"The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son."
~Mt 22:2
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The Gospel of Life
The following is the column of Bishop Andrew Cozzens, auxiliary bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, which appeared in the Catholic Spirit newspaper on September 24, 2020.
“When St. Teresa of Kolkata received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, as everyone was watching to see what this saintly woman from the slums of India would say about peace, she shocked the world when she said, “The greatest destroyer of peace today is the cry of the innocent, unborn child. For if a mother can murder her own child in her own womb, what is left for you and for me to kill each other?”
She repeated the same line in front of President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton at the national prayer breakfast in 1994. She also added: “Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.” This year, as we celebrate Respect Life Sunday (Oct. 4), we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the landmark pro-life encyclical of St. John Paul II, “Evangelium Vitae: Living the Gospel of Life.” Interestingly, St. John Paul II has the same insight as St. Teresa of Kolkata. He says there can be no “true peace unless life is defended and promoted.” And he explains why: “It is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are founded and from which they develop. A society lacks solid foundations when, on the one hand, it asserts values such as the dignity of the person, justice and peace, but then, on the other hand, radically acts to the contrary by allowing or tolerating a variety of ways in which human life is devalued and violated, especially where it is weak or marginalized. Only respect for life can be the foundation and guarantee of the most precious and essential goods of society, such as democracy and peace.”
It is in the light of the prophetic voices of these two saints that we can come to understand the voting advice the U.S. bishops approved last November in their statement on the upcoming election: “The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.”
Of course, this does not mean that there are not many other ways that we are called to respect and defend life. As the bishops also say in their statement: “At the same time, we cannot dismiss or ignore other serious threats to human life and dignity such as racism, the environmental crisis, poverty and the death penalty.”
(To be continued in next week’s bulletin…)
Peace,
Fr. Talbot
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Blessed Chapel Sacrament Update - 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, and Thursday. There is no limit to the number of times you can attend daily Mass. Beginning Friday, October 16, there will be an 8:00 AM daily Mass inside the church. Sign up is no longer necessary.
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Parking Lot Mass
Friday, October 9 is the last parking lot Mass in the church parking lot at 9:00 AM. Sign up is required as space is limited.
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 parking lot Masses and 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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Half Off Fair Trade Sale
Beginning this week, all fair-trade orders are eligible for a 50% off discount. All you need to do is place your order per the usual method, total it, and divide by two to reflect the 50% discount. Plus, supporting Fair Trade is a great way to advocate for Social Justice while enjoying your favorite coffee, chocolate bar, and more. To place your order, please follow the steps HERE.
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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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Invitation to Discern Ministry Involvement
Since COVID-19 related safety precautions began, ministry needs, and roles, have changed and continue to evolve every day. For example, ushers and greeters at Mass not only welcome people as they arrive to Mass; these ministers also ensure Mass goers social distance and sanitize their hands. Despite these changes due to COVID-19, St. Mary’s members’ long history and commitment to service of others has remained a constant amidst the change and uncertainly of our times. Once again, St. Mary’s is inviting you to consider where God is calling you to serve. Currently, your church needs ministers to fill the following minister roles: catechist, hallway helper, ushers, greeters, and projectionists for Mass, church cleaners, ministers to bring communion to the homebound, writers to craft notes to seniors, mentors for new parishioners and prayer partners. This week all the staff at St. Mary’s will be praying a discernment prayer to help guide you as you prayerfully consider where God is calling you in these uncertain times.
If you are called to serve in one of these minister roles, please reach out to Nick Brady, at 217-361-5297 or nbrady@stmarys-wbl.org to discuss where the Lord is leading you.
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Whole-Parish Catechesis
This year St. Mary’s turns our attention to whole parish catechesis. Individuals, small Christian communities, confirmation preparation, faith formation, high school ministry, and young adults will all focus on the shared theme of the Sunday Gospel. Our mission to form disciples who know, follow and share Jesus is applicable to every one of us, at every age and stage of life. Our faith community, our prayer life and our friendships with one another are ways we draw closer to Jesus. You are encouraged to participate in St. Mary’s Whole-Parish Catechesis this Fall.
Visit the News & Events section on our website for more information about all the ways you can participate in this Whole-Parish Catechesis.
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Sacramental Preparation for Adults
If you
- have never been baptized,
- were baptized in the Catholic Church but did not continue,
- were baptized in another Christian faith and are interested in joining the Catholic Church,
- grew up Catholic but missed Confirmation,
- are curious about the Catholic faith.
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Seeking Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Team Members
We are all called to share our faith with others. Does this sound like how you might like to share your faith?
- Accompany someone who is interested in the Catholic Church and is on the journey of preparing to become a Catholic.
- Pray for and provide spiritual support and encouragement to the person.
- Be a companion and walk with them through the process of discernment.
- Break open the Sunday Scriptures and connect them to our faith and our lives.
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The theme of Year 2 in the Archdiocesan Synod is “The Church Prepares.” The Year 2 journey begins this fall with two virtual opportunities for prayer and study.
Praying with Scripture Series
This five-part virtual series on praying with Scripture offers practical tools for growing in holiness, drawing upon the rich tradition of the Catholic Church. Archbishop Hebda and Bishop Cozzens will teach the fundamentals of praying with Scripture and explain how to use a Prayer Companion resource to enrich your prayer experience. This series began September 13. Watch at your convenience with family, friends or on your own. Learn more HERE.
Healing and Hope Series
This five-part virtual retreat grounds each person’s fundamental identity as a beloved child of God. Yet each person has experienced wounds that bind. This retreat explores how to unbind these knots through the intercession of Our Lady, Un-doer of Knots, and open these wounds to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Encountering Jesus’ love and mercy brings healing and hope. This series begins October 18. Learn more HERE.
Focus Areas Announced
Based on the information already gathered in the Prayer and Listening Events, as well as the information gathered for the Ad Limina visit with Pope Francis in January, and the results of the Disciple Marker Index, Archbishop Hebda has discerned the initial set of focus areas for the Archdiocesan Synod. Those areas will set the parameters for discussions at the deanery and parish levels:
- Forming parishes that are in the service of evangelization
- Forming missionary disciples who know Jesus’s love and respond to his call
- Forming youth and young adults in and for a Church that is always young
Read more in the Catholic Spirit HERE
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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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Get Ready to RUN!!
Thursday, October 8 – Sunday, October 11
The race days are upon us and this year families have the flexibility to complete the run/walk between Thursday, October 8 – Sunday, October 11. Allow time for your team to get together to run on the course, a trail or track! Please be respectful of neighborhood homes, traffic and others running in public spaces. We will be marking the USATF Certified Course on Thursday morning so you can run with your team throughout the race weekend at a time that works best for you. The course will be unaided so watch for traffic and bring your own water.
View race details and course map HERE
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We are excited to partner with Catholic United Financial for the upcoming 2021 Catholic Schools Raffle! Watch for more raffle details!
Catholic United Financial is more than just a raffle sponsor. They help sustain and grow the impact that Catholic education can have in our community and beyond. By being a Catholic United Member you are eligible to partake in scholarships and other lifelong benefits. Learn more HERE
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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:
- September 17-October 8, 2020
- 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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