COMPASSIONATE CARE LISTENING CIRCLE
Thursday, October 19, 3:00–4:30pm       RSVP
The Compassionate Care Listening Circle gathers monthly, and is open to anyone who finds themselves at a crossroads in life. The listening circle provides a safe place for reflection and meaningful conversation as one strives to find an awareness of God in the face of life challenges. These challenges can include loss, caregiving responsibilities, mental illness, grief, chronic illness, or any life transition. In this small group setting we will have time for ritual, prayer, and sharing around a monthly topic. For more information, or if you would like to join this group, contact Jean Thoresen, Director of Care and Support Ministry, 952-405-7211, or jthoresen@paxchristi.com.


HAT AND MITTEN DRIVE SPONSORED BY TWELVE BASKETS
Drop off weekends of October 21/22 and 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!


NEW TESTAMENT IMAGES BY KIRSTEN MALCOLM BERRY
Opening reception Sunday, October 22 following morning Masses
Stop in to see artwork created by Kirsten Malcolm Berry between October 20 and November 9. "I base my art on the images of the New Testament. Integrated into each painting is the verse on which it is based, written in Greek — a link to the original form of the text. The configurations of repeated shapes reflect the influence of several indigenous art forms: Southeast Asian fabrics, Scandinavian woolen tapestries, Native American weaving, traditional quilts, and Byzantine mosaics. The exercise of faith is difficult for those of us who long for perceptible signs of God’s presence. I paint the images of the Bible to help me translate the abstract into the tangible. Through pictures I grasp that the Word indeed became flesh, and in resurrection power is present in the Comforter." Kirsten’s B.A., major in art, is from Bethel University in St. Paul. She completed additional coursework in Drawing, Painting, and Watercolor at the University of Minnesota and the University of Iowa. She has shown her paintings in 65 solo and two-person exhibitions, and a similar number of group sacred art shows. Her work is in private and church collections, and has appeared in religious periodicals, on book covers, and Augsburg Fortress Sunday bulletins.


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.


MOMS ROCK: RAISING OUR CHRISTIAN KIDS
Wednesday, October 25, 9:30–11:30am
Mindy Heine: Navigating Faith in the Public Schools
Deciding how to educate your children is not an easy task. Many people in your
life may have an opinion as to whether homeschool, Christian school, or public
school is the best choice for your family. CLICK HERE for additional information or to register online.


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.


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!


MEMORIAL MASS
Saturday, November 4, 5:00pm Mass
In November, it is the church’s tradition to celebrate the All Souls Day, which commemorates all those who have died. As a parish community we set aside this time to especially honor those whose funerals we celebrated here at Pax Christi from November 2016 to October 2017. At the Memorial Mass we will honor their memories by reading each of their names during the Prayers of the Faithful. All those who have experienced the death of a loved one are invited to join us at this special Mass. You are invited to bring a picture of your loved one for our prayer table in the Sanctuary.


WHEN ALL ISN'T SHINY AND BRIGHT
Tuesday, November 7, 6:30pm, Thomas Merton Chapel
Rev. Chris Wheatley, Director of Christian Ministry at Presbyterian Homes, will be with us to explore the many forms of grief that can be especially present over the holidays. This year some of us will grieve the loss of a family tradition such as gathering at grandma’s house with her heirloom china and favorite foods because she has moved to a care center. Some of us will have to adjust to a slower pace of life due to an illness or disability in the midst of all the holiday chaos and hurry. Some of us will suffer the spiritual pain of loneliness or depression and search our faith for comfort. This talk is for everyone who is entering into the Thanksgiving or Christmas season in need of words of comfort, not expectations of sugarplums dancing. Rev. Wheatley will address these forms of grief and also share tools for those of us who minster to family, friends, and neighbors in need of our support. No need to RSVP.


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.


INTERNATIONAL POTLUCK
Saturday, November 11, 6:00–8:30pm
Celebrate Your heritage at Pax Christi's International Potluck. We are glad to have you here at Pax Christi! Now, let's celebrate your family heritage! Dust off that family recipe that makes you think of home, whip up a batch, and bring it over to Pax Christi as we celebrate the diversity of this community of faith. Feel free to bring whatever favorite ethnic food you like to make that represents your heritage, whether it’s an appetizer, vegetable, salad, snack, bread, entrée, or dessert. We'll gather after the 5:00pm Mass and gobble our way around the world without leaving Eden Prairie. If you have a special image, statue, or icon representing your faith heritage, feel free to bring it in to display.


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.

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