News & Events

*NEW* Pray & Play

Join us for an exciting new initiative for young adults and young families! On select Tuesdays, young adults and their young children (toddler - Kindergartenish) are invited for Daily Mass at Sacred Heart (5:30 PM) and then to the playground to play. This is a great opportunity for young adult parents to enjoy fellowship while kids have an opportunity to play and make new friends! If you’d like to pack your family a picnic dinner, that is encouraged. If the weather doesn’t cooperate (rain), Daily Mass would obviously still take place but playing on the playground would be cancelled. If you have questions or are interested in learning more, text
Jason Prigge (320.281.9486).
Upcoming dates:
*Tuesday, May 23rd
*Tuesday, June 13th
*Tuesday, July 25th
*Tuesday, August 15th (Holy Day of Obligation - Mass
@ 6:30 PM)
*Tuesday, September 12th

2023 Bishop’s Annual Appeal

Thank you to those who have already supported diocesan ministries through the Appeal. As of May 26, the diocese has raised $1,014,600 in gifts and pledges toward the goal of $1,400,000, with gifts from 5,468 households. Every dollar raised goes directly to ministries that support our Catholic faith and is not used for any other purpose. Will you help these ministries meet their funding needs? Visit www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.

75th Anniversary for St. Francis Xavier

I did not receive a lot of feedback, but because of things happening for me, I’m looking at meeting on Monday, May 8th at 6:30pm in the gathering place.
We will look for updates in areas already with leadership . . . Bake Sale, Kids Games, Beer Stand, Cake Paddle, Silent Auction, Franny Flyer, Music, outside vendors, entertainment, and Raffle. Then we have some questions we’ll need to find answers to . . . . Will Tom get some help with GENERAL leadership & Marketing help??? Will there be a Franny Food Stand? Are there other contacts for food trucks? Will we have a “bags” tournament?
I’m asking for some help here people – please join me and others who have already come on board on Monday, May 8th – tofferdahl@stfrancissartell.org or call/text 320-290-3228. Thank you for sharing your time in planning and leadership!

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

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

BELIEVING

Due to the constant unchecked flow of data and information through the Internet, it can be hard to know when a story is real news or rubbish. It never ceases to amaze me when someone I know has bought into some crazy fake news story. Sometimes the story is just so unbelievable: celebrities who gained two hundred pounds in a month, women having babies who were never pregnant, or people actually being seen who are dead! Like Elvis!
The apostle Thomas found the news that Jesus was alive just too far-fetched to believe. But he didn't first hear the news on the Internet or read it standing in the grocery store checkout line. His friends told him. His fellow apostles told him they had actually seen the Lord with their own eyes. Their testimony was not enough. He
needed proof.
The resurrection of Jesus gives us not only hope, but also a reason to be his disciples. We have not seen with our own eyes but, like Thomas, we have a community, the Church, that has relayed the truth to us. This same Jesus now calls us to go forth to spread the Gospel. More unbelievable than that, we have, through the gifts we have been given, a chance to change and even save lives. The day may come that you, moved by this news of the risen Lord, will be an agent of his love to the point where someone will tell the tale that you, a follower of Jesus, actually helped to change his or her life. Pretty unbelievable, right?

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!

Boy Scouts...

Troop 17 Scouts have a great spring planned. Escape the great indoors! Any youth in 5th grade or older from any parish welcome to come join us.
   Service:
2-24-23 Scouts will be leading Stations of the Cross at Sacred Heart
3-3-23 to 3-5-23 winter camp near Ely MN
4-21-23 to 4-23-23 Blue Mounds State Park in Southern MN, for some hiking, biking and Buffalo!
5-19-21 to 5-21-23 Canoe Trip on the Namekagon River in WI
  
Service:
Buckthorn removal at Bend In The River Park later this spring.
6-6-23 to 6-8-23 Glendalough State Park for fishing, paddling and swimming.

Scouts meet most Sunday afternoons from 4:00-5:30 pm at Sacred Heart
Call or Text Patrick Howard, Scoutmaster, at 320-291-1130 with questions.
Words to Live By...A Scout is... TRUSTWORTHY LOYAL HELPFUL FREINDLY COURTEOUS KIND OBEDIENT CHEERFUL THRIFTY BRAVE CLEAN REVERENT

Bridges

Navigating the loss of a loved one can be difficult and some days I do not know where to begin. So how do I carry on? Who will ever understand what I am feeling. How do
I begin a new life without the one who was so much a part of me?
You are invited to gather with members of our community who have experienced loss. Please consider joining for a friendly conversation, a game of cards, a board game, a time for shared prayer or a place to meet people who share your faith. Come be part of the conversation. We call this group Bridges and pray that it will lead all safely and gently to a place of peace and renewed joy for life!
Tuesday, June 6 at 9:00 am in Xavier Hall. This will be an informational meeting to start planning for future dates etc. If you have questions, contact Sandee

CHOIR DIRECTOR OPENING

St. Francis Xavier is a vibrant Catholic parish with 1850 households. The choir director works with the adult choir of our parish, with 25 current members. The director selects music for the choir, rehearses with them bi-weekly and directs the choir every other Sunday from September through Pentecost. *Advent, Christmas, Lent and Triduum seasons will require extra liturgies.
This person should have a solid musical background and familiarity with Roman Catholic liturgies, especially the Eucharist. Several years of experience with a minimum of a BA degree in music preferred. Position open until filled. If interested, please contact Mark Levandowski at mlevandowski@stfrancissartell.org or by calling 320-252-1361.

CONGRATULATIONS!

We welcome the following children baptized into our parish family and the
Christian community:
Louis Kourt Boerger, son of Kellen & Abigail.
Cameron Kenny Boyer, son of Grant & Carissa.
Jacob Phillip Gessel, Son of Adam & Rebecca.
Banks Thomas Bellefeuille, son of Blake & Mary.
Thomas Anthony Kampa, son of Michael & Allison

COUNTRY MANOR HELP NEEDED

Country Manor in Sartell is in great need of someone who can play the piano for our Masses on Sunday Mornings at 10:45am. If you or anyone you know might be interested please contact Chaplain Jeb Reiter at Country Manor at (320) 258-8942. There is a small stipend that is accompanied with playing. The Mass is generally only about 45 minutes long. At the moment we do have a cantor that would work with anyone interested in picking the songs- however, if anyone would be interested in singing/cantoring we are looking for interested individuals as well.
We are also looking for any volunteers that would be interested in helping out for our Masses on Sunday in doing readings, serving at the Altar, serving communion taking offerings etc. Again thank you for any interest you may have in helping out and blessing our residents to make sure they’re able to continue on in celebrating their faith!

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.

Coffee & Community

Please join us for 1st Wednesday Coffee & Rolls on Wednesday, June 7th, after the
8 am Mass.

Congratulations

We welcome the following child baptized into our parish family and the
Christian community: Talayah Mae Warren, daughter of Quint & Tara, baptized at St. Francis Xavier.

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

Please keep your parish in mind as we come to the end of the year for your charitable contribution plans. If you have RMD’s (required minimum distributions) that need to be made from your IRA, there could be tax advantages if you roll those directly over to your parish. That’s a great way to support your parish and also save tax dollars. Do visit with your financial advisor or accountant to confirm if that is the case for you.
Another way to support parishes is by electronic giving.
Your support and commitment of regular, steady contributions is appreciated. Some parishes have opportunities set up for direct transfers to the parish or giving by credit card. That sounds funny in some ways, but many credit cards offer points for travel and other deals. Those funds are transferred directly to the parish, so it save writing a check out each week or month as well. Call your parish office to learn more. Many banks offer “bill pay”. Donations to your parish are not a bill, but that is the terminology used. This is done online from your home, but if you need help, visit your bank and they can help you get set up.
Thank you for your good stewardship and continued support of the parishes in One in Christ.

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.

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!

FESTIVAL PLANNING

The first planning meeting for the festival took place on Sunday, January 22nd. Planning and preparation will start earlier this year as we expect a bigger event due to the draw expected with having The Killer Vees – Killer Country Show and this being the 75th Annivesary of St. Francis Xavier Parish. Put Saturday, September 16th and 17th on your calendar now. We will soon be asking for donations for the raffle drawing and for silent auction and more. This year with the expense of the music, we will be looking for big donors and corporate sponsors to offset costs as well.
I’m still looking for some creative types who like to dabble in social media and marketing to help get the word out and promote the party. Call or email me - we’ll talk! 320-252-1363, ext. 405 or tofferdahl@stfrancissartell.org

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.

FUNERAL BLESSINGS

Remember in your prayers the family of Merlyn L. O’Malley, who passed away May 22, from St. Francis Xavier. Eternal Rest grant unto him and let perpetual light shine upon him.

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

GIRLS, GOD & GOOD TIMES

Girls, God and Good Times, 3G, is a Benedictine summer camp, offered by the Sisters at Saint Benedict's Monastery. It will be offered June 19-21 for girls currently in 4th - 5th grade and July 17-19 for girls currently in grades 6th -12th. It's an opportunity to grow in faith, make new friends, spend time with Sisters and have fun! For more information and to register visit:
https://sbm.osb.org/ministries/3g-camp/

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

KIDS AGAINST HUNGER UPDATE

Last Saturday a group of 16 from SFX volunteered their time together at a KAH packaging event at the Sauk Rapids Warehouse! We were given a brief history about KAH & where & how this nutritious food was sent. Kathy Wogen, director of KAH, also thanked SFX for the past 12 years generosity!
In less than a hour we were able to package 4,030 MEALS which will be shipped to all parts of the world, feeding God’s hungry children!
The thank yous follow:First Thank You Father Ron for dubbing the month of November,”Kids Against Hunger Coin Collection Month!”
Thanks to ALL of you for your generosity, we were able to donate $1,200 dollars to this charity! Apparently lots of you shook piggy banks, checked couch cushions, donated your allowance, or wrote a check!
Thanks to all of you who donated your time:
Grandparents who brought their daughter & 2 grandsons, all first timers who can’t wait to come back! (Just saying, these little boys worked circles around G-Ma & G-pa!) Also first timers, a mom & dad & their young teens who want to come back & plans for their daughter are underway to bring her Girl Scout Troop to a packaging event! It wouldn’t surprise me if her big brother comes too, to do the heavy lifting! Thanks too to members of St Monica’s Christian Women who spent their Saturday morning at this event.
Last but not least, a mom from another parish who always wanted to help at a KAH event brought her 2 young daughters. While baby slept in her stroller, big sis (maybe 4?) jumped up on a stool & worked the entire hour, smiling all the time!! They will be back! If you are interested in planning a event, please check out the KAH web sight.
THANK you ALL & God Bless.
St Monica’s Christian Women

MAKE GOD’S LOVE VISIBLE

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud begins their Make God’s Love Visible annual campaign to raise money to support those in need across our 16- county diocese. All funds raised stay in Central Minnesota helping our neighbors. Catholic Charities has 20+ programs that serves nearly 40,000 individuals annually for those who are experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, financial and housing counseling needs, mental health support, supportive living services and social concerns.
These programs need your financial support. Tax deductible donations can be made over the next several weeks. To donate: Donations can be placed in the weekly collection.
If donating cash, place in an envelope and clearly indicate that the donation is for Make God’s Love Visible.
If donating by check, make the check payable to “Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud” and indicate
“Make God’s Love Visible” in the memo section.
Donate online at www.ccstcloud.org/donate Together we can make a different tomorrow.

MARRIAGE AND THE EUCHARIST

A Eucharistic Revival Event will be held on June 7th at Sacred Heart. We will begin with a Mass at 5:30, followed by socializing, dinner, drinks and Father Tom speaking on marriage and the Eucharist. This will be a free will offering event, with proceeds going to the Anna Marie’s Shelter and Terebinth Refuge. Contact your parish office to register to attend.

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE

Rain or Shine –
New Venue The Sartell American Legion
Post 277 invites you to attend the 2023 Memorial Day Service being held at the Sartell Community Center at 9:00 am on Monday, May 29.
The venue change ensures a rain or shine event. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the service. Seating is limited, so plan to bring a lawn chair. Sacred Heart will also have a Memorial Day Mass at Assumption Cemetery at 9am.

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.

NEW PARISH LEADERSHIP

Congratulations and welcome to those selected through our discernment process for new parish leadership. The three new members for the Pastoral Council are Chad Braegelmann, Ray Ley, and Nick Overby. The newly added member to our Area Catholic Community Council is Kurt Stelton.
Thank you for sharing your time and talents in leadership with St. Francis Xavier and One in Christ ACC.

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.

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

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.

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. FRANCIS XAVIER CEMETERY

A second columbarium (for interment of cremation remains) was installed Monday, May 22. There will be some finishing work that may take a little longer, but this will give us room to continue to meet the needs of parishioners seeking their final resting place. We still have many gravesites available for traditional burials (or 2 cremations buried on 1 gravesite) as well and room for future expansion as needed. We are blessed to have a parish cemetery.
Water has been turned on for those who have real plants and flowers in pots. Please remember, only single pole plant stands are approved for holding flower pots. And, only 1 plant stand per monument/ marker. This is to keep things easier to maintain and work around. Shepherd’s hooks are not approved, and they can be a hazard to the equipment used at the cemetery and the staff.
For Memorial Day, the decorating rules are relaxed a bit and items are allowed on the ground. Please remove those items by Monday, June 5th. Any items remaining on the ground after that day will be discarded. If you’ve placed a flag (or other items) in the ground, it would be allowed if placed in a pot on a single pole plant stand. The cemetery is closed from dusk until dawn, and solar lights are NOT allowed in the cemetery.
Thank you for following the guidelines.

ST. ROSE OF LIMA ROSARY GROUP

St. Rose of Lima rosary making group meets twice a month 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 9am in Xavier Hall at St. FRANCIS. All supplies are furnished. Come and enjoy friendship with like minded people. Make rosaries for the missions. The St Cloud Region mailed out over 18,000 rosaries in 2022.
They went to missions all over the world.
““The Rosary is the most excellent form of prayer and the most efficacious means of attaining eternal life. It is the remedy for all our evils, the root of all our blessings. There is no more excellent way of praying.” Pope Leo XIII Questions call 214-455-4301 Nita

STEWARDSHIP

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”
John 3:16

Is your love conditional? Is there a price others have to pay to receive your love and forgiveness? Are you generous with your time, skills, money and possessions? If you give someone something, do you expect something in return? Do you give your time freely or do you “fit it in” when it’s convenient for you? God desires a personal relationship with us so much that He gave us His Son, unconditionally! Pray for a grateful and generous heart. Save the Date: Diocesan Stewardship Day 2023 will be an online offering the evening of Wednesday, August 23.

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.

Sarah Hart

Our Area Catholic Community will be hosting Grammy nominated composer and musician Sarah Hart for a night of music and storytelling outdoors at Sacred Heart. Tuesday, July 18th 7-8:30 pm The event will begin with Mass at 5:30, followed by a meal. If you
would like to be on the planning committee, please contact Sarah Woeste to volunteer.
sarahwoeste@sacredheartsaukrapids.org. 320-251-87115 x116. Additional help will be needed on the day of the event with the meal, sales table, ushering, and setup/cleanup.

Sarah Hart Concert

Our Area Catholic Community will be hosting Grammy nominated composer and musician Sarah Hart for a night of music and storytelling outdoors at Sacred Heart. Tuesday, July 18th 7-8:30 pm The event will begin with Mass at 5:30, followed by a meal. If you
would like to be on the planning committee, please contact Sarah Woeste to volunteer.
sarahwoeste@sacredheartsaukrapids.org. 320-251- 87115 x116. Additional help will be needed on the day of the event with the meal, sales table, ushering, and setup/cleanup.

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

Thank you to all who have attended our Theology on Draft series this season. Please take the time to scan the QR Code and complete a short survey to help us with planning the 2023 - 2024 TOD season. If you didn’t join us this year for TOD, please consider taking the survey. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Jason Prigge.

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 Bible Study

Bible Study will meet this Thursday, June 1st starting at 7:00 pm at St. Stephen in the parish hall. No need to have previously attended to join the conversation in a small intimate gathering.

Young Adult Needs Assessment

Be on the look-out for an assessment that was put together by the One in Christ Young Adult Team. The assessment will be available by a variety of means (bulletin, mailing, email, online, etc.). If you are a young adult 18-39, please consider using your voice by sharing your thoughts with us!

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!