Around the Diocese & Community 

Links:
Marriage Encounter 
Retrouvaille - For Troubled Marriages

St Margaret Mary FALL Festival – September 15
St Margaret Mary FALL Festival will be held Sunday, Sept 15 beginning with Mass under the tent at 10:00 am.   A Broasted Chicken Dinner is served from 11-1pm in Visitation Hall as well as hotdogs, brats and Indian food under the tent.  Live Entertainment and Silent Auction.  Grand Raffle drawing is at 3 pm.

St. Raphael’s Bojya
On October 5th in Marian Hall at St. Raphael’s, the Crystal Knights of Columbus will be serving Bojya to dine in and visit with friends and family from 5 PM to 8 PM. Take outs will also be available for those future nights when you need some nice hot comfort food.
Please join us in our fundraising meal so that we can continue our works of charity in our churches and community


NW Metro Toastmasters
Want to improve your public speaking and gain more self-confidence?  Please come visit our fun and dynamic group at NW Metro Toastmasters!  We meet in the lower level of SJW the 2nd and 4th Monday’s of the month from 6:00-7:00 p.m. 
Please contact Joe Peterson with any questions at jpeterson@opportunities.org or 612-226-8150.

Sewers Needed! 
Each December Oak View Elementary holds a Holiday Shop where students are able to purchase low cost, high quality hand crafted gifts for loved ones. With more than half of Oak View's students coming from low income families, the Holiday Shop provides students the opportunity to give.  Students learn the importance and joy of giving and all students have an opportunity to select gifts regardless of their ability to pay. Volunteers are needed to complete basic sewing projects over the summer. All supplies are provided. Contact Oak View Elementary’s Volunteer Coordinator Tricia Ellingson at EllingsonP@district279.org or 763-391-8692 if interested.

Archdiocesan Synod – Upcoming Prayer and Listening Events
What’s working and what’s not in the Archdiocese? Archbishop Hebda wants to hear from you! Please prayerfully consider attending an upcoming Prayer and Listening Event, as part of the Pre-Synod Process and make your voice heard. Your input will help guide the Archdiocese over the next 5-10 years. First three events:

Tues., Sept. 24, 6-9 p.m. at St. Victoria (St. Victoria)

Sat., Sept. 28, 9 a.m.-noon at St. Michael (St. Michael)

Fri., Oct. 11, 6-9 p.m. at Guardian Angels (Oakdale)

Learn more about the Synod and see a full listing of Prayer and Listening Events at archspm.org/synod.

Eucharist: Discovering the Mass in the Bible 
Tuesdays, September 24 - December 3, 10 a.m. or 7 p.m., Church of Saint Paul, Ham Lake

All are invited to our fall 10-week fall study which will explore why the Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our faith. Dr. Brant Petri will help us discover the biblical roots of the Mass from both the Old and New Testaments. Cost: $25/person (includes material) Deadline: Sept. 9^th

Cemetery and Funeral Pre-planning Seminars

Thursday, Sept. 26 (10 a.m. or 1 p.m.), Friday, Sept 27 (1 p.m.), and Saturday, Sept 28 (10 a.m.)

All times are offered at both Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights and Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope. The Catholic Cemeteries is sponsoring these free events. Select the seminar that is most convenient for you to attend and call 651-228-9991 to make a reservation.  Planning packet, tours, discounts, and refreshments are available at each seminar.  Seating is limited.

Night of Light -- Help more children attend a Catholic school!

September 27, 2019, at the Intercontinental Saint Paul Riverfront

Join us, our keynote speaker, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, and our distinguished guest, Archbishop Bernard Hebda, for the 7th annual Night of Light. The gala is the 12 county metro area's premier fundraiser directly supporting children in all K-8 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. Proceeds of last year's event helped more than 1,300 children attend a Catholic school in 2018-19. Tables and tickets are still available. To register, visit https://nightoflight.info or contact the Aim Higher Foundation at 612-819-6711.

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Come and See Weekend for women 20-32 – 

Friday, September 27 at 8 p.m. – Sunday, September 29 at 12:30 p.m., Manitowoc WI
Friday: social and night prayer. Saturday: Morning Liturgy of the Hours, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Motherhouse Heritage Tour, Pilgrimage to ministry sites including Our Lady of Good Help Shrine, Enlightening Q+A about religious life, candid conversations with Sisters who’ve served from Desert Missions to the South to the Upper Midwest, and quiet time to pray and reflect in our 3 chapels. Sunday: dinner. Register at fscc-calledtobe.org. Call or text Sister Julie Ann at 920-323-9632 with questions.

Celebrate Life at the 7th Annual Harvest of Hope Gala

Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park

Benefit for Options for Women/Cornerstone, a pro-life pregnancy medical center located in St. Michael. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with social hour, games and silent auction. Dinner, live auction and speaker are from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Our keynote speaker this year is Ashley Bratcher, who starred as Abby Johnson in the recent film Unplanned, the true story of Johnson's inspiring transformation from Planned Parenthood clinic director to pro-life activist. Our emcee is Matt Birk, former Minnesota Viking and 15-year veteran of the NFL. A very limited number of VIP Meet & Greet tickets are available to meet Ashley and Matt.  Make your plans now to enjoy an evening celebrating life and the work of this vital ministry in the greater Wright County community! Visit www.cornerstoneoptions.org or call (612) 584-9449 for tickets and more information. To become a sponsor, call Chad at (612) 250-1544.

Archdiocesan Women’s Retreat – please print and post the flyer

Saturday, September 28, Church of the Epiphany, Coon Rapids

The Archdiocesan Women’s Retreat includes an opening Mass with Bishop Cozzens, light breakfast, great keynote speakers including Nell O’Leary, Father Brian Park and Dia Boyle, lunch, time for reflection, Adoration & Reconciliation, and of course, fellowship with other Catholic women. Prayer teams will also be available. For more information visit archspm.org/womensretreat or visit the Events​page at archspm.org. Questions? Contact Susanna Parent at parents@archspm.org or 651-291-4411. Register today!

"A Night of Swing"

Saturday, September 28, 7:00 - 10:00 PM at the Church of St. Mark (2001 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, MN)

Join us for a night of swing dancing, with live music by the NorthStar Big Band. No experience necessary--lessons begin at 7 PM, with live music and dancing from 7:30-10:00 PM. $10 ($7 with student ID) at the door. Ages 18+. Visit onestrongfamily.org for more info.

Missionary Discipleship Series 

Fall Sessions begin Tuesdays in October at Epiphany and Thursday’s at Saint Joseph’s in Waconia, 7-8:30 p.m. You can register at one of TWO locations, Epiphany in Coon Rapids or Saint Joseph’s in Waconia.

Be transformed and transform the world. The Missionary Discipleship journey consists of three 4-week sessions. Each week includes time for a live presentation, reflection, prayer, Q&A and small group discussion. Cost: $150 per person. Find the full schedule for all sessions and register at Events​at archspm.org. Questions? Contact Susanna Parent at parents@archspm.org or 651-291-4411.

Miriam Dinner 

Tuesday, October 1, 6 – 8:30 p.m., Holy Cross, Minneapolis

Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda, Bishop Cozzens and Father David Blume, Director of Vocations, invite women, ages 16 – 35, who are discerning consecrated life to join us for a Miriam Dinner. Come for an evening of prayer and dinner with consecrated women sharing their vocations testimonies. It is typical for guests to be accompanied by their pastor, consecrated religious, or youth / campus minister. RSVP before September 26 at 10000vocations.org. Questions?  Email stpaulvocations@10000vocations.org or call the Office of Vocations at 651-962-6890.

Join the Discussion: Letter to a Suffering Church

Tuesday, October 1, 6:30–9 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes

Bishop Robert Barron has written a hard-hitting, yet insightful book on the clerical sexual abuse crisis, titled Letter to a Suffering Church. One review of the book commented: "For Catholics questioning their faith, searching desperately for encouragement and hope, this book will offer reasons to stay and fight in the Body of Christ." Read Barron's book and join in on an important discussion about its relevance to our Archdiocese. Father Dan Griffith, pastor, and Liaison for Restorative Justice for the Archdiocese, will frame the discussion and the significance to the healing process. Tom Johnson, Ombudsperson for victim-survivors of clerical sexual abuse for the Archdiocese, and Julie Craven, Director of Communications at Lourdes, will host this event. There is no cost; more information is available at LourdesMpls.org.

Cathedral Festival of Lights Gala

Thursday, October 3, 6 – 9:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, St. Paul, MN

The Cathedral Heritage Foundation, invites the community for a special evening of tours, music, a spotlight presentation, fine dining catered by the Saint Paul Hotel, and a live auction at “Minnesota’s most iconic building,” according to Architectural Digest in 2018 . The event will be hosted by KSTP TV Anchor/Reporter Tom Hauser. Proceeds from the event will help restore the historic Cathedral Sacristy. Register here or learn more at www.cathedralheritagefoundation.org.

Sidewalk Counseling Training Seminar
Thursday, October 3, 7-9 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, Robbinsdale
If you can hand someone a brochure, you can help save a life! Nearly every day in the Twin Cities, an average of 34 babies are scheduled to be killed in the area’s three abortion centers. Attend this free seminar and learn how to save these babies by peacefully reaching out in love to those entering abortion centers. Prayer supporters are also needed and are welcome to attend. Sacred Heart Church, 4087 W. Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale. Presented by Pro-Life Action Ministries. To register, contact debra.braun@plam.org or call 651-797-6364. More information at: plam.org/events/

Behold 8-Week Series for Women Ages 21-29 

Thursdays, October 3 – November 21, Our Lady of Grace, Edina

Young women between the ages of 21-29 are invited to come hear the mission of Behold: a mission to help each woman recognize the gift she is, realize the gifts she’s been given and give to the world the gifts that only she can give. This series will include time for fellowship with other young adult Catholic women, Eucharistic Adoration, awesome presentations from our Behold speaker team and time for Q&A and small group discussion. To find out more visit the event page at archspm.org.

Retrouvaille Marriage Weekend
October 4-6, Best Western Hotel, Eagan, MN

Thinking about Separation or Divorce? Hurting? Angry? Feel helpless? Retrouvaille is a lifeline for troubled marriages. Since 1977, over 40,000 marriages saved. Couples learn the tools to rediscover each other and heal their marriage. 100% confidential. To find out more or to register visit http://www.tcr-mn.org, email twin.cities.retrouvaille@gmail.com, or call 800-470-2230.

Running the marathon? Join us for Mass! 

Sunday, October 6, 6 a.m. at Saint Olaf, Minneapolis

Father Joe Taphorn, Rector of the Saint Paul Seminary, and a few seminarians are running the Twin Cities Marathon. Fr. Taphorn will preside at this pre-marathon Mass – just a half mile from the starting line! Runners, volunteers and other race supporters are welcome.

Holy Hour for Vocations 

Tuesday, October 8, 7–8 p.m., Nativity of Our Lord, St. Paul

All people of the Archdiocese are invited to participate in the Holy Hours for Vocations. Each month, the event will take place at another parish in the Archdiocese. Come spend an hour with Jesus each month to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life and diaconate. For more information, please contact the Office of Vocations at 651-962-6890 or visit 10000vocations.org.

Called and Gifted™ Workshop

Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Excelsior

Explore the ancient teaching of the Church on how the gifts (or charisms) of the Holy Spirit work in our life and in the life of your parish. During this one-day workshop, you will learn the signs and characteristics of the most common charisms of the Holy Spirit. Cost: $80 per person. Includes: materials, refreshments, and follow-up personal discernment guidance. Register at archspm.org. Questions? Contact Patrick Conley at 651-323-3292 or conleyp@archspm.org.

69^th Annual Red Mass

Saturday, October 12, 6:30 p.m., Church of St. Joseph, West St. Paul

All lawyers, judges, and others involved in the administration of justice – along with their families – are invited to the annual Red Mass, with reception to follow immediately at the church. Celebrant: Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda; Homilist: Father Michael Creagan. This special event is sponsored/presented by the Lawyers Guild of St. Thomas More.

Annual White Mass for Health Care Workers
October 12, 5:15 p.m., Cathedral of Saint Paul, St. Paul

A Mass for all Catholic health care workers will be held on Saturday, October 12^th at 5:15 p.m. The Annual White Mass is sponsored by the Saint Paul and Minneapolis Guild of the Catholic Medical Association and Curatio in cooperation with the Archdiocesan Office of Marriage, Family & Life. A short reception will be held in your honor following the Mass.  For more information, please contact Sonya Flomo at (651) 291-4488 or email flomos@archspm.org

“All For The Immaculata!” Rosary Coast to Coast USA

Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 3:00pm

We will unite in Northeast Minneapolis at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Minneapolis to recite the 20 decades of the Holy Rosary in English, Spanish, French, Polish, and Arabic to heal our country and return it to holiness. Contact Loretta @ 763.588.9626 or landb1943@aol.com. RosaryCoasttoCoast.com.

Operation Andrew Dinner 

Monday, October 21, 6 – 8 p.m., Archdiocesan Catholic Center, St. Paul

Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Father David Blume, Director of Vocations, invite men discerning the priesthood, ages 16 – 50, to dinner and conversation with vocations testimonials on priesthood and religious life. It is typical for a pastor, religious or youth minister to accompany each discerning guest. Register online at www.10000vocations.org before October 17. Questions?  Email stpaulvocations@10000vocations.org or call the Office of Vocations at 651-962-6890.

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Discernment of Spirits Retreat for women 20-32 – 

Available October 18-20 or November 15-17, Manitowoc, WI

Franciscan Sister Jacqueline Spaniola leads the retreat, based on St. Ignatius’ discernment process to guide you in understanding God’s will for your life. Retreat begins with the evening meal on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Closes on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Register at fscc-calledtobe.org. Call or text Sister Julie Ann at 920-323-9632 with questions. https://fscc-calledtobe.org

St. John Paul II Champions for Life Awards Luncheon 

Thursday, October 31, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Church of St. Peter, Mendota

All are invited to honor those who respect life at our annual St. John Paul II Champions for Life Awards Luncheon. Join special guest Archbishop Bernard Hebda and keynote speaker: Alonna Mertz as she presents “Discovering God’s Mercy through an Unexpected Pregnancy” $40 per person; $280 for table of 8. Find more info and register by Oct. 25 at archspm.org/C4L. Questions? Contact 651-291-4489 or schulten@archspm.org.