A Poem in Honor of Our Lady
 Greetings!
Greetings! How are you doing? In anticipation of the Solemnity of the Annunciation tomorrow I was moved to share this work of poetry by a woman named Denise Levertov: 
“Annunciation”
We know the scene: the room, variously furnished, almost always a lectern, a book; always the tall lily. Arrived on solemn grandeur of great wings, the angelic ambassador, standing or hovering, whom she acknowledges, a guest. But we are told of meek obedience. No one mentions courage. The engendering Spirit did not enter her without consent. God waited. She was free to accept or to refuse, choice integral to humanness.

Aren’t there annunciations of one sort or another in most lives? Some unwillingly undertake great destinies, enact them in sullen pride, uncomprehending. More often those moments when roads of light and storm open from darkness in a man or woman, are turned away from in dread, in a wave of weakness, in despair and with relief. Ordinary lives continue. God does not smite them. But the gates close, the pathway vanishes.
 
She had been a child who played, ate, slept like any other child – but unlike others, wept only for pity, laughed in joy not triumph. Compassion and intelligence fused in her, indivisible. Called to a destiny more momentous than any in all of Time, she did not quail, only asked a simple, ‘How can this be?’ and gravely, courteously, took to heart the angel’s reply, perceiving instantly the astounding ministry she was offered: to bear in her womb Infinite weight and lightness; to carry in hidden, finite inwardness, nine months of Eternity; to contain in slender vase of being, the sum of power – in narrow flesh, the sum of light. Then bring to birth, push out into air, a Man-child needing, like any other, milk and love – but who was God. This was the moment no one speaks of when she could still refuse. A breath unbreathed, Spirit, suspended, waiting.
 
She did not cry, ‘I cannot. I am not worthy,’ Nor, ‘I have not the strength.’ She did not submit with gritted teeth, raging, coerced. Bravest of all humans, consent illumined her. The room filled with its light, the lily glowed in it, and the iridescent wings. Consent, courage unparalleled, opened her utterly.
Courage and Joy with Christ,
Fr. James Peterson
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

March 25th is the Solemnity of the__________?

A. Visitation
B. Annunciation
C. Transfiguration
D. Assumption 

See the bottom of this newsletter for the answer.
“Into His Likeness” Adult Formation Series

All are welcome to join us in Fellowship Hall (church basement) for five sessions featuring Dr. Edward Sri. Mindful that “transformation in Christ doesn’t happen overnight” and that “we are full of many weaknesses, wounds, and sins,” we will embark on a journey of a higher calling “to be perfected in God’s love and transformed in Christ.” 
 
Choose either the Monday sessions beginning April 25, 7:00 - 8:30 pm (led by Mary Scott) or the Thursday sessions beginning April 21, 10:00 - 11:30 am (led by Mary Nawrocki). Cost is $20.  To register, please call Mary Scott at the Faith Formation office, 763-788-9062 x 208, or email mscott@immac-church.org.
 
Early registration is appreciated in order to provide you with the proper study materials.
Eucharistic Adoration at IC

Weekday Eucharistic Adoration
All are welcome to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in our San Damiano Adoration Chapel. Our chapel is open Monday through Friday beginning at 7:00 am.

Saturday Eucharistic Adoration During Lent
Everyone is invited Saturday, March 25 and April 2 to attend Eucharistic Adoration in the church beginning at 3:00 pm and ending at approximately 4:45 pm. Reconciliation at 3:00 pm and Mass at 5:00 pm will continue to be held as usual.

Join us in the church Fridays during Lent at 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm (Spanish) or 7:00 pm for the Stations of the Cross, a prayerful reflection on Jesus' passion and death on the cross.

You can also find the Stations of the Cross on our website at:


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:

  • 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
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
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  • Enjoy and share with others in our local community!

You can watch with your free parish subscription by simply selecting our parish’s name during registration at formed.org/signup.
Immaculate Conception School
We are registering students for the 2022- 2023 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. Annunciation
 Immaculate Conception
Church and School
Church: 763-788-9062
School: 763-788-9065
info@immac-church.org | ICCSonline.org
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