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April 2015
Community CONNECTION
Creating community engagement
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FROM FATHER RASK
I wish you all a blessed and joyful Easter!
One of the highlights of the Easter Season each year is to welcome new members into our Community through Baptism and Confirmation and celebrate with those who become more fully "initiated" into the life of the Church by their celebration of First Eucharist.
Last weekend, our entire parish community celebrated the resurrection of our Lord at the St. Odilia Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses. At the 7:30 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass we welcomed our newest members to the Catholic faith: Madeline Herold, Gayle Jacobson, Mike Kelley, Jordan Montgomery, and we rejoiced with three adult Catholics, Sarah Moore, Mason Sanchez and Andrew Wells, as they celebrated Confirmation. The Faith Formation article that follows has more details about these special candidates and the volunteers who helped to prepare them. We pray for them as they continue their faith journey.
On Sunday, April 12 at the 11:00am Mass we will joyfully recognize the group of Confirmation candidates who have been preparing with Scott Kieffer, our coordinator of Sr. High Youth Ministry and Confirmation to be confirmed at the Cathedral of St. Paul on Sunday, April 19. We send them forth with our support and prayers as they make the commitment to live out their faith in the world.
Then, later in April, we will be celebrating our second graders receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time. These children have been preparing with Kevin Scroggins, Coordinator of First Eucharist and Reconciliation. Brenda McClennan, Elementary and Family Faith Coordinator has also assisted. We welcome them with joy and pray that they will always experience strength and nourishment as they are joined with Jesus in Holy Communion.
There are many opportunities to become more involved in our parish community life during the month of April. Please see the following articles to find out more.
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 EASTER LITURGY 2015
Thank You!
Many thanks to all of the people who helped to make the Triduum and Easter Masses so beautiful!
Thank you to the volunteers who helped to decorate the church and gym, and arranged the Easter flowers. Thank you to the many volunteers who helped coordinate, lector, usher, serve as Eucharistic minister and serve at the Masses. Thanks to those who helped with the hand washing and to those who helped collect, bag and deliver soap and towels.
You are greatly appreciated! God bless you all!
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FOLDING PALMS ON PALM SUNDAY THANK YOU! Thank you to all participants who taught and learned how to fold palms on Palm Sunday. This was a great opportunity to blend our English and Spanish speaking parishioners in a hands-on activity that crossed the language barrier. There we so many beautiful creations! It was a wonderful time for both young and old. - Sponsored by the Worship & Community Life Council and Hispanic Leadership Council |
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DISCERNMENT FOR PARISH LEADERSHIP
You are invited to join our leadership team and plan the future
for our community...
A representative from each of the Ministry Area Councils is selected to serve on the Parish Leadership Council (PLC). The PLC provides leadership and vision for the parish and serves as the architect and steward of the parish mission. Members work closely with the staff and councils to develop, implement and achieve the parish mission. Each MAC is responsible for defining the vision of the parish ministry represented by the council.
Would you like to learn more?
We will be hosting an Information Session on Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. in the parish conference room. You are invited to stop by to learn more about each council and the impact that you can have in our community as a council member.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Information Session - 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. in the Conference Room
Refreshments will be provided
Nominate yourself, or another parishioner now:
Leadership Nomination Form.
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FAITH FORMATION 
Please Welcome Our Newest Members to the Catholic Faith!
Those received into the Church at the Easter Vigil,
in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Full Initiation:
Our newly-baptized, Madeline Herold (pictured below with Kaylin and Mara Gruber), who also celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation and joined us at the table of the Eucharist. - Photo courtesy of Melissa Gruber
Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church:
Gayle Jacobson, Mike Kelley and Jordan Montgomery, baptized Christians who professed the Catholic faith and celebrated the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist with us.
Completion of Christian Initiation:
Sarah Moore, Mason Sanchez and Andrew Wells, Catholics who completed their Christian initiation by celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation.
Great thanks to our RCIA Team, Tim Sommer and Mark Bauer, who
weekly share their faith, give presentations, and mentor our candidates. They have given hugely of their time and energy as an ongoing part of the RCIA process.
Thanks also to the generous volunteers who assist with the "Break Open the Word" sessions when our candidates are blessed and sent forth from Mass: Mark and Tim (in addition to their Team duties), Dave Schuelke, Pat Sheedy, and Rick Storms.
We rejoice with our new members, pray for them as they continue their faith journey, and thank God for their presence in our midst.
- Lucy Arimond, Faith Formation Director
Mark Your Calendars for these upcoming Faith Formation programs:
NOW is the time to plan for SUMMER 2015 programs!
 Vacation Bible School, July 27-31, 2015, 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.. This event usually fills up by June 1, so put it on your calendar now to join the fun! Watch for registration to begin in late April. Contact Janet Etten with questions at etten@stodilia.org
or 651-415-3330.
CALLING ALL JUNIOR & SENIOR HIGH STUDENTS
Want to make the summer of 2015 a summer to remember? Come to Extreme Faith Camp!
Mark your calendars for June 28-July 2!
We will swim, kayak, canoe, boat, dance, sing, play sports, craft, explore, build friendships and best of all encounter Jesus!
Adult chaperones are needed!
Contact Logan Crotty for more information!
Crotty@stodilia.org
(651)415-3343
Youth Ministry TALENT SHOW - FRIDAY, APRIL 10 7:00-9:00pm in the Courtyard Can you sing, dance, juggle, lift weights, do crazy human tricks, practice martial arts, complete impressive Minute-to-Win-It challenges, hula hoop, pogo stick or yoyo? Are you a competitive eater? Do you play a musical instrument? Recite poetry or Spoken Word?
WE WANT YOU! Sign-up your 2-5 minute act HERE on the St. Odilia Website! RESERVE YOUR TICKETS! $5 per person or $15 per family (in advance) Contact Logan at Crotty@stodilia.org
The Thursday Morning Scripture Study Group starts April 16, 2015 and the study topic is "The Eucharist in Scripture". The session runs for six weeks every Thursday from 8:15am to 9:45am. Cost is $20.00 for the materials. Contact Margaret for more info. at 651-429-6702 or maggietrond@yahoo.com
The 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers: A program for fathers of all ages with children of all ages
The National Center for Fathering is a non-profit research and educational organization. Its mission is to inspire and equip men to be more effectively engaged in the lives of children. Whether you are struggling with a newborn, a teenager, or simply want to be a better dad, this 3-week program will help you improve your fathering skills. Specifically, the 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers program looks at the state of fathering today, provides you a fathering self-assessment tool, and discusses the main characteristics that make dads effective.
Rick Storms, a St. Odilia parishioner since 1989 and volunteer instructor for the National Center for Fathering, will facilitate this program. Rick is involved in many volunteer activities at St. Odilia and in the community. Rick has taught this class previously at St. Odilia, at other churches in the Twin Cities and in the corporate setting since 2002. Rick and his wife, Jan, have two daughters in their 20's who still help them refine their parenting skills.
When: Wednesdays, April 15, 22 and 29, 6:45-8:15pm
Where: St. Odilia Cafeteria
Cost: $12.00 (for the program workbook)
Registration: Pick up a registration form in the parish office, or download it from the parish website, www.stodilia.org - under the Faith Formation drop-down menu, choose "Adult Formation."
For further info, contact Lucy Arimond, Director of Faith Formation, arimond@stodilia.org or 651- 415- 3331.
"Living the Scriptures"Tuesday Bible Study Group
Is accepting new members for Spring
When: Tuesdays, Apr. 14 thru June 2, 10:00-11:15 a.m.
Where: 3510 Vivian Av. - the Faith Formation Bldg.
Cost: $7.00 total for 8 week series
Our Tuesday morning Bible Study program is still using the very popular "Sunday by Sunday" bible study guides to each week's Sunday Mass readings, which are published by the Sisters of St. Joseph. We're accepting new members for our next season with the option to continue weekly for as long as you want after that. Small group, informal atmosphere, friendly, prayerful, relaxed. For info/registration: Rosie Stahl, 651-483-6936, or Lucy Arimond, 651-415-3331, arimond@stodilia.org.
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EXPANSION ACTION TEAMS UPDATE
Facility Expansion - MOVING FORWARD IN 2015
Frequently Asked Questions
 What were the first steps of the facility improvements & expansion plan? - Members of our parish community had the opportunity to attend any of five presentation/dialogue meetings in the fall of 2015.
- Surveys were sent to 308 parishioners who attended a meeting to gain further reactions.
- Eighty-five face-to-face interviews were conducted with a cross-section of 51 parishioner households. (Conducted by objective, third-party consultant, Hal Johnson & Associates staff.)
What was the conclusion? The feasibility study confirmed there is interest and need for facility updating and expansion, but time is needed to prepare and consider basic steps before we proceed with a capital campaign. What's next? Four St. Odilia Expansion Committee action teams have been meeting to address the results of the Feasibility Study, answer the questions raised by parishioners, and determine a way to move forward for our parish. The action teams are: - Design - This team is currently refining the design scope based on recent input from parishioners and staff. The team leader is Jon Jasken. Members are: Deacon Bill Carroll, Greg Gerlach, Jeff Hermes, Mary Nussbaum, Dan Perry, Brian Ragatz, and David Shearon.
- Communications- Currently the team is working to respond to the common questions that were raised by parishioners during the feasibility meetings last fall. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) guide will be communicated on the parish website and in the bulletin. The team leader is Jim Donnelly. Team members are: Vicky Cherne, Mary Holmes, Kim Kahat, and Barb Schaer-Mady.
- Finance & Development - This team is currently reviewing proposals from consulting firms to interview and select an organization that will guide us through the next steps of a potential capital campaign. The team leader is Jean Nickman. Team members are: Steve Hegele, Jeff Hermes, Jeanne Schaaf, Rick Storms, and LeahNé Thiele.
- Mission & Vision - Working with staff leaders, parish leadership council (PLC) members, and ministry area council (MAC) chairs, this group is reviewing and recommending potential changes to the mission and vision statements of our parish. The team leader is Deb Peters. Team members are Mary Holmes and Kim Kahat.
What can I do to help? Please pray for our volunteers and leaders. If you have questions or would like to offer help, contact Maureen Rehfuss, PLC at-large representative, the coordinator of the action teams (home: 651 481-7013; maureenrehfuss@comcast.net). Watch for further communications about this initiative on the parish website, in upcoming Sunday bulletins and The Messenger newsletter. |
ST. ODILIA CHARITABLE OUTREACH
"Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them."
- Mother Teresa
With your generous contributions made throughout the month using your "Green Envelope", the Catholic Community of St. Odilia contributes to local, national and global charities.
April Green Envelopes:
The April Green Envelope collection is focused on Global Solidarity and the call to make God's love visible through our own acts of charity and solidarity with our neighbors around the world. This collection supports four initiatives selected by the U.S. Catholic Bishops to aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and humanitarian activities of Catholic Relief Services.
March Green Envelopes:
In March, the focus was on Food Shelf ministries and the Food Drive weekends at St. Odilia. As of the end of March, your contributions totaled $6,658. Contributions designated specifically for Food Shelf are received throughout the year. Due to these generous contributions, a check for $10,000 was recently sent to Sharing Korner Food Shelf to support their good work in the community that they serve. During March, 6005 lbs. of food were collected for Sharing Korner Food Shelf!!
The "Charity Fund" at St. Odilia also supports our local food shelves as well. A check for $5,000 was recently sent to Ralph Reeder Food Shelf as a result of your donations to the Charity Fund in February.
Thank you to all who contribute financially and donate food to these Food Shelf Ministries.
Did you misplace your green envelope?
You can still contribute to the Global Solidarity Collection that is supported directly by St. Odilia. Just make the check out to St. Odilia with "Global Solidarity" in the memo line.
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BLOOM! IS APRIL 11
St. Odilia Gala of Giving - April 11, 2015
North Oaks Golf Club
A spring fundraiser organized by volunteer St. Odilia school parents for our community.
Visit the BLOOM! website to learn more, purchase tickets, or make a donation:
www.bloom-gala.com
More questions? Please email:
bloom@stodilia.org
Purchase your tickets NOW!!!
Click HERE for Silent Auction preview and bidding.
BLOOM! Gala Evening
Your ticket includes:
- 5:00-6:00pm: Silent auction begins. Scotch, beer and wine tasting event.
- 6:00-7:45pm: Tapas dinner and cash bar. Silent auction continues until 8:00pm
- 8:00-9:30pm: Dessert in ballroom, program, & LIVE auction
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CCW NEWS
 Congratulations to parishioner Florence Schmidt, current St. Odilia Council of Catholic Women Co-President and President of the St. Paul Deanery, on her appointment by Archbishop Nienstedt to be President of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. The ACCW annual convention will be held April 17 and 18 at the Church of St. Dominic's in Northfield and all women are welcome to attend. Information can be found on the website: www.accwarchspm.org The convention includes the installation Florence as new president on Friday evening by Bishop Piche.
Congratulations to parishioner Pat Keppers who has been selected to receive the ACCW Lay Woman Volunteer Award along with four other women from the Archdiocese. Her gifts of time and talent in building the church and larger community are to be commended. Pat is to receive her award at the ACCW Convention on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Northfield, MN.
History of Icons - Jan Storms:
All are welcome to join the St. Odilia Council of Catholic Women or our next regular meeting on Thursday, April 23 at 7:00pm in the Courtyard. Jan Storms will be presenting the History of Icons, a type of religious art. It's sure to be a great presentation! We could use a few helpers for hospitality that night. Please let Florence Schmidt know if you are available to help bring a treat, serve and clean up at 651-484-8670.
Jewelry Sale - Donations Accepted:
Spring is a great time to clean out your jewelry box! Used, new and even broken jewelry donations are always welcome for the Jewelry Sales sponsored by the St. Odilia Council of Catholic Women. Donations may be placed in the yellow jewelry box in the Courtyard. And, mark your calendars for the next sale on May 2 & 3 in the cafeteria.
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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS What: A unique, faith-centered personal development course When: Tuesdays, 7-9 pm, April 14 - May 19 Location: Classroom 1301 Presenters: Deb Peters, Mavonne Prokop, Pat Keyes, Trish Brokman Co-Sponsors: Worship & Community Life/Stewardship MACs Cost: $20 per person (includes LYS book/assessment code) Registration Deadline: Monday, April 13 Registration: Click HERE to register & pay online at www.stodilia.org on the homepage or Adult Formation page: Questions: Email lys@stodilia.org This could change your life! And this could be a chance to give a gift to help another! |
THE PHOTO DIRECTORIES ARE HERE! - The new photo directories will be distributed in the courtyard after Masses on the weekend of April 11/12.
- If your photo is in the directory, a free copy has been reserved for you.
- Plenty of directories will also be available for purchase at $5 each (one per family please). Make your $5 check out to St. Odilia and bring it with you.
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ST. ODILIA FEATURED ON U.S. CATHOLIC WEBSITE!
Parishioners Mary Jo Richardson and Mary Joan Rourke nominated the Catholic Community of St. Odilia for U.S. Catholic's "Better Know a Parish" series in February 2015. Their article was selected and the magazine is currently featuring St. Odilia parish on their website during the month of April.
Congratulations Mary Jo and Mary Joan!
Click HERE to go to the U.S. Catholic website and read their article.
 For questions regarding the magazine, subscriptions, or how to submit essays and articles for publication, please contact: Caitlyn Schmid, Assistant Editor U.S. Catholic magazine, Claretian Publications 205 W. Monroe, Chicago, IL 60606 (P) 312.544.8191 (F) 312.768.4017 schmidc@claretians.org |
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 CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL FOUNDATION UPDATE
The Appeal funds services that no one parish or individual can do alone and these services must go on despite these troubled times in our archdiocese. The CSAF is an independent non-profit corporation and is not part of the bankruptcy filing made by the Archdiocese (see csafspm.org for more info). An independent board of 14 lay Catholics runs the Foundation along with Director Jennifer Beaudry and her staff.
In 2014, the Foundation has distributed to the Designated Ministries $8.6 million to date, after expenses.
When contributions from our parish reach our goal of $109,599, 25% of all funds received from our parish will be returned for use to support our own ministries of worship, education and outreach.
To date, $90,174 has been pledged and/or collected from our parish.
See the kiosk near the parish office for donation envelopes to place in the collection. To donate online through the CSAF website click HERE.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTION REMINDERS
The monthly Community CONNECTION includes a selection of timely announcements and articles. In addition, you may occasionally receive special notices.
- Click "SafeUnsubscribe" at the end of the email
if you wish to no longer receive the Community CONNECTION. - Update your email address by clicking "Update Profile/Email Address" at the end of the email.
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