Live at OLG with Jason Adkins

Church and State:
How to Engage in Politics as a Catholic

 

Live at OLG: Third Thursday of Every Month

Cocktails. Mocktails. Conversations that Matter.

Upcoming Date: Thursday, December 14
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Our Lady of Grace, Edina

With the presidential election coming up in November 2024, we surely soon will be seeing many ads, reading/watching the news, and hearing debates amongst the candidates.

Here are a few of the many questions we’ll walk through with Jason.

  • How do we decide who to vote for?

  • How do we charitably engage in conversation about politics, especially with our family, friends, and coworkers?

  • How much time should we invest in politics?

    • On one end we could avoid watching any political news and on another, we could be completely immersed in it. What is a healthy amount?

  • What are some practical things we can do to have our Catholic views supported by those nominated?

Live at OLG is free and open to all young professionals (ages 21 - 35)!
Click here to learn more.

 

About our guest:

Jason Adkins has served as the executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference since March 2011. Prior to his advocacy work for the Church, Jason was an attorney at the Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm. Jason has clerked for both state and federal appellate judges and received his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he has served as an adjunct professor.

Jason is a regular presenter at parishes and at organizations around Minnesota and continues to serve as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas. He writes a regular column that appears in diocesan newspapers, and his work has also appeared in numerous secular publications and journals. He frequently appears in the media and serves on many corporate boards and advisory councils.  He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) and resides in Saint Paul with his family.

Young Professionals’ Friendsgiving

Sunday, November 19, following the 5:00 PM Mass

It's the first ever Young Professionals’ Friendsgiving at OLG! We'll have all of the Thanksgiving classics: turkey, potatoes, stuffing, pie, and of course, good company! Wear your favorite ugly sweater! All young professionals (ages 21 - 35) are invited. The cost is $10 to attend. Registration is full.

Live at OLG with Deacon Michalak

What is divinization? What is the Synod? What it means to you.

 

Live at OLG: Third Thursday of Every Month

Cocktails. Mocktails. Conversations that Matter.

Upcoming Date: Thursday, November 16
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Our Lady of Grace, Edina

Divinization: “The Son of God became man so that we might become God” (CCC 460). What does this even mean? How is the Archbishop asking us as young professionals to respond and participate in proclaiming the Good News at a local level? International Speaker and Director of the Office of Synod Evangelization, Deacon Michalak, joins us Thursday, November 16th to tackle these questions and provide practical advice on our responsibility to live the Synod personally and locally as a part of the body of Christ.

Live at OLG is free and open to all young professionals (ages 21 - 35)!
Click here to learn more.

 

For over ten years, Deacon Michalak lived as a member of a lay ecumenical brotherhood and served in evangelistic and formational work in Michigan, London (England) and Minnesota.  Since 1997, he has served as adjunct faculty in theology at the University of St. Thomas and at the Saint Paul Seminary and is an instructor in the Archdiocese’s Catechetical Institute and School of Prayer.

Deacon Michalak recently completed 23 years as Director of the Institute for Diaconate Formation at the Saint Paul Seminary, and he has preached retreats or taught in about 50 dioceses in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.  He is a regular conference speaker, has served on the national board for deacon directors, and develops resources for forming other deacon directors.  He is one of four deacons speaking in the Deacon Track at next July’s Eucharistic Congress.

In May 2022, Archbishop Hebda asked Deacon Michalak to transition to a newly created role as Director of the Office of Synod Evangelization for the Archdiocese and to assume responsibility for implementing the Archdiocese’s three-year synod, form missionary disciples, and form future formators.

Deacon Michalak and his Scottish wife Anne have five children. Though in exile in Minnesota from his boyhood Pittsburgh home, he remains an avid Pirates and Steelers fan, and, as a good father should, has passed that love on to his children.

Deacon Michalak was ordained in September 2010, and after 10 years at Holy Spirit parish, now serves at Little Sisters of the Poor in St. Paul.

Young Professionals Fall Retreat

From Friday, October 27 at 7:00 PM
to Sunday, October 29, 12:00 PM

Life can be crazy, busy, mundane, exciting. Regardless of what life is feeling like right now, an annual retreat is a must for every Catholic. We step away from the pace of life to breathe. We take time to be intentional with the Lord and to hear His still, small voice in the silence. We have the opportunity commit or recommit to living an intentional and abundant life in Christ. As Saint Paul writes, “And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 4:19). God is the answer to our desires. May we open up our hearts to the full and lasting satisfaction that can come from God alone. 

We will be heading about an hour away to the beautiful Dunrovin Retreat Center, located north of Stillwater. 50 acres of the natural outdoors – a gorgeous woods for walking and simply being out in nature with the St. Croix River right there to remind us of the beauty of God’s creation.

Space is limited! Register by October 10!

Live at OLG with Father Kevin

Third Thursday of Every Month

Cocktails. Mocktails. Conversations that Matter.

Upcoming Date: Thursday, October 19
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Our Lady of Grace, Edina

Our shepherd, Father Kevin Finnegan, will be joining us to kick off the Live at OLG year! Father Kevin became a priest in his 30s. What was he up to before then? We’ll hear all about Father Kevin’s time as a layperson and how he believes we are in a time that he calls: “The Age of the Laity.” We, as laypeople, have an incredible opportunity to help build up God’s Kingdom here. Join us to hear from Father Kevin on how we can do that in our everyday lives.

Live at OLG is free and open to all young professionals (ages 21 - 35)! Learn more here.

Call Me: A Catholic Young Adult's Guide to Dating, Discernment, and I Do

Five-Part Series:
Mondays at 7:00 PM,
September 18 - October 16

Join us for an exciting series where we will dive into the world of dating, discernment, and the beauty found in pursuing God’s call as a young Catholic (ages 21-35). Whether you're single or in a relationship, this event is for you!

Call Me will be hosted by Ashley Cermak and Kory LaCroix and will feature Ryan O'Hara and Pat and Kenna Millea of the Martin Center. Discover practical tips and advice on navigating the dating scene while staying true to your Catholic values. We'll explore topics like building healthy relationships, discerning God's call for your life, and preparing for the sacrament of marriage.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded young adults, gain valuable insights, and have a great time! Come and be part of an event that will empower you in your journey of dating, discernment, and the pursuit of holiness.

Young Professionals Fall Kickoff

Sunday, September 17, following the 5:00 PM Mass

Get ready for an evening filled with great conversations, live music, and delicious food. Whether you're new to the area or have been part of the community for years, we are excited for you to join us in ringing in the new ministry year!

This event is free, and all young professionals (ages 21-35) are welcome to attend. Mark your calendars and get ready for an awesome evening!