Saturday, February 17, 2024 |
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“Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.” Psalm 25 |
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As our NFLers are about to spend their offseason reviewing, reflecting, and improving their skillsets, we as Christians are just about to do the same thing, but in a different way. Here we go, back in purple and gold… let’s get ready to do a spiritual workout!
The beautiful season of Lent has quickly arrived and like those athletes on the big screen, we are being called to use this season as a time to review, reflect, and improve our lives to discover in what areas we need to strengthen and grow in. This is an important exercise for as it helps us to stay focused on our purpose and goals in life. Yes, that’s right, goals. The number one goal is, hopefully obvious, to get to heaven. However, in this journey we need to understand that it involves more than just wishful thinking. We actually have to get up and do some real work to help make sure we are heading in the right direction.
Ok, so getting to heaven seems to be important, but why should I, or anyone else for that matter, care? God is love, isn’t He? He’ll take me as I am, right? Yes and no.
One of the things that I have discovered in my own journey in life is that I needed to understand that God isn’t interested in just someone who is trying to avoid pitfalls in life so that they aren’t encumbered with anything more than they want to deal with, but He actually wants us to have a relationship with Him. This understanding is important, because this is the reason why we should want to go to heaven, to go to His home where He has prepared a place for each of us to dwell in.
The exercises that we need to work on our lives are very much like what we already do with one another, that is, what do I need to do to know who God is, to know who Jesus is? How do I try to have a stronger relationship with Someone who is here but isn’t at the same time? This is the great dilemma that we run into as bodily beings… as it is easier for me to know and love what I can see, hear, and touch, and not just a spiritual Being who I don’t always see, hear, and touch in my day-to-day life.
One of the challenges to this in our lives is how to strengthen our spiritual senses. With many distractions in our daily lives (work, school, play, etc.), when we actually have a moment of silence, many of us typically want to fill it in with “noise,” because we have become so accustomed to having “noise” around us all the time, the silence of a room can become deafening. But how necessary it is to make time for that silence; otherwise, how does one “hear and see” how God is working in our lives?
This time of Lent is a retreat into the desert with Jesus. To intentionally choose to live a life away from certain distractions and desires so that I can make more time to spend with Him so that I can actually get to know Him and hopefully be able to respond to Him with the love He has shown me. I cannot love who I do not know, and I would not want to live with someone for eternity if I do not know him. Thus, the importance of spiritual exercises during this on-season. What do I need to do to create an environment so that I can grow more aware of His presence in my life and respond to it? And if you’re asking that question, I hope you are looking for an answer. Here at the parish, there are many opportunities for this. Ask and I or another can help.
Lenten blessings as we journey into the desert on retreat with Jesus, together!
Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!
-Fr Peter
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Grow Your Faith and Get Involved! |
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Spend Time with Jesus
in Adoration
“I live in the Sacrament of My love as I live in heaven, in a ceaseless state of intercession… There is nothing that I will not do for the soul who approaches Me with confidence…. ‘Come to Me . and I will refresh you’ (Matt 11:28).”
-In Sinu Jesu, Jan 10, 2012, Imprimatur
There is an open adoration hour for Thursdays 5:00 p.m. as well as open adoration hours with other adorers. Contact Barb Kleiter at 651-774-1172 for more information or log on to https://presentation.weadorehim.com.
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Small Groups - Join Today!
Have you been looking for an opportunity to grow in your relationship with Jesus and your neighbors? Our small groups are being carefully crafted to do just that, & we would love for you to join us. Simply click below to see the opportunities that the Lord is opening up to you!
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Q&A and Coffee Sunday
Join us on Sunday, February 18 for coffee & donuts as well as a Q&A session about the proposed merger with the St. Vincent de Paul Community. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you have following the Town Hall meeting in the Fall and our Epiphany Sunday gathering. If you are unable to attend the meeting and have questions, or would like to submit questions anonymously beforehand, fill out the form below. Also, before you ask a question, consider reviewing the letters to the parish below, as they may contain some answers.
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Fish Fry & Soup Suppers!
You are invited to our Fish Fry & Soup Supper Fridays! Soup Suppers will be 2/16, 3/1, and 3/15 in Kenney Hall from 5-7pm, freewill offering, and include a soup, a dinner roll, and a drink. The Fish Fry will take place 2/23, 3/8, and 3/22 in the School Gym from 4-7pm. Fish meal includes: fried fish, baked potato, coleslaw, dinner roll, tartar sauce, butter, lemon, and a drink. A large fish meal will cost $17, and a small fish meal will cost $14. We will also offer a soup meal on these nights, which will cost $8, and will include a soup, dinner roll, and a drink.
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Fish Fry Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help at Fish Fry Dinners! Spend some time on a Friday evening during Lent helping out at a Fish Fry dinner. There are multiple opportunities for you to get involved, and have fun while helping! Visit the SignUp Genius below to pick a day & time to help! This is a great opportunity to get involved with the whole family!
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Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross will be offered every Friday during Lent at 6:00pm in the Main Sanctuary. Living Stations will be presented by our students on March 21 at 7:00pm and on March 22 at 2:00pm, and will be presented by Servants of the Cross on Good Friday at 12:00pm. There will not be traditional Stations on Good Friday at 6:00pm.
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Meeting God in His Love: Lenten Morning Retreat
Women (and men!) of all ages are invited to "meet God in His love" this Lent! Join us for an inspiring morning retreat led by international concert pianist, TV/recording artist and keynote speaker Donna Stoering. In addition to her lifelong classical music career, she has served as Conductor/Composer/Music Director for Catholic cathedrals and parishes on three continents, and is a popular presenter and prayer-leader for international conferences, pilgrimages, and Catholic retreats. Donna was a keynote presenter at the 2023 National Conference of CCW and now serves as our parish music director while continuing her concert career.
The Lenten Morning event on March 2nd (8am-12pm) will include Mass, a small breakfast, two talks on the themes of "Surrender & Service," Reconciliation, Adoration with meditative prayer music, a rosary, & Benediction. To RSVP, contact the parish office at mail@presentationofmary.org or 651-777-8116.
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CCW Blessing Bags - Seeking Donations!
The CCW will be assembling Blessing Bags to be distributed locally to people in need, and will be collecting donations. Specifically, they are looking for new unworn adult socks and travel size hygiene products (toothpaste, shampoo, soap, lotion). Collection bins are in the back of church, and the bags will be assembled on Mar 7.
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Mass Intentions
If you are interested in scheduling a Mass intention, please contact the parish office at 651-777-8116, email mail@presentationofmary.org, or stop by the parish office. A $10 donation is encouraged for each Mass intention, and a particular person may have up to 6 Masses said for them throughout the year (one may fall on a Sunday Mass). Mass intentions may be said for those still living or for the deceased, for an organization, a particular group of people, end of violence/peace in the world, etc.
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Liturgical Ministers Needed!
We are currently in need of additional Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, Sacristans, and Livestream helpers for our weekend Masses. Training is provided. To learn more about these ministries, and to let us know you’re interested, head over to presentationofmary.org/liturgy-prayer/liturgical-ministries/, follow the QR code, or contact Kay Mottaz at 651-842-6022 or by email at kmottaz@presentationofmary.org.
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Catholic Services Appeal
Today’s Gospel said that Jesus “remained in the desert for forty days” (Mark 1:13, emphasis added). Remaining with Jesus in the desert is not easy. (Welcome to Lent.)
Further driving home how difficult it is to follow him, in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus warns, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily” (Luke 9:23). Yet on another note, in John’s Gospel, Jesus commands us, “Remain in my love” (John 15:9). Remaining in Jesus’ love isn’t easy, either—especially when it involves the desert.
Feeling like it’s too difficult to do this by ourselves is okay. It’s often exactly where God wants us— because it pushes us to rely on him. That can be a place of profound growth. Our parish, and those we serve, relies on you to help us meet our many needs and the needs of our community. As you lift the cross Jesus asks of you this Lent, please remember our Catholic Services Appeal. We are counting on you. This Lent, count on us, and count on God! We’ll walk in the desert with you.
Our goal is 100% participation! Please complete and return your pledge card or click below to make a secure gift online.
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The Loaves & Fishes Ministry will be taking collections next weekend, February 24 & 25. All donations can be placed in the canisters at each entrance of the church. Your donation allows us to purchase the food which we prepare and serve monthly at Dorothy Day. Last month, 294 meals were served to those in need through your generous support. Thank you to all who support this ministry!
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Give Back Night at Mac’s Diner
Bring your friends and family to dine at Mac's Dinette in North St Paul on Monday, February 19th between 4pm-close and 30% of your food and beverage purchases will be donated back to the school! You MUST bring a printed flyer with you to earn us the donation. Flyers are available in the back of church, can be printed from the school website, or call the parish office and we'll print one for you!
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Now hiring for the following positions:
Summer Care Teachers/Assistants: morning or afternoon shift available
Middle School Math, Science, and STEM Teacher positions: full or part-time available. Contact Sue Lovegreen at slovegreen@presentationofmary.org or 651-842-6032 for more information.
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State of the School Potluck
Leap into the future with us on Thursday, February 29th at 5:30pm. We’ll enjoy a potluck dinner together and then kiddos will head to the gym for supervised playtime while adults participate in a review and discussion of our State of the School Report. Sign up for a dish to bring below.
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Enrollment for the 24-25 School Year is open!
Start the New Year of right! NOW is the time to get your child registered for the 2024-2025 school year. We are on track to have an increased enrollment again next year so make sure you save your child's spot in their class before it's too late! Please note all Financial Aid Applications are due by February 23, 2024. Visit https://presentationofmaryschool.org/new-families/enrollment-affordability/.
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Panther Pride Gala Raffle Tickets!
Beginning the weekend of February 3-4 you can find students selling tickets at church entrances before or after most masses. They will also be selling them at our Soup Supper and Fish Fry nights during Lent in Kenney Hall. Tickets are $10 each and can win you one of three prizes: 1st Place: $1,500 cash (donated by the DuFresne family) 2nd Place: 1/4 Cow (donated by Sandberg Cattle Company) 3rd Place: $500 cash (Donated by the Auction Committee).
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The Panther Pride Gala
Great Scott! The 2024 Presentation of Mary Catholic School Gala is coming back to Presentation on Saturday, April 13, 2024! We need you to take action now, so you don’t get left behind!
April may feel a long way off, but the planning and preparations for our Panther Pride Gala are well underway already! Please make sure you've read all of the information on the Gala web page to understand all the ways you can Raise Your Hand to ensure the success of our biggest fundraiser! Donate a theme basket, wine, beer, or spirits, become a sponsor, get a Gala t-shirt, or even join the planning committee! If you have any questions, contact the school office at 651-777-5877.
Donate Items to the Panther Pride Gala! We are collecting items for our silent and live auctions. Put together a fun theme basket or donate tickets to a fun event. Do you have a special skill such as cooking or woodworking? Donate a cooking lesson or a few hours of carpentry assistance! Get together with some friends and donate a hosted dinner party! The options are limited only to your imagination! Questions? Contact Gala Chair, Linda Charnowski, at lprazak@presentationofmary.org.
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Summer Care Registration
The Summer Care Program at Presentation of Mary School is designed to meet the summer childcare needs of parents, parishioners, and the children in our community. Our program will be a safe, fun, and affordable option for summer care. It is for children that will be in Kindergarten and older for the 2024-2025 school year. Registrations due by Friday, April 5th.
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Click the image to see the latest pics and posts on the school Facebook page. |
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Click the image to check out our Instagram page. |
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Come to the Drive-In!
Park your car, come in the church and head to the Reconciliation Room with the lit candle.
Tues & Thurs: 5:00-5:45pm
Sat: 4:00-4:45pm
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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
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Prayer, Participation, and Generosity |
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Prayer Line Requests
Do you know someone in need of prayers? Contact Kay at the Parish Office at 651-842-6022 so they can be added to our Prayer Line.
You can also contact her if you are interested in joining the Prayer Line!
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Online Giving
If you would like to switch over to e-giving vs. using weekly envelopes, click on the image at right to sign up.
Questions? Please contact the parish:
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Website: Check Mass times, read latest news, sign up for online giving, etc. |
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Bulletin: Read the latest issue and subscribe to the online version. |
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Facebook: Watch livestream Mass & see what our community is up to.
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Protection of Youth: All employees, and volunteers who interact with minors, are required to complete and maintain safe environment credentials (E3) through the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. To ensure successful completion of these requirements or if you have any questions regarding our safe environment practices or would like more information on what is needed to volunteer, please contact our Safe Environment Coordinator: Kay Mottaz @ 651-842-6022 or email kmottaz@presentationofmary.org.
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Presentation of Mary Church | Website
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