The Church of St. Gerard Majella NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 12, 2018 ADDRESS 9600 Regent Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443-1499 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: www.st-gerard.org Like us on FACEBOOK St. Gerard s Youth TWITTER handle: @StGerardYM St. Gerard s Youth INSTAGRAM: @StGerardYouth Parish Office: 763-424-8770 Fax Number: 763-424-4327 Faith Formation: 763-424-8600 Victim Assistance: 651-291-4475 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. 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.
The Church of St. Gerard A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR I really believe that the only appropriate topic for this week s bulletin is THANK YOU! What a wonderful display of parish community we have enjoyed, not only as we celebrated Corn Fest, but all of the days and the weeks leading up to the event. It seemed that not a day had gone by where there had not been someone in the office making a contribution of either time, effort, or some sort of contribution for the Fest. The generosity was outstanding. The creativity demonstrated was inspirational. All in all, it just shows what we are capable of when we join our efforts together. A real blessing for all of us. I know that we will all be looking forward to the reports about the success of Corn Fest and they will be forthcoming in the next few weeks as everything is calculated. Regardless of the results, I think that the official result is that we were formed more and more into a community. That, in and of itself, is the single most important result of our effort. I anticipate that there will be other opportunities in the weeks and the months ahead to build on our shared success. I look forward to what comes next. I am resisting the urge to introduce new information or to speak about upcoming projects as I share with you these few words. I think it is good just to let the celebration continue and to truly enjoy what we have accomplished together. I do not think we spend enough time in the moment, enjoying what has resulted from our effort. The temptation is to move on to the next project, the next event. Perhaps it is good just to slow down and enjoy what has been accomplished and what we have shared together before we move on to the next project. There will always be something else on the horizon; that is the dynamic of a growing and vibrant community, and St. Gerard is blessed in this way, something that becomes more and more evident each week. I hope you share this sense of real growth and real blessing with me. Father Tom Santa, C.Ss.R. For the Redemptorist Community and Staff A HEARTFELT WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS! Welcome! We are so happy you are with us! Chris & Samantha Fraune Nicholas & Ann Vu Ngo Jim & Anna Taplin Pauline & David Floersch; David, Dylan Anthony & Elizabeth Jaros Cathy Kuemper; Ellie Jeff & Molly Gewedik; Edward, Sophie Kristine & Rex Isom; Kandis, Kaleb, Kobe ASSUMPTION OF MARY The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated on August 15 at 8:30am & 7:00pm. Join us! The Church of St. Gerard CORN FEST - THANK YOU! The Corn Fest Committee would like to thank all those who participated in our 48th annual Corn Fest celebration! It was a wonderful event! It truly was a blessed gathering of faith, family, and community! CORN FEST TAKE-DOWN AND CLEAN UP! Take-down and clean up of Corn Fest will take place this Sunday, August 12 following the 10:30am Mass. (A meal will be provided.) Volunteer to lend a hand if you are able! WEDDING BANNS Charlene Fish and Matt DeCarolis will be married at The Church of St. Gerard Majella on Saturday, August 25th, 2018. We pray for God s richest blessings on this couple as they begin their married life together. CONGRATULATIONS to: Rozanne Njongi & Roger Hartman II Who were married on August 3rd. Our prayers are with them as they begin their married life together! JULY BAPTISMS Levi Hiro Nguyen, Troy Osagie Akpede, Jayvon Vade Gale, Christian Lee Nagel, Aubree Ann Cardinal and Isabella Jane Brule were made members of the Church through the saving waters of baptism. May God continue to bless their families and our parish as we continue the vital work of teaching them what it means to follow Christ. NEXT BAPTISM CLASS The next Baptism Prep Class at St. Gerard s will be at 9:30am on Saturday, August 18. Classes are typically the third Saturday of the month. AUGUST ANOINTING OF THE SICK The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated on the following days in August. If you are ill and would like to receive this sacrament, please stay in the Church following Mass. Sunday, Aug 19- after 8:30am Mass Sunday, Aug 26- after 10:30am Mass ALTAR SERVER TRAINING Our next altar server training will be Monday, August 20 at 6:30pm. Please join us and contact Amy Wittak at amyw@st -gerard.org for more information. BLESSING OF BACKPACKS Calling all students ages 3-99... Bring your backpack to Mass on August 25 and 26 for a blessing!
Justice and Outreach LOOKING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Below are a few suggestions of ways you can help make a difference. Questions? Contact Anne at annet@stgerard.org or call 763-424-8770 ext. 120 Donate food all year long Place in CEAP bins Donate clothing all year long - Drop off in Outreach Closet (Faith Formation wing of church) Serve a meal with Loaves & Fishes, 4th Friday of the month (next opportunity is Friday, Aug 24) Serve lunch at Sharing and Caring Hands, 1st Saturday of the month (next opportunity is Saturday, Sept 1) OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE - MOBILE HOPE We have kids eager to meet you! Mobile Hope Dayton is now scheduling volunteer tutors to help kids with their homework for our 2018/2019 school year. If you can spare 2 hours a week on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 4-6pm to help kids in the Dayton Mobile Home Park please consider attending an orientation session on Tuesday, August 21 or Thursday, September 6 from 4-6pm at 19020 County Road 81, Osseo. You will be surprised and gratified by how much fun you will have with these kiddos as you encourage and empower them in their school work. This is also a great opportunity for high-school teens. Please RSVP to Cathy Walter at zahler1023@gmail.com or 612-306-6943. LOAVES AND FISHES St. Gerard s hosts Loaves and Fishes on the 4th Friday of every month. Our next date is Friday, August 24th. 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 763-561-7411 with any questions. HOUSING FOR ALL BUS TOUR Join the Housing for All Bus Tour September 18 for an opportunity to visit affordable housing in the NW community and engage in dialogue about why it is important to preserve housing that is naturally occurring. Housing for All advocates for stable housing for people of moderate and low incomes in the northwest metro suburbs of Hennepin County. The bus tour will highlight the need for housing that is affordable for all stages and ages of life, with a spotlight on NOAH (naturally occurring affordable housing) that we are in jeopardy of losing. With strong community and policymakers support, we can create and preserve affordable housing. The evening starts at 5:30pm with a box dinner at Advent Lutheran Church (9475 Jefferson Hwy, Maple Grove.) The bus tour leaves at 6pm, making its way to view some potential and future housing opportunities. Followed by a community discussion at Advent Lutheran and ending at 8pm. To register, please visit https:// sjtw.net/housing-for-all or call 763-400-7208. The event is free and open to all. Faith Formation FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION We are excited about the upcoming Faith Formation year and have already had many registrations come in from our on-line process. Make sure that if you do not wish to do on -line registration that you stop by the parish office to pick up a paper form. Please note that we hold hard deadlines for registration in the fall, as small groups and leaders need to be determined, so be sure to register soon! The registration deadline for 2018/2019 Faith Formation is September 1! Judy Foster Director of Faith Formation 2018/2019 FAITH FORMATION REGISTRATION Don t forget to register! 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 (www.st-gerard.org HOME page or go to PARISH LIFE/FAITH FORMATION and look for the construction hard hats) or call the parish office at 763-424-8770. ST. G S KIDS Join us for St. G s Kids preschool and kindergarten Faith Formation during 10:30am Sunday Mass beginning fall 2018. Register online at www.st-gerard.org (look for the hardhats) by September 1. Contact Heidi Schleif at heidis@st-gerard.org with any questions. GIFT BEARER SIGN UP All families are invited to sign up to bring up the gifts at mass. A sign-up sheet can be found in the Gathering Space on the table next to the Welcome desk. All are welcome! THANK YOU FOR GETTING VIRTUS CERTIFIED! Many thanks to all those who have completed or updated their VIRTUS certification this summer in anticipation of the 2018/2019 Faith Formation Year! If you are planning to volunteer for Faith Formation this year, please visit www.virtusonline.org and complete or update your VIRTUS certification before classes begin. 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. YOUTH CONNECT WITH US! Follow us for activities and exciting ways to get involved! twitter: @StGerardYM instagram: @stgerardyouth website: www.st-gerard.org and click on YOUTH! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! https://www.facebook.com/churchofsaintgerard
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 visit the I m New tab of our website (www.st-gerard.org) or app (search for St Gerard Majella in the app store)! You can also check out our facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ churchofsaintgerard)! Thank you for worshipping with us today! We are so happy to have you here! WEDDING PLANS? Interested in getting married at St. Gerard s? Please contact Amy Wittak, Liturgical Ministry Coordinator (amyw@st-gerard.org or 763-424-8770) at least 6 months before the date you plan on getting married. Congratulations on your engagement! CORN FEST VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR NEEDED! The Corn Fest Committee is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator for next year - 2019. This position requires only a few hours each month and being available during Corn Fest weekend. Now that you ve experienced the magic of Corn Fest, why not volunteer? Email cornfest@outlook.com or call 763-200-3949 with questions. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MEMBERSHIP The St. Gerard s Knights of Columbus are looking for men in our parish to join us in our mission to support our parish, our faith, and our Catholic way of life. As you may know, the Knights are one of many valued parish groups whose work brings a variety of benefits to our parish and community. Through many visible activities, we support our parish youth groups and people with special needs in our community and beyond. We support our seminarians, and our priests in special projects not always visible. Finally, we host events and invite our parish to get together as a family so that the fabric of our parish community is strengthened. If you are interested in membership and would like to receive information, please visit our website at kc13001.mnknights.org or email knights13001news@gmail.com PRAYER IN REAL LIFE: EVENING FOR GRANDPARENTS Join Bishop Andrew Cozzens on August 16, 6:30-8:00pm at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Golden Valley for an evening as he speaks on how to pray in real life as grandparents. Let us pray more diligently for our grandchildren! All grandparents are invited. Please register at CatholicGrandparenting.org. There is no cost to attend. A free will offering will be collected. Refreshments will be provided. Questions? Contact Susanna Parent at parents@archspm.org or 651-291-4411. ELECTION JUDGES NEEDED The City of Brooklyn Park is looking for Brooklyn Park residents interested in assisting at the polling place for the upcoming August 14 and November 6 elections. An hourly wage is paid and training is provided. If you are interested in helping your community in this way, please call 763-493-8180. For more information, please visit www.brooklynpark.org/elections/ judges/.
This Week at St. Gerard s INTENTIONS M-F 8:25 AM - Eucharist, Liturgy of Hours TUE 9:00 AM - Perpetual Help Devotion MONDAY, AUGUST 13 8:25 am - Communion Service TUESDAY, AUGUST 14 8:25 am - Grace Clausen WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 8:25 am - Richard Potvin THURSDAY, AUGUST 16 8:25 am - Don Heintzeman FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 8:25 am - Claudia Manning SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 5:00 pm - Parish Families SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 8:30 am - Richard Dols 10:30 am - Cliff McAlpine PARISH EVENTS MONDAY, AUGUST 13 TUESDAY, AUGUST 14 9:00 am - Perpetual Help Devotion 9:15 am - Womens Prayer/Support Group 7:30 pm - Regent AA WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 9:00 am - Eucharistic Adoration 7:00 pm - Eucharist THURSDAY, AUGUST 16 6:00 pm - Centering Prayer FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 9:30 am - Baptism Prep Class 4:00 pm - Individual Confessions 5:00 pm - Eucharist SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 8:30 am - Eucharist 9:30 am - Anointing of the Sick 10:30 am - Eucharist PLEASE PRAY for the sick and ailing members of our parish community, and all those in our Parish Prayer Book, especially: Jim May Sherry Anderson Also remember those loved ones who have died, especially: Dick Keefe READINGS FOR AUGUST 19, 2018 20th Sunday OT PRV 9:1-6 EPH 5:15-20 JN 6:51-58 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: 763-225-1078 Visit our app or website for more info (GIVE) Donate Online