Join us and bring a friend to our second year of coming to know the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on our Young Professional Grace Retreat. Take time on retreat to pray, relax, adventure, spend time outdoors, and grow closer to God and others. The weekend is spiritually filling, a step away from the pace of life, and there is enough time to settle in at home Sunday night and get ready for the week ahead. It’s a blessed retreat – but don’t just take our word for it. Here is what two of last year’s participants had to say:
· “The retreat blessed me with the chance to defer to the direction of our Lord with my time and attention, and I’ve never felt closer to Him. I came back from retreat rejuvenated and with a new commitment to prayer. Not every retreat will be fundamentally life changing, but it certainly was for me, and I cannot recommend the Grace Retreat enough. Opportunities to be with other young adults freely pursuing the Lord together with no distractions are exceedingly rare, but always worth participating in.” – Anonymous
· “The time that the retreat afforded for prayer and reflection in adoration while tuning out the rest of the world was a blessing. The comfort of being in His presence with no worries and anxiety allowed me to go into those dark areas of my heart and let God give them light. The beautifier from this was taking these reflections into confession and receiving God's grace to begin healing. I am sincerely grateful for the experiences of the retreat and would say that it is a must to go on if you're able, especially in today's world.” - Anonymous
· 80% of last year’s participants strongly recommend the Grace Retreat to others.
· 100% walked away believing that Jesus is someonethey can be in a relationship with and know personally and intimately.
If you’ve been looking to take a step in faith, we invite you to take that step on retreat with Our Lady of Grace Young Professionals from October 28-30.
Where: Alverna Conference Center and Chapel of St. Mary of the Angels - 1175 W. Wabasha, Winona, MN
Who: OLG Young Professionals (ages 21-35)
When: Friday, May 13, 7:00 PM – Sunday, May 15, 12:00 PM
Cost: $175
Description:
Sometimes you feel the need to get away. Why? It’s written on your heart. You don’t have to read far into the Gospels to see that even Jesus went away to a lonely place to pray (Mark 1:35). Is a retreat necessary to imitate Jesus? By no means. But it may be the way back to a life centered on Christ and directed toward Love.
Jesus says, “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31)
Join us in recentering our focus on the Kingdom of Heaven.
Our Mission: To make Jesus Christ known and loved.
We do this through helping young adults engage in a meaningful way with the Our Lady of Grace Parish community to invite them deeper into the Worship Services, Liturgical Ministries, Pastoral Care, or Service to and for our Community.
Inspirational Resources for Faith Formation in May
Discover all the best Catholic content in one place. Entertaining movies, enlightening programs, inspiring. See more...
Tuesdays, August 27 - October 22, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Dining Room
Did you know that 89% of the people in a typical American parish don’t have a financial safety net?
Shocked? We were too. But there’s hope! And that hope is Financial Peace University. Financial Peace University is a nine-lesson course taught by Dave Ramsey and his team of financial experts. With Financial Peace University, our members will learn step-by-step how to handle money using biblical wisdom and common sense. See more...
Blood Drive!
Tuesday, July 31, 2:00 - 7:00 PM, Cassidy Hall
Our Lady of Grace is hosting another Red Cross Blood Drive. There is an urgent need for blood, and you can sign up online by going to www.redcrossblood.org and entering OURLADYOFGRACE (one word) or contact Melissa Miller to schedule your appointment. Each pint of blood can save up to three lives and donating takes under an hour. This might be the most generous thing you do all year.
Join us Monday nights at 7PM!
Who better to look to for guidance on evangelization than the Apostles and disciples of the early Church? And what better place to read their stories than in the firsthand account of the Acts of the Apostles? In the ten-part series Evangelization and the Acts of the Apostles, Dr. Mary Healy combines insightful biblical study with Church teaching and practical advice to show how modern Catholics can effectively impact their world for Jesus Christ. See more!
Join us for our annual summer social event! All men of the parish community are invited. We will set up a tent on the Athletic Fields and, for the first time in our history, put on a pig roast. To that we'll add coleslaw, potato salad, corn, greens and a plethora of beverages. We will use this event to celebrate our extremely successful past year and welcome new parish members to the Men's Club. See more...
Join us for the weekly West Metro Young Adults Sports Night. These events are Friday nights at one of three locations: St. John's in Hopkins, St Joseph's in Hopkins, or Our Lady of Grace in Edina. The St. John's location is used for indoor sports nights and the St. Joseph's and Our Lady of Grace locations are used for outdoor sports nights. Please pay specific attention to the location for each particular sports night event.
All young adults ages 18-39 are invited to join us regardless of your faith background.
If inside, we play volleyball and basketball on a consistent basis and occasionally dodge ball. If outside, we play ultimate frisbee and soccer on a consistent basis and occasionally kickball. All are great fun - come out and play!
*Side note: Whenever there is inclement weather, check the Facebook event page for any changes to the schedule and location.
For more information check out this LINK to get to WMYA Facebook page
We are looking for volunteers to help with the Baptism ministry. This is a delightful way to meet the newest members of our congregation! Duties would include helping at the Baptism liturgy. One hour per month is all we ask.
Contact Shelly Aebi at shellyaebi@olgparish.org or in the Parish Office (x9041) if you would like to register or ask questions.
Celebrating 70 Years of Grace!
Saturday, September 21
Events and highlights will include: morning 5K event and OLG School Marathon Celebration activities; carnival and midway activities; 5:00 PM Mass; group gatherings by decades; school tours; outdoor Rock The Fields evening event; indoor wine and appetizers evening event. Visit www.olgschool.net/alumni for more information, to update your contact information and join our OLG Alumni facebook event.
FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE
Archdiocesan Synod: New Web Page, Prayer and Listening Events
At Pentecost, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis began a Synod process. Learn more about the Synod and see a listing of Prayer and Listening events scheduled for fall 2019 – winter 2020 at archspm.org/synod.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY AND LIFE
St. John Paul II Champions for Life Awards – Nominations Now Open
Do you know of someone who devotes his or her time helping the poor, elderly, disabled, pregnant, or is committed to praying for Respect Life issues? He or she may be our next Champion for Life! The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is looking to honor those who respect life at our annual St. John Paul II Champions for Life Awards.
Find more information online, including online and print nomination forms, as well as a flyer. Nomination deadline is August 1, 2019. The awards luncheon will be Thursday, October 31 at St. Peter, Mendota. Questions? Please contact Nancy Schulte Palacheck at 651-291-4489 or schulten@archspm.org.
EVANGELIZATION
Grandparents Apostolate Celebrates the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne
Friday, July 26
8:45 a.m.(Optional: Mass at 8:15 a.m.) Nativity of Our Lord, St. Paul
All grandparents are invited to an event of celebration with prayer, enrichment, encouragement and fellowship highlighted by a presentation by Father Nick Hagen, who will present on “Listening to the Holy Spirit with Saints Joachim and Anne.” Steiner Hall is wheel chair accessible and refreshments will be served. No registration is required. For more information contact Lilee at lilee_perera@hotmail.com or 651-414-9367.
Ad Limina Pilgrimage to Rome – Young Adults Invited to Apply
Application deadline is August 15. Pilgrimage dates: January 9-18, 2020
Young adults ages 21-35 are invited to apply to join Archbishop Hebda, Bishop Cozzens and world renowned art historian Elizabeth Lev on a pilgrimage to Rome to deliver the report on the state of the Archdiocese to the Holy Father. For application instructions, costs, flyer, and details visit archspm.org/ad-limina. Questions and applications should be directed to Enzo Randazzo, randazzov@archspm.org, or 651-291-4483.
MINISTERIO LATINO
Completamente Comprometidos (Fully Engaged)
20 de julio de 2019
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Centro Católico Arquidiocesano, 777 Forest Street, St. Paul
Formación gratuita en español para parejas asesoras que prepararan a las parejas en su camino al matrimonio.
Contacto: Verónica Arias, Tel: 651-251-7773
ARCHBISHOP FLYNN CATECHETICAL INSTITUTE
Application Deadline Extended to July 31
This fall, the Archbishop Flynn Catechetical Institute will offer the two-year foundational course “Pillars: A Journey through the Catechism” at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville.
Applications are now being accepted through July 31, 2019, for the class beginning in September. For more information and an application to become part of the Class of St. Catherine of Siena call 651-962-5072 or visit semssp.org/ci.
MINISTERIAL STANDARDS AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Twin Cities Survivors Peace Circle
The Twin Cities Survivors Peace Circle is open to all who have experienced the trauma of clergy sexual abuse. The purpose of this group is to gather victims/survivors/thrivers in a safe, supportive environment to share their experiences, listen to others, and explore healing. All are welcome and privacy is respected. Contact Jim with questions, concerns or comments: 773-412-0909.
Saturday, May 11 (NOTE! Previously scheduled for May 18), 12-1:45 p.m. Theme: “Tending Gardens: Looking around and ahead”
Hennepin County Library: Webber Park Branch (Webber Room), 4440 Humboldt Ave. N., Minneapolis
This is a post-only newsletter from Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Please do not reply to this email. If you need assistance, please contact the Parish Office at 952-929-3317.
Our mailing address is:
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|*
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
NOTE: Unsubscribing from this list, removes you from all future communications.
*|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*
Thanks to everyone who came out for the “Minute-to-win-it” Date Night!
On November 30th , Sposi Novelli hosted a "Minute-to-win-it" Game night with a Christmas theme! There were cookies, hot chocolate, and appetizers that helped to keep us fueled while we competed in some fun games! Ugly sweaters WERE encouraged, ANNNND everyone looked AMAZING! Check out all of the the fun that we had below!
Our Mission: To make Jesus Christ known and loved.
We do this through helping young adults engage in a meaningful way with the Our Lady of Grace Parish community to invite them deeper into the Worship Services, Liturgical Ministries, Pastoral Care, or Service to and for our Community.
Thursday, November 22, 9:00 AM
Friday, November 23, 9:00 AM
No 6:15 AM Mass offered
The Parish Office and MHT Adoration Chapel will be closed both Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23 in observance of Thanksgiving.
Inspirational Resources for Faith Formation in November
Discover all the best Catholic content in one place. Entertaining movies, enlightening programs, inspiring talks and audio dramas, and a great selection of popular e-books - all just a click away! See more...
"Why Are You Still Catholic" Women's Conference
Saturday, December 1, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cassidy Hall
Join us for a half-day retreat led by Fr. Kevin Finnegan and Jane Leyden Cavanaugh from the League of Catholic Women to hear panelists reflect on their lives in the context of their Catholic faith and share why they stay in the Church, with all its strengths and flaws. Participate in rich discussion and prayer, and leave with a renewed commitment to Catholicism and the health of our Catholic community. See more...
Sunday, December 2, 2:30 PM, Church
Amahl and the Night Visitors
by Gian Carlo Menotti
Discover what happens when a shepherd boy meets the 3 Kings on their way to Bethlehem!
Friday, November 23 - Saturday, December 15
Once again this year, the Men’s Club and Social Justice Ministry are asking you to donate new or gently used, clean winter coats and boots, as well as new winter hats, gloves and socks (especially men’s socks). While all sizes are needed, there is a great need for men’s coats. In addition, we are collecting newborn infant diapers and big boxes of dry cereal. See more...
Join us at the Tree Lot for a warm cup of cider while you kick off your Christmas season and get your home ready to celebrate!
We have beautiful Frasier, Canaan, Balsam and White Pine trees to select from. Also available: wreaths, garland, porch pots and decorative birch logs to help with exterior decorating needs. See more...
Join us for the weekly
Young Adults Sport’s Night!
Join us for the weekly West Metro Young Adults Sport’s Night. These events are Friday nights at St. Gabriel's in Hopkins.
All young adults ages 18-39 are invited to join us at 7pm at the field next to the Church. Frisbee, volleyball, soccer, great fun - come outside and play!For more information check out this LINK to get to WMYA Facebook page
Sposi Novelli’s mission is to engage and support married couples through the first five years of marriage by creating a community that fosters a sense of support and belonging. Through formation, reflection, and awareness, a couple’s marital relationship with God at the center is strengthened and made more fruitful. Discipleship becomes more intentional through opportunities to steward others in service, participation, and partnering with other parish ministries. Sposi Novelli hosts several formal and many informal events throughout the year.For events and information on Sposi Novelli click here
FROM THE BISHOP
Healing is Rooted in Holiness
By Bishop Andrew Cozzens
The U.S. bishops are about to gather in Baltimore for their annual meeting Nov. 12-15. Given the current crisis the Church finds herself in, this meeting will be very important, even historic. It will begin with a day of prayer, specifically requested by Pope Francis, as we seek wisdom and strength for purifying and healing our Church. The next three days of the conference will be focused on several different concrete proposals which seek ways of promoting greater accountability for bishops. As is normally the case, the first three days of the conference are televised live by EWTN and also live-streamed on the Internet. Many people will be tuned in to see what the bishops are saying and what concrete action steps can be taken.
I want to ask all the Catholics of the archdiocese to please pray for your bishops during this time. A daily rosary, an extra Holy Hour at one of our adoration chapels or offering your participation at daily Mass would be a great gift to give to the Church during this time.
Read the full column in English and Spanish in The Catholic Spirit.
Tuesday, October 9, 6:30 PM The University Club of St. Paul, St. Paul Young Adults - join Newman on Tap for an evening with Archbishop Hebda. The evening begins with Mass followed by appetizers, cash bar and presentation by Dr. Daavid Deavel and Archbishop Hebda titled “A True Antagonist for a Broken World: Faith in a Secular Age”. The evening will conclude with some time for discussion and socialization.
The Office of Evangelization invites you to an informational meeting about the upcoming Missionary Discipleship Series launching this October. Please join us at the Church of St. Peter (Mendota) from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6 in the Heritage Center of St. Peter’s located at 1405 Sibley Memorial Hwy. Refreshments will be provided! See more....
Please RSVP to Susanna Parent at parents@archspm.org. All are welcome, but this meeting is specifically for young adults.
A few Sundays ago, Father Kevin brought up the article in the Star Tribune which commented on the recent study called, “Going. Going. Gone: The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics.” Father encouraged us to take action by reading this article, multiple times, and taking it to prayer to discern what God might be calling us to do to address this disparity of young Catholics leaving the church. So that is what I did.
While reflecting in prayer, I was brought back to the Gospel of Luke 15:11-32. This particular part stood out to me:
“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The father said to his servants, ‘…let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”
How many of us have been in the shoes of the prodigal son? What was the journey like before we made the decision to return home? How did it feel to return and experience the father’s unconditional love and forgiveness?
Those interviewed in the study shared their stories. In that same spirit I want to share a part of my story. I too had left the Catholic Church for a period of time. It started during a student mission trip in Denver, CO where I served with other Catholic college students from across the country. While on a pilgrimage for this trip, another student was discussing indulgences – something I had honestly never learned about in my many years of catholic schooling. His viewpoint was that “indulgences are the only way to Heaven.” Several months earlier my grandpa, “Buppa” as I called him, had passed away. Buppa was one of the most faith-filled men I had ever known. He was a part of the United Church of Christ, and my grandma was a devout Catholic. While I had no doubts that they were both united in heaven at the time, this student’s perspective really upset me, to think that the Catholic Church would believe such a black and white view of how to get to Heaven.
Rather than going to a priest or spiritual director to discuss this matter, I used this as a catalyst to leave the Catholic Church and start searching in other denominations. Looking back, there was a lot of hurt and grief I was experiencing during the loss of someone I loved dearly. More than anything, I wanted to continue to have faith that he was in “paradise” with my grandma. As I read the article in the Star Tribune this week, I could empathize with some of those who were shared their stories, knowing they must have felt hurt or lost and confused from a single experience such as I did.
Maybe the biggest call to action from this research study is not discovering why Catholics leave the church, but instead focusing on what brings them back after leaving. From my personal experience, it took time, prayer, open conversations, non-judgmental relationships, and encountering Christ in Eucharistic Adoration for this prodigal daughter to return to the Catholic Church.
The research article is titled “Going. Going. Gone.” But I think the important thing to remember is God is still at work in those who are “gone.” We must not lose hope. The father in the story of prodigal son freely gave his son his inheritance. He freely allowed his son to take it and leave. He didn’t impose on his free will, beg or bribe him to stay, even though I’m sure it brought the father a lot of heartache to see his child walk away. Such is the love of our Father in Heaven. Our Father allows us to explore and question our faith and walk away.
How might we be more like our Heavenly Father and the father in this passage? If we were to embrace those who left the church, listen to them with compassion, and HEAR their stories, might they feel more open to return home? I admire how the father did not give up hope for his son to return, and I hope that I might carry that same hope for those I know who have left the church.
The Lord is speaking to you. I encourage you to read the Gospel. Open your bible to Luke 15:11-32 and listen to what the Lord speaks to your heart. Secondly, pray about what action you can take. Maybe you are the prodigal son, looking for support and answers amidst your confusion. Reach out to someone from the parish, a family member or a friend who is open to discussing your concerns and doubts. Maybe you have a strong faith and close relationship with the Lord; discern how you might shine that light for others in their darkness. Help direct their steps back home, even if that means just listening to their struggles or questions they have. You don’t need to have all the answers, just a compassionate heart.
