For the week of Sunday, December 16, 2018
Dear Members of Pax Christi,
Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.
― Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ, priest and philosopher
The Third Sunday of Advent has traditionally been known as Gaudete (Latin for “rejoice”) Sunday, stemming from the themes in the prayers and in the readings that we are a people called to rejoice in the reality that God dwells with us (Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18). On Gaudete Sunday, we have passed the midpoint of Advent, the liturgical mood lightens a little, the rose-ribboned candle is lit for the third week of Advent, and we are provided with encouragement to continue our spiritual preparation for the Christmas feast.
Why be joyful when there is so much suffering in this world and discontent in our lives? What does the spiritual gift of joy desire to teach us about ourselves and about our God? Richard Rohr, in Near Occasions of Grace, reflects on the reason and value of Christian joy in our lives:
“But who am I that the Lord should come to me?” Elizabeth asks. Perhaps, if I can recognize and trust this little graciousness, this hidden wholeness, this child in the womb, then my spirit will be prepared for the greater visitation, the revelation of the Son of God…But if we dare to trust this mystery, we participate in a Presence that is at once overwhelming gift and precious surprise—not really demanded or necessary—but actually not difficult to believe at all. And God goes ahead enfleshing spirit and inspiriting the flesh; while for us, who have learned, like Elizabeth, to trust these holy visitations, our life leaps within us for joy!
May the remainder of this Advent season guide us to recognize the near occasions of joy that are in our midst.
Advent blessings to you!
Jane
Jane Schmitz, Parish Director
jschmitz@paxchristi.com
952-405-7238
FATHER MIKE'S HOMILY BLOG
CLICK HERE to view Fr. Mike's blog.
A NOTE FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
All pictorial directory photo sessions are now complete for the year. We will schedule additional photo sessions in the late spring or early summer. Watch for details to be announced later in the spring. Photo print and digital orders have all been dropped off at Pax Christi. If you have not already picked up your order at the front reception desk, please do so as soon as possible. After December 20 all unclaimed orders will be stored in the Communications office. The new Pictorial Directory can be found under the "Welcome" tab of the Pax Christi website or CLICK HERE to view. You must log in using the username/password (given to you at your photo session) for both fields.Last week our website, www.paxchristi.com, transferred over to a new, completely secure and mobile responsive platform. If, when you view the new site on your phone or home pc, the images, buttons, or links do not show up correctly, you may need to delete your browsing history so that the new site can load correctly.
Questions? Please contact Melissa Nault, 952-405-7221, or mnault@paxchristi.com.
YEAR END GIVING
The tax law changes that took effect in 2018 will prevent many households from deducting charitable contributions on their tax returns, but there are still ways to get a tax break on contributions to Pax Christi...The tax law changes that took effect in 2018 will prevent many households from deducting charitable contributions on their tax returns, but there are still ways to get a tax break on contributions to Pax Christi.
STOCK: If you donate appreciated stock or mutual funds to Pax Christi, you avoid any long-term capital gains tax on the appreciation. If you are still able to itemize your deductions, you can also take a deduction for the full market value of the stock.
REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS: If you are at least 70.5 years old and taking required minimum distributions (RMD) from your traditional IRA, you can take advantage of a Qualified Charitable Distribution by making a direct transfer from your IRA to Pax Christi. Your contribution is counted as part of your RMD. But, because the money doesn’t go to you, it won’t increase your adjusted gross income.
BUNCH YOUR DONATIONS: Time your contributions to shift more contributions into a single tax year or consider a donor-advised fund, which allows you to bunch and still make annual contributions.
Consult with your tax advisor for more details about the option that is best for you or contact Sue Fier in the parish office at 952-405-7202.
THIS EVENING-
ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE
Advent Hope in Times of DarknessTuesday, December 11, 7:00pm
The season of Advent comes to us at the darkest time of the year when days are short and nights are long. It is a time of preparation for the Dawn of God, the Incarnation, to break through the challenges that make us less than what we are called to be as people living into our full humanity in God’s design. This evening of reconciliation will aid in giving us pause and reflection, so we may understand the darkness a bit better and be people of hope looking to the Light that dwells in each of us, so that Light may be expressed more purely and profoundly. We will begin by using Taizé prayer, a type of prayer that may not be familiar to us. The prayer is based in the Taizé Community in France, founded by Brother Roger in 1940, as a community that “wants its life to be a sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and between separated peoples” (www.taize.fr). Taizé prayer uses repetitive prayers set to simple musical lines and core texts from Scripture, so that the whole assembly might enter into the message, silence, and space this prayer provides, as we seek to move from spiritual darkness into healing light. Please come early to this service to allow for time to enter into the quiet and prayer of this night. Opportunity for private confession will be available following service.
WHEN THE THOUGHT OF CHRISTMAS HURTS
Prayer Service with Fr. Bill MurtaughThursday, December 20, 7:00–8:00pm, Thomas Merton Chapel
Maybe you are dreading Christmas this year because it will be the first Christmas without your wife/husband/son/daughter/grandchild/a good friend. Maybe as a couple you had a miscarriage or stillbirth and the loss of your baby hurts. Maybe you experienced an end of a relationship, loss of a job, or a painful diagnosis and you are feeling blue. Please join Fr. Bill for this opportunity to pray, to remember, and to acknowledge Christmas hurts.
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT TO GIVE!
TICKETS TO THE ANNUAL CANA DINNER
Saturday, February 23, 2019, 6:00–10:00pmWe are “Finding New Roads!” on “A Bicycle Built for Two: Oh the Roads We’ve Traveled,” this year’s Cana Dinner theme, but you won’t need to bike to the event as all couples, of all ages (and abilities) are welcome! The evening begins with a hosted wine reception, followed by a catered dinner. After dinner, enjoy coffee, wine, and dessert while you are entertained. Entertainment details are currently under wraps but it will be, well, entertaining! A couple’s photo op will be offered during the evening, so be sure to dress as you would for a cocktail/dinner party. Tickets are available at an early lovebird price of $70.00 per couple. The rate goes up to $80 per couple after January 21, 2019. The ticket price includes loving childcare. Consider what a wonderful Christmas gift a pair of Cana Dinner tickets would make for that special couple in your life. Register online now! If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far GO TOGETHER! CLICK HERE to register online now!
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCIENCE:
ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS, EXPOSING THE MYTHSThursdays, January 10–February 7, 6:30–8:00pm RSVP
If you ever wonder if Catholic faith can be compatible with modern science, here’s the class for you. Parishioner Mark Huschke will present a five-session series following Benjamin Wiker’s book, The Catholic Church and Science: Answering the Questions, Exposing the Myths. Using topics like the big bang theory and evolution, you’ll learn that Catholic faith and science are compatible. Classes will be held Thursday evenings and begin January tenth. CLICK HERE to RSVP online now.
SOCIAL JUSTICE SPEAKERS SERIES:
ON IMMIGRATION RIGHTSSunday, January 20, 12:30–2:00pm RSVP
Emilia Gonzalez Avalos, Executive Director, Navigate MN
Emilia is Executive Director of Navigate, a leadership development program for immigrant young adults in Minnesota. She is a Mexican immigrant. Born in Mexico City, raised in Irapuato and Minnesota, she joined her father in Minnesota years after he left their town looking for better job opportunities and a better future for his family. Family separation, border consciousness, and a transnational economy shaped her to become an immigration activist, feminist, and advocate for human rights. Emilia’s awards include Mano Amiga from the Latino Economic Development Center, Advocate of the Year by the Bush Foundation and CLUES, the 2017 Outfront Innovator Award, and Governor Dayton’s 2016 MLK Distinguished Service Award. Emilia is an alumna of the Hubert H. Humphrey Public Policy Fellows Program, the Roy Wilkins Community Fellows, and an Emerging Leader Fellow with America Votes. There is no fee but please RSVP so we can plan. CLICK HERE to RSVP online now!
Annual Christmas Party: December 15
First Friday Social: January 4
First Friday Social: January 4
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.