For the week of Sunday, February 24, 2019
Dear Members of Pax Christi,
Your loving generosity continues to make an impact on our neighbors. Following is a letter from Janet Palmer, Executive Director at PROP:
Dear Friends,
Your gifts totaling 1,088 pound of food in January help so many. Thank you for caring for your neighbors in need and believing in PROP. Your support means over 1,000 families in our community face a better future.
Generous donors like you help our hungry neighbors not just have a meal, but to be able to choose healthy, fresh produce every week. Your support helps the most vulnerable—children and seniors—look forward to food in their refrigerator and a roof over their head. Your generosity and the support of so many has meant the difference to over 80 families who faced eviction.
As our clients continue to face the challenges of lack of affordable housing, the widening gap between wages and the cost of living, physical and mental health issues, and skyrocketing medical costs, we know that together we’re going to do amazing things in 2019.
Together, we do heartfelt work. PROP is as strong as the community that supports it.
As we strive to navigate our way during this long and very normal winter, may you be blessed with the knowledge that your goodness has helped others navigate their way in life less concerned about where their next meal will come from. What a difference an act of love makes!
Blessings to you!
Dear Friends,
Your gifts totaling 1,088 pound of food in January help so many. Thank you for caring for your neighbors in need and believing in PROP. Your support means over 1,000 families in our community face a better future.
Generous donors like you help our hungry neighbors not just have a meal, but to be able to choose healthy, fresh produce every week. Your support helps the most vulnerable—children and seniors—look forward to food in their refrigerator and a roof over their head. Your generosity and the support of so many has meant the difference to over 80 families who faced eviction.
As our clients continue to face the challenges of lack of affordable housing, the widening gap between wages and the cost of living, physical and mental health issues, and skyrocketing medical costs, we know that together we’re going to do amazing things in 2019.
Together, we do heartfelt work. PROP is as strong as the community that supports it.
As we strive to navigate our way during this long and very normal winter, may you be blessed with the knowledge that your goodness has helped others navigate their way in life less concerned about where their next meal will come from. What a difference an act of love makes!
Blessings to you!
Jane
Jane Schmitz, Parish Director
jschmitz@paxchristi.com
952-405-7238
FATHER MIKE'S HOMILY BLOG
CLICK HERE to view Fr. Mike's blog.
THIS WEEK'S VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLICK HERE to view what coming up at Pax Christi.NOW OFFERING
TEXT GIVING
Send a text message with the dollar amount of your contribution to 952-234-6729. Fill out a short form with your billing information and then giving is as easy as sending a text message. Credit card and echeck giving is also available at www.paxchristi.com.
Week 33 Contributions:
Actual $20,763
Budget $27,000
Last Year $26,604
YTD Contributions:
Actual $1,731,299
Budget $1,847,000
Last Year $2,006,750
ASH WEDNESDAY BEGINS MARCH 6
6:45am Ash Wednesday Mass12:00pm Ash Wednesday Mass
5:00pm Ash Wednesday Service with Ashes (no Mass)
7:00pm Ash Wednesday Mass
A light lunch of soup and bread will be served following the Noon Mass and again between 5:45–6:45pm.
SERVICE HOURS OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL AGES!
Coming up February 23 is the annual Cana Dinner celebration and food servers are needed. You will feel the love (and appreciation) of the committed couples as appetizers are tray served during the wine reception followed by a seated table service. You must be at least 13 years old, training and a meal will be provided. Grab your friends to make this a fun event! CLICK HERE to RSVP as a server.LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Be a part of this Pax Christi Good Friday tradition! Sr. High youth are needed to act out the scenes from the Passion of Jesus. No memorization of lines needed. Your ability to hold a pose or read from the script as a lector is all that is required. You must be available for rehearsals on Sunday April 7 and 14 from 1:00–3:00pm. Presentations of the Living Stations will take place at 3:00pm on Good Friday, April 19. Contact the parish office, 952-941-3150, for additional information or sign up online - CLICK HERE.THE PAX CHRISTI MEN’S SOFTBALL TEAM IS LOOKING TO ADD PLAYERS!
The Pax Christi team has enjoyed a long history in Eden Prairie. As lives and commitments changed, the team has continued to evolve. We are now again looking to recruit new players to fill the roster. Join in for the competition as well as the social interactions! The league is made up of teams representing various churches throughout Eden Prairie. This is an Eden Prairie Parks and Rec, Men’s Church League - USSSA “D” Level. They play doubleheaders each week at Round Lake and Lake Riley Fields. It is a competitive, fun, and friendly atmosphere and self-supported team, no church connection. Interested? Contact Steve Anderson, steveyanmei@live.com, or 952-426-8501.
BE AWARE OF SCAMS AND IDENTITY THEFT
Thursday, February 21, 9:15amTechnology! Helpful when used for good, but there is a dark side which allows scammers to know so much about us. Scams and fraud, like fake emails and trolling phone calls, are part of our world today. If you would like information on how to protect yourself, set aside some time to attend this helpful Boomer and Beyond Event. “Be Aware of Scams and Identity Theft,” will be presented by Pauline Sager, Investigative Aide for the Eden Prairie Police Department. She will teach us how to keep ourselves safe from scams and fraud with information on identifying red flags, tips on what to do if you are a victim of a scam, and news on common scams happening locally. There will be time for questions and answers after the presentation. Treats will be served. There is no fee or registration required.
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AND HEALING
Thursday, February 21, 7:00-9:00pm; Catholic Community of St. OdiliaIn the wake of the clergy abuse scandal, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is providing programs addressed at acknowledging and healing the harm caused by abuse. An important component of restorative justice is to acknowledge and name the harm. John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney, and Fr. Dan Griffith, pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes and previous Archdiocesan Delegate for Safe Environment, will comment on the harm that has been caused by clergy sexual abuse in the archdiocese and the steps that are being taken to move forward and to heal. Justice Janine Geske, former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice, has led conversations on restorative justice at the Vatican and throughout the world. She will share her experience and will introduce and conduct healing circles. Justice Geske will also lead two other restorative justice programs: February 22, 2019 at 12:30pm at the University of St. Thomas--St. Thomas Murphy Institute; and February 23, 2019 at 10:00am at St. Thomas More in St. Paul.
TWELVE BASKETS BRIDGING DRIVE
Weekend of February 23/24Imagine…sleeping without a blanket. Thousands of local families and individuals face this situation every day. Each year, Bridging serves over 13,000 individuals (4,000 households) in the Twin Cities. Bridging needs blankets for 240 people each week. Twelve Baskets is sponsoring a blanket drive the weekend of February 23/24. Donate a new or handmade blanket, quilt, or comforter. All sizes are needed—throw, twin, full, queen, or king. Full-size and queen are especially needed. Drop off blankets in the designated red bins at doors 1 and 3. Thank you for responding with a generous heart! CLICK HERE to purchase via our Amazon Wish List (items will be shipped directly to Pax Christi).
HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL SLED PARTY!
Sunday, February 24, 12:15–1:30pm, meet by Door 1, No feeBring your own sled (and skates!) and your friends for some winter fun at Pax Christi! Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided for this short but awesome event. Whether you go down the hill once, or ten times, we hope to see you there!
SACRAMENTS OF VOCATION PRESENTATION BY FR MIKE
Sunday, February 24, 6:30–7:30pm, Room 212There is an open invitation for all parishioners to join our RCIA participants on Sunday, February 24, as Fr. Byron presents the sacraments of vocation. The sacraments of vocation, which are marriage and ordination, are unavoidably public witnesses which impact not only those who “receive” those sacraments, but the whole church to which they bear witness. Come to the 5:00pm Mass, enjoy dinner, then further your knowledge of the sacraments of vocation. No RSVP is required.
GRIEF TO GRACE:
HEALING THE WOUNDS OF ABUSE
February 24–March 1, Mpls/St. Paul locationCLICK HERE for complete details or visit www.grieftograce.org.
JUSTFAITH
JustFaith is a small group ministry that has brought participants from Pax Christi a deepening of connection and and aliveness in their faith, families, and work. We plan to begin a new JustFaith group starting in September. Through an upcoming information session, you can learn more about JustFaith directly from its creator, Jack Jezreel, who will be visiting the Twin Cities in February.JustFaith Information Session
Tuesday, February 26, 6:30-9:00pm,
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis
Join us in learning about this transformational small group ministry. Through engaging reading, prayer, thought-provoking dialogue, and direct outreach, participants will open their hearts to the world while deepening their faith and building lasting relationships. The original “JustFaith Catholic” program will be highlighted at this session. You are invited to view this video – CLICK HERE - and to attend the information session with Jack Jezreel on Tuesday, February 26. Then join fellow Pax Christi members as we begin the JustFaith journey together!
FAMILY FEST MINISTRIES MARRIAGE BOOSTER RETREAT
Saturday, March 2, 9:15am–4:45pm, Wayzata Country ClubIf you are looking for a fun, romantic, encouraging, and joy-filled Christian marriage retreat, we sug-gest checking out the Family Fest Marriage Booster one-day retreat. The Marriage Booster is like going to a health club for your marriage. It will help you focus on the things that matter to you as you grow closer to each other. There is no set fee for the retreat; however, the suggested donation to cover the retreat materials, room rental, snacks, and lunch is $140 per couple. To find more information, or to register online, please go to familyfestministries.org/events/marriage-retreat/ or call Family Fest at 952-881-0939.
GATHERING WHOLENESS: A LABYRINTH WALK
Monday, March 4, 6:30–8:30pm, Dorothy Day RSVPCLICK HERE for complete details. To register, contact Carrie Chevalier Mosher at Carrie@cycleofwholeness.com.
SOULCOLLAGE® – THE TRANSPERSONAL CARDS
Tuesday, March 5, 6:00–8:00pm, Room 212 RSVPCLICK HERE for complete details.
A PROGRAM OF SACRED AND SECULAR MUSIC
Friday, March 8, 7:30pmThe Saint John’s University Men's Chorus will appear in concert at Pax Christi the evening of March 8. The 26-member choir is under the direction of Dr. Axel Theimer, a native Austrian and former member of the Vienna Boys’ Choir and will perform a variety of sacred and secular music. You will hear pieces ranging from the Renaissance period to masterworks of the 21st century, including popular pieces. Admission is free but donations are welcome to help defray travel costs.
MIDDLE SCHOOL 'MINUTE TO WIN IT'
Sunday, March 10, 6:30–7:45pm, Room 111, no feeAll middle school youth are invited to show their puzzle solving skills with the Minute to Win It competition! Hosted by Youth Ministry Land, this event will be a super fun opportunity to have fun with friends here at Pax Christi. The event will start in Room 111 at 6:30pm and run during the normal faith formation time slot. All middle school youth and their friends are welcome!
CAST INTO THE DEEP: MICHELANGELO
Monday, March 11, beginning with a meal at 6:00pm RSVPCLICK HERE for complete details.
SILENT SATURDAY: HEAR THE SOUND OF MY CALL
Saturday, March 16, 9:00–11:30am RSVPIn our current national situation, both inside and outside the church, peace and calm seem elusive. In an effort to provide some quiet time for reflection and prayer, Care and Support Ministry is hosting another Silent Saturday: Hear the Sound of My Call. We invite you to join us for some quiet, uninterrupted time as we seek to hear God’s call and discover the gifts of silence and prayer. We will create a peaceful environment for prayer time, journaling, walking or just resting in God’s presence. How you choose to spend the time is up to you. Please join us as we seek to embrace and discover, in the silence of the morning, the peace of God’s love and mercy. The morning will begin with a short prayer followed by a simple tour of Pax Christi’s facility to highlight quiet places and spaces available to you. We will conclude our time together with a short prayer and an optional group sharing time. There is no fee, but we do ask that you notify us if you plan on attending. Questions? Contact Jean Thoresen, Director of Care and Support Ministries, jthoresen@paxchristi.com. CLICK HERE to RSVP online now.
BEFRIENDER MINISTRY INFORMATION NIGHT
Monday, March 18, 7:00–8:00pm, Room 239Have you been told you are a good listener? Do you know of someone in our community who has the gift of compassion and presence? We will be launching BeFriender ministry this spring and are in search of individuals who feel the call to provide care and support to people in difficult and transitional situations, such as illness, loneliness, or loss of a loved one. BeFriender Ministry is a listening ministry based on a model of mutuality which heals hearts, energizes communities, and transforms a suffering world. Join us for an informational night to learn more about this ministry, the training requirements, along with tools to discern your personal call to this ministry. Attending does not commit you to become a BeFriender, however those interested in moving forward must be available to attend an all-day training on Saturday, April 6, along with four Monday evening trainings. RSVP to Diane Scott, diane.scottldf@yahoo.com.
February 21: Be Aware of Scams and Identity Theft
March 1: First Friday Coffee Social
April 18: Feed My Starving Children
May 14: Annual Spring Retreat
March 1: First Friday Coffee Social
April 18: Feed My Starving Children
May 14: Annual Spring Retreat
All seniors, age 55 and older, are invited to join Boomers and Beyond Senior Ministry. Members receive monthly emails with details on upcoming events and easy on-line registration.