News & Events

2023 Bishop’s Annual Appeal

In this first week of Advent, please remember the diocesan ministries that, through your generosity, continue to build the Kingdom of God here in Central Minnesota. Please keep them thriving by making a gift at www.stcdio.org/annualappeal

2ND ANNUAL ADVENT FOR ALMSGIVING

Week 2 (Dec. 5-Dec. 11) PB & J, Breakfast Bars
Week 3 (Dec. 12-Dec. 18) Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta, Mac & Cheese cups
Week 4 (Dec. 19-Dec. 24) Canned or Dry Soup, Ramen Noodles

75TH ANNIVERSARY COOKBOOK

If you didn't get a chance to purchase the cookbook at the festival, they will be for sale in the parish office and for sale after both masses this weekend. Books are $15 each. You may also contact the committee members listed and arrange to purchase one! They will make a wonderful birthday, anniversary, bridal shower gift or if your shopping early; a Christmas gift!!
Marlyce Plante: 320-339-6166 Email: marlylou0814@gmail.com
Connie Pogatshnik: 320-250-7382 Email: raycon56@yahoo.com
Dianne Gruber: 320-248-7352 Email: dianne.gruber8954@gmail.com
Diane Corcoran: 320-291-2650 Email: tdcorcoran@charter.net
Jan Morisette: 320-249-9309 Email: bill1jan@charter.net

A PLACE OF HOPE THANK YOU

Thank you for your support to donate a meal in the month of July to the Place of Hope. Check out next weeks bulletin for our August meal. We are still looking for teams to serve the meal. Please contact Sandee Kremers at 320-252-1363 ext. 403 or by email at skremers@stfrancissartell.org.

ADORATION UPDATE

We are so excited to welcome so many new adoration chapel captains! We are specifically looking to add some men to our committee, so if you have been feeling called to commit to an hour of prayer or to help with supporting the chapel by being
a captain – please contact Nicky Carlson: ncarlson@taocatholic.org. Here are our most urgent hours of need:
Monday 1-2AM,
Tuesday 4-5AM,
Wednesday 11PM,
Thursday 7AM.
If you are interested in committing to an hour that is not listed – please email Nicky. Many of our adorers would appreciate a prayer partner so that if one of you cannot make it due to illness, other commitment, etc – you have a built in sub. Also, if your schedule does not permit you to commit to a specific hour, but you would like to be able to spend time with Jesus in the chapel – please reach out to find out more about our perpetual adoration chapel. Thank you! -

“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

ADVENT DAY OF REFLECTION

Join the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls for an “Advent Day of Reflection,” on Saturday, December 2, from 9 am to 3 pm at St. Francis Convent in Little Falls. The day of reflection will explore what it means that Jesus came to earth and lived as a human, and will be presented by Sr. Ade Kroll O.S.F. Lunch will be provided. There is no fee, but donations are accepted. Please register by Nov. 30 at chartwell@fslf.org or 320.632.0680.

ALASKAN MISSION TRIP

One in Christ will be going on a mission trip to Alaska on July 20th-26th, 2024. High schoolers and adults are invited to join us as we build solidarity with our Alaskan brothers and sisters. The cost is yet to be determined. An informational meeting will be on December 12th at 6:30 pm at Sacred Heart. Please contact Dcn Joe Kresky at 320-292-4857 or Karen Handeland at 320-761-5155 for more information.

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING

Any youth in the fourth grade or older is invited to be an altar server here at St. Francis Xavier. In order to be a server, you must participate in a training session. The next session will be on Monday, December 11 at 4:45pm and 6:30pm. Each training will last about one hour. You will be able to indicate which Mass you would like to serve at. Either at the Saturday, 4pm or Sunday, 9:30am. Please call the parish office at 320-252-1363 to let us know you will be attending the training. Hope to see you there!

ANOINTING MASSES AT SFX

Anointing will be after Masses the weekend of December 2 & 3 at SFX. Catholics, both children and adults, who are seriously ill, facing surgery, or experiencing the weakness that comes with old age, should see this sacrament. Those with serious , chronic mental or physical illness may also receive the anointing of the sick.

All Women of St. Francis...

All women of the parish are invited to be part of this organization. If you are interested in hearing more about who we are, what we do and how often we meet, please contact Aggie at 320-252-1417 or make plans to attend our first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, September 20 at 6:30 PM in our parish gathering place. Please consider becoming a member

BAKERS NEEDED

We are inviting you to bake your favorite Christmas Candy & Cookies for the upcoming Christmas Candy & Cookie Sale Saturday, December 2, 9:00 am - Noon. Place your items in a covered container, label items if nuts, etc. bring Bake Sale items to Gathering Place on Friday, December 1st from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm or Saturday, December 2nd from 7:30- 8:30 am. Candy & Cookies will be displayed on tables for customers
to choose their favorites. Customers will be charged $8.00 per pound.
Thank you so much for your help and generosity! Your gifts of time, talent and treasure are greatly appreciated.

BELLS OF THE HEART

Bells of the Heart is welcoming new members. Playing in a handbell choir is a great way to have fun, socialize, and to learn new things. Playing handbells is easiest when you have prior experience reading music or playing an instrument. New ringers will be paired with experienced ringers. Students in grade 6 and older are welcome to join with a parent or guardian who will also ring bells. The choir is based out of Sacred Heart Parish but is open to all members of our Area Catholic Community as space allows. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings, and we play for Mass at SH approximately once a month. Contact Sarah Woeste at 320-251-8115 x116 for more information.

BIRTHLINE PRESENTATION

YOU’RE INVITED!!! Come to hear the Executive Director of Elevate (Formerly Birthline) speak about the current challenges the agency faces and how you can help. The presentation will precede the regular 5:30 pm Mass, beginning at 4:30 pm, Tuesday, December 5th in the Parish Hall at Sacred Heart Church in Sauk Rapids. All Are Welcome!!! This presentation is sponsored by the St. Monica’s Society of Sacred Heart.

BREAKFAST & BAKE SALE

All are welcome to Mayhew Lake for Breakfast and a Christmas bake sale after Mass on Sunday, December 3, put on by our Religious Education students. Breakfast served from 9:15am—10:00am.

BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS

As we get ready to start another busy year of activities, we know space in the bulletin will start to get tight. With that in mind, we have a few requests for bulletin submissions. 1) Have your submissions for the community pages written out and to Jill Lieser in the office (by Monday at 8am for the bulletin being published that coming weekend. For example, for the October 7th/8th bulletin, community page submissions should be in by October 2nd. 2) Be brief. Paragraphs of details makes it hard to fit all submissions in. If your submission is lengthy, it may be edited for length. Please make sure there is a contact for additional information. 3) Let us know how long you would like the submission to run for. If it is in the bulletin for multiple weeks, we may need to pull it out for a week or two to allow room for new submissions. We will always try to run it again as the end date approaches.

Bible in a Year

In
The Bible in a Year
podcast,
Fr. Mike Schmitz
walks you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, providing commentary, reflection, and prayer along the way.
Listen and…Read the ENTIRE Bible, Feel more confident about your understanding of Scripture, experience the transformative power of God’s Word in your daily life, start seeing the world through the lens of Scripture.


Even if you did it last year! Do it again!
You will be blessed!

CEMETERY NEWS

It is coming to that time of the year when items in the cemetery need to be removed. Over the winter months decorations can blow all over and if covered in snow can be a hazard if a winter burial is needed. Gravesites are cleared with a snowblower and hidden debris/items can cause issues or damage machines. The plant stands can remain, but please pull all pots and other decorations from the gravesites by November 1st. Items remaining after that date will be removed and discarded.

CEMETERY WREATHS

Attention those with loved ones at Assumption, Calvary, and Sacred Heart Cemeteries:
CHRISTMAS: Only Wreaths will be allowed from November 15th through to January 3rd.
Wreath stands are available (while supplies last). You can pick up a stand at the outside of the Assumption Cemetery office building or you can supply your own. Be sure to secure the wreath to the stand. All wreaths and stands not removed by January 3rd will be removed and disposed of by the Cemetery grounds crew. If you have any questions please call the Cemetery office at, 320-251-5511.

CHURCH CLEANING

Looking for helpers...Thursday, December 21st 2:00pm is set for the cleaning day and time. All should be completed by 4:00pm at the latest. We generally get enough helpers that work is completed in about an hour, so come and share some time as you are able—30 minutes or an hour or longer if you wish or until the work is done. We have the supplies here, bring your own rubber gloves if you prefer. Thanks for helping make our church shine for Christmas! Call Tom in the parish office (320-252-1363) for more details.

COFFEE & COMMUNITY

Please join us for 1st Wednesday Coffee & Rolls on Wednesday, December 6, after the 8 am Mass.

Catholic Charities Food Shelf

Drop off for cash or food items will be the 2nd weekend of the month throughout the year at Sacred Heart and Annunciation.

Central MN Catholic Magazine

Have you read The Central Minnesota Catholic magazine? Do you follow the Diocese of St. Cloud on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or Instagram? Have you visited the diocesan websites for resources? All of these communication tools that inform us of the latest Catholic news are supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Keep the news coming by contributing at www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.

DIOCESAN FESTIVAL OF FAMILIES

A NEW Diocesan event designed specifically for families!! On February 11, at Sacred Heart Sauk Rapids, the day will include a free carnival, parent sessions, a children’s session, a teen session, Mass with Bishop Neary, and much more!! Register at: https://stcdio.org/events/festival-offamilies/

DIOCESAN TV MASS

Viewers in the St. Cloud Diocese can watch the Mass on KSTC-45 at 11am each Sunday via cable, satellite or antenna (check your cable provider for channel number). Charter Communication airs the Mass on Channel 17.

ELECTRONIC GIVING AND YEAR END GIFTS

As the end of the year is getting closer, many people begin thinking of year end gifts. Please keep St. Francis Xavier in mind for your charitable donations. For those who quality, IRA roll-overs can possibly have some tax advantages. Please see your financial advisor or accountant for such possibilities. Another way to give regularly is by electronic giving. That can be set up for weekly, monthly or quarterly donations. Even one time gifts if you so choose. Go to the parish webite https:// www.stfrancissartell.org/ and click on the DONATE button. It is easy to set up! Thank you for your commitment and generous support of St. Francis Xavier and our parish ministries.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Need help paying your Energy Bills? Greater Minnnesota Gas, Inc. (GMG) would like to remind residential homeowners or renters of the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). This federally funded program helps pay for home heating costs, may assist with furnace repairs and could offer energy efficiency home upgrades for income qualified customers. Please call 1-800-657-3710 for Assistance. If you have any questions, please call us from 8:00 am –4:30 pm Monday—Friday.

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS EVENTS-POSTPONED

It is with great regret that, due to a serious medical issue in Dr. Timothy O'Malley's family, the Diocese of St. Cloud is postponing the "Becoming Eucharist" Congress events slated for Sept. 8-9. Plans are in the works to reschedule Dr. O'Malley's visit at a later time. Information will be shared as soon as it is available. Please continue to pray for all to experience renewed love of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Visit stcdio.org/eucharistic-revival for more Eucharistic Revival resources, events and information.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER SUBSTITUTES

"With cold & flu season upon us please remember to wash your hands often, cover your cough, and stay home if you are ill. Liturgical ministers should arrange for a substitute if they are experiencing symptoms."

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

**Please watch for Bishop Neary’s Pastoral Letter on the Eucharist coming in Advent.** the Eucharistic Revival “I ask to be buried next to a tabernacle, so that my bones, after death, as my tongue and pen in life, are saying to those who pass: There is Jesus! There He is! Do not let him be abandoned!” — Manuel Gonzales Garcia, Patron of the Eucharistic Revival
—To find out more about Manuel Gonzales Garcia and the Eucharistic Revival, visit the Diocese of St. Cloud Website at https://stcdio.org/eucharistic-revival/
EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL – Mass of Remembrance

Part of the goal of the Eucharistic Revival is to rekindle a living Relationship with the Lord, specifically, calling people into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. In light of that, the local Revival team designed an Advent prayer journal for 2023.
—To print out your copy of this Advent Prayer Journal, visit the Diocese of St. Cloud Website at https://stcdio.org/eucharistic-revival/

Electronic and Online Giving

A good way to make regular Sunday offerings is through electronic giving. This can be done through bank account debits or by charging your credit card. Contributions can be made weekly, bi-weekly or monthly – whatever works best for your records and budget. Electronic giving forms are available in the entryways to the gathering place, the kiosk located by the coat room, or in the parish office. Please contact business manager Tom Offerdahl at 320-252-1363, ext. 1105 or email toffedahl@stfrancissartell.org to learn more.
Thank you to all who support St. Francis Xavier – your gifts are a blessing!

FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS FOR SALE

Fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate bars and hot chocolate mixes will be available for sale after Mass this weekend.
There are a few different coffee roasts – some whole bean, some ground and a decaf option as well. Coffee, tea and chocolate make great gifts for the Easter basket!

FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED FOR PLACE OF HOPE

The Church of St. Francis will be collecting food for one meal a month at A Place of Hope. We will need enough food to feed 200 hundred people. In the month of June we will be donating a meal of:
Roast Beef
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Green Beans
Fruit Salad
Bars
Milk
We will need cash donations for Roast Beef, Milk, Bars and Whipped Cream. You can pick up envelopes at the door or on the tables in the Gathering Space for Cash Donations. Please place your donation in the envelope and put in the offering basket or drop off in the Parish Office. Make sure the envelope is sealed and has Outreach Ministries and A Place of Hope on the sealed envelope.
We are looking for donation of:
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Gravy Mix
Green Beans
Fruit Cocktail
If we can get enough volunteer teams SFX can serve a
meal at A Place of Hope. Please put together your
team and then contact Sandee Kremers at
320-252-1363 x403.

FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM

Calling all volunteers age 55+!! You have many opportunities to make a difference in the life of a child at local schools, childcare centers or KIDSTOP programs.
Help children succeed!
*Only 260 hours per year
*Tax-free Stipend
*Travel reimbursement
*Training provided
Contact Sue at 320-229-4589 Linda (Vouk) Midas at 223-0409 or email Sue at sue.feliciano@ccstcloud.org for more information.

FRANCISCAN OPEN HOUSE

You’re invited to an Advent Open House at the Franciscan Welcoming House on Tuesday, December 5, from 5-7 pm. The Welcoming House is located at 1600 11th Avenue South in St. Cloud. Refreshments and good conversations will be served! Make plans to join us! Questions? Contact Sr. Michelle at mlallier@fslf.org

GATHERING IN THE ARTS ART SHOW

Sunday, February 11, 2024, 1-4pm Gathering Place Artists and Crafters! Are you interested in joining our art/ craft fair? For information, contact Geri Blais at 320-255-7009

GATHERING IN THE ARTS THANK YOU

Thank you for your contribution to the success of the 2023 Bling Sale.
Maybe you donated items, volunteered your time before, during or after, or attended the Bling Sale. A special thank you to the community that attended the sale by purchasing items for yourself or a special someone. The estimated total of the Bling sale is $5,400.00. Your generosity is very much appreciated.
The Gathering in the Arts Board

GIVING TREE

The giving tree is back again! Take a tag and buy a gift for those in need. Tap the tag to the bag and return by December 10. Thank you for your continued generosity.

Grief Support Group CHANGE IN SCHEDULE!

The Grief Group will meet again starting in August on the 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY of the month. All are welcome! Any questions please contact Sandee Kremers at 320-252-1363 x403 or skremers@stfrancissartell.org.

HOMELESS HELPING HOMELESS

Homeless Helping Homeless provides lunch and snacks to over 60 people every day of the week at Lake George and 20 at Lincoln Center (outside). We need food that is individually packaged such as granola bars, fruit cups, ramen noodles, tuna packets, canned pasta with pull tabs, bananas, nuts, oranges, mac and cheese cups, beef sticks, individual cereal cups and peanut butter, water, juice boxes, nuts. You can help by bringing any of the above food items to the Lake George fountain, 401 10th Ave S. any day from 11 am to 1 PM OR to the Lincoln Center 630 Lincoln Ave. SE St Cloud. If you prefer, you may send a monetary donation to Homeless Helping Homeless PO Box 475, St Cloud, MN 56302. If you would like to volunteer, call 612-868-0465 or stop by. These are children of God living in our community who are currently suffering. As Christians we express our concern by sharing some of what God has blessed us with. Prayerfully consider what role God is calling you to be or do. Thank you!

HOSPITAL VISITS

If you are in the hospital or know someone who is, you can ask the nurse to have the hospital chaplain visit you. Chaplains are there to serve your spiritual needs, and if you wish they can contact the parish and let us know you are in the hospital.

Helping Hands Outreach

Helping Hands Outreach
Senior Dining - Wednesday’s at The Rusty Nail at noon followed by cards. Cost-$6.00 per meal. Feet First Clinic - Call Helping Hands to set up an appointment. 320-746-9960.

In Home Communion

If you are interested in receiving communion in your home or you know of someone who might be interested, please contact Sandee Kremers x1103 or skremers@stfrancissartell.org

Join the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus are a men’s fraternal organization that stand by the principals of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Bishop Trobec Council 5276—Sartell, St. Stephen, and St. Wendell is active in our communities. We support vocations, family, pro-life and those in need. Recent donations include cash for the St. Stephen Parish Festival and the Franny Flyer 5k/10k/1 mile and Kids 1k Fun Run, donations to youth groups at both parishes, and more. You see the KC’s helping with hospitality and serving food at youth events. To learn more contact Grand Knight Adam Fasen (320-282-7083), Tom Offerdahl(320-290-3228), or any other Knight you may know.

MENS GROUP INVITE

Present members are encouraging other adult males to experience a monthly mens spirituality group that gathers the first Thursday of the month from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Inspiration is primarily drawn from daily meditations by Fr. Richard Rohr (CAC.org). An opportunity is provided to share their relationship with God as well. Confidentiality and accepting everyone where they are is important. This can be a perfect New Years resolution! For more information leave a message for Al Lawrence at 493-8607.

ONE IN CHRIST ACC SHIRTS/HATS

We have One in Christ ACC shirts and hats in stock! We have a few of the gray crew neck shirts left in sizes L-2XL. We also have the new blue shirts with white ACC logo in both crew neck and V-neck. Shirts and hats are $15 each. If you are interested, call or stop by your parish office.

OUTDOOR AED CABINET AT ST. FRANCIS

St. Francis Xavier has one AED in the church and one AED inside the school. However, they are not available 24/7. The outdoor AED cabinet would be placed by the playground and athletic fields so there is quick access anytime. We encourage you to make a donation online or send a check to Advocate for Health at 4067 Pine Point Road, Sartell, MN 56377. The online donation link is https://www.givemn.org/story/Stfrancischurch.

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name He may give you. This I command you: love one another."
John 15 16-17
Do you know of someone who is homebound and would like to receive a visit and Eucharist?
Do you know of someone who has been deployed or is in the military who would like to receive correspondence?
Or are you interested in doing homebound visits or corresponding with our active military?
Please contact Sandee Kremers as we continue to grow our Outreach Ministries. 320-252-1363 x1103

One in Christ Area Catholic Community (ACC) planning council

The One in Christ Area Catholic Community (ACC) planning council is looking for new members. Some members of this council have been serving for the past 3 years and their terms will be ending in December. The ACC council, with representatives from all 4 parishes, works to collaborate in providing for the needs of all the parishes in order to re-energize parishioners so all parishes can thrive. Please consider serving on this council as a representative from your parish. Contact your pastor if you are interested. Check out our website, www.oneinchristacc.org for more information.

PERPETUAL ADORATION

Are you being called to spend time with the Lord in a beautiful and peaceful way? There are many opportunities to pray before the Blessed Sacrament and spend time with Jesus. The Saint Anthony’s Chapel is the only perpetual adoration chapel in town. We are especially in need of nocturnal adorers. Here are the most urgent hours: Sun 11pm-4am and Friday 12am-5am. If you could cover 1-2 of these hours, please contact Nicky Carlson to sign up at nicolechristine789@gmail.com or text 320- 304-4199.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you-1 Peter 5:7

PLACE OF HOPE

St. Francis Xavier is scheduled the 4th Tuesday of the month starting in October to prepare, serve and clean up for a meal at Place of Hope. The dates for the year are as follows – 10/24, 11/28, 12/26, 1/23, 2/27, 3/26, 4/23, 5/28. We will start to prepare the meal at SFX and will finish the preparations at Place of Hope. We will need some adults to leave SFX at 3 pm and then we will need to pick up youth at 3:45 pm to help us finish preparing, serve and clean up. We will return to SFX at approximately 6:45 pm. We will need 10 people per date, and we will always need 3 adults per meal for chaperoning. We will take 6-12th graders with us or any age if accompanied by an adult. Contact Sandee Kremers at 320-252-1363 x403 or skremers@stfrancissartell.org with any questions or to sign up.
We will still bring a meal in September but will not prepare, serve, and clean up. Look for more details next week on our September meal. Cash donations are always welcome to help us with the costs. All One in Christ Catholic Community are invited to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if interested.

Remember in your prayers...

Remember in your prayers the family of Allie Roering who passed away May 4, from St. Francis Xavier and Sharon Larson who passed away April 8th from Sacred Heart Eternal Rest grant unto them and let perpetual light shine upon them.

SING FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

Christmas Eve 4pm Mass—Children from the parish in grades 3-6 are invited to sing at the Christmas Eve 4:00pm Liturgy. Rehearsal will be December 10 & 17 following the 9:30 Mass. Send email to Jacque Windschitl at jwindschitl@sfx61.org if you child is interested.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Some give by going to the missions, Some give by giving to the missions, without both, there are no missions.
Diocese of Fairbanks, Alaska

The Social Justice Committee from St. Francis Xavier is serving lunch at the Lincoln Center on February 25. Please consider donating fixings for chili for this lunch. We will need onions, celery, chili beans, and canned tomatoes. Call Carol at 282-5976 if you’d like to donate.

ST. CLOUD AREA RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE FOR ADVENT

St. Michael; Tuesday, December 5 @ 6pm
Holy Spirit; Tuesday, December 12 @ 6:30pm
St. Francis Xavier; Tuesday, December 12 @ 7pm
Sacred Heart; Thursday, December 14 @ 6:30pm
St. Peter; Saturday, December 16 @ 1pm
St. Augustine; Sunday, December 17 @ 2pm
St. Anthony; Monday, December 18 @ 6:30pm
St. Mary’s Cathedral; Tuesday, December 19 @ 6:30pm

ST. NICHOLAS TO VISIT SFX

St. Nicholas to Visit St. Francis Xavier at Masses and Gathering Place.
Saturday, & Sunday December 2nd & 3rd .
Stop by the Gathering Place after Mass to receive a Candy Cane & take a family photo.

ST. NICHOLAS TO VISIT SFX

St. Nicholas to Visit St. Francis Xavier at Masses in the Gathering Place. Saturday & Sunday, December 2nd & 3rd Stop by the Gathering Place after Mass to receive a candy cane and take a family photo.

ST. ROSE OF LIMA ROSARY GROUP

The St. Rose of Lima Rosary group meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month form 9:00-11:00 in Xavier Hall. Learn to make rosaries and all of the supplies are provided. Easy to learn, we will teach you! All rosaries are donated to missions around the world. Questions, call Nita Davis at 214-455-4301.

STEWARDSHIP

“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” - Mark 13:33

We all take things for granted. In particular, we take time for granted. We make our lives too busy. We plan our days, weeks, months, even years in advance. Remember, our time on earth is a gift. None of us knows how long we will be here. Start today and begin thanking God for each and every day. Take time in silence, every day, and listen to how God is calling you right now to help build His kingdom on earth.

SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY

How Do I Live as a Christian in the Midst of a Pagan
Culture? Join us for a Bible study on First Corinthians at the St. Stephen Church Hall at 7:00 pm on the following Sundays: November 5, 12, 19; December 3; January 14, 21, 28; February 18, 25 and March 3, 10. Please call the St. Stephen parish office (320-251-1520) to register by September 30 so materials can be ordered. Cost: $30. Questions call Julie Gillen at 320-248-6823.

SUNDAY CELEBRATION IN THE ABSENCE OF A PRIEST

SCAP—-What is SCAP? It stands for Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest. As part of our One In Christ ACC goals work with the Worship Committee, and prompted by some near misses during the COVID months, we researched how we would respond if the scheduled celebrant for a weekend Mass was suddenly not available due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, the assembly was already gathering for worship, and there was no time to find a substitute. in the Absence of a Priest.
As part of our One In Christ ACC goals work with the Worship Committee, and prompted by some near-misses during the COVID months, we researched how we would respond if the scheduled celebrant for a weekend Mass was suddenly not available due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, the assembly was already gathering for worship, and there was no time to find a substitute.
Using the existing Rite for such celebrations, and adapting it to our settings, the deacons and several lay persons from our ACC parishes have recently had training for leading Sunday worship with Communion if the situation occurs. Though the Rite would include the day's readings and Communion with the Hosts reserved in the tabernacle, the Rite is intentionally different in various ways from Mass to avoid confusion and foster the importance of praying for priestly vocations.
Should this situation occur, we will do our best to communicate the lack of Mass at a given parish as best as we can, announce and post door signs that include the location of other Masses in the area, and provide a meaningful and approved celebration of the Word and of Holy Communion for those who cannot reasonably attend another church. In such circumstances beyond a person's control, the Sunday obligation is suspended for that day. As noted above, it is our fervent hope that we will never pull this off the shelf, but it's wise to be ready.
Communication methods will be our next focus in this effort. It has also prompted us to consider best ways to reach our parishioners in general where we can do better to keep you informed, inspired, and engaged. The months during COVID when public Masses were not available, we experienced what a central place the Eucharist plays . In these times of the national Eucharistic Revival, your prayers for vocations are especially welcome and valuable.

Small Groups

We are looking at possibly starting Small Groups that would be based off of this podcast. If interested, please contact Sandee Kremers @ ext. 1103.

The Creed – a Study of Catholic Faith with Bishop Robert Barron

“I believe in one God,” we say each weekend. What does that really mean? Where does that clunky word “consubstantial” come from? What is “the resurrection of the body?”
You are invited to a six-week series on The Creed, newly produced by Word on Fire Ministries and presented by Bishop Barron. Each session will watch a segment of the video series (about 45-50 minutes) followed by discussion and faith-sharing. There is no cost, but a free will offering will be accepted to cover the cost of the study guides (valued at $15).
You can watch the first session online for free at https://creed.wordonfire.org/creed-series

Theology on Draft

Save the date for Thursday, December 14th for Theology on Draft! We’ll be at Bad Habit Brewery in St. Joe from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. All are welcome!

VOLUNTEER

CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital is currently accepting applications for volunteers of all ages. Youth may begin volunteering as soon as they are 14 years of age. Volunteers serve as warm and friendly ambassadors for the Saint Cloud Hospital and all CentraCare by supporting staff and patients through a variety of tasks throughout our facilities. Please contact Volunteer Services at (320) 255-5638 for more information or apply online at www.centracare.com/volunteer. We hope to hear from you!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Homebound Ministers

We are looking for a few of YOU to answer the call to bring JOY to our Homebound parishioners. Might you be interested in bringing Eucharist and a friendly smile to someone? Please contact Sandee Kremers for more information.

WORD & COMMUNION MINISTERS NEEDED for Edgewood

We are looking for volunteers who might be interested in becoming a Word & Communion Leader at Edgewood. We need a minister who is available the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 am. Training provided. Its a wonderful gift to be able to bring the Eucharist to those who are in the Assisted Living & Memory Care Units

YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

Only a few more weeks remaining in the Young Adult Needs Assessment!! Your voice plays a vital role in ensuring we are listening and meeting your needs along with the needs of others when we consider ministry with Young Adults. If you are a young adult aged 18-39, please take the time to complete this 10-15 minute assessment. If you feel inclined, we also encourage you to share this assessment with your family and friends. Your submission will remain anonymous unless you leave your contact information for a follow-up.
If you are having difficulty completing the form, have any questions, or would prefer an in-person conversation, please contact Jason Prigge, Young Adult Minister for One in Christ, for any assistance.

YOUTH MINISTRY HAPPENINGS

Sunday, December 10—Service Sunday in Xavier Hall. Light lunch will be served and we will be working on seatbelt covers for cancer patients at CentraCare. Looking for some adults with sewing machines that will be willing to help out with this project. More details will be shared in Flocknote.

Sunday, December 10– TREMOR from 6-7:30 in the SFX Gathering Place.

Wednesday, December 20 - Aftershock for grades 6-12 from 6:30-8:30pm in the gathering place.

Thursday, December 28 (4pm) - Friday, December 29 (5am) - Lock in for grades 9-12 @ SFX. Registration deadline for this event is Wednesday, December 20. More details to come.

Young Adult Bible Study

Join us on Thursday, December 7th from 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Sacred Heart as we study the Acts of the Apostles. All are welcome to join the conversation!

Young Adult Christmas Gathering

All young adults (18-39) and kids are welcome to join in a Christmas open house at St. Stephen on Sunday, December 17th. You can either join us for 10 am Mass or come at 11 am for cookie baking, fellowship, Christmas activities, and of course streaming the Noon game. Bring a dish to share along with other Young Adults in your life. Event will end at 3:00 pm.

Young Adult Praise Nights

Young Adult Praise Nights are debuting this month! All young adults (18-39), especially those with kids, come join us in Praise & Worship on the 4th Sunday of every month starting at 4:00 PM. Each month will feature Praise & Worship, Sacrament of Reconciliation and other prayer opportunities for everyone. The first one of the year is: Sunday, September 24th @ Sacred Heart. This event is in collaboration with All Called to Christ ACC.

Young Adult Team

We are now seeking additional members for the One in Christ young adult team! Those interested in visioning, planning, and executing events for young adult ministry will meet the following criteria:
   A Young Adult (18-39)
   Commit to bi-monthly meetings on the third Thursdays
   Associated with Annunciation (Mayhew Lake), St. Francis Xavier (Sartell), or St. Stephen
   [Bonus] if engaged, married, or married with kids
If interested in learning more about the team or young adult ministry, please contact Jason Prigge!

Young Adult Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for ways to serve our local parish communities? Check out the young adult page: oneinchristacc.org/youngadults as this feature will be rolling out soon!

“Do This in Memory of Me.”

The Appeal supports ministries that benefit you, your family and your greater parish community. Please make a gift today. Each dollar raised goes directly to ministries that support our Catholic faith and is not used for any other purpose.