St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish News
October 22, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
Next weekend, the annual celebration of Halloween will be taking place in the United States. I do think it will be very different this year, given the Coronavirus pandemic. Nonetheless, it sure has taken on a different kind of celebration these past years, compared to when I was growing up. But even earlier than that, it wasn’t a secular holiday at all. The word “Halloween” is a contraction of the expression “all hallows’ eve.” It was a Catholic holiday: the eve of All Saints. Let’s take a look at its history.
The Catholic origins of Halloween date back more than 1300 years ago during the vigil of the Feast of All Saints. It was instituted by Pope Gregory III when, in the eighth century, he dedicated a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica to all the saints. A century later, Pope Gregory IV declared this celebration a holy day of obligation. In addition, he changed the date from May to November. Thus, the vigil of this feast shifted to the last day of October, our current Halloween day. Some say he did this to counter an old Celtic celebration called Samhain. However, it’s not likely, since it ceased when the Celts converted to Catholicism well before the year 700.
Yet some of the elements from the Celtic feast were appropriated for All Hallows Eve. In the United States, the Puritans opposed Halloween, while Catholic migrants from Germany and Ireland kept the tradition alive, merging some elements of this holiday with the Feast of All Souls. People made cakes on Halloween day, and children would go from house to house “begging” for these cakes in exchange of prayers for the benefactors’ loved ones and deceased family members. Sound familiar?
In the 20th century, commercialization brought about a phenomenon similar to that of Christmas, which meant forgetting God and the saints as the center of the feast. This loss of religious sense was reinforced by the extensive number of horror films, with added attempts to fill Halloween with neopagan content. You know, we Catholics did adapt some pre-Christian practices for Christmas, like the Christmas Tree. We didn’t reject Christmas, but fought to keep its true meaning alive. Let’s do the same with Halloween.
This year with the Coronavirus gives us a great opportunity: let’s celebrate Halloween without forgetting God and the saints. Could we invite our kids to wear wholesome costumes? Could we make sure that we make Halloween truly the “Eve of All Hallows?” Could we re-appropriate the custom of children asking for “cakes”, or in our age candy, in exchange of prayers for the givers’ loved ones, and our deceased family members? I wonder, could this be the year that we make the holiday a Catholic holiday once again?
-Fr. Tony
PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
Prayer for Priests
Lord God, most holy,
we approach you in gratitude for your
holy ordained priesthood.
You have called these men to be set apart
and to shepherd your people,
as you shepherd your entire church.
We pray for them in their daily work.
Grant to them an increase in spiritual gifts and grace,
so they may be prepared for the tasks at hand.
Lead them not into temptation
and protect them from the grasp of the evil one.
It is through the sacraments they confer that we encounter the divine in a real and profound way.
May your church never lose sight of these,
your special sons, and may we, the body of Christ,
never fail to cherish the gift of their lives,
which they have freely given to you and
your holy church.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son.
Amen.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MONSIGNOR O'SHEA COUNCIL
Membership in the Knights of Columbus: The Knights of Columbus is an international Order of Catholic men who are called to lead with faith, protect our families, serve others and defend values in a busy changing world. Our local council Monsignor O’Shea #15761 will be holding a membership drive at all Masses at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Mary Star of the Sea on October 31 and November 1. You will find that Knights of Columbus membership brings Catholic men together in a powerful way. If you would like to join today, simply go to KofC.org/JoinUs and enter our council #15761 for local information or call Bob Spehar at 218-349-5051.
Beatification News for Knights of Columbus Founder Father McGivney: Father McGivney’s beatification Mass will be celebrated on Oct. 31 and broadcast live by EWTN, Salt + Light TV and CatholicTV. You can also visit www.kofc.org/beatification. There, you’ll be able to join the live-streamed events, download council resources, watch free videos, discover the miracle attributed to Father Michael McGivney’s intercession and much more.
LECTOR MINISTRY
We are seeking lectors, especially for Saturday evening Mass. If you are willing to serve in this important ministry, please call or email the office and include your phone number and mailing address: 218-722-3078 or stmarystarofthesea@duluthcatholic.org
CLEANING AFTER FUNERALS
We need a few people willing to help wipe down the pews and door handles after funerals. With a few helpers it does not take long, and if you feel called you can stay for daily Mass. Please contact Rebecca in the parish office if you can help: 218-722-3078 or stmarystarofthesea@duluthcatholic.org
UNITED CATHOLIC APPEAL
Check your mailbox for a letter from Fr. Tony regarding our 2020 UCA goal and progress! The UCA collection benefits those in search of faith throughout the Diocese.
The deadline for the collection will be upon us soon: December 31st, 2020. Currently, the Cathedral is at 59% of goal and St. Mary Star of the Sea is at 70% of goal. We ask for your support in meeting our UCA goals to ensure we will not have to pay the shortfall out of the ordinary operating budget. Thank you for your generosity!
The deadline for the collection will be upon us soon: December 31st, 2020. Currently, the Cathedral is at 59% of goal and St. Mary Star of the Sea is at 70% of goal. We ask for your support in meeting our UCA goals to ensure we will not have to pay the shortfall out of the ordinary operating budget. Thank you for your generosity!
CARDS FOR FR. BEN
One of our diocesan priests, Fr. Ben Hadrich, had a stroke and letters and cards are requested. He is a grandnephew of Dcn. Ted Windus. Thank you.
Fr. Ben Hadrich -Patient
Mayo Clinic Hospital
St. Mary's Campus
1216 2nd St. SW
Rochester MN 55905
HOLY ROSARY CRAFT SALE
The Holy Rosary Craft Sale is Saturday, November 7th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Holy Rosary Campus- SMA. Join us for a fun filled day with over 50 crafters and direct sale vendors. To-go lunches will be available. Safety measures will be in place and masks are required. Mark your calendar to attend and start your Christmas shopping early!
STELLA MARIS ACADEMY
Stella Maris Academy is launching it's Fall Giving Campaign. Now more than ever, it's important to consider a gift to Catholic education. WE are ONE Catholic school serving ALL and we need your support. Please give today! Contact Teresa Kenney at: teresa.kenney@stellamaris.academy to offer your support.
K-11 FAITH FORMATION
Have you registered for Faith Formation classes yet? Classes have begun, but there is still time to register! Go to the East Duluth Catholic Faith Formation for more information and to sign up! If you have any questions please feel free to contact Sonya Morris at sonya.morris@duluthcatholic.org.
40 DAYS FOR LIFE
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 began 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.
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.
PASTORAL CENTER JOB OPENING
The Pastoral Center in Duluth, MN is hiring a full-time Administrative Assistant for the offices of Communications, Liturgy, Social Apostolate, HL&DF, and Marriage, Family & Life to provide support in day-to-day operations of the departments. This position also identifies potential clients for newspaper ad sales and finalizes the sales. If you are interested in viewing the job description and/or applying, please email Mary Rasch at mary.rasch@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.
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.
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.
FORMED.ORG
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
CATHEDRAL LIVESTREAM MASS
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 7 AM
- Wednesday 8 AM
- Saturday 5 PM
- Sunday 10:30 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.