Week of Sunday, January 4, 2025
Last year was a good one for Pax. We know from Acts of the Apostles that the first followers of Christ grew both in faith and numbers. This last year, the parishioners at Pax grew in numbers, and Mass attendance increased steadily from the previous year. This is not the whole story since our parish life is flourishing more than ever. Over 140 groups gather, at least on a monthly basis, and increase the faith of the faithful. Several hundred volunteers keep these groups and the parish alive. Those who serve the poor, support the immigrants, feed the hungry, serve those who are mourning, volunteer at Mass, and welcome those who are visiting. To mention just a very few examples. Our mission is to be where there is need. At Pax the doors are open. This is a part of Pax’s identity that all are welcome to the table. This year Pax will celebrate 45 years from its establishment. On June 25, we will celebrate that we have continued the mission of the pioneers who with the help of the Holy Spirit made His will come to reality. This will obviously be celebrated in the right way.
This last year we began a few new missions in the parish. Pax Pilgrimages began as an invitation to those who would like to do a local or external pilgrimage. Our first tour to the Basilica in Minneapolis and to The Cathedral in St. Paul was sold out in a few days and many more are to come. Pax on the Plaza began as a new parish festival. Last year many people enjoyed our bike-ride, the band, the meals, and the bingo. This year we will begin with a grand opening on a Friday night and end on Sunday. Our Pax Christi Theology Academy had a great start with 75 students signed up for the first 12-month cycle of Formed By Life program which supports the people and others to become leaders in their service to God and neighbor. The new academic year will be open for registration in February and begins in September.
Every year has a new beginning and there are some new beginnings within each year. Last year we thanked Fr. Bill Murtaugh for his time as pastor of Pax as Fr. Bill went into retirement. But he’s not gone and we enjoy having him around. I’m very grateful to Fr. Bill how well he received me as I became the parochial administrator as I began at Pax on July 1 last year. Fr. Robert Wotypka OFM Cap., returned to his community and was assigned to a mission in Montana. We wish him well there. We welcomed Oona Myhre on board to our great team of staff and thanked Shannon Rouston for her service to the youth of the people of the parish. The spirit of change is the spirit of the universe which continues to invite all of us to whatever we are called.
Wish you and your family a Happy New year with thanks for the last, and may it bring you many blessings.
Fr. Hjalmar B. Gudjonsson
This week, are you reflecting on...
Community life
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Our liturgies
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Personal prayer life
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Last week, we asked...
What parishioners were reflecting on, 28% said Christmas miracles, 31% said Jesus' mission, and 41% said the future. Thank you to the 108 people who shared their Christmas prayers.
PARISH SURVEY: YOUR FEEDBACK REQUESTED!
Pax Christi is beginning the process of updating our strategic plan, and your feedback is essential to this effort. Pax Christi creates a new plan every 3-5 years, and we welcome your perspectives as we discern how to best serve our community and advise the pastor. Please take a moment to share your confidential thoughts on Pax Christi's strengths and where you see opportunities for growth over the next 3-5 years. CLICK HERE to access the survey. Contact Michelle Fox at mfox@paxchristi.com with questions.
REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS
Thank you for your financial generosity!
Week of December 21:
Weekend Collection 25,215
Online Giving 25,979
Online Giving 25,979
Other 17,470
Total Week #25 68,664
Budget 70,000
Variance (1,336)
YTD Actual 1,292,792
YTD Budget 1,275,000
YTD Variance 17,792
Your gifts enable us to celebrate vibrant liturgies, maintain our building and grounds, minister to those in need, work for social justice, and provide faith formation opportunities for community members of all ages. Thank you for supporting the General Fund and for the many ways you support our neighbors in need!
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.
- Marilyn Berg
ANNOUNCEMENTS
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Sunday, January 4, Following 9 & 11 a.m. Masses, Dorothy Day Hall
Marian Council 3827 of the Knights of Columbus will be inviting men of Pax Christi parish to join their council. Please join Fr. Hjalmar, Bill Kozik, Joe May, Kevin Roth, and others for coffee, donuts, and conversation. Founded by Blessed Michael J. McGivney in 1882, K of C members seek to live by principles of charity, unity, and fraternity. Our council is based at the Bloomington Event Center. Bloomington has a membership in excess of 700. We believe membership in the K of C make us better Catholics, husbands, and fathers. CLICK HERE for a free online membership (enter Preferred Local Council 3827 and Membership Referral Number 5259922). See you there!
CARE AND SUPPORT VOLUNTEER MEET AND GREET
Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11, Following All Masses, Mother Theresa Room
The Care and Support Ministry at Pax Christi has a need for more volunteers to visit the sick, pray with the homebound, listen to those seeking hope, provide hospitality and support to the grieving through the funeral ministries. We encourage you to learn more about these opportunities and meet wonderful volunteers. We welcome all to consider your gifts and learn the ways you can be the voice and the hands of our faith community through this ministry. Contact Joan Miltenberger, Director of Care and Support, jmiltenberger@paxchristi.com with questions.
MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT
Saturday, January 10, 1 - 5 p.m.,
Pope John XXIII Room
Take a break from the noise, the rush, and the stress and join us for a retreat centered on finding Peace Within. Through prayer, games, reflection, and community time, students will explore what it means to welcome Christ's peace into their hearts and daily lives. This retreat will include small groups, hands-on activities, time in prayer, and a closing Mass together at 5 p.m. We can't wait to spend this meaningful and joy-filled afternoon with your middle schoolers! CLICK HERE to register. Contact Oona Myhre at omyhre@paxchristi.com with questions.
BOOMERS CHRISTMAS IN JANUARY CELEBRATION
Thursday, January 15, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hall of Martyrs, $20
Let your Christmas spirit carry over into January. We will be entertained by musical ventriloquist Kevin Doely, presenting his "Ho-Ho-Holiday Musical Comedy Jamboree." Afterwards, enjoy a catered lunch while you connect with your fellow Boomers. CLICK HERE to register. Registration for this event by January 8 is required. Contact Scott Brazil at sbrazil@paxchristi.com if you have questions.
WINTER BOOK CLUB
Beginning Week of January 19,
Virtual and In-Person Options
This Winter, we invite you to join us as we read and discuss "Insane for Light: A Spirituality for Our Wisdom Years", the highly anticipated conclusion to Ron Rolheiser’s spiritual classics, "The Holy Longing" and "Sacred Fire". Drawing on the work of John of the Cross and Henri Nouwen, Rolheiser outlines a spirituality capable of giving away one’s death―and by that a spirituality of truly living. Readers will learn to see in Jesus a model for a spirituality of holy passivity rather than activity and find in him the courage to overcome the darkest nights of faith. There is no cost to participate, though registrants will be responsible for obtaining their own copy of the book. CLICK HERE to register. Contact Scott Brazil at sbrazil@paxchristi.com with questions.
WINTER CHAIR YOGA
Mondays, January 19 - March 30,
10:30 - 11:15 a.m., Virtual, $50
A new 10-week Virtual Chair Yoga series will begin on January 19. Each class session begins at 10:30 a.m. and is 45 minutes in length. Because this series is virtual, you can participate in the comfort of your own home! All registrants will receive the Zoom link to participate live as well as links to the class recordings so that you can repeat the session again on your own time. CLICK HERE to register. Contact Scott Brazil at sbrazil@paxchristi.com with questions.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISER
Sunday January 18, Following Morning Masses,
Nazareth Hall, Free Will Offering
Join us for a delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausages, coffee, and orange juice while supporting our youth as they prepare for their upcoming mission trip to Lake Traverse Reservation. Your participation helps make a difference in the lives of our teens and the communities they serve. Come hungry, bring your family, and enjoy a morning of fellowship, fun, and faith! Contact Oona Myhre at omyhre@paxchristi.com with questions.
WINTER BLOOD DRIVE
Wednesday, January 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.,
Nazareth Hall
Join us for an impactful experience of giving back at our upcoming winter blood drive! We are in immediate need of generous blood donors and enthusiastic volunteers to ensure the success of this vital event as more than half of our volunteer slots are unfilled.
If you are interested in volunteering, CLICK HERE to sign up for a two hour shift. Volunteers are able to sit through the majority of their shifts, and there is fun music and a lively atmosphere.
Can't Volunteer? Here's Blood Donation Registration Steps:
- Visit the donation link: BLOOD DONATION REGISTRATION
- Enter “55347” in the area code field and click “Find a Drive.”
- Select the “By Distance” tab at the top of the drive information.
- Click on Pax Christi Catholic Community to choose a sign-up time.
Your participation is critical in helping us collect the lifesaving blood needed for patients across the community. Thank you for stepping up to make a difference! If have any questions, reach out to Dan Kohler at dkohler@paxchristi.com
FAMILY OPEN GYM
Saturday, January 24, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Nazareth Hall
Beat the winter chill with Family Ministry! Our open gym is the perfect chance to let kids play, catch up with friends, and enjoy some relaxed community time together. All ages are welcome to join. Contact Terri Hunt at thunt@paxchristi.com with questions. We look forward to seeing you on January 24!
PARENT SPEAKER SERIES
Sunday, January 25, 10:10 - 11:15 a.m.
& 6:15 - 7:15 p.m., Room 211
Parishioner Nancy Wagner shares her deeply personal experience following the loss of her child to suicide. This presentation offers insight and perspective for parents navigating difficult conversations with their children. Consider attending while your children are in Faith Formation classes. All are welcome.
For questions, contact Terri Hunt at thunt@paxchristi.com
SOUTHWEST GRIEF COALITION WINTER SESSION
Mondays, January 26 - March 2, 2026 6 - 8 p.m., United Methodist Church
If you or someone you know is walking through grief, the Southwest Grief Coalition's winter session offers both education and the comfort of small group support. Join us on Mondays, January 27 through March 3, from 6 - 8 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Eden Prairie. CLICK HERE to learn more or register. Contact Kerry Cronkhite at kcronkhite@paxchristi.com with questions.
POPE LEO AND THE
MODERN CHURCH
Saturday, January 31, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.,
Hall of Martyrs, $25
Presented by the Pax Christi Theology Academy, this event welcomes journalist Christopher Altieri to present his new book, The New Pope and Catholic Reform. After coffee and light refreshments, Altieri will share insights on Pope Leo XIV's ministry and papacy as well as an examination of the state of the Church. Following his presentation, Fr. Hjalmar B. Gudjonsson will moderate a panel with Christopher Altieri, Archbishop Bernard Hebda, and Monique Maddox, founder of the Descendants Truth and Reconciliation Foundation. The event will conclude with lunch. All are welcome! CLICK HERE to register. There is limited availability, so register today. Email Scott Brazil at sbrazil@paxchristi.com with questions.
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. Contact Scott Brazil at sbrazil@paxchristi.com with questions.
SNOW REMOVAL AT PAX CHRISTI
Our snow management covers thorough sidewalk and entrance clearing from 0.01 inches onward, with wide paths during extended snowstorms. Responsible salt use aims to melt ice without over-application, considering our proximity to the Purgatory Creek Watershed. Avoiding parking on sidewalks aids our efficient snow removal.
For plowing, we cover all parking lot blacktops, with exceptions from Christmas to Easter for the West and East lots. Our vendor acts on a 1-inch trigger, adjusting for events and ensuring timely responses during snowstorms. Clearing occurs every 3 to 4 inches due to snow weight. Salting is done on an as-needed basis, emphasizing safety and environmental considerations. Coordination with plowing ensures a smooth transition for a secure parking lot. Contact Dan Kohler at dkohler@paxchristi.com with questions.