e-Bulletin
Week of September 11 - 17, 2022
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... to Love, to Serve, to be Hope ...
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NEXT OUTDOOR MASS
This Sunday!
September 11 at 11:00 am
Donuts will be served afterwards.
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BLESSING OF BACKPACKS AND DEVICES
SEPTEMBER 10/11
In celebration of the new school year all students are invited to bring their school back packs and/or electronic devices to Mass on September 10 and 11. At the end of Mass you will be invited to bring them forward and the whole church will bless them.
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FOCUS ON MINISTRY
THIS WEEKEND
September 10th and 11th!
Brief sharing from speakers from Life Stages Spirituality and Faith in Action ministries during Masses.
- Introduction of our new staff member Cheryl Peterson.
- Coffee, donuts and juice after Masses.
- Blessing of children’s back packs after masses.
- Service opportunity – help fill blessing bags for homeless people.
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Opportunity to fill out a Gift Inventory form for our gift data bank.
- Council tables and representatives to answer questions in Commons.
For a fun weekend, volunteer to help out as a greeter or server of donuts one of the four weekends!
Call the office to find out how to volunteer.
NEXT WEEKEND
Weekend #2 September 17 and 18!
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Brief sharing from speakers from Worship and Caring ministries during Masses.
- ALL PARISH Welcoming Brunch after 9 and 11 a.m. Masses.
- New members and those newly baptized will be recognized and blessed at Masses.
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Council tables and representatives to answer questions in Commons.
Please return Gift Inventory forms in the baskets in the commons, or complete the Gift Inventory on our website under “Upcoming Events” by September 30.
For a fun weekend, volunteer to help out as a greeter or server of donuts one of the four weekends!
Call the office to find out how to volunteer.
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CALENDAR
Saturday, September 10:
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Bogey’s Best Ball Challenge, 8:00 am at Emerald Greens
- Server Training, 10:00 am
- 5:00 pm Mass, Fr. Tim
Sunday, September 11:
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9:00 am Mass & backpack blessing, Fr. Kevin LIVESTREAMED
- Blessing Bags, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
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11:00 am OUTDOOR Mass & backpack blessing, Fr. Tim - Deacon Mickey preaches
- Baptism, 12:15 pm
Monday, September 12:
Tuesday, September 13:
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Eagan PD Training, 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
- AA meeting, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
- Spirit of Justice, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
- Bell Choir rehearsal, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
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Wednesday, September 14:
Thursday, September 15:
- Lawn Mowing Crew 3
- Mass, 10:00 am
- Prison Ministry Bthdy card, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
- Prayer Shawl Ministry, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
- Al-Anon meeting, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, September 16:
Saturday, September 17:
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5:00 pm Mass, Fr. Tim - Deacon Mickey preaches
Sunday, September 18:
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9:00 am Mass, Fr. Tim LIVESTREAMED
- Welcome Breakfast, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
- 11:00 am Mass, Fr. Kevin
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WELCOME CHERYL TO OUR STB STAFF
The Parish consists of Six Councils each representing a particular area of ministry. One of those is the Parishioner Engagement Council. Their purpose is to help parishioners identify their gifts and use them through engaging in the ministries of the parish. To help give leadership to this area and be a staff member to the Council,
I am happy to welcome Cheryl Peterson to our staff as: Director of Engagement.
Cheryl started September 1st, and was hired at 30 hours a week. Please welcome her when you see her around the parish or at Mass on weekends, I invite you to read about her below.
Fr. Tim
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Hi! I’m Cheryl Peterson,
the new Director of Engagement. I am the staff liaison to the Parishioner Engagement Council and will also work with the Gifts Core Team as we focus on developing and implementing systems to enhance parishioner engagement in the St. Thomas Becket community and with our community partners.
My top 5 Clifton Strengths Talent Themes: Connectedness, Relator,
Intellection, Arranger, and
Responsibility.
I am also a mom, a grandma to a “kinder starter” at Faithful Shepherd, and have a dachshund named Frankie. I am super excited to be here and to get to know you! Please introduce yourself as I’ll be at all the Masses this month, or give me a call at 651.683.9808, ext. 114.
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WE NEED YOU
to help with donuts, coffee, lemonade and cookies.
Please SIGN UP HERE with your family, friends, by yourself. All Are Welcome!
Curious what you would be doing?
You would help set up half an hour before Mass and come back to the kitchen after communion to put out the drinks and donuts.
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RED PINE SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
To Love, to Serve and to Be Hope
Saint Thomas Becket is holding a school supply drive for our friends at Red Pine Elementary in Eagan.
NEW Drop-off deadline, Friday, September 30!
Donations can be dropped off at STB before Mass or anytime the church is open. Bins are by the entrance.
Thank you for supporting our community’s children.
You do make a difference!
Suggested items to donate are listed below:
- 24 count crayons
- Colored, washable markers – both broad line and thin line
- Colored pencils
- Dry erase markers
- Highlighter markers
- Folders – 2 pocket
- Glue sticks
- Glue bottles
- School box 8”x5”
- Pencils
- Scissors (children size AND adult sizes for our intermediate students – grades 3 – 5)
- Spiral notebooks – wide lined or wide ruled
- Composition notebooks – wide lined or wide ruled
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HOMECOMING WEEKEND
OCTOBER 8/9
“Celebrating 32 years of COMMUNITY!”
Saturday, October 8: Mass 5:00 pm
Special treats after Mass
Sunday, October 9: Mass 10:00am
(1 Mass only)
Pancake Breakfast to follow Mass
Live Music
Petting Zoo
Please plan to join your fellow parishioners in a special celebration of 32 years of COMMUNITY on October 8th and 9th.
Activities will be appropriate for those from the age of 2 to 102.
It will be a great opportunity to visit old friends and make new friends.
ALL ARE WELCOME!!
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ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED
SEPTEMBER 10
TOMORROW
ALTAR SERVERS ARE NEEDED FOR ALL OF OUR SUNDAY MASSES
WHO: Anyone in the 5th grade on up. Men, women, girls and boys. Sibling or parent/child teams or adult individuals.
WHEN: Server training will be on Saturday, September 10th at 10:00 a.m. in the church. If that time is not possible, other arrangements can be made.
WHAT DOES A SERVER DO? It starts with lighting the candles for mass, continues with carrying the cross or prayer basket in procession, holding the book for the presider and helping to set the altar at the Preparation of the Table and Gifts. After mass the server snuffs the candles and helps the coordinator put things away.
New servers will partner with experienced servers for the first two times they serve. Monthly schedules will be made according to the server’s availability.
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BLESSING BAG DONATIONS NEEDED
We will be assembling Blessing Bags for the homeless at Mass
on September 10 & 11, and we need your help collecting items to go into the bags.
We will be collecting by first letter of your last name:
- A – E: Thick, unisex socks
- F – J: Toothpaste (regular or travel size – we already have toothbrushes)
- K – O: Handkerchiefs (fabric)
- P – S: Beef sticks or beef jerky, individual servings, no cheese/refrigeration
- T – Z: Purse-size Vaseline
Please bring your donations this weekend.
We hope to assemble a total of 160 bags.
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EASY AND FUN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
SEPTEMBER 25 (training)
Great for Middle Schoolers and Older Teens – Adults are needed too!
Sharing God’s Story (SGS) for 4- and 5-year old’s and Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) for 6 – 10 year old’s
Parents and grandparents, your middle school and high school teens have service hours to complete for many school related activities or honors requirements AND giving of yourself and doing service for others and your community is a Christian value we uphold and teach our children.
Here are two simple child programs that you or your teen or you and your teen can do while you are at the 9am or 11am Mass. VERY SIMPLE, very minimal preparation time and teens will earn 2 hours service every time they participate!
Quick Training provided on Sunday September 25 - SGS – 10:00- 10:30 - Rm 101 / CLOW – 12 :00- 12:30 – Rm 101
Please click on the two links below to learn more and sign up to help with these Sunday morning programs.
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IT'S TIME FOR A NEW DIRECTORY!
SEPTEMBER 20-24 & OCTOBER 18-22
Church Directory Photography
Schedule your appointment today!
PHOTOGRAPHY DATES:
Tuesday—Saturday
September 20-24, 2022
October 18-22, 2022
HOURS
Weekdays 2:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Saturdays 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
ONLINE SCHEDULING
(right column under “Photography appointment Scheduling login”)
Church Code: mn255
Password: photos
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VOLUNTEER
We need 1 or 2 Host/Hostesses to help greet parishioners, check them in and help them fill out a form.
It is also a nice time to connect with friends and meet new people.
Adults and teens are welcome to help out or a parent with a younger child.
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FAITH FORMATION REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
CLOSES ON SEPTEMBER 16
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Early Bird Fee is OVER
2022-23 Faith Formation / Sacraments Registration
is Open Volunteers wanted!
Online registration is now open for the upcoming year for all our child and youth programs, including sacramental preparation. Go to www.stbeagan.org and click on the header that says Learning and Spirituality.
In addition, we have many opportunities for adults and teens to give of their time and talents as Catechists, and Small Group Leaders. You do not have to have a child in the program to serve! Please contact the Faith Formation staff, we can’t wait to meet you!
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WRITE A BIRTHDAY CARD
SEPTEMBER 15
Do you enjoy encouraging others through special occasion cards or short notes?
Most inmates do not regularly receive mail. And of those there are many whose birthdays are not acknowledged. Receiving mail brings great joy to a prisoner, and to be acknowledged on a day that should be special to them can restore an otherwise devastating day.
Please join us at STB from 4:30pm—6pm on Thursday, September 15. Please come any amount of time and write as many cards as you wish.
Thanks for considering!
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LOVE THE LITURGY?
SEPTEMBER 15
Consider joining the Liturgy Committee!
We prepare the main liturgical seasons: Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter.
We study the readings, the signs of the times and the heartfelt needs of our parishioners and look for a focus for these seasons that can bring worshipers closer to Jesus Christ. Then we collaborate on the music and environment that support that focus and look for actions that can embody the prayer of the assembly.
We meet on the third Thursday of the months before the major seasons from
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Our next meeting is September 15.
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DO YOU LIKE WATER?
We are currently putting together small groups for the JustFaith 8-week series, Sacred Water: Oceans and Ecosystems. If you are interested in facilitating a small group, or if you’d like to be contacted directly when facilitators are in place and dates/times are set, email Dez at dezs@stbeagan.org.
There are three books for this series, two of which will need to be purchased by participants, and one available to check out at STB. There is no additional cost to participate. Facilitators do not need to be experienced but should be comfortable leading a group, and sharing the role with a friend or spouse works great.
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FALL EVENT AT STB!
SEPTEMBER 25
A Fall Event at St Thomas Becket Featuring:
Author & Professor Dr. Angela Senander
Sunday, September 25, 2022
10:15am – 11:30am
The Catholic Church and Public Life by Dr. Angela Senander, PhD
A 100-page read that invites reflection and study to help understand differences in perception and judgement of the many “stumbling blocks” (scandals) for the Church and the individual Catholic, both in the internal life of the Church and in its mission to the world. This book is clearly written making it accessible not only to the theological community but for all interested Catholics. Charles Curran, Professor of Human Values – Elizabeth Scurlock University
Read Dr. Senander’s book by September 25 and then join the group as Angela facilitates the listening and discussion. She has recently been an associate professor of theology at Merrimack College in the Archdiocese of Boston. Her writings on faith, church, and public life have appeared in: Prophetic Witness, Catholic Women’s Strategies for Reform, New Theology Review, and America.
Books are available for $10 at STB and located on the table outside the parish office door. Please leave payment in the silver drop box on the wall near the table. Checks to St Thomas Becket.
Questions or concerns call or email Mary McDonald at the parish office marym@stbeagan.org – (651) 683-9808 Ext. 108
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JOIN THE CHOIR
The choir welcomes new and returning members to join them in their ministry of prayer and praise. The choir practices on Tuesday nights to lead music at weekend Masses and for special occasions. Choir members must be fully vaccinated against CoVid. For more information, contact music director Chris Ángel at chrisa@stbeagan.org.
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WOMEN'S CLOTHING DRIVE
SEPTEMBER 24
South of the River
Womens’ Clothing Drive
Bring all sizes solid colored clothing to your church
Saturday, September 24th, 2022
Modest clothing to uplift sexually trafficked victims within our community
Call Kathy at 651 456-9378
Items needed:
- Tee shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Sweatpants
- Sport bras
- Bags of new socks
- and new underwear
- Tasteful tops, dresses, pants, and skirts appropriate for young women
All items without words or images displayed
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DO YOU LOVE ANIMALS?
OCTOBER 2
Join our committee to plan and prepare our annual Blessing of the Beasts celebration on Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 pm. We will find a time to meet that fits everyone's schedule. We’ll plan the music, the readings and the treats. We always have young people to help with the animals. This committee is open to all ages. You just have to love the beasts and want them to get blessed.
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FUNERAL PRE-PLANNING
The Catholic Cemeteries is sponsoring free Cemetery and Funeral Pre-planning Seminars. Select the Seminar that is most convenient for you to attend and call
651-228-9991 to make a reservation.
Planning Packet, tours, discounts and refreshments are available at each seminar. Seating is limited.
Resurrection Cemetery: Mendota Heights
- Wed, September 14 -1:00 pm
- Thursday, September 15 - 6 pm
- Friday, September 16 -10:00 am
- Saturday, September 17 - 10 am
Gethsemane Cemetery: New Hope
- Wed, September 14 -1:00 pm
- Thursday, September 15 - 6 pm
- Friday, September 16 -10:00 am
- Saturday, September 17 - 10 am
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FRANCISCAN RETREAT CENTER
Might you be called to the Franciscan way of life?
Do you feel a 'nudge' to deepen your prayer life?
To serve God in a special way?
To live the Gospel with more focus and intention?
Are you drawn to the way St. Francis of Assisi followed Christ?
You are invited to come and see what the Secular Franciscan vocation is all about at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Prior Lake on Sunday, September 18 from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm. You will have a chance to meet fraternity members, ask questions and share in fellowship and fun. Supper will be served and children are invited, too.
For more information or if you plan to attend, call or message Mary Higgins mjgh174@gmail.com at 952-240-1604 by September 11, 2022. |
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR:
General Schedules page HERE
By Ministry:
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Where to find schedule links:
Go to www.stbeagan.org and look under HELPFUL LINKS, there you will find “schedules”, click on it and you will be able to find the link to the signup. |
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STB VIRTUAL PRAYER WALL
Let's pray for each other!
When you get to this page, double click on the brick wall to post your prayer or a prayer request, or click on the "+" on the lower right of the wall.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
September 11, 2022
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Since God created human beings, we have struggled to keep our focus on God. We wrestle with the question of “who is God” and foolishly believe some of God’s job description can be better completed by us. We wander in different directions, lose our way, think that happiness can be found elsewhere and even construct golden calves to worship. Are we simply too independent or just blatantly stubborn? It’s a good question to ask. Even with all of our silliness and distractions, God compassionately and patiently waits. He lets us assert our wills and knows that perhaps one day we will actually wake up and realize how lost we are.
“Since happiness is nothing other than the enjoyment of the highest good and since the highest good is above, no one can be made happy unless he rises above himself, not by an ascent of the body but of the heart. But we cannot rise above ourselves unless a higher power lifts us up … Divine aid is available to those who seek it from their hearts, humbly and devoutly; and this means to sigh for it in this valley of tears, through fervent prayer (St. Bonaveture).” One of the biggest human struggles is discerning what, exactly, is the highest good. We are ordered to achieve it but if we pursue it with clouded vision, we will never truly find it.
One of the greatest obstacles to God’s power and love is a stubborn, closed heart of stone. When we are fiercely determined to set our sights elsewhere for happiness or simply ride the popular currents of the day, we will never satisfy the deep ache and longing within. We know that ache well. It is precisely why we scurry all over the place, attempting to find the next best thing to take away its pain. Nothing in the created world ever can or will. We continue our journey. One day, people may wake up and realize that they are grazing in the wrong pasture and putting themselves in harm’s way. When this awakening occurs, it will be a most joyous day as we will see God’s wide-open arms waiting to receive us. “Lead me, Lord, in your path, and I will enter in your truth. Let my heart rejoice that it may fear your name (St. Bonaventure).”
©LPi
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EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP
RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS
Rise, and Go to Your Father
“If you pull into my driveway and honk, you better be dropping off a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.”
I first read these words in the pages of W. Bruce Cameron’s “8 Simple Rules for Dating my Teenage Daughter,” (that’s Rule No. 5, by the way).
There’s a certain respect that is shown by someone who takes the time to come to the door, ring the bell and wait to be greeted. Being willing to go through the niceties for the sake of appearances is a small act of deference on the part of the person doing the picking-up, even if it’s not for a date. Without it, the whole scenario becomes entitled.
I want you to think of something that you want or need, but do not have. Is it peace? Is it financial stability? Is it strength? Is it friendship?
The brother of the prodigal son had a lot of unexpressed desires. He sees his brother heaped with gifts and favors, feasting on the fattened calf, and he is enraged. I haven’t been given half of that, he thinks, and I’ve worked so hard.
But for all his faithfulness, one has to wonder — did this son ever simply ask for what he needed? Did he get out of the car, so to speak, and ring the bell? Or did he sit in the driveway leaning on the horn?
God wants us to come before Him. He wants us to ask. He wants us to be like Moses — sure enough of our Father’s indulgence to boldly ask for it. Think again about what you need but do not have, and ask yourself: Have I approached the door and rung the bell?
— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
©LPi
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PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
Please hold these parishioners in your prayers:
Lisa LaFrance
Mary Cloutier
Judy Schmidt
If you have someone you would like added to our confidential Prayer Line call Bonnie Berquist at 651-450-1043 or email her at Bonnie_B_02@msn.com.
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READINGS
Sunday:
Ex 32:7-11, 13-14/Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19/1 Tm 1:12-17/Lk 15:1-32 or 15:1-10
Monday:
1 Cor 11:17-26, 33/Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17/Lk 7:1-10
Tuesday:
1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a/Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5/Lk 7:11-17
Wednesday:
Nm 21:4b-9/Ps 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38/Phil 2:6-11/Jn 3:13-17
Thursday:
1 Cor 15:1-11/Ps 118:1b-2, 16ab-17, 28/Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35
Friday:
1 Cor 15:12-20/Ps 17:1bcd, 6-7, 8b and 15/Lk 8:1-3
Saturday:
1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49/Ps 56:10c-12, 13-14/Lk 8:4-15
Next Sunday:
Am 8:4-7/Ps 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8/1 Tm 2:1-8/Lk 16:1-13 or 16:10-1
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The Catholic Community of Saint Thomas Becket is dedicated to protecting children and vulnerable adults. Your cooperation and support strengthens our parish’s commitment to keeping children and vulnerable adults safe in our community. Volunteers serving with minors and vulnerable adults must complete requirements before engaging in ministry. For more information contact:
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