Saturday, February 24, 2024 |
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“I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the Living.” Psalm 116 |
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Dear brothers and sisters,
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who were able to attend our Q&A mini-Town Hall this past Sunday during Coffee & Donuts to talk about the possibility of having our brothers and sisters from Saint Vincent de Paul in Saint Paul join us here at Presentation of Mary as one family. I felt that it was a blessed time of sharing questions, concerns, and comments with one another. As promised, here is a summary of what was said:
I began by sharing again the timeline of the events that led up to the mini-Town Hall, how Archbishop Hebda shared with me his idea about the possible opportunity for the Saint Vincent de Paul Hmong Catholic community joining Presentation of Mary parish, and how this past fall the two Leadership Committees began to meet and discuss if this was an opportunity that both would be open to. I reminded everyone multiple times that there was no sense of urgency with this idea, as neither community was in consideration for closing.
This was again, just an opportunity that the Archbishop thought would be beneficial for both communities, for a number of reasons: the Hmong Catholic community is in need of more space and desire to have a Hmong speaking priest, Presentation of Mary already has a beautiful, large campus that could easily be home to many more families, and the Hmong population in this area has been growing significantly for many years.
From the discussions I had with parishioners before and at the Q&A, many parishioners repeated comments of “excitement and joy” regarding the number of young families with children who attended the Epiphany Mass. People shared that it was wonderful to see a fuller church, with the possibility of introducing Hmong families to a Catholic school education: “This is an opportunity to grow, why wouldn’t we do this?” Several parishioners noted that they have seen our geographic area become more diverse and, with this addition of Hmong members, this could be a bridge to reach out to our surrounding neighbors, not just the Hmong, but to the many other ethnic communities that reside in our area as well.
Some shared concerns included: would two languages be used regularly at Mass, as was experienced at the Epiphany Mass? Not necessarily, as that Mass was not to be used as a model for future Masses but was done as a means for both communities to see and hear each other. A couple of parishioners shared negative experiences with Hmong neighbors, to which I reminded everyone, as people, we need to be careful of generalizing any group of people based on past experience of others, as I could easily say the same thing of my past experiences with “white” people growing up. We need to remember that there are “bad apples” in any community, but that if we do come together as one family, everyone will have the same expectations to care for our parish and one another.
Should the communities come together as one family here at Presentation of Mary, a transition committee will be put together comprising of both communities to make sure that we consider all aspects of each community’s life to make sure that we integrate all the important aspects of our life, recognizing that some change will be inevitable, as change happens to any family that experiences growth.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts on this important matter. Let us continue to be a beacon of light spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.
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
“To be alone with Jesus in adoration and intimate union with Him is the Greatest Gift of Love – the tender love of Our Father in Heaven.”
- St. Teresa of Calcutta
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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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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Pro-Life Across America Culture of Life Banquet
The Banquet will take place Thursday April 18, 2024 at Banquets of MN (6310 Hwy 65 Fridley, MN). A social will begin at 5:45, with dinner served at 6:30 pm. The featured speaker for the evening is Scott Klusendorf. Tickets are $75. Please reserve your ticket by April 10. For more information and to make a reservation, visit: prolifeacrossamerica.org/love/.
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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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The Loaves & Fishes Ministry will be taking collections this 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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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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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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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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