A Note from Fr. Mike Byron ~ For the week of Sunday, November 22, 2020
Dear Friends,
During a "normal" year, most of my siblings and I would be gathered at my sister's home in Minnetonka for Thanksgiving dinner, together with their families. That won't be happening in 2020, and I think we are all agreed that it's the right decision. That will be a cause for disappointment, surely, but this is most certainly not a normal year. We have all been enduring a long-term, low-grade time of sorrow and disruption since early spring. And perhaps it's because it hasn't been particularly abrupt (with the exception of the George Floyd incident) that we may not be entirely aware of the toll that it takes upon the spirit. Just as a healthy Christian life is nurtured over the course of weeks and years, so also the threats to that life are compounded by prolonged periods of deadening and doubt. We will be wise to be alert to the ways that this unusual time may threaten to make us depressed, impatient, uncharitable, and indifferent. I feel it myself occasionally, and I recognize it as a summons to renewal.
As winter sets in, there are things that anybody can be doing in order to keep us from sluggishness. The church itself provides a daily regimen of Liturgy of the Hours, i.e. three, four, or five times a day to be deliberate about stepping away from monotony in order to pray for just a few minutes. It may not seem like a grand gesture, but it may be what can see some of us through. That's a prayer form that is required for clergy, but it belongs to and is encouraged for all of us, and you can find it on line or in print with ease. Many Catholics find regular solace in the rosary as well, maybe several times a day.
Spiritual reading is another tonic for prolonged times of drudgery. And by "spiritual" here I don't necessarily mean "pious" or "churchy" or narrowly "theological." Some of the most soul-stirring books I've ever read have been produced by people who never intended them to be specifically religious. One of my favorite novelists is Charles Dickens, and I regard most of his work as profoundly spiritual because they speak to the the most basic questions of what it means to be human. (And they are usually funny in a dark sort of way).
There is also a host of encouragement on Catholic media, whether on TV/Cable or online. Here, though, one has to be cautious about who and what identifies itself as "Catholic," because anybody can do that. There are sites that are deliberately combative, judgmental, or even hateful. But there are others that are soothing to the soul. We have a whole staff of faith formation professionals here at Pax who can help you to choose well and wisely about that if you care to ask them.
It will be a season like no other that we have known. Let us pray and stay engaged.
As winter sets in, there are things that anybody can be doing in order to keep us from sluggishness. The church itself provides a daily regimen of Liturgy of the Hours, i.e. three, four, or five times a day to be deliberate about stepping away from monotony in order to pray for just a few minutes. It may not seem like a grand gesture, but it may be what can see some of us through. That's a prayer form that is required for clergy, but it belongs to and is encouraged for all of us, and you can find it on line or in print with ease. Many Catholics find regular solace in the rosary as well, maybe several times a day.
Spiritual reading is another tonic for prolonged times of drudgery. And by "spiritual" here I don't necessarily mean "pious" or "churchy" or narrowly "theological." Some of the most soul-stirring books I've ever read have been produced by people who never intended them to be specifically religious. One of my favorite novelists is Charles Dickens, and I regard most of his work as profoundly spiritual because they speak to the the most basic questions of what it means to be human. (And they are usually funny in a dark sort of way).
There is also a host of encouragement on Catholic media, whether on TV/Cable or online. Here, though, one has to be cautious about who and what identifies itself as "Catholic," because anybody can do that. There are sites that are deliberately combative, judgmental, or even hateful. But there are others that are soothing to the soul. We have a whole staff of faith formation professionals here at Pax who can help you to choose well and wisely about that if you care to ask them.
It will be a season like no other that we have known. Let us pray and stay engaged.
Fr. Mike Byron
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JOIN US FOR PRAYER AND WORSHIP
PLEASE NOTE THESE MASS UPDATES
While we pray for an end to the pandemic, its rising rates of exposure and infection in Minnesota have caused us to apply some incremental changes to our gatherings. Beginning today, until further notice:
- The weekday Masses will have a limit of 15 people.
- The Sunday 9:00am Mass will have a limit of 75 people.
- You will notice this week that the Mass RSVP page looks different. While we are using a different platform, the essential nature of the sign-ups remain unchanged, with the exception that if a Mass is listed as “full” or at capacity, you will have the capability to place yourself on a “waiting list” and will be notified if spots become available due to cancellations.
- You are urged to attend virtually on the Live Stream at 5:00pm on Saturdays - CLICK HERE, view it on the archive anytime after, or attend the noon Parking Lot Mass on Sundays.
- If you need to come to the parish office, please call 952-941-3150 to notify us of the time you will be coming. If at all possible, please try to come to the parish between the hours of 8:00am-noon, Monday thru Friday.
- We want to assure you that we continue taking all precautions to keep our building sanitized and safe. Your cooperation on doing your part to curb the spread of the coronavirus is vital to all for our well-being and health.
Preregistration is required for Mass on site. Use links below.
WEEKDAY MASS
Tuesdays ~ 8:30am on site CLICK TO REGISTER 15 max
Wednesdays ~ 8:30am on site CLICK TO REGISTER 15 max
Fridays ~ 8:30am on site CLICK TO REGISTER 15 max
Wednesdays ~ 8:30am on site CLICK TO REGISTER 15 max
Fridays ~ 8:30am on site CLICK TO REGISTER 15 max
WEEKEND MASS
Saturdays ~ 5:00pm Live Stream CLICK TO VIEW
Sundays ~ 9:00am on site CLICK TO REGISTER 75 max
Sundays ~ 12:00pm Parking Lot Mass CLICK FOR DETAILS
Sundays ~ 9:00am on site CLICK TO REGISTER 75 max
Sundays ~ 12:00pm Parking Lot Mass CLICK FOR DETAILS
RECONCILIATION
Fr. Mike will hear confessions at 4:00pm each Saturday inside near door #1. Those who wish to celebrate this sacrament can park near door #1, wait for the person who is celebrating the sacrament to be finished, and then come forward to receive the sacrament. Please wear a mask.
COVID-19 UPDATES
CLICK HERE to view schedules, updates, and resources during COVID-19.
REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS
Thank you for your continued generosity!
Week of November 8:
Online Giving 4,538
Mailed Contributions 15,746
Total Week #19 20,284
Budget 26,000
Variance (5,716)
YTD Actual 673,909
YTD Budget 763,000
YTD Variance (89,091)
Please continue supporting Pax Christi through online giving or by mailing your contributions to the parish office. Each and every gift makes a difference, and all are appreciated.
CLICK HERE for online giving.
2021 ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL
Thank you to those who have returned their 2021 stewardship intention cards. If you have not yet responded, please return your card asap or CLICK HERE to submit your intention online. Your response is critical as we begin to budget for what will hopefully be a post-pandemic fiscal year!
ADVENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 29
CLICK HERE for the 2020 Advent and Christmas Schedule.
ADVENT 2020 PRAYER AND REFLECTION BOOKS
We encourage parishioners to visit the parish office during normal business hours to pickup a copy of Miracles Abound: Daily Reflections, Practices and Prayers by Janet Schaeffler, OP. In addition, we have several copies of a children's Advent booklet available. If daytime hours are not convenient for you to come to the parish, Scott Brazil will be available at entrance three on Tuesday, November 24, from 4:30-7:30pm. If you have safety or health concerns related to coming to the parish, contact Scott Brazil, sbrazil@paxchristi.com, to arrange an alternative means of obtaining your booklet.
ADVENT VIRTUAL PRAYER EXPERIENCES
Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina via Zoom
Enter fully into the season by joining us for our drop-in prayer experiences during Advent: Tuesday lunchtime (Noon–12:45pm) and Wednesday morning Virtual Centering Prayer (9:00–9:45am). This will be twenty-minute Centering Prayer experiences, with optional reflection/question and answer periods following; Wednesday evening (6:30–7:30pm) and Thursday Morning Virtual Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina (9:00–10:00am) beginning December 2; These will be twenty-minute Centering Prayer experiences, followed by a Lectio Divina practice utilizing one of the upcoming seasonal readings. Simply RSVP using the form below, and you will receive invitation links for all of these experiences. You do not need to commit to a specific day or time. CLICK HERE to signup.
Enter fully into the season by joining us for our drop-in prayer experiences during Advent: Tuesday lunchtime (Noon–12:45pm) and Wednesday morning Virtual Centering Prayer (9:00–9:45am). This will be twenty-minute Centering Prayer experiences, with optional reflection/question and answer periods following; Wednesday evening (6:30–7:30pm) and Thursday Morning Virtual Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina (9:00–10:00am) beginning December 2; These will be twenty-minute Centering Prayer experiences, followed by a Lectio Divina practice utilizing one of the upcoming seasonal readings. Simply RSVP using the form below, and you will receive invitation links for all of these experiences. You do not need to commit to a specific day or time. CLICK HERE to signup.
ADVENT RECONCILIATION
December 8, 7:00pm Live Stream
Darkness is a Gift of God – An Unexpected Grace
How do we face the darkness in our lives, open our eyes, and walk in the Light? The season of Advent taps into our deep longing to make sense of our world. We wait for miracles to be born, for hatred and prejudice to be acknowledged and resolved, for sickness to be cured, for peace and hope to thrive. The challenge that Pope Francis sets before us is at the core of our Advent search: to discover the love of God in our own lives, and by extension, in the lives of all those around us, even those on the fringes, those we often ignore. It is in our deepest darkness that the heart begins to see. Join us in reflecting, praying, and singing as we journey together in spirit, though we must be apart. In-person registration will be available December 1.
Darkness is a Gift of God – An Unexpected Grace
How do we face the darkness in our lives, open our eyes, and walk in the Light? The season of Advent taps into our deep longing to make sense of our world. We wait for miracles to be born, for hatred and prejudice to be acknowledged and resolved, for sickness to be cured, for peace and hope to thrive. The challenge that Pope Francis sets before us is at the core of our Advent search: to discover the love of God in our own lives, and by extension, in the lives of all those around us, even those on the fringes, those we often ignore. It is in our deepest darkness that the heart begins to see. Join us in reflecting, praying, and singing as we journey together in spirit, though we must be apart. In-person registration will be available December 1.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLICK HERE for all upcoming events and registration.
TWELVE BASKETS THANKSGIVING DRIVE
Now 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. If you would like to write a check instead of donating online, make it out to Pax Christi and put “Thanksgiving Drive” in the memo section. 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. If you would like to write a check instead of donating online, make it out to Pax Christi and put “Thanksgiving Drive” in the memo section. Both of these organizations have reported a greater need this year due to the pandemic. Thank you for your generosity!
MEALS ON WHEELS THANKSGIVING
BLESSING AND PRAYER
November 21, 11:00am–12:00pm via Zoom
A Zoom link will be sent several days before the November 21 event. CLICK HERE to RSVP.
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.
THANKSGIVING DAY MASS
Thursday, November 26, 9:00am
Thanksgiving Day Mass will be Live Streamed at 9:00am. Registration for in-person attendance is limited to 75. RSVP at this link - CLICK HERE.
Thanksgiving Day Mass will be Live Streamed at 9:00am. Registration for in-person attendance is limited to 75. RSVP at this link - CLICK HERE.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE NOVENA AND CELEBRATION
NOVENA: December 3–11, Daily at 6:00–6:30pm via Zoom
PRAYER SERVICE: December 12, 9:30–10:00amam
Join us in honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and Queen of Mexico, at Pax Christi’s fifth annual celebration.
A daily, bilingual Zoom novena will be held beginning December 3. Please register in advance - CLICK HERE - to receive the Zoom link. The bilingual novena prayers are available to download - CLICK HERE.
On Saturday, December 12, a bilingual prayer service to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe will be held in the Pax Christi worship space. Please register in advance to attend in person - CLICK HERE. The service will be Live Streamed and will also be available in the archive if you are unable to view the Live Stream service.
To help lead daily novena prayers or to assist with the prayer service, please contact Cecilia, ceciliayl@outlook.com, or Hilda, hildgree@gmail.com. Please join us. All Are Welcome. There is no fee.
PRAYER SERVICE: December 12, 9:30–10:00amam
Join us in honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and Queen of Mexico, at Pax Christi’s fifth annual celebration.
A daily, bilingual Zoom novena will be held beginning December 3. Please register in advance - CLICK HERE - to receive the Zoom link. The bilingual novena prayers are available to download - CLICK HERE.
On Saturday, December 12, a bilingual prayer service to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe will be held in the Pax Christi worship space. Please register in advance to attend in person - CLICK HERE. The service will be Live Streamed and will also be available in the archive if you are unable to view the Live Stream service.
To help lead daily novena prayers or to assist with the prayer service, please contact Cecilia, ceciliayl@outlook.com, or Hilda, hildgree@gmail.com. Please join us. All Are Welcome. There is no fee.
PEACE, PRAYER, AND THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST
Tuesday, December 8, 1:00–2:00pm, Drive by Entrance 3
As the COVID pandemic continues to limit the ways we can both gather together to pray and to receive the Eucharist, the Care and Support Council has responded by planning a safe and prayerful event for our seniors and all those who feel isolated. While you stay warm and safe in your car, you will be invited to drive though our parking lot to different stations which will include a prayer, a blessing, and the Eucharist. Simply drive to the main entrance anytime between 1:00-2:00pm and follow directional signs to each station. While you may not see our smiling face under our mask, you will see the joy in our eyes and feel the warm embrace of the Pax Christi Community. We hope you can join us. We miss you!
As the COVID pandemic continues to limit the ways we can both gather together to pray and to receive the Eucharist, the Care and Support Council has responded by planning a safe and prayerful event for our seniors and all those who feel isolated. While you stay warm and safe in your car, you will be invited to drive though our parking lot to different stations which will include a prayer, a blessing, and the Eucharist. Simply drive to the main entrance anytime between 1:00-2:00pm and follow directional signs to each station. While you may not see our smiling face under our mask, you will see the joy in our eyes and feel the warm embrace of the Pax Christi Community. We hope you can join us. We miss you!
WINTER VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
Sacred Fire by Fr. Ron Rolheiser
Two nine-week options:
Mondays beginning January 25, 6:30–8:00pm
Tuesdays beginning January 26, 9:00–10:30am
Fr. Ronald Rolheiser offers readers a way toward an accessible and penetrating adult Christian spirituality. Rolheiser asks: "What lies beyond the essentials, the basics? Where do we go once some of the basic questions in our lives have been answered, or at least brought to enough peace that our focus can shift away from ourselves to others? Where do we go once the basic question in life becomes: How can I give my life away more purely, and more meaningfully?" The intent of this book is to try to address exactly those questions: How can we live less self-centered, more mature lives? What constitutes deep maturity and how do we reach that place? And what constitutes a more adult, Christian discipleship? What constitutes a truly mature following of Jesus? Discussions will take place virtually using Zoom. There is no fee but participants are responsible for obtaining their own copy of book. CLICK HERE to register online.
Fr. Ronald Rolheiser offers readers a way toward an accessible and penetrating adult Christian spirituality. Rolheiser asks: "What lies beyond the essentials, the basics? Where do we go once some of the basic questions in our lives have been answered, or at least brought to enough peace that our focus can shift away from ourselves to others? Where do we go once the basic question in life becomes: How can I give my life away more purely, and more meaningfully?" The intent of this book is to try to address exactly those questions: How can we live less self-centered, more mature lives? What constitutes deep maturity and how do we reach that place? And what constitutes a more adult, Christian discipleship? What constitutes a truly mature following of Jesus? Discussions will take place virtually using Zoom. There is no fee but participants are responsible for obtaining their own copy of book. CLICK HERE to register online.
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