For the week of Sunday, October 15, 2017 • 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time
It is always a surprise to me how our lives are so connected to one another. In those moments when we encounter our deep connectedness, the veil of separation, of false identity, of powerlessness, of insignificance falls from our eyes and we see clearly that we are all one human family. Our connectedness is the key to everything. There is no insignificant action of love. Each one of us will be inspired to connect and to love according to what inspires us, what breaks our heart, what fits our giftedness and capabilities as long as we are willing to keep our eyes and our hearts open to the encounter. And it is all perfect. Here’s a great example of connectedness and mission right here at Pax Christi:
Pax Christi members go out a couple of times a month to YouthLink in Minneapolis to bring and share a meal to the homeless young people served by the organization. YouthLink’s mission is to support and empower young people on their journey to self-reliance. Pax Christi members were inspired by this mission and by the young people they met at YouthLink and made a significant commitment to being in relationship with regular visits and sharing food together. Encounter. Fostering awareness of connection.
A seemingly separate ministry exists in the CRS Rice Bowl project that happens yearly in support of people living in poverty around the world. This ministry encourages families, during the time of Lent, to listen to the stories of families in need worldwide. Families make a commitment to prayers, fasting and almsgiving. Through daily almsgiving activities, families reflect on the realities of human experience throughout the world and how we can be in solidarity. Encounter. Fostering awareness of connection.
In a beautiful way, the ministry of CRS Rice Bowl is now connected to the YouthLink meals ministry of Pax Christi. Each year, as a large portion of proceeds of CRS Rice Bowl collections go to address worldwide poverty, a portion of the money raised is distributed to address the poverty we face right here in the United States. Pax Christi YouthLink shared ministers applied for, and received a $500.00 grant that goes directly to the YouthLink meals ministry.
We are grateful for the generosity of CRS Rice Bowl in making this grant to a project so near and dear to the heart of Pax Christi. And, we are grateful for the reminder that we are all connected.
There is no insignificant act of love.
Keep your eyes open for connection!
Blessings on your week!
Joan Howe-Pullis
Coordinator of Justice and Liturgical Ministries
952-405-7247
jhowe-pullis@paxchristi.com
HOLIDAY TEA HOSTESS MEETING
Wednesday, October 11, 7:00pm
The 2017 Holiday Tea will be held on Saturday, December 2. If you are interested in hosting a tea table, plan to attend the Holiday Tea Hostess meeting. CLICK HERE for additional information. The second Holiday Tea Hostess planning meeting will be on Wednesday, November 8, 7:00pm.
MOMS ROCK: RAISING OUR CHRISTIAN KIDS
Wednesday, October 11, 9:30–11:30am
Estate Planning for Families with Young Children – Why Everyone Needs A Will
Planning for death or disability is a sensitive topic and we all have busy lives with many demands on our time. CLICK HERE for additional information or to register online.
CENTERING PRAYER
Thursday, October 12, 9:00am, Prayer Space Room 221
Join us for 20 minutes of Centering Prayer at 9:00am (immediately following morning Mass) in the Prayer Space Room 221. Centering Prayer is the practice of silencing mind and body. This method of quieting our mind and body allows us to be aware and receptive to God's presence. It is not meant to replace other forms of prayer, rather, it adds depth to all prayer. Centering Prayer is simply resting in God beyond thoughts, words, and emotions. This group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.
MINISTRY SHOWCASE WEEKEND
October 14/15 Featuring Stewardship and Finance
The Annual Report featured in this month’s magazine shows all the responses generated by our members in Fiscal Year of July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017. Our Ministry Showcase combines members from Finance and Stewardship Ministries. Finance ministry members will be available to answer questions about how our last year went and the generous response received from our members in the form of prayer, service, and financial gifts. Stewardship Ministry members will share opportunities that are available to members to engage in the life of Pax Christi as well as partner with organizations in the greater community. As we begin our Annual Stewardship Renewal, we ask you to consider how you are called to be Disciples on a Mission. Stop by on showcase weekend to learn more!
ON THE ROAD TO JERICHO SPEAKER SERIES
Sunday, October 15, 12:30–2:30pm, Room 212
On The Road to Jericho: Turning Listening Into Action
Pax Christi Members have been gathering, praying, learning, and sharing ideas about the current state of immigration policy, and the real impact on human lives in Minnesota and the nation. After this long period of listening and learning, many are now asking, "What are we to do about what we have learned?" Join us this Sunday as Laura Johnson, organizer with Isaiah MN, will talk to us about various ways that we can join the effort to support our immigrant brothers and sisters, and work for systemic change around immigration policy in the U.S.
WEST METRO YOUNG ADULTS THEOLOGY ON TAP
Tuesdays, October 24–November 28 at Champp's Bar in Minnetonka
Doors Open: 6:30pm Speaker: 7:30pm
Pax Christi is excited to partner with the West Metro Young Adults, a group dedicated to supporting ministries for young adults ages 18–39 in Catholic parishes in the West Metro area. The WMYA coordinates outreach events like a weekly sports night, monthly service activities and seasonal Theology on Taps. The fall Theology on Tap series will take place on Tuesdays from October 24 – November 28 at Champp’s Bar in Minnetonka. For more information on WMYA events CLICK HERE to visit their website. Contact Jessie Bazan at jbazan@paxchristi.com with ideas or interest in young adult ministry at Pax Christi. SAVE THE DATE for Morning Prayer and Mimosas, Saturday, November 4, 10:00am.
ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SOCIAL
Saturday, October 28, 6:00–8:00pm
Come for Mass; stay for the bash! Wear your favorite costume, and come prepared to have a ball with music and dancing in Nazareth Hall. Bring the whole family, both old and young, for a haunted walk, food, games, prizes, and fun! We are looking for volunteers to sponsor a game room, help with decorating, food prep and serving, and clean-up. Donated items needed include goodies for the Monster Walk and candy/prizes for games. New or gently used Halloween decorations gladly accepted. Please contact Janell McBeain, jmcbeain@paxchristi.com, 952-405-7242, or Drew, afish341@msn.com, 952-423-8498. CLICK HERE for more information.
HAT AND MITTEN DRIVE SPONSORED BY TWELVE BASKETS
Drop off weekend of October 28/29
Help keep others warm this winter! New hats and mittens are needed for babies, kids, teens, and adults. We are especially looking for items for MEN. You can bring your donations to Pax Christi and drop them off in the bins at doors 1 and 3. Thank you for responding with generous hearts!
LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS CLASS: FALL SESSION
Wednesdays, November 1–December 13, 6:30–8:00pm
Instead of concentrating on your shortcomings, wouldn’t it be nice to learn how to make the best use of the things at which you excel? What are your God-given strengths? Gallup (the poll people) has developed an online assessment tool that can tell you what your top five strengths are out of thirty-four strengths they have identified. Join other parishioners in a small-group environment to learn how to recognize, develop, and harness your strengths to be the person God calls you to be in your career or school life, relationships, and faith life. Participants will receive a copy of the Living Your Strengths book with an online assessment code, a journal, and work with a certified faith strengths performance coach within a small group setting. For additional questions, contact Mary Kennedy, mkennedy@paxchristi.com, or 952-405-7220. CLICK HERE to register online today!
THEOLOGY DAY AT PAX CHRISTI
Thursday, November 9, 6:00–9:00pm, Hall of Martyrs
Discernment and Self-honesty: Wisdom from the Benedictines
Becky Van Ness is an adjunct faculty at Saint John’s University where she serves as the Director of the Spiritual Direction Program and is an oblate of Saint Benedict’s monastery. Van Ness earned a Master of Arts degree in Christian Spirituality and the Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction and directed retreats at Creighton University. Registration is required at www.csbsju.edu/sot/theology-day or call 320-363-3560.
SOUTHWEST GRIEF COALITION FALL SESSION
Continues Thursdays, 5:30-7:30pm at Pax Christi
The Southwest Grief Coalition is a partnership of local churches working together to provide support and education for those who are grieving. For more information look for the fall 2017 Living and Growing Through Loss brochure in the kiosk by the reception desk or CLICK HERE. Questions can be directed to Mary Ann Callahan, 952-405-7227.
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR REFUGEES INSIDE SYRIA
Sunday, November 12, 3:00pm at Our Lady of Grace, Edina
Join members of the Minnesota Orchestra, including Osmo Vänskä, Erin Keefe, Beth Rapier, Tony Ross for a concert to benefit the people of Syria. The ensemble will perform Bach’s Double Concerto for Oboe and Violin, Copland’s Appalachian Spring, and Mendelssohn’s Octet for Strings. Tickets are $75, and a limited number of free student tickets are available. Attendees must be at least 7 years old. There is no childcare for this event.
UPCOMING EVENTS INCLUDE:
October 19: Feed My Starving Children
November 15: Lunch/Theater Outing
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.