The Church of St. Gerard Majella

Transcription

1 The Church of St. Gerard Majella SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 22, 2018 ADDRESS 9600 Regent Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday: 9 am-5 pm Friday: 9 am-1 pm Saturday: CLOSED Sunday: 1/Month, 9 am-12 pm, Sept-May EUCHARIST Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 8:30, 10:30 am All Are Welcome! We are a Catholic community striving to love God and our neighbors. No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here! Who Am I To Judge? --Pope Francis WEBSITE: Like us on FACEBOOK St. Gerard s Youth TWITTER St. Gerard s Youth Parish Office: Fax Number: Faith Formation: Victim Assistance: PASTORAL Services Rev. Thomas Santa, C.Ss.R. Rev. Tuan Pham, C.Ss.R. Rev. Matthew Bonk, C.Ss.R. Fra. Chung Tran, C.Ss.R. Rev. Patrick Keyes, C.Ss.R. Bro. Bruce Davidson, C.Ss.R. Barbara Staats - Business Administrator Anne Tiller - Pastoral Minister Amy Wittak- Liturgical Ministry Tim Smith - Dir. of Liturgical Music Colette O Brien - Communications Judy Foster - Dir. of Faith Formation Emily Wenner - Youth Faith Formation Heidi Schleif - Preschool & Elementary Coordinator SUPPORT Services Sue Czerniak - Secretary/Receptionist Dianne Goodwin - Secretary/Receptionist MAINTENANCE Services Dave Neuman - Maintenance Operator Roger Popham - Custodian Hearing Assistance Devices are available at the Sound Desk in the Church. Low-Gluten hosts are available. Please call the parish office for more information.

2 The Church of St. Gerard A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR Thank you again to all who helped me celebrate my 40 th anniversary of priesthood. I certainly appreciate all the prayers, the cards, the gifts and also just the conversations I shared with so many of you. It was a great surprise to see the ad in the Catholic Spirit. I truly appreciate all of the effort and I am very thankful. I am happy to return after my vacation time away. The vacation was relaxing and I was able to enjoy some quality time with good friends. I was on a cruise whose final destination was supposed to be St. Petersburg, Russia but weather made it impossible to enter the port. We just sat on the ship and looked at the distant shoreline. Some of the passengers, who happened to have World Cup tickets were not at all pleased, but there was nothing that could be done. I enjoyed the restful time and the good conversation that resulted from the change in itinerary. I wanted to visit a Russian Orthodox Cathedral but that will have to wait until another time. Our two Redemptorist students who were with us for the summer have returned to their studies. Frater Chung will return to the parish next week after a time away preparing for his final profession of religious vows in the Redemptorist community. Next up for Chung will be ordination to the deaconate; the details are still being worked out. It is our hope that the ordination will take place here at St. Gerard s and that his assignment will continue to be this parish community. We will see what might develop over the next few weeks in this regard. We are hard at work installing the upgraded wi-fi wiring in the parish center and most importantly in the religious education meeting rooms. We will also soon install the video monitors in each meeting room and gathering space which will provide us with the opportunity to significantly upgrade the materials that we will use for religious formation. This is a major commitment of time and funds but I think the formation program and the opportunities that a well integrated system will provide us is worth the investment. Some of the materials, by necessity that we have been using, will no longer be used and I think everyone will notice the improvement in both quality and content. One of the parents of our children who were in the program this past year commented to me that the children found the most interesting part of the presentation that used video-tapes to be the rewind function, since they have not experienced that before. I think that comment and that insight is precious and it also underlines how important it was for us to make the change and update our material. I am really looking forward to Corn Fest and the energy and excitement that is generated by this annual event. I was pleased with the response last weekend to our Kick- Off Sunday. As great as the initial response was there is still so much more that needs to be accomplished and we need the shared effort of everyone. Any contribution is The Church of St. Gerard appreciated and needed so please do not hesitate to join in and together we will make this annual celebration one of the best. That is all for now. Everyone have a great week. Continue to enjoy the wonderful weather and the opportunities that it provides. Remember to keep our parish family in prayer. As I have mentioned so many times, none of us truly understand the true power of prayer but all of us benefit from the effort. God bless. Fr. Tom Santa, C.Ss.R. For the Redemptorist Community and Staff WEDDING BANNS Rozanne Njongi and Roger Hartman II will be married at The Church of St. Gerard Majella on Friday, August 3rd, We pray for God s richest blessings on this couple as they begin their married life together. COMMUNION FOR THE HOMEBOUND Just a friendly reminder to bring any St. Gerard pyxes back so that others may use them. Interested in taking communion to someone or know someone who needs communion brought to them? Please contact the parish office. Thank you! MINISTRY SCHEDULER Liturgical Ministers, have you signed up for the Ministry Scheduler program? Please sign up if you haven't already! Interested in being a Liturgical Minister? Our new program is a more convenient way to be a Liturgical Minister, either as a regular minister or as a sub! GREETER/USHER MINISTRY Have you considered the ministry of Greeter/Usher? A Greeter/Usher welcomes people, assists with seating and the collection, and helps distribute the parish bulletin. This is a great opportunity to meet others and use your talents. We are in need of 10 Greeter/Ushers at the 5:00pm Mass, 5 at 8:30am Mass, and 15 at the 10:30am Mass. Greeter/Ushers are scheduled once a month and will be mentored by a seasoned Greeter/Usher. Please prayerfully consider this. Contact Amy Wittak at amyw@stgerard.org if interested. EUCHARISTIC ADORERS NEEDED We are in immediate need of adorers on Wednesday from 8-9pm and Thursday from 6-7am. If you are interested, please Laurie Carroll at carroll82281@yahoo.com or call the Parish Office at LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

3 Justice and Outreach ST. GERARD S COMMUNITY GARDEN Did you know that our community garden grows fresh produce for CEAP, our local food shelf? We have already donated 66 pounds of vegetables, including onions, beets, kale and spinach. The CEAP garden plot is growing a wide assortment of vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and assorted salad greens, and they will be donated to CEAP. Would you like to be part of this exciting new outreach ministry? No gardening experience necessary, just a willingness to donate your time. For more information contact Anne at annet@st -gerard.org or call ext. 120 COLLECTING SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR CEAP Having a child prepared to learn with the necessary supplies gives the student confidence to succeed in school. Donate school items to CEAP Supplies for Success program. Items are needed by August 12. Complete lists of supplies are located on the Outreach bulletin boards and our parish website. SUPPORT THE DREAM ACT The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops still supports the DREAM Act of 2017, but also views the USA Act as a compromise bill that is a step in the right direction to protect 1.8 million Dreamers, who were brought, as minors, to the United States illegally by their parents. Both the DREAM Act and USA Act will provide a path to citizenship for these young people, many of whom know the U.S. as their only home. Without a legislative solution, Dreamers' futures remain uncertain. Urge your Representative in Congress to take action to protect these young people from deportation. Visit the link below and send your representative a message. LOAVES AND FISHES St. Gerard s hosts Loaves and Fishes on the 4th Friday of every month. Our next date is Friday, July 27th. We serve from 5-7 pm at St. Stephen's in Minneapolis. Sign up to serve on the easel in the Gathering Space. Contact Karen Brenteson at with any questions. SHARING AND CARING HANDS St. Gerard s prepares and serves a lunch at Sharing and Caring Hands every first Saturday of the month. Our next date is Saturday, August 4th. No need to sign up, just come on Saturday morning at 9:00am to St. Gerard s kitchen and help prepare the food. Then at 10:50am help pack up the food, take it to Sharing and Caring Hands on 7th Street (Minneapolis), and help serve at 11:30am. Questions? Please call John at Faith Formation FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION - R.C. I. A. for I have been blessed for these past 25 years to participate in the very special ministry of bringing people to Christ through the adult sacraments. This process, The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults offers a process of discernment in searching for a personal relationship with God and walking the journey toward a Christian lifestyle in the footsteps of Jesus and his ministry. Some come to RCIA because they did not receive the sacraments at traditional age, some coming to faith for the first time and exploring different religious belief systems and practices. Some come simply to complete confirmation as they prepare for marriage. Every year as I work with sponsors and Candidates or Catechumens (un-baptized) I find my own faith is challenged and strengthened. If you have not received Confirmation at traditional age, know someone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or would like to volunteer in this very special ministry, please contact me. Also, the RCIA process is a wonderful review and overview of the faith for anyone, even if you are in full communion with the Church. Judy Foster, Director of Faith Formation FAITH FORMATION REGISTRATION Don t forget! Online Faith Formation registration is AVAILABLE using our app or website! You can find more information on all our Faith Formation programs by visiting our app or website ( HOME page or go to PARISH LIFE/FAITH FORMATION and look for the construction hard hats) or call the office at SUMMER STRETCH This summer, all youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join us for Summer Stretch. Through this program, youth will have the opportunity to start their day with Mass, volunteer with organizations in the local community, learn more about the importance of service, and participate in fun social activities. Summer Stretch will take place each Wednesday during the month of August. Permission forms are available on the youth ministry website (YOUTH), contact Emily at emilyw@st-gerard.org with any questions. YOUTH CONNECT WITH US! Follow us for activities and exciting ways to get involved! website: and click on YOUTH! ARE YOU VIRTUS CERTIFIED? If you are planning to volunteer for Faith Formation this year, please visit and complete/update your VIRTUS certification. The VIRTUS program is a requirement that our Archdiocese has enacted to ensure safe environments for our youth and vulnerable adults. Contact Colette at coletteo@st-gerard.org with questions.

4 Announcements WELCOME TO ST. GERARD S! If you are visiting St. Gerard's today and would like more information about the parish or how to become a member, please stop by the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Space, pick up a new member info packet, and sign our guest registry. You can also visit the I m New tab of our website ( or app (search for St Gerard Majella in the app store)! You can also Like us on facebook! Thank you for worshipping with us today! We are so happy to have you here! 2018 CORN FEST St. Gerard s 48th annual Corn Fest is right around the corner, August 10 and 11. For more info, check out the Corn Fest page on our app or website. Learn more about the outdoor mass, FREE live entertainment, kid s games & inflatables, delicious FOOD, and all the ways to win cash and prizes! CORN FEST - WAYS TO GET INVOLVED! Check out the Gathering Space at Church for: Volunteer sign-ups Yard Signs (take one home!) Donation ideas (for games, prizes, etc.) Donate a bottle of wine for the Wall of Wine Basket Auction details and ideas (baskets and forms available) Raffle ticket turn-in begins (The Raffle table in the Gathering Space will be staffed before/after Masses.) CORN FEST VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR NEEDED! The Corn Fest Committee is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator for next year This position requires only a few hours each month and being available during Corn Fest weekend. Serve as an individual or work with someone as a team. cornfest@outlook.com or call with questions. CORN FEST SET-UP SUNDAY IS AUGUST 5! Mark your calendar, the Corn Fest Committee needs your help to set up for Corn Fest! Set up will take place following 10:30 mass on Sunday, August 5. Set up will continue on Thursday, August 9 and most likely during the afternoon of Friday, August 10. (Take down will take place on Sunday, August 12 following the 10:30 mass.) Please volunteer to lend a hand for a couple hours at one of the above opportunities, if you are able. Thanks for your help in making this community event a success! ROBBINSDALE WOMEN S CENTER S GOLF CHALLENGE The Robbinsdale Women s Center s 100 Hole Golf Challenge is Monday, September 24 at the Rush Creek Golf Club. This all-day event is an opportunity for men and women golfers to partner with Robbinsdale Women s Center s mission to save lives. During this red-carpet event, you ll have exclusive rights to a closed course, great meals, and more. If you love golfing, challenges and are passionate about helping women in crisis, check out RWC s Golf 100 page at: to register for our Kick-off Breakfast on July 31, 7-8am. Questions? golf@rwcmail.org

5 This Week at St. Gerard s INTENTIONS M-F 8:25 AM - Eucharist, Liturgy of Hours TUE 9:00 AM - Perpetual Help Devotion MONDAY, JULY 23 8:25 am - Communion Service TUESDAY, JULY 24 8:25 am - Richard Potvin WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 8:25 am - THURSDAY, JULY 26 8:25 am - Parish Families FRIDAY, JULY 27 8:25 am - SATURDAY, JULY 28 5:00 pm - Kelly Herron SUNDAY, JULY 29 8:30 am - Daniel Johnson 10:30 am - Mael Kolor PARISH EVENTS MONDAY, JULY 23 TUESDAY, JULY 24 9:00 am - Perpetual Help Devotion 9:15 am - Womens Prayer/Support Group 7:30 pm - Regent AA WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 9:00 am - Eucharistic Adoration 7:30 pm - Music Rehearsal THURSDAY, JULY 26 6:00 pm - Centering Prayer FRIDAY, JULY 27 8:30 am - Loaves & Fishes Prep 5:00 pm - Loaves & Fishes at St. Stephens SATURDAY, JULY 28 4:00 pm - Individual Confessions 5:00 pm - Eucharist SUNDAY, JULY 29 8:30 am - Eucharist 9:45 am - Rosary in the Church 10:30 am - Eucharist PLEASE PRAY for the sick and ailing members of our parish community, and all those in our Parish Prayer Book. Also remember those loved ones who have died, especially: Maurice Henry READINGS FOR JULY 29, th Sunday OT 2 KGS 4:42-44 EPH 4:1-6 JN 6:1-15 SACRAMENTS: BAPTISM Call the Parish Office to schedule a date and register for the preparation class. RECONCILIATION Saturday at 4:00 pm or any time by appointment. MARRIAGE Please contact the parish office at least six months prior to the desired date. Get the App Text Giving: Visit our app or website for more info (GIVE) Donate Online