream. Entertainment will be provided and the price is $13. Make reservations by Friday, March15 by calling Teri Garrity at 651-303-2145.

You are invited to our Fish Fry & Soup Supper Fridays! Our final soup supper will be this Friday, March 15 in Kenney Hall from 5-7pm, and will be hosted by the Men’s Club. It will be free-will offering, and include Shrimp Tortellini Soup, Butternut Squash Soup, and one other, along with grilled cheese and sides. Our final Fish Fry will be March 22 in the School Gym from 4-7pm. Fish meal includes: fried fish, baked potato, coleslaw, dinner roll, tartar sauce, butter, lemon, and a drink. A large fish meal will cost $17, and a small fish meal will cost $14. We will also offer a soup meal on these nights, which will cost $8, and will include broccoli cheddar soup or veggie chili, dinner roll, and a drink.

The Men’s Club will be hosting Ham Bingo on Saturday, March 23. From 6-7pm, the Scouts will be serving a meal for purchase, and Bingo will begin at 7pm. There will be Hams as door prizes, as well. See you there!

The Servants of the Cross group will re-enact the Passion of Jesus Christ at three locations on Good Friday, March 29th: at noon here at Presentation Mary (1725 Kennard St.), 3:00pm at St. Jude of the Lake-Mahtomedi (700 Mahtomedi Ave.), and 7:00pm at Church of St. Peter-North St. Paul (2600 N. Margaret St.). Free-will offering welcomed. For more info or to view our YouTube presentation for those homebound or unable to attend, go to www.servantsofthecrossmn.com.

If you missed last weekend's bulletin, be sure to read this letter written by Fr. Peter and Fr. Matthew Northenscold recommending moving forward with the St. Vincent de Paul Community joining us here at Presentation of Mary.

We are currently in need of additional Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, Sacristans, and Livestream helpers for our weekend Masses. Training is provided. To learn more about these ministries, and to let us know you’re interested, head over to presentationofmary.org/liturgy-prayer/liturgical-ministries/, follow the QR code, or contact Kay Mottaz at 651-842-6022 or by email at kmottaz@presentationofmary.org.

Click below to see the 2023-24 State of the School Report for our favorite school!

Middle School Math, Science, and STEM Teacher positions: full or part-time available. Contact Sue Lovegreen at slovegreen@presentationofmary.org or 651-842-6032 for more information.

This beautiful tradition is returning again! Middle school students have been working hard to make this performance one to remember. We hope you all can come, it is an incredibly moving and impressive reenactment. Performances will be Thursday, March 21^st at 7pm and Friday, March 22^nd at 1:15pm.

Beginning the weekend of February 3-4 you can find students selling tickets at church entrances before or after most masses. They will also be selling them at our Soup Supper and Fish Fry nights during Lent in Kenney Hall. Tickets are $10 each and can win you one of three prizes: 1st Place: $1,500 cash (donated by the DuFresne family) 2nd Place: 1/4 Cow (donated by Sandberg Cattle Company) 3rd Place: $500 cash (Donated by the Auction Committee).

Great Scott! The 2024 Presentation of Mary Catholic School Gala is coming back to Presentation on Saturday, April 13, 2024! We need you to take action now, so you don’t get left behind! 

April may feel a long way off, but the planning and preparations for our Panther Pride Gala are well underway already! Please make sure you've read all of the information on the Gala web page to understand all the ways you can Raise Your Hand to ensure the success of our biggest fundraiser! Donate a theme basket, wine, beer, or spirits, become a sponsor, get a Gala t-shirt, or even join the planning committee! If you have any questions, contact the school office at 651-777-5877.

Donate Items to the Panther Pride Gala! We are collecting items for our silent and live auctions. Put together a fun theme basket or donate tickets to a fun event. Do you have a special skill such as cooking or woodworking? Donate a cooking lesson or a few hours of carpentry assistance! Get together with some friends and donate a hosted dinner party! The options are limited only to your imagination! Questions? Contact Gala Chair, Linda Charnowski, at lprazak@presentationofmary.org.

Do you know someone in need of prayers? Contact Kay at the Parish Office at 651-842-6022 so they can be added to our Prayer Line.

You can also contact her if you are interested in joining the Prayer Line!

Protection of Youth: All employees, and volunteers who interact with minors, are required to complete and maintain safe environment credentials (E3) through the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. To ensure successful completion of these requirements or if you have any questions regarding our safe environment practices or would like more information on what is needed to volunteer, please contact our Safe Environment Coordinator: Kay Mottaz @ 651-842-6022 or email kmottaz@presentationofmary.org.

To learn more about reporting suspected abuse, please also visit: www.safe-environment.archspm.org/report-abuse/Report.