A Note from Fr. Mike Byron ~ For the week of Sunday, November 8, 2020
Dear Friends,
Recently I had the opportunity to view a webinar sponsored by the Ignatian (i.e. Jesuit) Volunteer Corps which featured Fr. James Martin S.J. and Rev. James Wallis, who is a widely published Evangelical scholar and teaches at Georgetown University. It was titled, "Racism: A Thoughtful Dialogue on the Christian Response to Racial Justice." The conversation was very rich from both of them, but I was more engaged by Jim Wallis, and here I'll just share a few of his insights.
• COVID-19 has verified the fact of racial and economic inequalities in our nation.
• The George Floyd episode created a conversation. When many of us identify as a "white Christian," to which of those words do we pay greater attention?
• A pandemic reveals who we really are, and how we really are. The Bible is absolutely clear in Genesis that we are all created in God's image and likeness. So racism is a theological issue and not only a political one. Are we in solidarity with all of our brothers/sisters, or not?
• Racism is a faith issue, and "racial bigotry is a deal-breaker for the gospel." Transcending boundaries of race, class, and gender is core to the faith (cf. Paul's letter to the Galatians).
• The Body of Christ is the most diverse body on the planet, but we still haven't learned how to live into that.
• Repentance is not the same thing as "feeling guilty." Repentance means a change of behavior and a resolve to think differently.
• "We can individualize everything if we are privileged," by which Wallis means (I think) that we can content ourselves with the knowledge that we are not personally racist in our dispositions toward others, to the detriment of paying attention to social structures. Our life experience, he said, is different in this country depending upon the color of our skin.
• Quoting Pope Francis, "Equally sacred are those who are born."
• There is a difference between feeling uncomfortable and feeling unsafe. Jesus' teachings often caused discomfort, but people who are not fair-skinned often feel something more than that. Allowing ourselves to be in proximity to those people changes our hearts.
• Churches are (or ought to be) places to tell our stories and to imagine solutions, rather than places which are merely dispensaries of doctrine.
There's a whole lot of wisdom to digest here, so feel free to sit with Rev. Wallis' thoughts for a while.
• COVID-19 has verified the fact of racial and economic inequalities in our nation.
• The George Floyd episode created a conversation. When many of us identify as a "white Christian," to which of those words do we pay greater attention?
• A pandemic reveals who we really are, and how we really are. The Bible is absolutely clear in Genesis that we are all created in God's image and likeness. So racism is a theological issue and not only a political one. Are we in solidarity with all of our brothers/sisters, or not?
• Racism is a faith issue, and "racial bigotry is a deal-breaker for the gospel." Transcending boundaries of race, class, and gender is core to the faith (cf. Paul's letter to the Galatians).
• The Body of Christ is the most diverse body on the planet, but we still haven't learned how to live into that.
• Repentance is not the same thing as "feeling guilty." Repentance means a change of behavior and a resolve to think differently.
• "We can individualize everything if we are privileged," by which Wallis means (I think) that we can content ourselves with the knowledge that we are not personally racist in our dispositions toward others, to the detriment of paying attention to social structures. Our life experience, he said, is different in this country depending upon the color of our skin.
• Quoting Pope Francis, "Equally sacred are those who are born."
• There is a difference between feeling uncomfortable and feeling unsafe. Jesus' teachings often caused discomfort, but people who are not fair-skinned often feel something more than that. Allowing ourselves to be in proximity to those people changes our hearts.
• Churches are (or ought to be) places to tell our stories and to imagine solutions, rather than places which are merely dispensaries of doctrine.
There's a whole lot of wisdom to digest here, so feel free to sit with Rev. Wallis' thoughts for a while.
Fr. Mike Byron
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Week of October 25:
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Total Week #17 29,539
Budget 24,000
Variance 5,539
YTD Actual 604,395
YTD Budget 672,000
YTD Variance (67,605)
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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CONFIRMATION SPONSORS NEEDED
Are you looking for a simple way to share your faith with young people? We are looking for confirmed Catholics (age 18-105) who would be willing to serve as Confirmation sponsors for high school students in our community! The role of the sponsor is to walk with the candidate as they learn more about their faith and what it means to be a fully-initiated member of the Church. No expertise or special knowledge required--just a love of your faith and a desire to share it! Sponsors are expected to meet with their candidate at least three times (via phone/video call if needed) and attend 2-3 virtual sessions between now and April. Resources will be provided, and safe environment (E3) clearances are required. Contact Jessie Johnson, jjohnson@paxchristi.com, or 952-405-7210, for more information.
OUT OF WORK OR LOOKING TO HIRE?
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) launches #GoodJobsNow, New Campaign Connecting Minnesota Job Seekers with Employers
Many Minnesota businesses have open jobs but report having a hard time finding the employees they need. At the same time, Minnesota's unemployment rate remains elevated with workers continuing to seek job opportunities. CLICK HERE for resources for job seekers AND for employers who have vacancies.
THIS IS THE LAST WEEK TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCAVENGER HUNT!
You will explore our history, ministries, and discover some interesting facts about Pax Christi. You don't need any special skills to play. The deadline for entries is November 9. Winners will be contacted by phone or email. Let the adventure begin!
CLICK HERE
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TWELVE BASKETS THANKSGIVING DRIVE
November 7 through November 19 (Virtual Drive)
The Twelve Baskets Ministry is going virtual this year! We have a long-standing tradition of providing Thanksgiving Baskets to the people served by the Northside Extension Services and Little Earth of United Tribes. We will not be collecting food for this drive this year, but rather we will be purchasing Cub Food Cards to be distributed by these organizations. Pax Christi members who wish to participate in this drive can simply click on this link - CLICK HERE – and choose the "Thanksgiving Meals" fund to make a contribution to this drive. Both of these organizations have reported a greater need this year due to the pandemic. Thank you for your generosity!
The Twelve Baskets Ministry is going virtual this year! We have a long-standing tradition of providing Thanksgiving Baskets to the people served by the Northside Extension Services and Little Earth of United Tribes. We will not be collecting food for this drive this year, but rather we will be purchasing Cub Food Cards to be distributed by these organizations. Pax Christi members who wish to participate in this drive can simply click on this link - CLICK HERE – and choose the "Thanksgiving Meals" fund to make a contribution to this drive. Both of these organizations have reported a greater need this year due to the pandemic. Thank you for your generosity!
MOMS ROCK VIA ZOOM
Hope Anchors the Soul, presented by Christy Engelhart
Monday, November 16, 8:00–9:30pm
We all have desires, expectations, and things that we look forward to or wish would come to pass. But the truth is, who or what we place our hope in is incredibly important. This talk will explore the source of eternal hope, why it matters, and how we can share this hope with a lost and hurting world. Our presenter, Christy, is a wife, mother of three children, and a licensed pastor with over 17 years of ministry experience working with children, youth, and adults. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethel University and a Masters of Christian Education from Bethel Seminary. There is no fee, but an RSVP is required - CLICK HERE.
Monday, November 16, 8:00–9:30pm
We all have desires, expectations, and things that we look forward to or wish would come to pass. But the truth is, who or what we place our hope in is incredibly important. This talk will explore the source of eternal hope, why it matters, and how we can share this hope with a lost and hurting world. Our presenter, Christy, is a wife, mother of three children, and a licensed pastor with over 17 years of ministry experience working with children, youth, and adults. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethel University and a Masters of Christian Education from Bethel Seminary. There is no fee, but an RSVP is required - CLICK HERE.
MEALS ON WHEELS THANKSGIVING
BLESSING AND PRAYER
November 21, 11:00am–12:00pm via Zoom
Pax Christi Volunteers for Meals on Wheels have been serving in this Justice Ministry for three decades. Join Father Mike and other volunteers for this special Thanksgiving/Blessing and Prayer Service recognizing your gift to the community. This event is open to current drivers and all others interested in the ministry. You will receive an email acknowledging your registration. A Zoom link will be sent several days before the November 21 event. CLICK HERE to RSVP.
Pax Christi Volunteers for Meals on Wheels have been serving in this Justice Ministry for three decades. Join Father Mike and other volunteers for this special Thanksgiving/Blessing and Prayer Service recognizing your gift to the community. This event is open to current drivers and all others interested in the ministry. You will receive an email acknowledging your registration. A Zoom link will be sent several days before the November 21 event. CLICK HERE to RSVP.
BOY SCOUT CHRISTMAS WREATH SALE
Sunday, November 22 and 29, following 9:00am and 12:00pm Masses
Boy Scout Troop 370 will be selling fresh Christmas wreaths and classic door sprays at entrances #3 and #4. Locally sourced, these gorgeous wreaths and sprays are perfect for your home or to give as a gift! The funds generated by the wreath sales support the projects, outreach, and activities of Troop 370. Doing good is easy with convenient drive-thru shopping and social distancing, making it a great way to start the Christmas season! Wreaths costs begin at $25 and sprays begin at $23. Cash or check only.
VIRTUAL BIBLE STUDY
Gospel of Mark Part Two; $20 per person
Two five-week options:
•Mondays beginning January 18, 10:00–11:30am
•Wednesdays beginning January 20, 6:30–8:00pm
Thought to be the earliest of the four Gospels, the Gospel of Mark is a fast-moving, vivid account of the ministry, suffering, and death of Jesus. Enter into a rich encounter with this preacher, wonder-worker, and messiah, whose very life delivered an urgent message about repentance, transformation, and the reality of suffering in the life of a disciple. This four-week study covers Mark 9:33–16:20, including Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and the events of His passion, death, and resurrection. Weekly discussions will take place using Zoom. In addition, all participants will receive access to a Bible commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and additional online lectures. CLICK HERE to register online.
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