St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish News
September 10, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
“Life to me means Christ, and death is gain.” The waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock. Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock. Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat of Jesus. What are we to fear? Death? Life to me means Christ, and death is gain. Exile? The earth and its fullness belong to the Lord. The confiscation of goods? We brought nothing into this world, and we shall surely take nothing from it. I have only contempt for the world’s threats, I find its blessings laughable. I have no fear of poverty, no desire for wealth. I am not afraid of death nor do I long to live, except for your good. I concentrate therefore on the present situation, and I urge you, my friends, to have confidence.
Those are the words of St. John Chrysostom, a bishop and Church Father who is known as one of the greatest of the early theologians in the Church, who lived from 347 to 407 AD. His Feast Day would normally be celebrated on September 13, but Sunday’s Mass supersedes his memorial. Yet his words are so appropriate for us even in 2020 here in Duluth. These past few years have been quite a challenge for our little northern Diocese: the known cases of abuse, bankruptcy, our beloved bishop dying, coronavirus, and now the resignation of our bishop-elect. Wow. What more can we endure? That’s the question I have heard often recently. I have asked it myself. And yet, here we are, another challenge to overcome.
Across 1600 years, St. John speaks to us. We can have all of the world arrayed against us, but with Christ at our side, we have all the defense we need to overcome the world. No doubt so many Christians before us have faced even worse than us. Many in other parts of the world face persecution, and death, even today. But we have Christ at our side! What have we to fear? For now, our prayers need to double up for many: victim-survivors of abuse, Fr. Mulloy, Fr. Bissonette, Bishop Muhich, the faithful of our diocese. And know that even though you’ve only known me as your pastor for a few months, you will always be able to count on my support, my prayers, and my care for you. With Christ at our side, together we can face the future without fear!
Upcoming Sacraments: For most of this year of 2020, we have been living with the after effects of the coronavirus. And it doesn’t look like we will be taking off our masks any time soon. Our whole lives were upended by the pandemic: no Masses for a while, and then when they were introduced, we began them with a variety of new protocols that were tough to learn and maintain. Another victim of the closure of our Churches was that some of the most beloved of Masses of the year were postponed. But now, we are ready to make up for lost time.
Over the next few weeks, we have rescheduled First Communion, Confirmation and welcoming new Catholics and Confirming them. On September 20th at the 10:30 AM Cathedral Mass, we will have First Holy Communion for our young children. How sad that they had to wait much longer than usual. But that should mean that they are more ready than ever! Then on September 26th at the 5 PM Cathedral Mass, we will do what we would have done on Easter Vigil: welcome new Catholics to the fold, Confirm them, and then they will receive their First Holy Communion. Finally, on September 29, in the evening, Bishop Peter Muhich will be back! He will Confirm the young people that he knew for so many years as pastor here. So, three big celebrations are coming up!
I also want to welcome back our students at Stella Maris Academy. It had been touch and go as to whether we would even be able to have in-person classes. But the Diocese did decide that we could safely bring back our kids, and give them a much better educational experience if they were back in their classes with their teachers. Certainly, school will be different: kids must check in each day with a health check, they will wear masks all day, their classes will be smaller to be able to socially distance, and they will be divided into “cohorts,” smaller groupings that will not mix with other students. This is to ensure that if one student does get ill, a cohort could be shut down, but not the entire school.
So there you go! An update on the happenings of this month! It is so great to be busy again!
-Fr. Tony
40 DAYS FOR LIFE
All are invited to a special mass offered for the 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil by Fr. Tony on Tuesday, September 22 at 6 PM at St. Mary Star of the Sea. There will be a short presentation by the 40 Days for Life Duluth Coordinator after the mass to answer any questions you might have about this prayer vigil.
Your help is really needed this year as a Prayer Warrior for Life as a participant in the 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil. The vigil begins on Wednesday, September 23. We need a peaceful, prayerful presence at the local abortion center, within the Building for Women, 32 E. 1st Street, for 12 hours/day, for 40 days. This is not a protest or sidewalk counseling. Please prayerfully consider joining other Christians praying and fasting for an end to abortion. Visit the website at http://www.40daysforlife.com/duluth for more information and to register for hours. You may also call the vigil coordinator Paulette Moreland, 218-348-1345, or the St. Mary Star of the Sea contact Renee Zurn, 218-723-1321. Please join us as a visible presence for Life during these 40 days of pray and fasting. The babies and mothers need your help and prayer protection.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGNIFICAT
Are you interested in receiving a yearly subscription to the Magnificat for only $36? (regular price is $47) Please call the Cathedral office (218-728-3646) or sign up below to get your name on the list. If we have interest from 10 or more people, we can take advantage of discount pricing. The Magnificat will be delivered once a month and you will be able to pick up your copy from either the Cathedral or St. Mary Star of the Sea when it arrives.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO FR. TONY & FR. MATT
We realize in this time of social distancing, it is difficult to connect with our new priests. To help Fr. Tony and Fr. Matt get to know you a little better, parishioners are encouraged to send in a photo and tell the priests a bit about yourself and your family! Send your photo and note to stmarystarofthesea@duluthcatholic.org, subject line “Family Photo” or mail it to:
St. Mary Star of the Sea
Attn: Family Photo
325 East Third Street
Duluth, MN 55805
They would really love to hear from you!
USHERS AND COLLECTION PLAN
We are returning to the previous method of taking collections with the handled baskets at Mass. With that, we are in need of more ushers to assist with the offertory collection. Please contact Rebecca in the parish office at 218-722-3078 or stmarystarofthesea@duluthcatholic.org if you are willing to help.
LOW-GLUTEN HOSTS: NEW PROCEDURE
Low gluten hosts are available at all liturgies. If you need a low-gluten host, stop by the sacristy before Mass begins to let the priest know and then join the presider's line during Holy Communion. Thank you!
STELLA MARIS ACADEMY
Thank you Bell Bank! Stella Maris Academy wishes to thank Bell Bank for their sponsorship of our outdoor movie event. Bell Bank places a high value on community and family. From one caring community to another, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!! If you are a business and would like to support our community, please contact Teresa Kenney in the Development office at 612-306-3473.
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION FOR 6TH-12TH GRADE STUDENTS
The eastern Duluth Catholic Parishes are working in a collaborative effort to create a combined Religious Education program and are accepting applications for the Director of Faith Formation for 6th – 12th grade students. This is a full-time position with benefits. We are looking for someone who possesses a sincere and demonstrated ability to share their Catholic faith in the dynamic environment of a large scale middle and high school religious education program and beyond. Please see the full job description at https://www.duluthcathedral.com/s/employment. If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter, resume and references to lauren.mccracken@duluthcatholic.org.
INDIVIDUAL & GROUP GRIEF SUPPORT
The Cathedral is offering a 5-week Grief Educational/Support Group beginning Tuesday, September 29 in the Multi-Purpose Room from 6 PM. to 7:30 PM. The group will continue for the next 4 consecutive Tuesdays: October 6, 13, 20, and 27th. The group will be limited to 10 people, we will social distance, and masks will be required.
If you are concerned about participating in a group setting, or for any other reason would prefer a private individual or family session, the Cathedral is offering individual and/or family grief educational/support sessions the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The first Wednesday’s time is from 9 AM to 12 PM and the third Wednesday’s time is from 1 PM to 4 PM. To sign up for the Grief Education/Support Group and/or the individual/family sessions, or if you have any questions regarding any of the sessions, please contact Bridget A. Leighton at 218-724-8597 or 218-348-8593.
STAYING HEALTHY AT MASS
Hand Sanitizing Before Communion: When you come up to communion, you will notice there is hand sanitizer in the aisle. To make sure we are doing things safely, first pull down your mask, then sanitize your hands prior to receiving communion.
Cleaning the Pews: After Mass, please take a moment to sanitize the area in which you are sitting. Sanitizing wipes can be found in the side aisles. Thank you.
Face Masks: The State of Minnesota has mandated the wearing of face masks in all public indoor places including churches. Please wear a mask when inside St. Mary Star of the Sea. There are exemptions for those who are unable to medically tolerate face coverings and for children under 5. While we provide masks for people at the church entrances for those that forget theirs, please make the attempt to bring your own mask from home. Thank you.
Cleaning Ministry: While pews are being cleaned by parishioners, we still need a few people who are willing to stay after Mass for a few minutes and clean door handles and other common areas. Please call Rebecca in the parish office at 218-722-3078 if you can assist with this ministry.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
Please continue to support us however you can, especially with your prayers. We are still here! Questions, call Deacon Jim at 218-348-6258. We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month in the Social Hall at 6 PM. Social distancing will be observed. If you don’t have mask of your own please let us know. We look forward to serving our neighbors
HOLY WATER BOTTLES AND HAND SANITIZER
We have a limited supply of both at the church!
For holy water bottles, please bring your own. It should be clean inside and out. A little remaining paper on the outside of the bottle is acceptable. If you need more than a small bottle, bring your own filled water bottle and ask Father to bless it.
For hand sanitizer, if you have any at home, please bring your own supply to church. It will assist us in helping you to stay healthy!
PARISH NURSE OFFICE HOURS
Parish Nurse Nancy Turchi holds office hours Tuesdays from 1 PM to 5 PM each week. She can be reached at 218-722-3078 ext. 13.
STEWARDSHIP, OFFERTORY COLLECTION, & FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Thank you for your continued financial support of our parish. Your contributions have enabled us to continue the important work and mission of St. Mary Star of the Sea!
Contributions can also be mailed or dropped off at the parish office at 325 E. 3rd Street Duluth, MN 55805 or made through our online giving platform at https://www.duluthcathedral.com/ and clicking on the Giving Tab, then St. Mary Star of the Sea Fund. Please contact Lauren McCracken, Business Manager at 218-728-3646 or lauren.mccracken@duluthcatholic.org if you need assistance.
UNITED CATHOLIC APPEAL
During these challenging times “You are the Light of the World.” The work of Christ and the mission of the Church continue within our parish and diocese. You make this happen. Please prayerfully consider a gift to the United Catholic Appeal this year.
There are various giving options for you to choose from depending on how you prefer to contribute. You are able to mail your gift in the envelope enclosed in the recent mailing or give throughout the year by using your yellow UCA envelopes. If you would like to donate to UCA online, please contact Lauren McCracken at 218-728-3646 or lauren.mccracken@duluthcatholic.org to set this up. You change lives, including your own through your prayer and sacrificial generosity. Thank you for the gift you are to this parish community!
FORMED.ORG
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MASS TIMES
Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Star of the Sea at the following times with an attendance limit of one-half seating capacity of the church. Please read and follow the protocols.
- Monday-Friday 12:10 PM
- Saturday 4:00 PM
- Sunday 9:15 AM
CONFESSIONS
The Sacrament of Penance is offered on Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 12 PM and on Saturday from 3 PM to 3:45 PM at St. Mary Star of the Sea. Confessions can also be scheduled privately by calling 218-722-3078 ext. 12 or 218-728-3646.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AT THE CATHEDRAL
Eucharistic Adoration is held at the Cathedral each Tuesday from 3 to 7 PM.
HOLY INNOCENTS PERPETUAL ADORATION CHAPEL HOURS
The Adoration Chapel is open Sunday 4 PM to Monday 8 AM and Tuesday 7 PM to Thursday 9 AM.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
The parish staff is practicing social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19. During office hours, you can reach us at 218-722-3078 or ring the doorbell. You can also email rebecca.domagala@duluthcatholic.org. Our hours are 9 AM to 1 PM, Monday through Friday.