Saturday, April 17, 2021
"What do you do with the mad that you feel?"
I believe that most everyone would agree that this last year has been filled with many emotions, one of which being anger and frustration.

There is a great tension in the air with so many issues and concerns that continue to plague our world, and what is our response to it supposed to be?
I watched a YouTube video where a young Christian man responds to the question, as a Christian, what is our response to all of this? What he reminds us is that we need to look to the Scriptures, particularly, the letter of Saint James (1.19): "... everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath..."

I am going to make the bold assumption to say that we are all guilty of being quick to judge with our words (verbal or written) and our actions, not allowing ourselves to really listen to situations as they arise to discern the truth of the matter, and from there, really reflect on the proper response that we are called to make.

In our desire to have the latest information and updates on what is going on in the world, we have lost the capacity to be patient with one another, and have assumed the worst from others. When we allow ourselves to fall to this, we become stained "by the world" (James 1.27) and slowly lose who we are in our identity as a child of God, as a Christian, as a light to the world. We "delude ourselves" and no longer become "doers of the word" (James 1.22).

With all of the pain, suffering and death in the world, things can seem at times unfair and unjust. So I encourage you, and myself, to reflect on Saint James' letter, because that is exactly what our response as a Christian should be. Imitate Jesus, the Word!

Do as he did: Pray and bring what you are experiencing to the Father and ask for the grace(s) you need and the wisdom to know how to respond, to put into action what you have been given. Because if we respond to pain and suffering with pain and suffering, are we ever going to get out of this vicious cycle? No. We will only perpetuate it. As Jesus said to his own disciple as he was arrested in the garden, "Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matthew 26.52).

What we need now is a call for healing. To again be quick to listen, to those who are hurting, and I guarantee you there is hurt on all sides. To be slow to speak, especially our own opinions, whether we may be right or not, we've got enough people in the world shouting out their opinions without reflection, causing more pain and hurt. Be slow to respond with wrath/anger, stop yourself before you commit a sin. Rather, be an instrument of peace, calming the nerves of those who would be quick to respond with violence and hate. Sit, listen and pray with those who are hurting, remind them they are not alone.

We all have the ability to choose how to respond to the situations in our lives. Let's make sure that we practice what we have been taught by Jesus, "be doers of the word and not hearers only."

A wonderful clip shared with me during my time in seminary is from an episode of Mr. Rogers, and I want to share this with you now. Many wise words can be found in a children's book or video, because the truth of the matter is, the messages contained in them, by adults, is to help them to grow up and become better than ourselves. Let's not forget that: https://youtu.be/w3fAS392Wzc

Come, Lord Jesus, come! Light up our world with your healing presence that we be able to experience the peace you desire for us, your family!
Grow Your Faith!
Virtual Children's Liturgy of the Word!!

This week's theme is: Jesus visiting his disciples
Engage your children with the Word of God with
this video. Then, print this page to be colored, and you can also use this recipe to bake 2 mini loaves of bread. Then bless and share the bread just like Jesus did with his disciples!
*Recipe courtesy of joyfulhomemaking.com
Eucharistic Adoration
Monday-Friday: 2pm-12am
With so much still going on in our country and the world, how important it is for us to remember to retreat to our Lord for rest and strength, and lift up your prayers to Him. Come spend some time with our Lord, truly present in the Eucharist. Click here for our adoration protocols.
Limited to 4 adorers at one time.
We have a great need for adorers!!
4:00 p.m. on Mondays and 9:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Contact Barb Kleiter if interested at 651-774-1172. Thanks!
Congratulations to our First Communion students who did a fantastic job last weekend. Everyone looked fabulous! Thank you to all the families as well as Mrs. Jodi Keeley and Ms. Denise Legato for all the work they put in to make this day so special for our children. May this food from heaven strengthen their love for Jesus!
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Sunday, April 25

Please pray that young men and women hear and respond to the Lord's call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes. 

Prayer for Vocations

God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. 
Click on the image to visit the website.
Upcoming Events

The Presentation Pastoral Council will be hosting a Friendly Feud Match (similar to Family Feud) on Sunday, May 2nd and is asking parishioners to help by completing Poll Question Cards. Please keep an eye out for these cards in the pews. Complete them with your answers and leave them in the pews to be collected and used for feuding purposes. Thank you! 
Basic Needs Resource Fair

Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative will be hosting Basic Needs Resource Fairs on April 26th from 5:00-6:00pm & May 17th from 11:00am-12:00pm. Parents/caregivers will:
  • Be able to meet with Resource Navigators one-on-one to get connected with basic needs resources available in Ramsey County.
  • Learn about the Resource Guide and Community Bulletin Boards available to the community.
  • Be able to meet with staff from Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative to get signed up for resilience coaching, monthly trainings/events, and mental health/wellbeing support.
  • Be entered into a raffle to win prizes
Zoom Meeting ID: 881 9834 8684
Passcode: 100832
Blood Drive Saturday, June 19th, 8:00 am—1:00 pm

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive. This is the earliest the Red Cross has opened up registration so we wanted to give our parishioners an early chance to sign up! Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!
 to make an appointment or call Barb Swanson at
651-395-0453. Appointments only. No walk-ins.
Presentation Men's Softball Team

Games will likely start on Wednesday, May 5th. The season consists of 10 regular games and 3 playoff games for a total of 13 games. Games start at 6:30 PM every Wednesday. The cost is $20 for a jersey if you do not belong to Presentation Men's Club (no extra charge for Men's Club members). Once a year each member of the team will be asked to bring 40 hamburgers and 40 hot dogs for the team meal after each game. Contact Tim Koran at 651-775-2612 for further information if you are interested in joining the team!
Important Information
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Rite of Christian
Initation for Adults
It's never too late to learn more about your rich Catholic faith and share it with others. Join us on Tuesday evenings.
Faith Formation
All in-person Faith Formation classes have resumed in the Parish Center after Sunday Mass.
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Reconciliation Hours
Reconciliation/Prayer/Conversation
Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:00-5:45pm
Saturdays from 4:00- 4:45pm
Also available by appointment.
Panther News
Enroll for the 2021-22 School Year!!

Presentation School is now open for 2021-2022 for Preschool-Eighth Grade enrollment. Visit mytads.com to complete your enrollment today!

Do you know a family looking for a great school? Tell them to check out Presentation! If you refer a family and they enroll you can earn $250 off of your tuition!
Presentation Summer Camp Options!
Click on image above for more information and to register.
Click on image above for more information and to register.
Click on the image to be directed to the Zoom meeting. The link will also be sent out again closer to the event date.
Click the image to see the latest pics and posts on the school Facebook page.
Click the image to read the latest
Panther Post.
We're Here for You
Drive-Thru is now Drive-In.
Park your car, come in the church and head to the Reconciliation Room with the lit candle.
Disinfectant wipes will be available.
Tues & Thurs: 5:00-5:45pm
Sat: 4:00-4:45pm
Or make an appointment: fr.ly@presentationofmary.org
Pastoral Care

Presentation of Mary is here for you!
Conversation, prayer requests, resources...? Please ask.

All information will remain confidential.
Contact the Parish Office at
651-777-8116 or Mail@PresentationOfMary.org.

Prayer, Participation, and Generosity
Stewardship
Amidst this pandemic, I have been very edified by the generous outpouring of love and support from our community. Thank you!
If you would like to switch over to e-giving, click on the image to sign up.
Questions? Please contact the parish:
651.777.8116 or Mail@PresentationOfMary.org
Loaves & Fishes
Serving meals to those who have none is still an essential ministry during this pandemic.
Please prayerfully consider giving to this ministry. Donations can be placed in an envelope with Loaves & Fishes written on it, and dropped in the basket at church or in the secured mailbox at the Parish Center.
2021 Catholic Services Appeal
The 2021 Catholic Services Appeal is getting ready to roll out for this year. The 2021 theme is “Together in Hope” which is most fitting in these challenging times. This Appeal is wonderful as it reminds us that as a Christian people, we are one family in faith, who need Jesus first and foremost in our lives, as well as one another. Your participation will help support ministries that serve the poor, support life and strengthen our Faith.
Helpful Links
Website: Check Mass times, read latest news, sign up for online giving, etc.
Bulletin: Read the latest issue and subscribe to the online version.
Facebook: Watch livestream Mass & see what our community is up to.
Presentation of Mary Church | Website