St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish News
September 17, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
Last weekend, I happened to attend a gathering of priests, made up of guys much younger than me. In our diocese, there aren’t too many in full time ministry older than me anymore. (Luckily, one retiree did show up, so I didn’t feel like grandpa the whole time.) As I reflected on our conversations, I came to the realization that it would be helpful to apply the same reasoning to the virtue of HOPE, that I do to LOVE. Allow me to explain.
The people in Brainerd have heard me often enough say this about the virtue of Love: that it is a CHOICE, not a feeling. Too often, whether in the movies, or television, or even in literature nowadays, love is portrayed as a feeling. Thus, when the feeling goes away, so can any relationship. But for a Christian, love is a choice. If you take a look at the scriptures, Jesus shows the best example of how love is a choice, and it is a choice to give of oneself for another. It isn’t about getting something for oneself. It is about always doing what is best for the beloved. So in our world, it is exemplified in a spouse that remains true, even when things go south such as in one’s health. Or in the parent that never thinks of him or herself before their children. It is a decision to love, and keep loving, even when feelings might have subsided.
Similarly, when it comes to the virtue of Hope, we must realize that it isn’t going to come to us suddenly from the outside, but is a virtue that can be cultivated from the inside. It begins by a person making a decision to be hopeful, despite exterior circumstances. And we can make that decision because we know that Christ is always with us! He is our reason for hope! With Him, all things are possible. Our diocese has been through an awful lot these past years, no doubt. And the latest crisis is one we certainly didn’t need. But God has a purpose in all He does. As I have said to so many people: we wouldn’t have had a Pope John Paul II, if we didn’t have a Pope John Paul I. So I remain hope-filled, that God has someone in mind to be our bishop. We only have to wait in hopeful expectation! We have a diocese with an enviably young clergy corps, who are ready to take on the world. Let’s not lose hope, but be beacons of it, in a world that so often live in hopelessness. Jesus Christ is our hope! Choose Hope!
-Fr. Tony
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
This weekend we will be celebrating First Holy Communion at the 10:30 AM Mass at the Cathedral.
Please keep our First Communicants and their families in your prayers as they approach this joyful day!
K-11 FAITH FORMATION
The start of a brand new faith formation year is upon us! We are blessed to be able to bring all of our faith formation programs together this year to collaborate and form the East Duluth Catholic Faith Formation program.
This model will include the parishes of Cathedral of Our Lady, St. Mary Star of the Sea, St. Benedict’s, St. John’s, St. Joseph’s-Gnesen and St. Michael’s. Together we envision a faith formation program that utilizes the talents, resources, and gifts of all 6 parishes. These gifts and talents have helped create the vision of this new program and will continue to help us develop this program into one that is inspirational to our youth and our families.
We are looking forward to getting this year started. Registration packets are available by clicking the link below and at each parish. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Sonya Morris at sonya.morris@duluthcatholic.org.
PRAYER FOR A NEW BISHOP
God Our Father,
In Jesus, your Son, You have given to your Church the perfect model of priest, prophet and king, and so You have blessed us through His sacrifice, taught us through His Word, and guided us through His rule.
We thank you for the previous bishops who have cared for the people of the Diocese of Duluth. We ask You, father, to guide and enlighten those who will be tasked with helping to choose the next bishop of our diocese. May the man they choose be a man of deep and true prayer, a man of compassionate heart and firm resolves, and a man of joy and peace, who desires above all to do your will.
We entrust our prayers to our Patroness, Mary, queen of the Rosary, and ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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.
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.
STELLA MARIS ACADEMY
Stella Maris Academy teachers and staff are working so hard to make this year safe, meaningful, and possible for all students and families who desire a Catholic education. Now more than ever, we need your support. Please consider donating to Stella Maris today! Log on to https://www.stellamaris.academy/give
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
Pick of the Week: Padre Pio- Between Heaven and Earth
Based on the historical records and the personal testimony of his fellow friars, this is the amazing true story of the life of the famous stigmatic monk, St. Padre Pio, a contemporary saint who died in 1968. Blessed with incredible spiritual gifts, including healing, bi-location, reading of souls, and the stigmatic wounds, Padre Pio was a powerful witness for Christ, and a great spiritual guide to countless souls for over fifty years. Filmed on location in Italy, starring Michele Placido in a moving performance, this film tells the whole story of the beloved monk from San Giovanni Rotondo, a place where millions of pilgrims now annually visit Padre Pio's grave. Music by legendary music composer Ennio Morricone.
Sign up for free at formed.org/signup.
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.