August 5, 2022
A MESSAGE FROM FATHER ANTHONY WROBLEWSKI
Who is your Godmother or Godfather? Are you a Godparent? Do you take your role seriously? Seems like we tend to have more baptisms here in Duluth than I had previously expected, and throughout the years of my priesthood and the baptisms I have been involved in, I’ve seen many Godparents. But I wonder if many of them really know the history of the role, and what the expectations are of one who is a Godparent.
Originally the need for Godparents (or sponsors as they are known in canon law) arose when people converted to Christianity from another religion. In the ancient world, there were many religions each with different practices and beliefs. When members of a different religion (what Christians then called pagans) decided that they wanted to become Christians, they would offer themselves for baptism. They would have to approach the local Bishop who would want to be reassured of the genuineness of the decision. Converts would then be asked to find a Christian friend who would vouch for them. This friend would help in the instruction of the convert, and assure the Bishop that they will support the convert and ensure that she or he would be helped to become a faithful member of the church.
Well, little by little, as more babies were baptized, the tradition of 2 godparents arose, but the duties remained: The Godparents would be there to help the child grow in their understanding and practice of the Faith. And that’s still the case. That’s why the Church insists that the Godparents need to be mature (confirmed and at least 16), practicing Catholics. That is why the Church today continues to insist on Godparents that are not just good people, but GOOD CATHOLICS. How can they help the child grow in the Catholic Faith if the proposed Godparent isn’t fulfilling the basic requirements of the Church? How can one help in the instruction of the Faith if one doesn’t know or practice it. So…are you a Godparent? And if you are, how are you helping your Godchild grow in the Faith? Many blessings to you this week.
In Christ & Mary Immaculate,
Fr. Tony
UCA SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND
A second collection will be taken this weekend to help meet our 2022 UCA goals. Thank you for your generosity!
ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC- SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10!
40 DAYS FOR LIFE MEETING
There will be a 40 Days for Life Meeting on Monday, August 15th, at 6:30 pm at St. Benedict's Church, 1419 St. Benedict St. Duluth. At this meeting an update on the planning for the fall prayer vigil will be provided, with discussion on suggestions and ideas to improve the vigil this year. All are invited to attend. For more information visit http://www.40daysforlife.com/en/duluth.
CATHEDRAL CHATS: PRAYER LIFE
EAST DULUTH CATHOLIC FAITH FORMATION
Watchfulness means living in a moral and obedient way. Living in a way that we are always ready to give an account to God of how we have lived of our lives. Some people think that because Jesus has saved us that we can just sit back, relax and wait to go to Heaven. We as Catholics know this is not the way to get to Heaven.
In today's Gospel we hear another parable where Jesus is telling us to be prepared, to be watchful, and to have a plan. The parable today is to remind us that we should be found doing our jobs as disciples of Christ when the master arrives. If we are found doing our jobs, our reward will be great. But if we relax, neglect our duties, and begin to act like the greedy rich man—eating, drinking, and making merry—we will not have a place in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Just as we need to stay focused and be on time to work, appointments, games and other things in our lives, we also must stay focused on our jobs, and our responsibilities as followers of Christ. Take this opportunity to reflect on your own life and to talk with your families about how this parable pertains to their lives as well.
Our young people are capable of a variety of services but often must be challenged to be more generous with their time. Discuss with your younger family members what our jobs as disciples of Christ are. That we are to serve others, love one another, and proclaim the Good News, and that there are ways that every age group can live this out. Together make a list of ways each of your family members can live this out in their lives, and challenge your family to live them out.
Jesus is calling us to be vigilant in our faith every moment of our lives, our journey of faith must never end. Live your lives continually attentive to the light of faith, ready to act every time God calls upon you.
-Sonya Morris, Director of Faith Formation K-5
STELLA MARIS ACADEMY
Save the date for the Vatican Unveiled event coming up on 8/19 - 8/21 at the DECC! This is an awesome event and ALL the proceeds will go to Stella Maris Academy and the Star of the North Maternity Home.
See Fr. Rich's incredible collection of papal and saint artifacts up close at the event. Skip the line and save some money by purchasing your tickets beforehand at vaticanunveiled.com
FAMILY ACTIVITY GUIDE
Pick up your family Activity Guide for the Vatican Unveiled Event, which is happening on August 19-21st. This Family Activity Guide is brought to you by the Diocese of Duluth's Office of Marriage, Family, and Life and is available at church entrances. It is full of activities for children to do before they arrive at the display. This book has pages to color, word finds, crossword puzzles, and a scavenger hunt to do at the collection. Children that work on the booklet and bring it to the display will be given a prize donated by Perkins Restaurants when they show their booklet to the clerk. Not only will this be fun for the whole family, but your children will also learn more about our church history.
LITURGICAL MINISTERS
Please sign up for July and August Masses at the Cathedral below!
If you are interested in becoming a Liturgical Minister, please contact Greg at greg.jung@duluthcatholic.org
On August 12 two teams of women from our diocese will be participating in a 200 mile running relay to raise awareness of the impact and importance of Fertility Awareness, natural family planning, and fertility and infertility education in the lives of women. If you are able, please consider making a pledge towards a runner or a team. The goal is to raise $30,000 by race day. All pledges will benefit Northland Family Programs to continue their work in educating women and couples in family planning and FertilityCare. You can visit the website at womenrunforwomen.com or for FertilityCare services visit northlandfamilyprograms.com.
ST. SCHOLASTICA MONASTERY GIFT SHOP
St. Scholastica Monastery Books and Gifts is now open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-3:30p.m. or by appointment. A destination for books, icons, greeting cards, rosaries, medals, First Communion and Confirmation cards and gifts, and more.
Located within the Monastery at 1001 Kenwood, Ave. Duluth. 218.723.6589. Thank you!
THE VATICAN UNVEILED
An Exploration of Legacies: It’s time to experience the largest Papal Artifacts Collection outside of Rome! Father Richard Kunst will be unveiling the curated collection August 19-21, 2022 at the DECC. This is the closest that most people will ever get to the Vatican or to meet a Pope. General Exhibit hours are from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Early bird tickets available now at VaticanUnveiled.com or call 218-724-6201.$20/person, $18/senior, $40 family.
Formal VIP events are also planned for the Kitchi Gammi Club as well as the DECC with Mark Hall-Patton from the TV Show, Pawn Stars. We are currently seeking volunteers, sponsors and supporters for this fundraising event where all proceeds will benefit Stella Maris Academy and Star of the North Maternity Home. If you are interested in supporting the event in some way, please send us an email at: hello@vaticanunveiled.com.
ELECTRONIC GIVING AT THE CATHEDRAL
You are invited to sign up for electronic giving. Enroll today by scanning the QR codes or clicking on the Electronic Giving buttons below. Contact Lauren at the parish office with any questions at 218.623.5012 or lauren.finnegan@duluthcatholic.org
ELECTRONIC GIVING AT ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA
