Week of Sunday, October 12, 2025
Inheritance, the handing on of gifts and grace is what we gaze into deeply in today’s First Reading. Elijah has already handed on to Elisha, and now Elisha has handed on to Naaman the saving power of the one true God. When Elijah was ending his mission, he said to his companion, “Request whatever I might do for you, before I am taken from you” (2 Kings 2: 9). Elisha wisely replies, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” Small wonder that Elisha firmly declined the gifts Naaman offered. He knew he was already blessed. The story ends sadly. Elisha’s servant acts without integrity toward Naaman, and suffering is visited on him.
David was a great king, Solomon less so, and Rehoboam so much less so that I had to look up his name (2 Chronicles 10-12). Is there a longing for dynasties, or is it enough that there be fruitful succession? Is journeying together what matters most? I saw a documentary about the 1970s Buffalo Bills who appeared in and lost four consecutive Super Bowls. This sounds harder to do than to win four. The players recall their “glory days,” yet it is their hard-won wisdom and compassion about what they endured that shows what they came to know, that all is gift.
When you visit Philadelphia – home of the next Super Bowl champions – check this out: the city has had five stock exchange buildings since the first one opened in the 1780s. All five still stand, and all are still in use. They tell the story of the city over time, forming a public inheritance that all share in and learn from.
Henry Ford II told people who complained about a decision he made, “My name is on the building.” When I was a kid my mother worked in a department store, a family business which lasted 128 years. One day as we were going up the escalator she discreetly pointed out to me two well-dressed gentlemen going down – the brothers in charge, whose name was literally on the building. After them? Well, as was said in “The Godfather Part I” (which I prefer to Parts II and III), someone must have made an offer they couldn’t refuse, because the business was sold and the stores and the name disappeared.
The Gospel of Matthew opens with the genealogy of Jesus. The evangelist names three sets of fourteen ancestors each. Yes, those names are hard to pronounce and yes, it does take a while to read, but to connect with the names and the stories captured in each generation, and remember what they endured, is to live out what the hymn tells us, that “We’ve come this far by faith.” What comes next? Paul tells us: “The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him” (Romans 8: 16-17).
Fr. Robert Wotypka
What are you reflecting on this week?
Dynasties
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The collective journey
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The Church's future
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Last week, we asked...
What parishioners were reflecting on, 28% said the Virgin Mary, 28% said the Universal Church, and 44% the Pax Christi community. Thank you to the 88 folks who took the time to respond!
REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS
Thank you for your financial generosity!
Week of September 28:
Weekend Collection 9,353
Online Giving 6,152
Online Giving 6,152
Other 26,978
Total Week #13 42,483
Budget 30,000
Variance 12,483
YTD Actual 509,969
YTD Budget 500,000
YTD Variance 9,969
Consider including Pax Christi Catholic Community in your will or estate plan to help sustain our mission for future generations so that they might find spiritual nourishment here, just as you have. It's quite easy. You can designate a specific dollar amount or percentage of your estate as a gift to Pax Christi. Contact your attorney for applicable language to include in your will.
PAX CHRISTI PRAYER CORNER
PAX CHRISTI PRAYER WALL & SUPPORT
Pray for the Pax Christi Community! Please view the prayer wall and pray for the needs of fellow Pax Christi Community members by CLICKING HERE.
Do you have a prayer you would like to add to the Pax Christi Prayer Wall? If you would like to add a prayer request to the Prayer Wall, CLICK HERE. This link invites you to fill out a very brief form so that we can pray for your intention.
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
Please join us in holding up the prayers brought forward during all Masses last weekend.
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
To see a full list of all upcoming funerals being held at Pax Christi, along with an obituary if the family chooses, please CLICK HERE.
- Dennis Quinn
- Robert H. Zieper
ANNOUNCEMENTS
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE PAX CHRISTI THEOLOGY ACADEMY
Early bird registration rate ends October 15!
Transform your faith journey.The Pax Christi Theology Academy offers twelve months of deep spiritual formation for lay disciples ready to grow. Grounded in Vatican II's vision, the Academy ignites faith, forges authentic community, and empowers Catholics across Minnesota to lead and serve with impact.
With over 50% of spots filled, secure yours today before prices increase on October 15.
CLICK HERE to register. Questions? Email academy@paxchristi.com
PARENT SPEAKER SERIES
Sunday, October 12, 10:10 - 11:15 a.m. &
6:15 - 7:15 p.m., Room 211, Free
Join other parents to hear Denise D'Aurora, Psychologist Emerita and parishioner, speak on "Praying With Kids: Using Our Imagination". Further talks will be offered October through April. Watch for more details. All parishioners are welcome! Questions? Email Terri Hunt at thunt@paxchristi.com
SOUTHWEST GRIEF COALITION
Mondays, October 13 - November 17, 6 - 8 p.m.
If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, talking to others can be a source of great comfort and support. You are invited to connect with others in the Southwest Grief Coalition sessions. Through presentations and small groups, learn about the grief process and resources for healing and support. Sessions are held at Prairie Lutheran Church, 11000 Blossom Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347. CLICK HERE to register. Questions? Email Joan Miltenberger at jmiltenberger@paxchristi.com
PAX CHRISTI HOLIDAY TEA
Planning Meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 7 p.m., Room 212
The Pax Christi Holiday Tea will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025. This annual event is a lovely expression of creativity, prayer and hospitality at the beginning of Advent. The first hostess meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, at 7 p.m. in Room 212. Table assignments will be drawn at the first meeting, so mark your calendars now! Questions? Email Becky at becky.debol@gmail.com
LABYRINTH PRAYER WALK
Wednesday, October 15, 7 - 8:30 p.m.,
Hall of Martyrs, Free
We are excited to bring back the opportunity to walk and pray the indoor Labyrinth with facilitator Carrie Chevalier Mosher. Participants are welcome to arrive between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The session will begin with teaching and discussion around a chosen topic and an explanation on how to walk the labyrinth. Once everyone has completed their walk, participants gather to share their experiences and insights. Questions? Email Scott Brazil at sbrazil@paxchristi.com
"IN HIS FOOTSTEPS" ARTIST LECTURE
Thursday, October 16, 7 - 8:30 p.m.,
Martin Luther King Room, Free
Local artist Leo Winstead will give a brief lecture followed by a Q&A session in the Martin Luther King Jr. gallery where the exhibition "In His Footsteps" is currently on display. Background information on the saints, insights into research and the art making process will all be discussed. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and participate in open conversation. Registrations are appreciated but not required. CLICK HERE to register. Questions? Email Scott Brazil at sbrazil@paxchristi.com
SPIRIT NIGHT: MIDDLE
SCHOOL LOCK-IN
Saturday, October 25, 6 p.m. - 12 a.m.,
Pope John XXIII Room, $15
Get ready for a night like no other! Spend the night at the parish with friends, music, food, games, and activities that will spark your spirit and fill your heart with joy. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of laughter, connection, and growing closer to God — together! CLICK HERE to register. Questions? Email Oona Myhre at omyhre@paxchristi.com
PARENT SPEAKER SERIES
Sunday, October 26, 10:10 - 11:15 a.m. &
6:15 - 7:15 p.m., Room 211, Free
Join other parents to hear Denise D'Aurora, Psychologist Emerita and parishioner, speak on "Praying With Kids: Looking Back at Our Day". This is the second event in this series. Further talks will be offered November through April. Watch for more details. All parishioners are welcome! Questions? Contact Terri Hunt - thunt@paxchristi.com
CALLING PARISHIONER ARTISTS
Parishioner Exhibit from 11/2/2025 - 11/29/2025
Calling all artists, crafters, and creators at Pax Christi! We invite you to share your God-given talents in our annual Parishioners Art Exhibit. Whether you paint, sculpt, or photograph, this is your chance to inspire fellow parishioners and celebrate the creativity within our community.The submission deadline is October 20. Entry forms are waiting for you in the cubbies by the front entrace, just around the corner from the welcome desk. Questions? Email Dan Kohler at dkohler@paxchristi.com
MASS OF REMEMBRANCE
Mass of Remembrance, November 3, 6 p.m.
Join us for a Mass of Remembrance to pray for, honor and grieve your loved one who died in the last year or many years ago. The Mass will be in the main sanctuary at 6 p.m., followed by light refreshments. You are invited to bring a photo of your loved one to share with the community. Photos will be placed on a table in the Narthex. The names of the deceased who died in the last year and had a funeral at Pax Christi will be listed on the screens during Mass. You can also add your loved one's name to the Book of the Dead near the altar. Questions? Contact Joan Miltenberger, 952-405-7211 or email jmiltenberger@paxchristi.com
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Thursday, December 11, 6 p.m. Mass and Meal
At Pax Christi, we are excited to bring back our Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration. On Thursday, December 11, there will be Mass in Spanish, followed by a potluck meal and entertainment. On Friday, December 12, the morning Mass will be celebrated in both Spanish and English. We urgently need volunteers to help plan and coordinate this event. Questions? Email Scott Brazil at sbrazil@paxchristi.com
En Pax Christi, estamos emocionados de traer de vuelta nuestra celebración de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. El jueves 11 de diciembre, habrá Misa en español, seguida de una comida compartida y entretenimiento. El viernes 12 de diciembre, la Misa matutina se celebrará tanto en español como en inglés. Necesitamos urgentemente voluntarios para ayudar a planificar y coordinar este evento. ¿Preguntas? Envíe un correo electrónico a Scott Brazil a sbrazil@paxchristi.com
FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL PILGRIMAGE
June 10 - 22, 2026
Join Fr. Hjalmar on an unforgettable journey, following the footsteps of St. Paul through Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, and Thessaloniki! Set sail on a 7-night cruise through the breathtaking Greek Isles, where you'll have the opportunity to visit ancient temples and idyllic seaside villages in five ports of call: Santorini, Rhodes, Ephesus, Mykonos, and Thessaloniki. Experience the best of both worlds with private group tours and free time in Athens and on the cruise. An expert local guide will accompany you on this spiritual, historical, and cultural adventure, sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for Greece. CLICK HERE to learn more. Questions? Email Scott Brazil at sbrazil@paxchristi.com
