Words of Wisdom from St. Augustine - Part IV |
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Greetings to you! How are you doing today? I hope that you are well. Over the last few weeks we have had the opportunity to reflect on some poetic works attributed to St. Augustine of Hippo. Tomorrow the Universal Church celebrates his remarkable life and gives thanks to the Lord for his inspiring witness of friendship with Jesus Christ. Today we will wrap up our August eNewsletter series by focusing on one of the most famous quotes from St. Augustine, “You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You” (Book I of The Confessions from newadvent.org).
The “You” that St. Augustine was referring to in that particular quote was God. I would wager to say that it was a fruit of his lived experience, his prayerful relationship with the Lord, and his knowledge of Sacred Scripture. From his life’s journey, you might be aware, that Augustine was most assuredly not living as a saint for his early years. He got caught up in the sensual pleasures of the world and yet was not fully satisfied. His heart was restless until he experienced a profound conversion. In no small way, this took place after his saintly mother had interceded on his behalf for over three decades. Augustine realized that it was not from chasing the pleasant things of God’s creation that he would really be happy. This is confirmed by human experience and powerful passages from the Bible.
As the Psalmist said so poignantly in the Old Testament, “My soul rests in God alone from whom comes my salvation” (Psalm 62). Our soul will not find true or lasting rest unless it has the time to encounter the Living God through prayer. Jesus himself declared, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves” (Matthew 11:28-29). Saint Augustine recognized that truth and did his part to live it on a daily basis.
That life-changing truth was true for Saint Augustine and for all those holy men, women, and children who went before him. That life-changing truth is also true for all of those holy men, women, and children who came after him. That life-changing truth is also true for you and me because it is an encounter with Truth itself, with Mercy itself, with Love itself with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the closing days of this month of August we make the appeal, “St. Augustine - Pray for us!”
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Rest and Refreshment in Christ,
Fr. James
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Fr. James Daily Video Message - August 27, 2020 |
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More daily video messages from Fr. James and Sunday Masses celebrated by Father James can be found on Facebook, YouTube, our My Parish App and on our website:
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Trivia Question of the Week
St. Monica was the mother of which famous saint?
A. John the Baptist
B. Augustine
C. Mary Magdalene
D. Ambrose
See the bottom of this newsletter for the answer.
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Plan to stop by the “Raffle Rally” MSMA Car Show from 5:00 - 7:00 pm this Friday at IC. You can pick up or buy Big Buck Raffle tickets, enjoy a free hot dog and pop, and see some cool cars! We’ll be social distancing, and masks are required.
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Make a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in November of 2021 with Fr. James! Spots are limited. Please see the Magi Travel website for more details:
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The Queen of May Fall Edition is Almost Here! |
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Immaculate Conception School is reopening and the students and staff are grateful for your support of our school as we all await another successful event. Thank you for believing in ICS!
Please mark your calendar and join us for our live fundraising event on Friday, September 11 at 7:00 pm.
You can preview our wonderful silent auction and register for bidding ahead of time by visiting here: iccs2020.ggo.bid/
Bidding starts at 9:00 am on Monday, September 7!
Watch for the live event link on the ICS Facebook page and our website as it gets closer to the event.
Questions? Contact Jami Bridgeman at 763-788-9065.
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40 Days for Life Twin Cities is our local campaign of the largest international prayer campaign to end abortion. Since 2007, Pro-Life Action Ministries has coordinated with thousands of participants.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception will participate in 40 Days for Life Twin Cities on Saturday, October 10, 2020. The Christian community across the Twin Cities region will come to pray and assemble in peaceful vigil at Planned Parenthood in the Midway section of Saint Paul.
Consider teaming with a friend or family member for one hour of prayer between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm on October 10. Due to Covid19 it is pertinent that we have enough volunteers signed up to fill our commitment by Thursday, September 17. We need a minimum of 24 people (2 per hour) to fulfill our mission. Our participation in this day of prayer depends on early registration and commitment.
To register please contact Vicki B. as soon as possible—Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays at 763-788-9062.
40 Dias Por La Vida
Sábado, 10 de octubre del 2020 en el “Planned Parenthood” de Saint Paul
Se necesitan voluntarios para orar en turnos de cada hora, 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Contacten a Vicki, 763-788-9062 para apuntarse
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ICS Summer Challenge Grant
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I am so excited to share with you that we have met our Schulze Foundation Challenge Grant goal! We set out to earn $14,500.00 and within six weeks, we met that goal and recently have had a surge of donations that provide even more than our goal bringing our total from generous donors to $20,525.00!
When asked for donations, we emphasized how our donations will be doubled! Generous people give and their donation is doubled and our JOY and STRENGTH are doubled! These funds are critical to making a difference in the lives of children and families who dream of sending their child to our parish school.
Thank you for believing in our school!
With Christ as Our Joy and Strength,
Jane Bona
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You can watch with your free parish subscription by simply selecting our parish’s name during registration at formed.org/signup.
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Enjoy a free subscription to FORMED.org
FORMED provides amazing online videos, audio and books 24/7 for you to grow in your faith. It's EASY and FREE to Register!
- Go to iccsonline.formed.org and click next
- Enter your name and email and click sign-up
- Enjoy and share with others in our local community!
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Pray for COVID-19 Anointing Corps, Patients, Families and Medical Support Teams |
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Parishioners across the Archdiocese are invited to prayerfully support those who are suffering most intensely, usually in sterile isolation, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Text archspm-anointing to 55321 or sign up here to receive a text each time a COVID-19 Anointing Corps Priest is dispatched to give the Last Rites. Upon receipt of the text, those in this ministry commit to take a moment to pray:
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One Our Father for the patient who is in danger of death, as they prepare to meet our Heavenly Father face-to-face;
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One Hail Mary for the patient’s family and friends, asking the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows, to intercede to comfort them; and
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One Glory Be in thanksgiving for the priest and for his protection, as well as the medical team attending to the patient.
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Answer to the Trivia Question of the Week: |
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Immaculate Conception
Church and School
Church: 763-788-9062
School: 763-788-9065
info@immac-church.org | ICCSonline.org
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