For the weeks of December 15, 2019 - The Third Sunday of Advent
Dear Members of Pax Christi,
In the midst of our Advent preparations, we will have our Advent Reconciliation Service this evening at 7:00pm, with prayers, songs, and reflection on the Light in our midst. On this cold night, it is appropriate that we gather together, surrounded by light and the gathering of each of us, so that we may be reminded that in the midst of darkness, we can be renewed and transformed into the people God has called each of us to be as bearers of the Light.
This weekend we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, which traditionally is known as Gaudete (Latin for “rejoice”) Sunday, stemming from the themes in the prayers and in the readings that we are a people called to rejoice in the reality that God dwells with us. On Gaudete Sunday, we have passed the midpoint of Advent, the liturgical mood lightens a little, the rose-ribboned candle is lit for the third week of Advent, and we are provided with encouragement to continue our spiritual preparations for the Christmas feast.
Please mark your calendars now for the Listening Session, held here at Pax Christi, on Tuesday, January 28, from 6:00-9:00pm. As you may be well aware, there have been and will continue to be Listening Sessions held around the archdiocese, which provides Archbishop Hebda an opportunity to hear and listen to what is on the minds and hearts of the faithful in the diocese - CLICK HERE. This is a unique opportunity for your voice to be heard as the archbishop prepares for the local Synod 2021.
Through your generosity to PROP, our volunteers were able to deliver 1,628 pounds of food and household items in November to support our neighbors in need. Thank you!
Advent blessings!
This weekend we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, which traditionally is known as Gaudete (Latin for “rejoice”) Sunday, stemming from the themes in the prayers and in the readings that we are a people called to rejoice in the reality that God dwells with us. On Gaudete Sunday, we have passed the midpoint of Advent, the liturgical mood lightens a little, the rose-ribboned candle is lit for the third week of Advent, and we are provided with encouragement to continue our spiritual preparations for the Christmas feast.
Please mark your calendars now for the Listening Session, held here at Pax Christi, on Tuesday, January 28, from 6:00-9:00pm. As you may be well aware, there have been and will continue to be Listening Sessions held around the archdiocese, which provides Archbishop Hebda an opportunity to hear and listen to what is on the minds and hearts of the faithful in the diocese - CLICK HERE. This is a unique opportunity for your voice to be heard as the archbishop prepares for the local Synod 2021.
Through your generosity to PROP, our volunteers were able to deliver 1,628 pounds of food and household items in November to support our neighbors in need. Thank you!
Advent blessings!
Jane
Jane Schmitz, Parish Director
jschmitz@paxchristi.com
952-405-7238
FATHER MIKE'S HOMILY BLOG
CLICK HERE to view Fr. Mike's blog.
REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS
Thank you for your generosity!
Week of December 1:
Basket Collection 17,808
Online Giving 39,347
Other 19,953
Total Week #20 77,108
Budget 80,000
Variance -2,892
YTD Actual 1,073,424
YTD Budget 1,048,000
YTD Variance 25,424
Other contribution methods include grants from donor-advised funds, stock donations, IRA distributions, payroll deductions, and online bill payments. CLICK HERE to donate now or text to give at 952-234-6729.
Year-End Giving
The tax law changes that took effect in 2018 prevent many households from deducting charitable contributions on their tax returns, but there are still ways to get a tax break on contributions to Pax Christi. CLICK HERE for complete details.
Consult with your tax advisor for more details about the option that is best for you or contact Sue Fier in the parish office at 952-405-7202.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD LEADER NEEDED
Do you like to share gospel stories and bring our faith to life with children? We are looking for Children’s Liturgy of the Word leaders who are willing to be scheduled approximately once a month at the 11:00am Mass, beginning with our January schedule. Children move to the chapel at the beginning of Mass and return when the gifts are brought forward. Training and all materials are provided. We do require the Essential 3: a background check, attendance at a VIRTUS session, and a signed code of conduct. Questions? Contact Reneé Dignan, 952-405-7212, or rdignan@paxchristi.com
ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE
Tuesday, December 10, 7:00pm
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION
Saturday, December 14, at the 5:00pm Mass
The celebration after Mass includes delicious Mexican food, Mariachi music, and even the breaking of a piñata for the kids.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INFORMATION MEETING
Pax Christi "Regular Crew" Forming
December 15, 12:15pm, Room 212 (evening Viking game)
On December 15 there will be an opportunity to discuss Habitat for Humanity and Pax Christi’s potential to develop a “regular crew” of parishioners who would assist in building affordable housing. A “regular crew” is a standing group that would work on home building sites on a regular basis. Parishioner Bryce Fier, who has been on a regular crew for 17 years, is exploring the faith community’s interest to develop a Pax Christi Crew. While carpentry experience is helpful, no experience is necessary. This informational meeting will allow you to learn and ask questions. If you’re unable to attend but are interested, contact Bryce Fier, Justice Grants Board member, bslkfierfamily@msn.com.
December 15, 12:15pm, Room 212 (evening Viking game)
On December 15 there will be an opportunity to discuss Habitat for Humanity and Pax Christi’s potential to develop a “regular crew” of parishioners who would assist in building affordable housing. A “regular crew” is a standing group that would work on home building sites on a regular basis. Parishioner Bryce Fier, who has been on a regular crew for 17 years, is exploring the faith community’s interest to develop a Pax Christi Crew. While carpentry experience is helpful, no experience is necessary. This informational meeting will allow you to learn and ask questions. If you’re unable to attend but are interested, contact Bryce Fier, Justice Grants Board member, bslkfierfamily@msn.com.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING AT CARE CENTERS
Sunday, December 15, 2:00–4:00pm, meet in Room 111
Come join the fun and brighten the day for our senior friends and neighbors. Faith Formation and Care and Support Ministries are joining together to go Christmas caroling and distribute handmade cards at local senior care centers. Creative holiday attire is encouraged! After caroling, we’ll return to Pax Christi for hot chocolate, cookies, and an opportunity for a family photo. RSVP online by December 10 so we can plan for an adequate number of care centers to visit. CLICK HERE to RSVP.
SIMBANG GABI: Filipino Catholic Community Mass
Monday, December 16, 7:00–8:30pm, Thomas Merton Chapel RSVPAll are welcome to join the Filipino Catholic Community for evening Mass followed by a traditional Filipino dinner. Please RSVP so we can plan for the dinner. CLICK HERE to RSVP and for complete details.
SOULCOLLAGE® CARD MAKING
Wednesday, December 18, 6:00–8:30pm RSVP
Originated by Seena Frost, SoulCollage® is a fun, easy, and creative way to express your inner world. It is a gentle, playful, and often joyful way of exploring your life and your deep self. It’s a creative process that anyone can do. CLICK HERE for complete details and to RSVP.
THE BIBLE: GOD'S STORY, OUR STORY
A Parish-Wide Faith Formation Event
January 5, 6:30-7:45pm or January 8, 6:00-7:15pm
All parishioners are invited to join us as parishioners will tell their own stories of faith, connecting them to the key themes of the Bible. There will be opportunities to discuss and share your faith with your family and/or in a small group, and we will also be treated to music by Secret Hill. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in the Dorothy Day Social Hall afterwards. CLICK HERE to RSVP. All are welcome!
JUST MATTERS
Faith and Racial Equity: Exploring Power and Privilege
OPENING RETREAT: Saturday, January 4, 8:30am–5:00pm
OPENING RETREAT: Saturday, January 4, 8:30am–5:00pm
CHOOSE A SESSION: Wednesdays, January 8–February 26, 1:00pm
OR Thursdays, January 9–February 27, 6:00pm
Faith and Racial Equity: Exploring Power & Privilege is an eight-week module that awakens groups to the economic systems, public policies, cultural norms, and hidden biases that empower some and oppress others. NO FEE: This program is made possible through the generosity of the Catholic Community Foundation. CLICK HERE for complete details and to register online.
MEN AND CHURCH FEATURING FR. MIKE BYRON
An Evening for the Men of Pax Christi
Tuesday, January 14, 6:30–8:00pm, Room 212
What was your experience, understanding, and relationship to the "Church" as a young boy, and how has it changed in your present context? What role has the Church played in your spiritual development as a Catholic man. Our pastor, Fr. Mike, invites all men of the parish to join him as he helps us reflect upon these questions and their implication for our lives. There is no fee to participate, though we do ask for all attendees to RSVP to assist us in planning for the evening. CLICK HERE to RSVP.
SWGC WINTER GRIEF SERIES
Seven weeks, beginning Thursday, January 16, 5:30pm-7:30pm, St. Hubert's Catholic Church, No Fee
The Southwest Grief Coalition (SWGC) is a partnership of local churches working together for over twenty years to provide support and education for those who are grieving. The evening will include a light meal, large group education session, and small group supportive sessions designed to offer listening and care specific to your type of loss. Brochures are available in the kiosk by the reception desk and online under paxchristi.com/grief.
The Southwest Grief Coalition (SWGC) is a partnership of local churches working together for over twenty years to provide support and education for those who are grieving. The evening will include a light meal, large group education session, and small group supportive sessions designed to offer listening and care specific to your type of loss. Brochures are available in the kiosk by the reception desk and online under paxchristi.com/grief.
SENIOR HIGH WINTER RETREAT
January 17-19, Episcopal House of Prayer, $25
Mark your calendar for Pax Christi's senior high winter retreat, January 17-19 at the Episcopal House of Prayer on the beautiful campus of Saint John's Abbey in Collegeville, MN! The retreat is open to ninth through twelfth graders, and friends are always welcome even if they don't go to Pax Christi! This retreat will combine individual reflection, small group conversation, music, prayer, and creative expression to help us discover and explore our story within God's story. Using several familiar Scripture stories as grounding points, we will consider how God is calling each of us to live out our own stories more authentically in a time when our world desperately yearns for hope. CLICK HERE to register now.
Mark your calendar for Pax Christi's senior high winter retreat, January 17-19 at the Episcopal House of Prayer on the beautiful campus of Saint John's Abbey in Collegeville, MN! The retreat is open to ninth through twelfth graders, and friends are always welcome even if they don't go to Pax Christi! This retreat will combine individual reflection, small group conversation, music, prayer, and creative expression to help us discover and explore our story within God's story. Using several familiar Scripture stories as grounding points, we will consider how God is calling each of us to live out our own stories more authentically in a time when our world desperately yearns for hope. CLICK HERE to register now.
January 3: First Friday Coffee
January 11: Holiday Party
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.
CLICK HERE to view calendar.
Please don't UNSUBSCRIBE without reading this:
Please visit this link - CLICK HERE - to update your user preferences. If you have questions, please contact Melissa Nault, Communication Arts Director, 952-405-7221, or mnault@paxchristi.com.
