For the weeks of November 10, 2019
Dear Members of Pax Christi,
Saturday, November 9, marks the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Berry, a Passionist priest, cultural historian, and ecotheologian, who reflectively wrote in his books and articles on the relationship between the universe, the earth, and humanity. His love of the earth and the intellectual curiosity about being faithful stewards of our place in the cosmos continues to influence religious thought in our present circumstances of life in this century.
The earth has been good to us. By now the gardens of the past growing season have been put away, time has been spent in readying the soil for the winter fallow time, and this month of dedicated reflections of gratitude allow us the opportunity to take a step back and assess how blessed we are in the bounty that this wonderful earth provides.
How the earth looks at this time of the year has something to teach us about our own lives. As we enter a season of busyness, multitasking and crazed preparations, perhaps it is good to take a step back and listen to the lessons of the earth after the harvest, as Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr ponder in their book, The Circle of Life:
Earth seemed ready to be at rest after intense months of growth. I saw how she was prepared to accept future fallowness, and I imagined her at ease, grateful to be unworked, peacefully approaching her winter repose. With this approach, I saw how she receives for herself after she has given her harvest away. Earth becomes the one to accrue what she needs, leaning back and breathing easily in order to restore her depleted energy, welcoming the blankets of snow that protect and nourish her emptied soil. I noticed how Earth is equally generous in her abundant giving and in her emptied state of receiving.
Can we enjoy being “at rest” in the midst of the expectations of the upcoming holiday season? Is it realistic to expect more from ourselves when we have not given our bodies, our minds, and our spirits time to be fallow and be at rest? Why do we feel the need to be in a constant state of productivity and achievement?
May we be open to the lessons of this good and holy earth.
Blessings to you this autumn week!
The earth has been good to us. By now the gardens of the past growing season have been put away, time has been spent in readying the soil for the winter fallow time, and this month of dedicated reflections of gratitude allow us the opportunity to take a step back and assess how blessed we are in the bounty that this wonderful earth provides.
How the earth looks at this time of the year has something to teach us about our own lives. As we enter a season of busyness, multitasking and crazed preparations, perhaps it is good to take a step back and listen to the lessons of the earth after the harvest, as Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr ponder in their book, The Circle of Life:
Earth seemed ready to be at rest after intense months of growth. I saw how she was prepared to accept future fallowness, and I imagined her at ease, grateful to be unworked, peacefully approaching her winter repose. With this approach, I saw how she receives for herself after she has given her harvest away. Earth becomes the one to accrue what she needs, leaning back and breathing easily in order to restore her depleted energy, welcoming the blankets of snow that protect and nourish her emptied soil. I noticed how Earth is equally generous in her abundant giving and in her emptied state of receiving.
Can we enjoy being “at rest” in the midst of the expectations of the upcoming holiday season? Is it realistic to expect more from ourselves when we have not given our bodies, our minds, and our spirits time to be fallow and be at rest? Why do we feel the need to be in a constant state of productivity and achievement?
May we be open to the lessons of this good and holy earth.
Blessings to you this autumn week!
Jane
Jane Schmitz, Parish Director
jschmitz@paxchristi.com
952-405-7238
FATHER MIKE'S HOMILY BLOG
CLICK HERE to view Fr. Mike's blog.
THIS WEEK'S VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLICK HERE to view what is coming up at Pax Christi.REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS
Thank you for your generosity!
Week of October 27:
Basket Collection 15,625
Online Giving 3,956
Other 6,961
Total Week #17 26,542
Budget 26,000
Variance 542
YTD Actual 772,109
YTD Budget 751,000
YTD Variance 21,109
Other contribution methods include grants from donor-advised funds, stock donations, IRA distributions, payroll deductions, and online bill payments. CLICK HERE to donate now.
STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL: Thank you to all who have returned their 2020 Stewardship Intention card. Our goal is to hear from each one of you. If you have misplaced your card, you may communicate your intention online - CLICK HERE.
TWELVE BASKETS THANKSGIVING MEAL DRIVE
Start your holiday season with a gift from the heart for our friends at Northside Extension Services in Minneapolis and Little Earth of United Tribes Resident Association — and thank you for your generosity!Choose from one of these options:
1) Cub Foods Gift Card "EARLY BIRD" Option
Let us shop for you! Donate a Cub Foods gift card in ANY AMOUNT and Twelve Baskets volunteers will shop for the meal items. Please drop off at Pax Christi NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 17 so we can shop in advance.
2) Thanksgiving Meal Option
Purchase any or all of the items listed below. List is also available online or at entrances 1, 3, and 4. MUST DROP OFF November 23 between 10:00am–5:00pm or November 24 between 8:30am–12:00pm.
ATTENTION MEN! DON'T MISS THIS EVENT!
What the Bible Teaches About Male and Femalefeaturing Deacon Charles Bobertz
Wednesday, November 13, 6:30–8:00pm in Room 212 RSVP
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:28). All men of the parish are invited to hear the perspectives of our very own Deacon Charles, who will help us deepen our understanding of what this means for us today. Register online NOW - CLICK HERE.
INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION
Saturday, November 23, 7:30pm at Pax ChristiIf you’re looking for a beautiful and meaningful way to kick off your holidays, then come to the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration. The theme for this years’ celebration is “Building Bridges in A Broken World.” This celebration of our common humanity will include songs, interpretive dance, prayers, poetry, and sacred texts shared by people of various faith traditions and spiritual communities. The gathering will encourage and celebrate actions and behaviors that strengthen and build bridges in all relationships. We will extend care for our neighbors in need through monetary gifts to PROP. Refreshments and conversation will follow the gathering. We invite all to wear your native dress or drop off a favorite family treat (cookies or bars) to share in the Dorothy Day Hall between 7:00–7:30pm. This event is sponsored by the Interfaith Circle of Eden Prairie. For more information visit https://interfaithcircle.wordpress.com .
COLLEGE PLANNING STRATEGIES WORKSHOP
Sunday, November 24, 3:15–4:45pm, Room 212Between applications, complicated forms, student loans, and scholarships, navigating the college financial aid process can be daunting. Set yourself up for success with this free 90-minute workshop geared toward high school youth and parents. Learn valuable tips and get all your questions about college planning answered by a pro! Contact Jessie Johnson, 952-405-7210, or jjohnson@paxchristi.com, for more information. PLEASE NOTE: This workshop is intended for high school youth AND a parent/guardian. CLICK HERE to RSVP online.
THANKSGIVING DAY MASS AND WEEKEND
Mass Thursday, November 28, 9:00am in the SanctuaryPlease note there is no Mass on Friday, November 29, and the building and parish office will be closed for the day. Also note that there will be no hospitality served at weekend Masses and the nursery will be closed for the entire holiday weekend.
CHRISTMAS BELL RINGERS -
COME RING THE COLORED BELLS!
Deadline to signup is December 6Children, grades 1 through 6 are invited to be a bell ringer for the Christmas Eve 2:00pm Family Mass. No experience needed - the bells are color-coded. Rehearsal is scheduled for Sunday, December 15, 10:00am in the chapel. If you can be at the rehearsal and present at 1:15pm on Christmas Eve, please register online below. Deadline is December 6. Come Ring the Bells!! CLICK HERE to register now.
Lunch/Theater Event: November 13
All seniors, age 55 and older, are invited to join Boomers and Beyond Senior Ministry. Members receive monthly emails with details on upcoming events and easy on-line registration.
CLICK HERE to view calendar.
CLICK HERE to view calendar.
Please don't UNSUBSCRIBE without reading this:
Please visit this link - CLICK HERE - to update your user preferences. If you have questions, please contact Melissa Nault, Communication Arts Director, 952-405-7221, or mnault@paxchristi.com.