The Patroness of a Catholic College in Duluth
 Greetings!
Salutations! How are you on this day that the Lord has made? Throughout the Universal Church we celebrate a wonderful woman of great faith by the name of St. Scholastica. Her name means “a scholar” or alternatively “pertaining to schools” and this is fitting since she was a devoted student of the Great Teacher, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (etymonline.com). Scholastica was born with a twin brother, Benedict in the late 400s in Italy. They would both go on to dedicate their lives completely to love of God and service of their neighbor through monastic life. While they lived in separate monasteries - one for monks and the other for nuns - they made it a point to meet with each other on a yearly basis. There is a famous story handed down through the years about their final meeting with one another this side of Heaven:
According to the Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great, the brother and sister spent their last day together in prayer and conversation. Scholastica sensed her death was close at hand and she begged Benedict to stay with her until the next day.

He refused her request because he did not want to spend a night outside the monastery, thus breaking his own Rule. Scholastica asked God to let her brother remain and a severe thunderstorm broke out, preventing Benedict and his monks from returning to the abbey.

Benedict cried out, “God forgive you, Sister. What have you done?” Scholastica replied, “I asked a favor of you and you refused. I asked it of God and he granted it.”

Brother and sister parted the next morning after their long discussion. Three days later, Benedict was praying in his monastery and saw the soul of his sister rising heavenward in the form of a white dove. Benedict then announced the death of his sister to the monks and later buried her in the tomb he had prepared for himself.
The story helps to illustrate the close connection between the twins, their shared love of Jesus, and the tender mercy of God in answering St. Scholastica’s prayer. We ask for the intercession of this holy and persistent woman so that we would grow in learning from Christ our teacher and one day join her in heavenly glory.
Prayer and Work (Ora et Labor),
Fr. James
P.S. By God’s grace I am blessed to have a holy and inspiring twin sister named Renée. Though we enjoy prayerful conversations we have not yet had to deal with dramatic thunderstorms as we do so… 
Fr. James Daily Video Message

Daily video messages from Fr. James and Masses celebrated by Father James can be found on Facebook, YouTube, our My Parish app and on our website:

Trivia Question of the Week

In the Gospel for the Mass of the day (Mark 1:7:24-30), “Jesus went to the district of____________ .”

A. Samaria
B. Tyre
C. Nazareth
D. Capernaum 

See the bottom of this newsletter for the answer.
Tickets On Sale Now!
Tickets are now on sale for our “IC Music Presents: A Sinatra Songbook” dinner and variety show to benefit the IC Liturgy Ministry! Join us in Fellowship Hall on Saturday evening, February 26 for fine Italian cuisine, beverages, and songs made famous by Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. Reserved seat tickets are required ($35.00 - cash or check only) and are available in the parish office during the week. (Buy a table of 8 in one transaction you’ll get 1 seat free!)

Pray for the Synod

Date(s): Monthly through Pentecost 2022
Location: Various parishes throughout Archdiocese – see listing below

All are invited to pray for our Archdiocesan Synod in this special way! Each month between now and Pentecost 2022, a different parish in our Archdiocese will host a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit and Eucharistic Adoration. Join us for daily Mass and holy hour with lectio divina prayer.

Remaining Locations and Dates:

  • Thursday, February 17, 5:15 pm at St. Peter Claver, St. Paul

  • Monday, March 14, 7:00 pm at St. Hubert, Chanhassen

  • Tuesday, April 26, 7:00 pm at St. Paul, Ham Lake

  • Tuesday, May 17, 5:45 pm at St. Peter, Mendota
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. James!
November 7 - 18, 2022
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey in faith while walking in the footsteps of Jesus. Sail on the Sea of Galilee, explore the Old City of Jerusalem and have Mass at the most meaningful sites in Christianity. Accompanied by an excellent local guide, learn about the spiritual, historical, and cultural significance of the Holy Land. More information coming soon! magitravelinc.com/holy-land
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Immaculate Conception School
We are still registering students for the 2021- 2022 school year. Please contact any of the following with questions – we love to show off our wonderful school!

Jane Bona, 763-788-9065, x 220
Megan Sackmaster, 763-788-9062, x 207
Immaculate Conception Parish App
Answer to the Trivia Question of the Week:
B. Tyre
 Immaculate Conception
Church and School
Church: 763-788-9062
School: 763-788-9065
info@immac-church.org | ICCSonline.org
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