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January 2016
Community CONNECTION
Creating community engagement
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FROM FATHER RASK
As we welcome the new year, there is much to look forward to at St. Odilia during the month of January!
The weekend of January 16 and 17 includes a focus on Respect Life. Pro-life leader Brian Gibson will be speaking in the cafeteria following the 9:00am and 11:00am Masses. Also this weekend, tickets for the Parish Musical, The Happy Prince, go on sale on the Courtyard. This musical runs February 4 through February 7 and is a highlight of our parish each year. Sixty-three plus cast and crew members from our parish are involved with this year's production.
It's a very exciting time for our parish because January 23 and 24 is the kick off of the Our Faith Our Family Our Future Capital Campaign. This is a bold step for our parish, but it is one that is long overdue. When I was assigned to St. Odilia, my desire was to make this a better place for parishioners - from those just forming in their faith to those whose journey in faith began long ago.
Based on your input, we are moving forward with expansion projects in the range of six million. We know raising these funds will challenge us, but we look to fulfill our mission to draw closer to Jesus Christ through worship and evangelization, faith formation and education, and works of charity and justice. During the months of January and February, our bulletins will include a series of inserts that explain the primary goals of these expansion plans.
You may have noticed a familiar face at some of the Masses last weekend. We were happy to have Fr. James Peterson visiting from his mission church in Venezuela. This Connection includes a thank you note for the generous contributions from the St. Odilia community to that mission. He and Fr. Stiles still resemble twin brothers as you can see below.
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| | Photo courtesy of Kelly Gunderson |
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OUR FAITH, OUR FAMILY, OUR FUTURE
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
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ST. ODILIA MUSICAL MINISTRY PRESENTS:
The Happy Prince
Music by David Perkins, Book & Lyrics by Caroline Dooley and David Perkins
"Bring to me the two most precious things you can find," said God to one of his angels.
For 25 years the St. Odilia Musical Ministry has been performing musicals not only to our community but to the surrounding community too! Its mission is to share the good news of God's unending love and to spread the message of Jesus Christ by sharing Biblical and life changing stories through theater and song.
This year's musical is The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde and will run from February 4 to February 7. Sixty-three cast and crew members from our parish are involved with this year's musical!
Show times and dates:
- *Thursday, February 4, 7:00 pm (sneak preview) *Final dress rehearsal, all seats $5.00
- Friday, February 5, 7:00 pm
- Saturday, February 6, 1:00 pm
- Saturday, February 6, 7:00 pm
- Sunday, February 7, 3:00 pm
Reserved seating for all performances--Doors open 30 min. prior to show time
Tickets go on sale the weekend of January 16 & 17
Ticket prices - Adults $12.00, Children, Students & Seniors $8.00. For ticket information please call 651-415-3367 or go to www.stodilia.org Parish Wide Events.
More information about show times and dinner theater 
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STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE UPDATES
Contributions YTD through December fall below our budget projections by just over $49,000. If you have not yet fulfilled your 2015 pledge to our Sunday, Debt and Facility Maintenance funds and would like to make a donation through a gift of stock or distribution from a charitable fund or IRA, please contact LeahNé Thiele in the parish office at 651-415-3341 or email accounting@stodilia.org. An online donation form for a gift by credit card is also available on our parish website at www.stodilia.org . Click on the 'Donate' tab to record your gift and you will be redirected to a secure site for credit card giving through PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to make a one-time gift.
2015 Contribution Statements: Please watch for your final 2015 Contribution statement which should arrive by the last week in January 2016. If you do not receive your contribution statement, or if you have any questions regarding your statement, please contact Kaeley in the Parish Office at 651-415-3336 with any questions.
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ST. ODILIA CHARITABLE OUTREACH
January Green Envelopes:
We invite you to contribute to this month's outreach in support of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). There is a green envelope in your Dec/Jan packet for this ministry and envelopes are also available in the back of the church and in the kiosk at the entrance. Checks can be made out "St. Odilia" with Campaign for Human Development in the memo line.
The programs funded by CCHD help change lives for 46.2 million people living in poverty here in the United States. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by funding community programs that encourage independence through improving educational opportunities, housing situations, and community economic development. You are essential to the success of these programs. Your prayers and generous donations will give those in poverty the support they need to make lasting changes in their lives. Thank you so much for giving!
December Green Envelopes:
Our December green envelope donations of $14,972.50 benefited the Retirement Fund for Religious. Thank you for your kind support!
Did you misplace your Green Envelope?
You can still contribute to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Just make the check out to St. Odilia with "Catholic Campaign for Human Development" in the memo line.
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SCHOOL NEWS
Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service
Catholic Schools' Week is January 10 - 15, 2016
Catholic Schools' Week is a long-standing tradition at St. Odilia School. During the week of January 10-15, 2016, our school will be celebrating with Catholic Schools across the nation. We will focus on our commitment to community service. The entire school will be participating in a service project that involves packing hygiene kits for the Listening House, a local homeless shelter. On Thursday, January 14, the students will be packing the basic necessities which they may take for granted but are items that are essential for individuals to feel good about themselves, and help them in seeking and maintaining employment.
Students, staff, and families will celebrate by praying, serving others, and participating in fun activities. Along with our usual academics, we look forward to a wonderful week of celebrating our faith and building community.
January is a Busy and Important Month at St. Odilia School
As we begin a new calendar year, our school is in the midst of new student recruitment for the 2016-2017 school year. January is a very busy and important month here. On January 21, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. we will host our Annual Kindergarten Open House. On January 29, from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. we will host our Middle School Open House intended for our current 5th grade parents and any other parent interested in learning about all the wonderful opportunities in our middle school.
If you have family, friends, or neighbors who are looking for a school that focuses on academic excellence, character development, service opportunities, and faith formation, please encourage them to contact our school office and set up a tour. It is our hope and plan that we will welcome a full kindergarten class next year! Your good word and heart-felt recommendation is the best and most effective advertising for our school. As I have said before, our best families come at the recommendation of our best families. Please know how much our school benefits from your many good and kind words!
BLOOM! is coming!
Mark your Calendars
This year's BLOOM! Gala is Friday, April 22, 2016
at the North Oaks Golf Club. This is a major fund-raiser for our school and a great way for our school family to celebrate together. We are in need volunteers. If you are interested in helping out, contact Joelle Cognetta (jcognetta@hedin.org) or Catherine Steffen (catherinesteffen@mac.com).
"We though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." - Rom. 12:5
Photo courtesy of Margo LaPanta. |
THANK YOU ... from the Venezuelan Mission of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Dear Fr. Rask, On behalf of Fr. Greg Schaffer, Fr. James Peterson, and the Parish Community of Jesucristo Resucitado, I would like to thank you for your generous support of the Venezuelan Mission. This letter acknowledges receipt of the generous contribution of $12,870.88.... Your contribution helps to maintain a vibrant and faith-filled parish community that serves, encourages, and walks alongside the people of San Felix, Venezuela....
Sincerely, Shannon Conroy
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2016 CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL The 2016 Catholic Services Appeal for the 17 collective ministries of our Archdiocese has officially begun. The collective ministries are the shared ministries of this Archdiocese that no one parish can support on its own. Those who have contributed to the Appeal in the past should shortly receive a mailing from CSAF requesting your continued support. Please read the material, go to the CSAF website at www.csafspm.org for more information and prayerfully consider a pledge.
New this year:
Please send your pledge directly to the CSAF using the postage prepaid envelope provided with the mailing. If you prefer, you may also bring your completed pledge to Mass and drop it in the offering.
These are the 17 collective ministries served by the CSAF, (please note that parishes who reach their goal are an included ministry and receive 25% of the funds they collect): American Indian Ministry, Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW), Campus Ministry - Newman Center, Campus Ministry - Saint Paul's Outreach, Catholic Charities, Deaf Ministry, Elementary Schools, Evangelization, High Schools, Latino Ministry, Marriage, Family and Life, Parishes, Prison Chaplains, Saint John Vianney College Seminary, The Saint Paul Seminary, and the Venezuelan Mission.
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FAITH FORMATION
Introducing our new Sp.R.Ed. Coordinator, Jon Heyer!
Our Special Religious Education Program for adults with developmental disabilities started up again on Tuesday, Jan. 12 with new Sp.R.Ed. Coordinator, Jon Heyer.
Jon comes to us with superb experience and credentials, including an M.A. in theology and a B.A. in psychology. In his own words, "I am happy to be a part of your faith formation team at St. Odilia parish. In over 30 years working in parish ministry, I have experience working with everyone from children through adults in a variety of programs. I am looking forward to working with the special religious education program here. I left full time church work last year and am involved in public service and enjoy having extra time with my family, especially my two grandchildren."
Please join us in welcoming Jon to our Faith Formation staff. We are so very glad that our splendid Sp.R.Ed. program now has its next chapter secured.
Mark Your Calendars!
Parish Lenten Evening of Reflection
Tues., March 1, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
David Haas
On Praying With Henri Nouwen
The St. Odilia Catholic Community is proud and excited to welcome this world-famous Catholic composer, musician, author and teacher, as he leads us in a Lenten evening of prayer and reflection drawn from the work of the late Fr. Henri Nouwen, noted author of many books on prayer and spirituality. DO NOT MISS this terrific opportunity for prayer, music, insights, and community connection. Childcare will be provided.Watch the St. Odilia bulletin and website for more details.
St. Odilia Lenten Groups
It's Time to Register!
St. Odilia Lenten Groups
Want a more prayerful Lent?
Want a good focus for your Lenten devotions?
Want to connect with fellow parishioners?
This year, we have two options for adult parishioners:
Pope Francis' Laudato Sí - Care for the Planet - Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. During Lent, learn and pray about how caring for our planet is part of our faith, with Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Sí, as our guidepost. We'll use a great study guide to unpack this major work by our Pope. Group meets weekly at St. Odilia, no fee. Co-sponsored by the St. Odilia Faith Formation Council and the St. Odilia Social Justice Council.
Scripture-Sharing Groups - choose your time:
- Mondays, 2:30 p.m. - Sunday by Sunday
- Mondays, 7:00 p.m. - Ascension parish materials
- Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. - Sunday by Sunday
- Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. - Sunday by Sunday
- Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. - Sunday by Sunday
Prayer, conversation, and bible study, focused each week on the scripture readings for the coming Sunday, using Sunday by Sunday, a pamphlet series produced by the Sisters of St. Joseph, or the online study guides from Ascension parish in Florida. Cost is $9.00 per person for Sunday by Sunday groups, or $5 per person for the group using Ascension materials.
Where: at St. Odilia, or in parishioners' homes.
Volunteers Needed: host or facilitate a group of 6-10 people.
How to register: Forms available in the parish office, or can be printed from the parish website, www.stodilia.org. Under the Faith Formation menu, go to the Adult Formation webpage, print the form, and either bring it or mail it to Lucy Arimond at the parish office. If you're choosing an option with a fee, please enclose your check, payable to St. Odilia.
For further info or to volunteer: contact Lucy Arimond, arimond@stodilia.org or 651-415-3331.
"What Catholics Believe" Series 2015-2016
Forgiveness - In a Year of Mercy
When: Tues., Feb. 2, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: St. Odilia School Library
Presenter: Lucy Arimond, Director of Faith Formation
Meet new friends - grow your faith.
Free-will Offering: $5.00 Suggested
No registration needed.
Our Holy Year of Mercy started on Dec. 8. Pope Francis has been saying that forgiveness is an important part of mercy. While some of the events of the Holy Year are happening at the Vatican, the Cathedral, and other formal places of worship, forgiveness hits us where we live:
- All of us have needed forgiveness.
- All of us have had to forgive others.
- Forgiveness is often a struggle.
- It can be hard to ask for forgiveness.
- It's often very tough to accept forgiveness.
- Can we really believe that we are forgiven?
- Forgiving someone who has hurt you can be the hardest of all.
When real forgiveness happens, joy follows.Let's explore what Pope Francis and others are saying about forgiveness, and how we can apply it, practically, in our own lives.
Our presenter, Lucy Arimond, has been the Faith Formation Director here at St. Odilia for a few years now, but her résumé includes parish work as a pastoral minister and adult educator, human rights work at the University of Minnesota Law School, teaching theology at the University of St. Thomas, heading the Loaves and Fishes program at the Dorothy Day Center, serving as the house attorney at a Catholic Worker shelter for women and children, and a few other roles over the years.
Watch for future topics in our What Catholics Believe series, once a month or so, on Monday or Tuesday evenings.
Family Faith Date Added!
Wednesday, February 17, 2016 has been added to our Family Faith Calendar. Parents are required to attend a wonderful presentation by Rachel Kroog on Safe Touch. The archdiocese requires that every student enrolled in classes at the parish attend this session or a make-up session.
Family Faith Nights in 2016, 6:30-7:45pm:
January 13, Feb. 3, Feb. 17, March 2, March 16, April 6.
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THE SHARING TREE - Thank You!
We will have served over 111 families in December 2015 and your total gifts have surpassed $15,000.00! That is amazing!
Just wanted to let you know that with that amount we will be able to serve others this winter as the needs arise. Thank you for your generous support.
And thank you to all who continue to give from the heart.
Blessings,
- The Pastoral Care Council
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THANK YOU FROM THE WORSHIP MINISTRY! A huge thank you to everyone who helped decorate the church, gym and foyer for Christmas! Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for setting up and taking down the Nativity, and a special thank you to all the liturgical and music ministers who served at all the Christmas and New Year's Masses. You are all greatly appreciated!
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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.
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