For the People of our Parish

The Area Catholic Community of Mayhew Lake, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, and St. Stephen Updates for the virtual meeting via Zoom on June

16th, 2020.

·  One in Christ Combined Bulletin - A combined

bulletin is in development with the first bulletin

targeted for distribution in early August. We

will use the two publishing companies currently

under contract, to publish the new bulletins.

Down the road when current contract have

been fulfilled, we will select one company to

publish our combined 4-parish bulletin.

·  One in Christ Website - development continues.

The website will contain One in Christ

community information, links to our individual

parish bulletins, calendar of events, contact

information, and more. Some information is

available now.

·  New Mass Schedule - with the 1st week of July

we begin with new priests and new Mass

schedules. However, and temporarily during

the Covid-19 outbreak, Sartell and Sauk

Rapids Sunday Masses will be different for the

summer. Sacred Heart's Sunday Mass will be

at 9:00 a.m. and Sartell's Sunday Mass will be

at 9:30 a.m. As time, conditions, and

attendance warrant, Sunday Mass times for

those two parishes will reset to the original plan

(Sauk Rapids - 8 & 10 a.m.; Sartell - 8:30 &

10:30 a.m.)

Contact us at: oneinchristacc@gmail.com

Visit us at: oneinchristacc.org

Next meeting: Tues. July 14th, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m.

at St. Francis Xavier (otherwise virtual via Zoom)

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Here is the Mass schedule for our One in Christ

Area Catholic Community, effective July 1, 2020: Annunciation Parish in Mayhew Lake: Monday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 am and Sunday morning at 8:30 am.

St. Stephen Parish in St. Stephen: Tuesday at 5:30 pm and

Thursday at 8:30 am and

Saturday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 10:30 am.

Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids:

Tuesday at 5:30 pm and

Wednesday and Friday at 8:00 am and Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 9:00 am

(Please note that the Sunday schedule is temporary and will change to two Masses at a date to be determined.)

St. Francis Xavier in Sartell:

Wednesday and Friday at 8:00 am (during school year Friday Mass at 9:00 am) and

Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 9:30 am (Please note that the Sunday schedule is temporary and will change to two Masses at a date to be determined.)

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For the People of our Parish

The Area Catholic Community of Mayhew Lake, Sauk

Rapids, Sartell, and St. Stephen

Updates for the virtual meeting via Zoom on Tuesday,

May 26th, 2020

Our ACC plan to the diocese for the sharing and

growth of our four parishes was revised and

resubmitted to now include target completion dates

and a slightly revised weekend Mass schedule that

proposes to change St. Stephen's Saturday evening

Mass to 7:00 p.m. from the earlier plan of 5:00 p.m.

A sample ACC Combined Bulletin was reviewed.

Upon review, it was decided that we attempt a

second version combined bulletin that has two pages

devoted to community/common information with an

additional page for each parish. When including

advertising, the total length to be 8 pages, with the

possibility of going to 10 pages if needed. Each

parish would still have the option of providing an

insert for their own particular needs. Specific

bulletin content has not yet been determined.

The trustees from each parish will be meeting with

the diocese' newly assigned priest/s to determine

the financial obligations (percentages) for each

parish relating to priest's salaries and expenses.

This information is needed for budgeting and

planning purposes.

A weekday Mass schedule was proposed and will

be relayed to the new priests of our ACC.

Mayhew Lake - 8:30 a.m. on Monday and

Thursday

Sauk Rapids - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday; 8:00

a.m. Wednesday; 8:00 a.m. Friday;

(perhaps Word and Communion at 8:00

a.m. Monday)

Sartell - 8:00 a.m. Wednesday; 9:00 a.m.

Friday during school year, otherwise at

8:00 a.m.; (perhaps Word and

Communion at 8:00 a.m. Monday)

St. Stephen - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday; 8:00 a.m.

Thursday

2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Country Manor

2:00 p.m. Thursday at Good Shepherd

Contact us at: oneinchristacc@gmail.com

Visit us at: oneinchristacc.org

Next meeting: Tues. June 16th, 2020 @ 7:

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For the People of our Parish

The Area Catholic Community of Mayhew Lake,

Sauk Rapids, Sartell, and St. Stephen.

Updates for the virtual meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, March 31st, 2020:

A oneinchristacc@gmail.com e-mail account has been created for our ACC. It is an account whereby all parishioners can use it to contact our ACC planning council with questions or comments.

A oneinchristacc.org website is currently under development. Ultimately, our hope is that this website will contain information relating to our ACC as well as the Sunday bulletins for each of the four parishes within our One in Christ ACC.

The "Progressive Supper", as a "community building event" has been tabled due to COVID-19 concerns.

Our ACC plan that was submitted to the diocese and Bishop Kettler last winter has been reviewed and returned to us with feedback, recommendations, and expectations. The following are the first three we will address.

First - that we have some sort of joint bulletin. Discussions relating to format, frequency, and method of availability are now under way and will be spearheaded by a "bulletin team".

Secondly - that our ACC activity needs to include more "outreach" focus. The RCIA team will start by revising the plan to include methods for "keeping families engaged between Baptism and First Communion".

Thirdly - that we have a Mass schedule that has staggered Mass times. The Mass time subcommittee will meet to discuss and develop a revised proposal.

Next meeting: If held in person, it will be Tuesday, May 5th, 2020, @ 7:00pm at St. Francis Xavier Church in Sartell. If not in person, it will be a virtual meeting for that same time.

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For the People of our Parish

The Area Catholic Community of Mayhew Lake, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, and St. Stephen

Updates for the meeting on Tuesday, February 4th, 2020 @ Sauk Rapids

A "One in Christ" ACC shared website was discussed and will be created showing and linking our four parishes.

Individual church bulletins will remain the same for now.

We are looking into a communication platform, an app, on which our four parishes can share information.

A Community building event, a “Progressive Supper”, is being planned. Its purpose is to introduce and bring our ACC community together.

Our ACC is in support of a request that was made to the Bishop that an additional priest be added to our ACC. It would help us to better serve the 10,000 plus members of our four parishes.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 31st, 2020 at 7:00p.m. at St. Francis Xavier.

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For the People of our Parish

The Area Catholic Community of Mayhew Lake, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, and St. Stephen. Updates for the meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 @ Mayhew Lake.

 

Our ACC Planning Council approved the subcommittees’ proposals for the four elements of Stewardship, RCIA Evangelization, Young Adult and Worship. These four proposals will be submitted to the Diocese for review and approval.

 

A consensus was reached on Mass times.

Annunciation: Sunday 8:00 am

Sacred Heart: Saturday 5 pm and Sunday 10:00 am

St. Francis Xavier: Saturday 5 pm and Sunday10:00 am 

St. Stephen: Saturday 7:00 pm and Sunday 8:00 am

The above Mass time schedule, beginning July 2020, is part of the Worship element that is being submitted to the Diocese for review and approval.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 4th, 2020 at 7:00p.m. at Sacred Heart Church.

-----------------------------------------

The "One in Christ" logo has been selected to represent our Area Catholic Community of Mayhew Lake, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, and St. Stephen.

In the formation of our ACC, Bishop Kettler is asking that we come together and share our strengths and challenges. Then, as an Area Catholic Community, we can address our challenges.

The first four elements that we will work on will be in the areas of:

- Young Adults (ages 18-28) - opportunities for faith formation and growth

- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) - part of Evangelization

- Caring for the Poor - Part of Stewardship

- Worship Schedule - Mass times

 

From within our ACC Planning Council, subcommittees have been formed for each of

the above elements with one representative of each parish on each subcommittee.

We ask all parishioners to please contemplate the four areas: Young Adults, RCIA, Caring for the Poor, and Worship Schedule. Provide your suggestions/feedback to one of your parish representatives. Keep in mind that as an Area Catholic Community our goal is to use our collective strengths to address our collective challenges.

Next meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019 at St. Stephen @ 7:00 p.m.

An Introduction to the Thought of St. Thomas Aquinas: this six-session class will be held at Sacred Heart on Sunday evenings from October 11 through November 15, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Please call JoAnn at 251-8115 to register. There is no cost.

Adult but Not Confirmed?

Did you know that the sacrament of Confirmation is the completion of sacramental initiation into the Catholic Church that begins with Baptism and includes First Communion? Have you completed your sacramental initiation into the Church or is being confirmed still on your “bucket list”?

Perhaps there were circumstances in your life that prevented you from being confirmed with your peers. If so, and you desire Confirmation, you can be part of a group who will gather to study the sacraments and be prepared for Confirmation as an adult.

A few years ago, Bishop Kettler made available an opportunity for adults of our diocese who were not confirmed to prepare in their respective parishes and then attend a celebration of Confirmation of Adults at the Cathedral of St. Mary on the Eve of Pentecost each year.

Our bishop presides at this very meaningful celebration of the sacrament.

Preparation for Confirmation may vary depending on the need of the candidate and will begin after the first of the year. Any adult in our One in Christ ACC who has not been confirmed is invited and welcomed to attend. The celebration at the Cathedral is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 22, 2021.

Please contact any one of our Pastors, Deacons or Pastoral Associate if you are interested. 

We look forward with joy to welcoming adults to full sacramental initiation into our beloved Catholic Church!

CREMATED REMAINS COLLECTION & BURIAL

Do you have cremated remains of a family member in your possession that you would like to have laid to rest in a sacred place? Proper burial helps us grieve and find closure while we show respect for the life and remains of our beloved dead. As a free service to our community and those who have died, the Church of St. Ann in Wadena, MN is collecting cremated remains of deceased members who have not yet been buried. On November 2, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. we will have a Memorial Mass for all the dead, with special prayers for the collected remains.

A private burial of the collected remains will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Our church will absorb the cost of the burial, so this is free to you. Cremated remains must be more than 18 months past date of death, need not be Catholic or from the area, and must be accompanied with paperwork. For more information contact Barb at our church office 218-632-7309 or bpiecek@saintanns.net.

Within our One in Christ ACC we have several ministries that we identify as Outreach. This includes everything from Communion/Visits to the Homebound, Food Shelf Collections, Hospital/Nursing Home Visitors, Grief Groups and Prayerlines to name a few. At a combined meeting last week, we discussed how our parishes might work together, especially regarding common training. As staff we will continue to work on that in the coming months. We know that many are blessed by the Outreach that happens within our parishes when members minister to one another; family, friends, and neighbors. We affirm you for being Christ to one another! It is often only by word of mouth that we at the parish office hear of a newly homebound person or a person in need of companionship.

We would like to encourage and invite all members of our ACC to contact their parish staff if they or someone they know would like a visit from a priest, a staff member, or a fellow parishioner. This may include taking Communion to those who are homebound or may just be a visit to someone who is lonely and in need of conversation. Please contact these staff members who will then be sure a visit is made:

St. Stephen - Carol Hellmann – 320-251-1520

Annunciation – Shirley Scapanski– 320-259-4941

Sacred Heart - Deacon Joe Kresky – 320-251-8115

St. Francis Xavier – Deb Rudolph – 320-252-1363

Please know that in light of COVID 19 we are somewhat restricted in making in-person visits to those in the hospital and long-term care settings, and we recognize that some of you may not be ready for in-person visits to your homes at this time. We will respect those concerns and seek other ways we can connect with and support you. In the meantime, may we as a Catholic community continue our practice of being Christ to one another. It is a beautiful way to live our shared commitment as followers of Jesus Christ.

SFX is seeking successors for two Council members. The Council acts as an advisory board and meets monthly, nine times a year (no meeting in December, July or August). Terms are for three years. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, please call Adam Vonderahe at 320-252-1363 by October 14. All nominees will be contacted and invited to the meeting on October 22, after which they may discern their interest in joining the Council. Names will be drawn to determine the two successors.

2020 Franny Fest Results

Income:

Cash Raffle Prizes $ 9,225.00

Raffle Ticket Sales $30,631.00

Silent Auction Sales $ 9,152.00

Franny Flyer Virtual Race $55.00

Household Donations $22,704.00

Quilt Raffle Sales $ 1,908.00

​

Total Income $73,675.00

Expenses:

Raffle Prize Payout $9,225.00

Raffle Ticket Printing and Permit $2,028.05

Silent Auction Expense $ 250.00

Advertising $ 1,276.21

Miscellaneous Expense $ 508.99

​

Total Expense $13,288.25

​

Net Profit $60,386.75

​

Thank you to those who made additional household donations this year, helping to realize a net profit that nearly matched our profit from last year’s festival. Thanks to all who participated and donated in any way of your time, talents and treasure. God bless you!

The SFX Home, School & Spirit Association’s annual wreath and poinsettia sale has begun! This is our primary fundraiser, to help fund many great activities for our school throughout the year. This year's sale is online with the ability for parish members to pick up their items following mass the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of November. Please be sure to include the seller's name at check out if you are purchasing through one of our school families, so they get credit for the sale. Example: Johnson, Sarah. If you do not have a student seller, please enter SFX and select after mass pick up on the sign up genius. https://www.gertensfundraising.com/departments/st--francis-xavier school-85.html Orders need to be completed by 10 PM on Sunday, October 18. Plants/greens will be delivered to the school on Wednesday, November 18. Please use the following link to sign up for a time to pick up your product. If you are purchasing from a specific student, the student/family will be responsible for picking up the product and delivering to you so you will not need to sign up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090449ACAB2BA1FF2-hsswreathpoinsett (right click and open link in a new tab) Thank you for supporting our school! Please contact your fundraiser chair with questions: Sarah Engdahl, 320-309-0687

Greetings from SFX School~

This month’s Fruit of the Spirit focus at SFX is self-control. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 May the power of love flow through in our thoughts, words and actions.

On Wednesday, October 14th, our school prayed the world mission rosary together. A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a rosary traveled from one classroom to another. Each classroom prayed a part of the rosary and reflected on our world and its needs.

The SFX Saints in Service Work-a-Thon is Saturday, October 24, 2020. Staff, students, and parents of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School will volunteer their time and talent to assist senior residents, families in need and those with disabilities in the Sartell community. Volunteers will rake leaves, clear gardens, pickup garbage, sweep sidewalks, stack firewood, or do other small jobs for people who need the extra help for free. Donations can be made to the school in support of the work-a-thon. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.

​

Blessings Bonnie Van Heel, Principal

Fresh vegetables and fruit will be available for pick up on Monday, October 12 around 1pm at Sacred Heart through our partnership with CARE (Community Action Respecting Elders). If you are interested in receiving the produce that is available, please contact Deacon Joe by email or phone. Requests for pick up must be made in advance. There is no fee or financial qualification. jkresky@sacredheartsaukrapids.org or 320-200-4454.

Angels and Demons: What do Scripture and Tradition Say about Them? 
Movies and the Internet show no shortage of information on angels and demons. Bookstores have whole racks devoted to the topic. While much of what we see and read keeps us entertained, the media’s presentation of the spiritual and diabolical worlds is all too often unconnected to the Christian message. In this presentation and in light of Christ’s absolute victory over sin and death, Fr. Michael Patella will outline the Christian understanding of the devil, angels, demons, ghosts, and spirits in Scripture and Tradition. He will also discuss the inherent problems and dangers that arise today with the undue attention many give to the occult. Thursday, October 22, Webinar presentation from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Event is Free. Registration is required (register at least five days in advance of the event); please visit www.collegevilleMN.com/theologyday, call 320-363-3560, or email theologyday@csbsju.edu to register.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love ~Prayer of St. Francis This year’s Saints in Service Work-a-Thon is Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 9-11:00 a.m. Staff, students, and parents of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School will volunteer their time and talent to assist senior residents, families in need and those with disabilities in the Sartell community.

Volunteers will rake leaves, clear gardens, pickup garbage, sweep sidewalks, stack firewood, or other small job for people who need the extra help for free. Check out this week’s bulletin insert for information on how you can request a job or support the work-a-thon.

Blessings, Bonnie Van Heel, Principal

Come together to pray a socially distanced Living Rosary for the end of COVID-19~

​

Sunday, October 25th @ 7pm

Sacred Heart Church, Sauk Rapids

What is a living rosary? A living rosary is when people are used to represent the beads of the rosary. Each person or family leads one prayer of the rosary (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be) and candles are lit as the prayers are said. If you have never experienced the living rosary, this will be a great opportunity to join others in the One in Christ Area Catholic Community in praying for a cause that is on all our hearts. Please visit www.oneinchristacc.org for more information or to sign up to lead one of the prayers. Prayer text will be provided for those who might be nervous. If you would prefer to just come and join in the prayer in the pews, that’s great, too!

Sign up to donate blood on Tuesday, November 10 in the Gathering Place at St. Francis Xavier Church.

To make an appointment or for more info, call or email Greg at 320-250-9137 or schlossergregory@gmail.com.

The water supply has been turned off in the cemetery. As we prepare for winter, we ask that you please clear items off of gravesites and remove pots from plant stands. All items must be removed from the cemetery by November 1st so that nothing ends up getting buried under the snow. Winter burials require snow blowing and hidden objects can damage equipment and be dangerous to workers. Any items left after November 1st will be removed by cemetery personnel and may be discarded. Please note, it is suggested but not required that plant stands be removed. Thank you.
Coats for Kids The Coats for Kids donation box is in the Gathering Place awaiting your donation of winter coats, hats, gloves, etc. which will be distributed to families in need. Donated items should be clean and in good condition (new or gently used). Adult coats may also be donated. If you or someone you know is in need of winter coats or other attire, please call Tom or Ione Jacobs at 320-492-7993 (cell) or 320-252-0126 (home). For more information on the program, please visit the website at: https://www.coats-for-kids.org/

We are currently awaiting the arrival of guidelines from the Diocese of St. Cloud for Faith Formation in parishes during the pandemic. We hope to have a plan in place soon for grades 1-10. Registration materials will be sent to you as soon as the plan is set. Thank you for your patience!

Shelby Vaske, Coordinator of Grades 1-5

Melissa Fox, Coordinator of Grades 6-10

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS:

It is my goal that EVERY student in grades 6-12 is prayed for, by name, everyday for this year. I look forward to telling each of our students that they are being prayed for by name by someone in our parish. What better way to support the youth in our parish as they continue to grow in their faith and also as they start to ask questions about their faith. Each of the envelopes in the gathering area will contain the names and a little information about three students in our parish. One of the greatest hesitations people experience when thinking about becoming a prayer partner is, “I don’t know what to pray for or how to pray.” Enclosed in your envelope will be six months worth of calendars. Each day there will be a short specific prayer to say, if you choose to use it. We ask that you fill out the bottom of the letter, to register as a prayer partner. Then we can mail you your second set of prayer calendars in February, but more importantly, we can hold you in prayer also.

Please prayerfully consider taking an envelope after mass, to become a prayer partner for the youth of our parish. If you would prefer an envelope be mailed to you, you can contact Melissa Fox (320-761-2217) or call the main office, and we will get one in the mail to you!

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS:

It is my goal that EVERY student in grades 6-12 is prayed for, by name, everyday for this year. I look forward to telling each of our students that they are being prayed for by name by someone in our parish. What better way to support the youth in our parish as they continue to grow in their faith and also as they start to ask questions about their faith. Each of the envelopes in the gathering area will contain the names and a little information about three students in our parish. One of the greatest hesitations people experience when thinking about becoming a prayer partner is, “I don’t know what to pray for or how to pray.” Enclosed in your envelope will be six months worth of calendars. Each day there will be a short specific prayer to say, if you choose to use it. We ask that you fill out the bottom of the letter, to register as a prayer partner. Then we can mail you your second set of prayer calendars in February, but more importantly, we can hold you in prayer also.

Please prayerfully consider taking an envelope after mass, to become a prayer partner for the youth of our parish. If you would prefer an envelope be mailed to you, you can contact Melissa Fox (320-761-2217) or call the main office, and we will get one in the mail to you!

AFTERSHOCK MISSION MINISTRY: 

We are implementing a new aspect to Aftershock this year called Mission Ministry. We will provide students who sign up with specific supplies to complete that month's Mission. Supplies can be picked up at Church, during aftershock or even dropped at your door step. We are excited about this and will share our first Mission Ministry activity in August with our young people.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: We will gather on Wednesday, August 19th from 6:30-8:00pm outside on the large grassy area at Church. We will have bingo (and prizes), a corn hole tournament and if the weather is over 80 we will have water balloons. We will maintain social distancing and mask wearing. If it rains our event will be cancelled. Brackets will be made ahead of time for our Corn hole Tournament, so we ask that you and your teammate register ahead of time. Call, email or text Melissa to sign up. (320-761-2217 or youthmin@stfrancissartell.org)

AFTERSHOCK MISSION MINISTRY: We are implementing a new aspect to Aftershock this year called Mission Ministry. We will provide students who sign up with specific supplies to complete that month's Mission. Supplies can be picked up at Church, during aftershock or even dropped at your door step. We are excited about this and will share our first Mission Ministry activity in August with our young people.

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS:

It is my goal that EVERY student in grades 6-12 is prayed for, by name, everyday for this year. I look forward to telling each of our students that they are being prayed for by name by someone in our parish. What better way to support the youth in our parish as they continue to grow in their faith and also as they start to ask questions about their faith. Each of the envelopes in the gathering area will contain the names and a little information about three students in our parish. One of the greatest hesitations people experience when thinking about becoming a prayer partner is, “I don’t know what to pray for or how to pray.” Enclosed in your envelope will be six months worth of calendars. Each day there will be a short specific prayer to say, if you choose to use it. We ask that you fill out the bottom of the letter, to register as a prayer partner. Then we can mail you your second set of prayer calendars in February, but more importantly, we can hold you in prayer also. Please prayerfully consider taking an envelope after mass, to become a prayer partner for the youth of our parish. If you would prefer an envelope be mailed to you, you can contact Melissa Fox (320-761-2217) or call the main office, and we will get one in the mail to you!

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the formal process of bringing adults into full membership in the Catholic Church.

Who is R.C.I.A. for? For adults who have not been baptized or were baptized in another Christian tradition and desire to explore becoming Catholic. In addition, there is a process for families and children.

RCIA is a Parish Initiative - All baptized members are called to evangelize; to invite others to come to know Jesus Christ. The parish community participates by modeling Christian living and praying for participants throughout the process.

Have you ever invited anyone to explore RCIA or to consider membership in the Catholic Church?  Do you know of someone who might be interested? Or is it you? What is involved? Weekly sessions of presentation, study and discussion of Church teaching, structure, Tradition, and sacramental preparation. This most often takes place Fall to Spring culminating in the celebration of the Easter Vigil. How does one get started? You may call or meet in person with anyone of our Pastors, Deacons, Pastoral Associate or a parish contact listed below.

Our One in Christ Area Catholic Community is working together, sharing resources and instructors to serve those interested in knowing more about the Catholic Church.

For the next few weeks, names of interested persons will be gathered. Then a “Meeting of Inquiry” will provide time to gather (in-person or virtually) to pray, answer questions and provide information on how to begin RCIA.

Interested or Have Questions? Contact one of the following: Fr. Ron Weyrens, Fr. Tom Knoblach, Deacon Joe Kresky, Deacon Terry Jancik or Deb Rudolph – Numbers found on page 2. You may also contact:

Jessica Hommerding – St. Stephen – 320-255-0075

Shirley Scapanski – Annunciation – 320-259-

The 40 Days for Life FALL CAMPAIGN is September 23-Nov 1. We will again be doing the VIGIL on the public sidewalk in front of planned parenthood, East St Cloud from 7am-7pm Monday through Friday. WE NEED VIGILERS TO FILL THESE HOURS. You can sign up on their website or contact Judy Haag 320-453-7592 judy4life@meltel.net. Do not park in the planned parenthood parking lot. Instead park on adjacent street or in the St Augustine's parking lot. Thank you to all of our faithful Vigilers. *At this time, we are unable to hold an Opening Rally due to Covid Restrictions. For more information, visit https://40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/stcloud/

The ANNUAL Poor Clare Benefit Tea scheduled for October has been cancelled due to the Corona Virus. For over 70 years, women of the St. Cloud area parishes have hosted this event with the funds raised going to help defray the heating costs at the Monastery.

This event continues to be very important because the Sisters are dependent on the generosity of our community for their livelihood. In return their gratitude is evidenced by the spiritual impact they have had through their silent, prayerful presence in our community. Because of the cancellation of the event, financial donations can be sent directly to the Poor Clare Monastery, 421 South 4th Street, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

Thank you.

Although we were not able to have our normal and customary 5K 10K 1 mile and 1K race this year because of Covid restrictions, we look forward to a fullblown race next September with all of the fanfare and excitement that is the Franny Flyer. See you next September 18, 2021 for the 11th annual Saint Francis Franny Flyer 5K 10K 1 Mile and 1K race!

Thanks, Nick Novak Race Director

To members of our Area Catholic Community,

For decades now, Catholic Charities have relied on members of local parishes to assist them at the Food Shelf.

Volunteers from Sacred Heart support the Food Shelf each year during the month of October and St. Francis Xavier assists in the month of January. We intend to continue this service and invite Annunciation to join Sacred Heart in October and St. Stephen to join St. Francis Xavier in January. The Food Shelf is just now beginning to bring back volunteers since COVID, and is asking for help in the form of Distribution Aides from Sacred Heart/

Annunciation next month.

Volunteers will receive onsite training so they can assist with NO CONTACT distribution. These volunteers will fill shopping carts in an assembly line process and must be able to bend, lift and stand for most of the shift.

There are 2 shifts Wednesdays (2:30-5:15 and 5:00-7:15) and one shift Fridays (8:30-12:15) throughout the month. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Food Shelf is following COVID guidelines, including mandatory wearing of masks. During this time of virus, the Catholic Charities building is locked. Volunteers will enter through Donation Door D and press the "white button" for assistance. There, staff will greet the volunteer and assist with following the agency's COVID policies. This is an opportunity to provide a very real, necessary and meaningful service to others.

Catholic Charities is grateful for our prayers as well as time, talent and treasure. If you are able to volunteer in October, or have any questions at all, please contact Peggy Weber 259-7841

When it comes to racial bridge-building for white people, there is a lot of focus on listening to and learning from people of color. But there's also some important internal work that white people need to do as well. When white people don't understand some of the basic tenets of whiteness, it's hard to fully engage in the work of racial reconciliation. The Social Justice Concerns Committee invites you to be part of a 6-week series to understand more deeply what shapes and forms who we are. We will focus on the Four W's of white supremacy, white fragility, white identity and white privilege.

The 6-week series will be done over Zoom. We will "meet" on six Sundays from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm starting October 25th. We will use a resource from Be the Bridge that you can download and print at home.  If you do not have a way to do that, please contact one of the people listed below.  Cost is $10 and you can go to the "Be the Bridge" website at https://bethebridge.com/btb101/  to pay and download the booklet.

Please register for this series. Once you sign up you will get the Zoom link.  To register go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094facae2aa7f58-bethebridge

For more information contact Ken Wendinger at 320-251-2774 or Molly Weyrens 763-389-2115 or email stfrancissjcc@gmail.com.

Due to COVID-19, some restrictions remain in place for visiting patients at St. Cloud Hospital. In order to have clergy or volunteers visit, family members need to make a request to the Spiritual Care staff to have a pastoral visit from community members. At this time, we are not able simply to stop in and check the Chaplain's List as in the past. Thus, if a loved one is hospitalized and you would like a pastoral visit, please let the hospital chaplains know and they will contact us to arrange it. We apologize for this inconvenience as we seek to safeguard the health and safety of patients and staff. Thank you!

These are offered by the Social Concerns Committee to help us all understand more about the reality of living with homelessness in Central MN.

"Finally the weather broke, reducing the need for our neighbors outside to call for emergency help.

One new couple went to the woods in Sartell and needed sleeping bags. And one woman left the woods in town and doubled up in a friend’s apartment. One woman and disabled son living in her car needed gas to stay warm, as did another man also living in his car. We distributed six 20 lb tanks of propane, and eleven gas cards this week. Gas cards were for both heating and reimbursements for those giving rides. The warmer weather also allowed us to resume the furniture program, and we had six pickups and eleven deliveries. We are in need of beds, dressers, and pots and pans. On the challenging side our folks have been hit with an outbreak of influenza A. Many are going to the ER."

To offer assistance contact Harry Fleegel: 612-868-0465

The Central MN Catholic Worker is helping to provide food for those who have been experiencing homelessness and are now sheltering in place in a hotel in St. Joe. Groceries are purchased each week and several meals are prepared. If you would like to volunteer, email Molly Weyrens at centralmncw@gmail.com. If you would like to donate, you can make out checks to Central MN Catholic Worker and send to P.O. Box 94, St. Joseph, MN 56374. Thanks for your support!

Dear Women of the Parish,

Every women of the parish, age 18 or older, is invited to consider joining the St. Monica Christian Women organization of our parish. This organization has been active since the parish was established back in 1949. We meet on the third Tuesday of the month beginning in September through May. However we do not usually meet in December or January. So as you can see, there are only about seven meetings a year. We hold various events throughout the year including our annual Craft Sale, the Poor Clare’s Tea fuel fund collection for the Poor Clair Sisters, BINGO in the fall and spring, collection of personal care items for Anna Marie Alliance, diaper drives, rose sale for local pro life groups, and will occasionally have guest speakers attend our meeting. We come together to pray and support each other and help raise funds to support those in need, both within our community and throughout the world.

We will begin our new year and have our first meeting on Tuesday, September 17 at 6:30 pm in Xavier Hall. We will begin our meeting in prayer and discuss what we have planned, so far, as an organization. Because we have had the summer off, this first meeting will primarily be a business meeting but will also be a great opportunity to visit with guests and catch up with each other on how their summer has been.

We invite all current members and those interested in joining us to watch for a Membership Enrollment Form in the bulletin on the weekend of September 8. Instead of mailing to only the current members, we want to invite everyone to consider becoming a part of this great group of women.

So, bring a friend, your ideas, any questions and make plans to attend.

Blessings on your days ahead.

Aggie Schulte, Linda Kmitch and Lisa Kirchner, CW officers

Please consider making a gift to our St. Francis Xavier Catholic School Endowment Fund. Your gift to the Endowment is a way to ensure all children seeking a Catholic education at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School are able to attend. Gifts of appreciated mutual funds shares, stocks or other assets can provide some wonderful tax benefits to you. Share your blessing at this time of year by giving a gift that keeps on giving! Please call Adam Vonderahe in the parish office at 320- 252-1363 (ext. 1105) to make a gift.

We need all of our registered parishioners to contribute financially to

the parish if we are to continue to provide the current

level of service in our school, faith formation program

and parish ministries, as well as maintain and improve

the campus facilities. Our Catholic Faith calls us to share

the many gifts God has given each one of us, and we do

that in a very powerful way every day throughout our

parish community.

To that end, I encourage you to consider signing up to

make electronic contributions and automate your weekly,

bi-weekly or monthly contributions. You can control your

own account by visiting stfrancissartell.org and click on

the red Donate/Payments button at the top of the page.

Read about ways to donate, and then click to donate

online. On the right side of the new webpage, choose

Log-In and enter your email address and password or

select Create Your Online Profile if you have never

created one. Once logged in, you can set up new or edit

your scheduled transactions. You can also update credit

card and bank information. Remember, using your bank

account as your payment method is safe and secure,

there is no additional cost to you, and it helps the parish

avoid paying the associated 3% transaction cost in

credit card processing fees.

If you prefer, paper authorization forms are included as

a stuffer in this bulletin and are always available at the

kiosk and in the entrances to the Gathering Place.

Complete the form to start new electronic contributions or

to make changes to your existing contributions. Return

the form by mail or drop off in the parish office, or drop

in the collection basket during weekend mass. Call the

parish office at 320-252-1363 if you have any

questions.

Finally, I understand that many parishioners prefer to use

their contribution envelopes and drop those in the

collection basket at mass. This is a long-standing

tradition for them and we support that method. There is,

however, a cost to the parish to print and mail over

1,800 sets of weekly and special envelopes (roughly

$10-11,000/year), so if you do not use or do not wish

to receive these envelopes, please let Becky in the parish

office know. Thank you!