Last weekend was the first time that I was able to celebrate Mass with you since I contracted Covid-19. One whole month I was unable to do so. It is hard to believe that I lost one whole month. I had envisioned this year as being the time when Fr. Charlie and I could re-introduce ourselves to you as though we were arriving for the first time, since we had so many pandemic restrictions placed upon us last year, such that it was very difficult for us to get to know you like we might have in what I might term “normal days.” But alas, it wasn’t to be. The ultimate pandemic restriction was placed upon me, Fr. Charlie and Anne in our office: the disease itself!

I do want to express my affection for you, and my deep gratitude, for all of your support and especially your prayers. You have sustained me more than you can know. I never expected to become sick with Covid, and I especially didn’t expect to become as sick as I did. It certainly demonstrates how fragile we can be as humans, and how we need one another when things fall apart. I joked with the staff here that I now knew what it was like to be a leper on the island of Molokai, with the isolation that is imposed on those who are ill with Covid. Yet every joke carries with it some truth. The truth is that Covid is extremely isolating. And it is a disease that has many iterations, twists, and turns. For us humans, who need the presence of the human community, the isolation can be oh so difficult. When I thought that I was getting better, only to discover I now had Covid pneumonia which would set back my recovery, it was downright depressing.  Yet again, I turned to the fact that so many people were praying for me, in Duluth, in Brainerd, in Emily where my parents live, and in the Twin Cities. When I found it difficult to pray, I was sustained by the knowledge that you were praying for me. 

At this point, I am far from being fully recovered. A bit of a cough still accompanies me. And extreme fatigue is a constant companion. My doctor says it will take a while for these symptoms to completely go away. So, I will be slowly getting back into the saddle. I will try and put in a few hours of work each day as I can. Some things may have to wait until I am fully recovered. Other things will be taken care of by our excellent clergy and staff. I will take it day by day, allowing the Lord to heal me. Again, thanks for your prayers and support. This Pandemic is real, and so I ask you to continue to pray for all the people who are struggling with this disease, for all the medical personnel that are working long hours to care for the sick, and finally for an end to this pandemic. God Bless you all!

In Christ & Mary Immaculate, 

Fr. Tony

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary seeks a skilled liturgical musician to join the music ministry team. The individual will be the primary keyboardist at the Cathedral, leading all weekend Masses and special parish and diocesan liturgies from the organ and piano. Interested applicants can view the full job description on the Cathedral website  and apply to Director of Music Jennifer Campbell at jennifer.campbell@duluthcatholic.org.  

East Duluth RCIA classes have begun. It is not too late to join us. We look forward to meeting you. The classes are held on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Fireside Room at the Cathedral. Park on East Fourth Street or in the Holy Rosary School lot. Follow signs to the Parish Office and follow directions to the Fireside Room. If interested, contact the pastor of one of the East Duluth parishes or Bob and Sandi Arola, 218-525-2962, arola71@gmail.com.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a journey of faith for persons who are not baptized, who are baptized in another Christian tradition and desire to become Catholic, and baptized Catholics in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation. There is no cost to attend.

The Knights of Columbus will be conducting an Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity Sunday October 31, 2021 at 12:30 PM at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.  This ceremony will enable men, who have become Knights, to join the Msgr. O'Shea Council and other councils in the Duluth area and will center on their pledge to charitable service as Catholic gentlemen.  All parishioners are welcome to attend.

The Msgr. O'Shea Council will be holding a membership drive after all Masses at the Cathedral and St. Mary Star of the Sea the weekend of October 30 and 31st.  Whether you become an individual member or a member of our council you will find that Knights of Columbus membership brings Catholic men together in a powerful way.  If you would like to join today simply go to KofC.org/joinus and enter our council #15761 for local information and/or contact Bob Spehar 218-349-5051.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society: Please continue to support us especially with your prayers. Questions, call Dcn. Jim at 218-348-6258.  We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 6pm.  1st Thursday at SMSS; 3rd Thursday location: TBD.  Email svdpduluthmn@gmail.com or call Deacon Jim for details.

Our Business Manager, Lauren McCracken married Patrick Finnegan on October 2nd and has changed her name to Lauren Finnegan. Please note that Lauren's new email address is lauren.finnegan@duluthcatholic.org. May God bless them abundantly with love, happiness, and joy as they begin their married life together.  

The 40 Days for Life Duluth Prayer Vigil continues and prayer warriors are needed to pray outside the abortion center, located within the Building for Women, 32 E. 1st St.  Vigil is keep between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, ending October 31st.  Peaceful vigil hours may be registered for at www.40daysforlife.com/Duluth or by contacting Paulette at 218-348-1345 or 40daysduluth@gmail.com.  YOU and your prayers are needed to fill the many vigil hours as we pray to save the babies and their mothers.

America Needs Fatima Public Square Rosary: Saturday, October 16 at 12:00 noon at the NE corner of 6^th Ave. E. and 4^th St, across the street from Whole Foods Coop. This hour-long rally is held to offer reparation for the sins and offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to fervently pray for the conversion of the United States. You can bring a lawn chair and dress for the weather. This public square rosary will be one of over 20,000 rallies nationwide that day. Call Renee 218-723-1321 or Joe at 218-626-1499 with any questions. Your presence is needed for this public prayer to our Mother, Mary. Rosaries will be provided.

Pancake & Egg Breakfast, Sunday October 17th, 9-12 noon, at St. John's Church, 4230 St. John's Avenue. Adults: $7; Youth 6-13: $4 and children under 6: Free

Stella Maris Academy is now hiring for additional Extended Day Aides at St. James and Holy Rosary campuses. The Extended Day Aide is responsible for supervising children before school and/or after school. Teens are welcome to apply for this part time (up to 15 hours per week) position! Learn more and apply today at www.stellamaris.academy/employment

The Diocese of Duluth Office of Marriage and Family Life has restarted in-person Engaged Weekends. Engaged Weekends are part of the preparation for couples as they prepare and approach the Sacrament of Matrimony. We have a retreat weekend scheduled for October 23rd at St. Joseph parish in Grand Rapids. Please register for this weekend at Marriage, Family and Life | Diocese of Duluth (dioceseduluth.org) or call Betsy Kneepkens at 218-724-9111. Registration closes on October 14th. Although there is a charge for this event, your UCA contributions help cover the cost of the weekend.  

East Duluth Catholic Faith Formation, a collaborative effort of the parishes in East Duluth, is accepting applications for the Director of Relational and Youth Ministry for 6th – 12th grade students. This is a part-time position with flexible hours. We are looking for someone who possesses a sincere and demonstrated ability to share their Catholic faith in the dynamic environment of a larger-scale middle and high school religious education program. The director is responsible for opportunities whereby faith can be sparked and nourished through retreat experiences and other opportunities for building relationships with our young people. Please see the full job description here. If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter, resume and references to lauren.finnegan@duluthcatholic.org.  

The Diocese of Duluth's Pastoral Center is filling their building maintenance position. This role is casual, therefore one will be called upon as needs arise. The successful candidate will assist in maintaining and monitoring building operations, equipment, and grounds of the Diocese of Duluth. The goal is to maintain an efficient, safe, and effective environment for staff and visitors. Please contact Mary Rasch at mary.rasch@duluthcatholic.org for a job description and an application.