For the week of Sunday, March 18, 2018 • Fifth Sunday of Lent
Dear Members of Pax Christi,
The upcoming Sunday is the Fifth Sunday of Lent, and since we are sometimes people who forget good intentions made, it might be a good time to renew our attention to how we began to choose to live Lent on February 14. We are continually called to be transformed by the voice of the Spirit in our lives. In the compilation Called to Life, Called to Love: Lenten Reflections from the Works of Henri J.M. Nouwen, we are challenged by his words to understand the important work of Lent in our own lives, and that it is beyond a 40-day spiritual enterprise:
Lent is the most important time of the year to nurture our inner life. It is the time during which we not only prepare ourselves to celebrate the mystery
of the death and resurrection of Jesus, but also the death and resurrection that constantly takes place within us…Lent offers a beautiful opportunity to
discover the mystery of Christ within us. It is a gentle but also demanding time. It is a time of solitude but also community, it is a time of listening to the
voice within, but also a time of paying attention to other people's needs. It is a time to continuously make the passage to new inner life as well as to life
with those around us.
May the remainder of your Lenten journey bring you grace and peace!
Jane
Jane Schmitz, Parish Director
jschmitz@paxchristi.com
952-405-7238
LENT: DISCIPLES ON A MISSION
We encounter Alefa in Malawi, where seeds are helping her family survive an uncertain climate. How can you care for God’s creation this Lent? How can you support those, worldwide, who are forced to flee their homes to find safety or better opportunities? Visit crsricebowl.org for more.Visit crsricebowl.org for more.
During the 40 days of Lent, as companions on the journey, we will encounter our neighbor.
JR & SR. HIGH SERVICE:
LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Be a part of the 25th Anniversary of this Pax Christi Good Friday tradition! Jr and Sr. High youth are invited to act out the scenes from the Passion of Jesus. No memorization of lines needed. Your ability to hold a pose or read from the script as a lector is all that is required. There will be pizza! You must be available for rehearsals on Sundays, March 18 and 25, from 1:00–3:00pm. Presentations of the Living Stations will take place at 3:00pm and 5:00pm on Good Friday, March 30th.Contact the parish office, 952-941-3150, for additional information or sign up at www.paxchristi.com/eventregistration.
ARTISTS NEEDED FOR PARISHIONERS' ART EXHIBIT: New Life: The Birth of Spring
Current Pax Christi parishioners — amateur, hobbyist, or professional — ages 16 years and up are welcome and encouraged to show their fine art and fine craft, including works in sculpture, pottery, fiber, and photography, with the exclusion of film and/or video. This year’s exhibit, presented by the Pax Christi Art Committee, will be available for viewing beginning Sunday, April 15 until Sunday, May 13 in the Pacem in Terris Gallery in the MLK Jr. Room (247) near entrance three. CLICK HERE for complete details, guidelines, and application procedures coming soon.
LENTEN RECONCILIATION SERVICE TODAY!
Tuesday, March 13, 7:00pmJoin us as we celebrate a community reconciliation service THIS evening, March 13, 7:00pm. Our Lenten reconciliation will include music, scripture, and prayer as we break open the word and reflect on our relationship with God, ourselves, and each other. There will be an opportunity for individual confession following the service.
EASTER BASKET DRIVE - THIS WEEKEND!
Sponsored by Twelve BasketsCollection Weekends: 17/18
Twelve Baskets Ministry invites us once again to use our imaginations to create colorful, bountiful Easter Baskets for children in need. Some suggestions: crayons, books for K-6, small games, coloring books, small toys, school supplies, healthy snacks, small amounts of Easter candy, personal care items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo. If possible, please wrap your Easter Basket in cellophane. Baskets will be delivered to Holy Rosary Parish, south Minneapolis; Extension Services, north Minneapolis; East Side Learning Center, East St. Paul. Note that empty baskets, items to fill them, and gift cards are always welcome. Thank you for responding with a generous heart! CLICK HERE to view informational flyer.
COMMUNITY NIGHT FISH BAKE - THIS FRIDAY!
Friday, March 16, beginning at 5:00pmConnect with fellow parishioners and participate in a long-standing Pax Christi Lenten tradition. Enjoy fellowship along with two delicious varieties of fish. There’s even macaroni and cheese for the kids and dessert for everyone. No reservations needed. Invite a friend or neighbor to join in for the BEST fish dinner around!
WALKING THE WAY - THIS FRIDAY!
CONTEMPORARY STATIONS OF THE CROSSFriday, March 16, 6:30pm
Again this year we will provide the opportunity to experience a unique Way of the Cross, published by the Maryknoll Fathers. When we follow the Way of the Cross, we are given the opportunity to place ourselves into the passion of Jesus, grieving for the evils against ourselves or others. Our world still suffers from oppression and crucifixion. Can we take the time to realize who God has created each of us to be? Meditating on these depictions and realizing that we have a chance to move beyond our shortcomings, we can seek forgiveness and experience the great gift of this holy season. Please join us for this unique opportunity at Pax Christi.
SOCIAL JUSTICE SPEAKER SERIES
Sunday, March 18, 12:30pm, Room 212The Journey Home: Honoring Community and the Common Good
The fourth in our Social Justice Speakers Series, we will meet Debbie Wyman and Chuck Peterson from Clare Housing. The work of Clare Housing is grounded in social justice and equity advocacy. As the only organization in Minnesota focused exclusively on the housing and supportive needs for people living with HIV/AIDS, Clare Housing is uniquely positioned to ensure that housing-based interventions are a key component in an era of rapidly changing public policy and programs affecting people living with HIV/AIDS. Research consistently links homelessness and housing instability to greater HIV risk, inadequate health care, poor health outcomes, and early death. Evaluations (including evaluations of Clare Housing’s work) indicate that stable housing with appropriate supports improve physical and mental health, reduce behaviors that can transmit HIV, and sharply cut public spending. Given this evidence, the unmet housing need among people living with HIV and those most vulnerable to HIV infection must be viewed as a moral/human rights issue, a public health issue, and an issue of fiscal responsibility. Come hear about the mission of Clare Housing!
PET WELLNESS EVENT
Monday, March 19, 6:30pm in MLKThe Pax Pet Ministry invites you to learn healing touch, massage, communication, and energy work for your pet. Humans only at event unless you are a certified Pax Pet visit team. Rachel Augusta is a licensed Healing Touch for Animals practitioner, Usui Reiki master/teacher, and animal communicator. She is also the founder of Furamily Academy that teaches pet guardians how to communicate, massage, and use energy work with their non-human family members. She has worked with dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles, and wild animals. Space is limited, registration required by contacting Renee Reardon, rreardon@paxchristi.com or 952-405-7200.
SOULCOLLAGE® – OPEN CARD MAKING
Thursday, March 22, AND Tuesday, May 8, 6:30–8:30pm,freewill offering for materials optional
In SoulCollage® we see how the inner parts of our personality, our life roles, and our interests are named and imaged on individual cards. The objective is to bring more awareness to our lives to realize personal growth and transformation. A short review of the SoulCollage® process will be offered to those new to SoulCollage®. Email Lynn Schelitzche, Director of Faith Formation, with questions, LSchelitzche@paxchristi.com. CLICK HERE to RSVP online today.
MARCH FOR OUR LIVES
Saturday, March 24, 10:00am–12:00pmHigh schoolers: You are powerful agents of change in our world! Join thousands of young people from across the state and the country for the March for Our Lives, a national student-led response to the deadly shooting in Parkland, Florida. The event is taking place on Saturday, March 24 from 10am to noon at the State Capitol in Saint Paul, and a carpool from Pax Christi will be available. Parents and siblings are also welcome to attend, and driving chaperones are needed. Friends are especially welcome, even if they don't go to Pax. A sign-making party will happen on March 23 at 7pm in the John XXIII Room (formerly the Garden Level). Contact Jessie Johnson at jjohnson@paxchristi.com with questions. CLICK HERE to register online by March 18.
PALM SUNDAY BURGUNDY BAG FOOD COLLECTION
Weekend of March 24/25The weekend of March 24/25, parishioners are invited to bring their “Burgundy Bags” (or any bag or box of food we bring to share!) to Mass. Instead of placing your donation in the collection bins at the church entrances, please bring the bags/boxes INTO the church and keep them with you; then, as part of the Presentation of the Gifts, you will be guided to bring your “offerings” of food forward and place them in front of the altar. Volunteers will be present to assist young and old, single or families. All are welcome!
CALLED TO LIFE:
Young Adult Discernment Small GroupWednesdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25, 6:30–7:30pm, Room 208
Young adults—have you ever asked yourself, “What’s the meaning of my life and my work?” Do you feel pulled in multiple directions—work, friends and other commitments? Are you wondering where God might be leading you next? Explore these questions in Called to Life, a small group series about our callings. Young adults ages 18-35 are invited to join for this prayer and conversation series. Spots are limited. CLICK HERE to register by Monday, March 26. Questions? Contact Jessie Bazan, jbazan@paxchristi.com.
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP DAY
Sunday, April 22, 12:30–4:00pm, Lunch in Room 212 RSVPAll parishioners are invited to join us for an Adopt-a-Highway Clean Up Day on Sunday, April 22! Bring a dish to share for a potluck lunch in Room 212 after the 11:00am Mass, then we'll carpool to the clean-up site on Flying Cloud Drive around 1:00pm. High-visibility vests and garbage bags will be provided, but be sure to bring your own work gloves and a water bottle. Individuals and families are welcome, but children must be at least 11 years old to participate, and youth under 18 who are attending without a parent will need to complete a permission form. CLICK HERE to RSVP online.
SR. HIGH SERVICE/JUSTICE TRIP
Week of June 24–30, Chicago, IL, Fee of $250 RSVPHigh school students, are you ready to make 2018 the best summer of your life?! Sign up for the 2018 Summer Service and Justice Immersion Trip with Young Neighbors in Action, June 24–30 in Chicago, Illinois! Meet teens from across the country, immerse yourself in learning about service and justice, and get ready to be inspired to change the world. We will spend the week working with local service agencies, learning about Catholic Social Teaching and brainstorming ways to put our faith into practice back home. Space is limited, so register today with a $50 deposit! Questions? Contact Jessie Johnson, jjohnson@paxchristi.com. CLICK HERE to register online today.
DRAMA CAMP WEEK
July 23–27, 9:00am–3:00pm (hours subject to change)Rehearsal week July 9–13, 9:00am–4:00pm
There is no fee for this fabulous opportunity
Lights, Camera, Action! Come share your acting talents and be part of our fabulous drama team. All youth grades 6 and older are invited. No previous experience is needed. There is no fee for participating. Questions? Contact Renee Dignan at rdignan@paxchristi.com. CLICK HERE to register online.
VACATION BIBLE CAMP - EARLY BIRD RATE!
July 23-27, 9:00–12:00pmThe fee is $55 per child or $110 per family through April 30; $75 per child, no family maximum beginning May 1.
Bible Camp registration is now open! Register on-line at link above. Get the ‘early bird’ pricing by registering before April 30. Our fee includes a t-shirt, music, daily snack, daily craft and the Fun Day! Children ages 3-grade 5 are invited to participate, Friends are welcome. Get ready for the BEST WEEK OF THE SUMMER! Volunteers are needed as crew leaders, snack, craft, music, nursery and game leaders. Training and all materials are provided. Please consider joining our team! Questions? Contact Renee Dignan at rdignan@paxchristi.com. CLICK HERE to register online.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP WEEK
July 23–27, 8:30am – 4:00pm (7:00pm on July 27) The fee is $150 per youth through April 30; $175 per youth beginning May 1.Will you be a sixth, seventh, or eighth-grader this fall? You are invited to be part of Pax Christi's Middle School Service Camp! Join PaxConnex for a week of service and fun at Pax Christi and in our local community. Mornings will be spent at local organizations serving those in need. Service sites may include People Reaching Out to People (PROP), Feed My Starving Children, and Senior Community Services. Youth also have the option of serving as crew leaders at Vacation Bible Camp. During the afternoons we will spend time having fun with games, movies, and trips to Grand Slam, Cascade Bay, and Valleyfair! Fee includes lunch each day, transportation to all off-campus locations, admission to all afternoon activity sites, and a t-shirt. CLICK HERE to register online now.
UPCOMING EVENTS INCLUDE:
March 14: Tour of PROP
April 19: FMSC
May 8: Annual Boomer Retreat
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.