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July 2016
Community CONNECTION
Creating community engagement
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FROM FATHER RASK
Our Worship and Community Life Council has planned a very special event on Sunday, July 17, 2016. Join us in the Courtyard to celebrate our patron saint, St. Odilia, with an ice cream social and a dance featuring the music of Dan Perry and the Ice Cream Band and Hector Valero with the Latino Choir.
The last weekend in June we honored Dan Perry for his 49 years of music ministry. Dan is still going to be with us most Sundays at 11:00 and with the Bell Choir. His music has lifted up our hearts in joyful praise every Sunday and truly made this parish a place for coming home.
While you are enjoying the ice cream social, it's the perfect time to pick up and purchase your Fall Festival raffle tickets. There is also an opportunity to purchase chances on the Fall Festival quilt too. What a great way to support our community!
When I walk through the Courtyard I am starting to see the Fall Festival donations coming in. Keep them coming! We are blessed by your participation and generosity. It's also very easy to volunteer some time on Fall Festival weekend. Just click on one of the volunteer links listed in the Fall Festival information.
Vacation Bible School begins July 25 and I understand there are still openings available and they need teen crew leaders and helpers. It's very easy for you to click, register and pay in one easy step.
Enjoy these summer days and I hope to see you at the Ice Cream Social!
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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Thank you to our generous parishioners who continue to pledge to the Our Faith Our Family Our Future Capital Campaign. As of July 15, 2016 we have received over $4,544,027.00 in pledges.
This represents pledges from 1,020 of our fellow parishioners in addition to the parish pledge and pledge associated with the 2016 Endowment Fund distribution. Thus far, we have received a total of $2,431,754.00 in contributions toward our pledge goal.
If you haven't pledged yet, please consider joining your fellow parishioners who are supporting the parish's expansion plans. Watch for updates regarding our expansion progress.
Pledge cards are available in the kiosk in the church entry. For more information, please contact Ramona Michaels at 651-415-3350 or send an email to capitalcampaign@stodilia.org
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CELEBRATE ST. ODILIA!
Sunday, July 17, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Come enjoy the ninth annual Ice Cream Social at St. Odilia, on Sunday, July 17, 2:00-4:00pm!
- Cool off with some delicious ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery.
- We will have a dance with music by Dan Perry and the Ice Cream Band, and Hector Valero and the Latino Choir.
- Fall Festival raffle tickets are available for pick-up and you can buy chances on the Shangri La quilt.
The celebration will take place in the Courtyard.
Guaranteed fun for all ages! A free will offering will be accepted.
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A MESSAGE FROM MICHELLE STONE
YOUTH MINISTRY CATECHESIS 6-8
and CONFIRMATION
 After recently accepting a faith formation position at my family's home parish in Waverly, IA., I am sad to say I will be leaving St. Odilia at the end of this month. I have immensely enjoyed serving this parish and working with the faith formation, school and parish staff. I assure you that I had every intention of staying with St. Odilia for the foreseeable future. However, we still own our home in Waverly and our children still miss their school and friends a great deal. When this job presented itself, my husband and I decided it was best for all of us that I take it.
Our entire Youth Formation team has been very involved in creating and supporting the new vision for youth ministry that has been presented to the parish in recent months. They are excited to move forward with our plans for Youth Ministry here at St. Odilia and are committed to see that it is carried out in the coming year and in the years to come.
We are fortunate to have a number of extremely qualified candidates who share this vision for youth ministry apply for my position and are in the process of being interviewed. I am confident that with the participation of so many wonderful, committed parishioners, St. Odilia Youth Ministry will continue to be a strong program.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve this wonderful community. You will continue to be in my prayers in the time to come.
In Christ,
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Registration is open for Vacation Bible School!
July 25-29, 2016
9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Cave Quest - Following Jesus, the Light of the World
We will have fun learning about God with games, crafts, skits, snacks and of course, music! Please put it on your calendars! Watch the bulletin and the website for details about registration. We always need lots of help from youth and teens grades 6-12. Plan to volunteer. It is a rewarding experience. Adults are always welcome to plan this event! We would love to have you join our team.
ATTENTION FAMILIES!
Faith Formation Registration for the 2016-17 School Year
Register NOW - classes will fill!
- Sunday School (age 3 thru K)
- Family Faith Formation (K-grade 5)
- Junior High Faith Formation (grades 6-7)
- Confirmation (grades 8 & 9)
Discount for volunteer catechists. Scholarships available if financial need.
Please consider a donation to help us give more scholarships.
Register and pay online for 2016-2017 Faith Formation HERE
If you are unable to register online, paper registration forms are available, in the parish office and the Faith Formation office. Questions? Contact the Faith Formation office, 651-415-3329, or send an email to faithformation.registration@stodilia.org.
Confirmation - Special Note: for 2016-17 only, both 8th graders and 9th graders will be preparing for and celebrating Confirmation. In future years, Confirmation will be in 8th grade.
2016 Summer Programs for Teens
If your teens have tried Summer Stretch before, they know how much fun the five-session summer program can be! And parents know how enriching it can be for them to engage in meaningful service work, to spend time with great Christian role models, and to develop strong friendships with their peers. Summer Stretch blends different aspects of our faith - and different ages - in a way that few programs at St. Odilia do, and the result is a memorable summer experience that keeps kids coming back year after year! Each morning consists of prayer and service, and starting this year, that won't be just with the other teens. We're aiming to engage the broader community in morning prayer to get closer to that vision of an integrated parish.
Each afternoon we head to a different "fun site" for an afternoon of laughter and crazy moments - made that much better by our energetic Teen Leaders! These high schoolers (many of whom have a lot of experience leading retreats, small groups, etc.) are there to make sure every moment of your child's day is interesting, meaningful, and often downright goofy! There are plenty of options for your teens each summer, but few that can offer the life-changing impact of a high school role model that forms a real connection with your teen! Summer Stretch meets from 8 AM - 4:30 PM each day, and the 2016 dates are July 20, July 27, August 3, August 4 and August 10.
You can register now with the links below:
Teens who help out at Vacation Bible School get an excellent experience of service in the church - they are actively ministering to younger generations, participating in a multi-generational event, and are having fun while serving!
But what about the other components of faith? According to the United States Council of Bishop's document on youth ministry, there are eight components our youth should experience in the church. They need to be engaged in Community Life, Evangelization, Prayer and Worship. They need experiences with Advocacy, opportunities for Pastoral Care and Catechesis, and need Leadership Development. We want to offer that "comprehensive ministry" for our VBS leaders!
Each day, VBS After Hours kicks off with pizza and a big campus-wide game, to ensure our teens are having fun and are refreshed from the morning of service. But throughout the afternoon we'll be engaging the teens in a variety of great activities. Some will help the teens to grow spiritually or help them make friends with other members of VBS After Hours. All our teens will join a group for the week, led by an older high schooler who helps serve as their mentor as well! Most of the focus, though, is on equipping our teens to become more confident, well-rounded disciples of Christ. Discipleship by its very nature involves outreach and ministering to those around us - so we want to empower our teens to lead and help their peers! As fun as the week will be for students, the goal of VBS After Hours is to raise and empower the next generation of leaders. Check out more details about VBS After Hours on our website, read up on the three goals of the program "Play-Grow-Lead" here, or register a teen now!
Please Consider Serving as a Partner in Ministry in the Faith Formation Department!
The effectiveness and success of our Faith Formation and Youth Ministry programs depends on adult and teen leaders! Please consider joining us in passing on the faith to our families and young people. There is a place for every type of person! We are in need of behind-the-scenes helpers, catechists and small group facilitators, and youth ministry core team members. For your convenience, click on the link below to complete a short application about your preferences as a partner in ministry:
Archdiocesan Essential Three Requirements: In order to work with minors in any of our faith formation or youth ministry programs, adults must complete the Archdiocesan Essential Three, which consists of: signing the Volunteer Code of Conduct, completing a safe environment training session called VIRTUS: Protecting God's Children, and undergoing a background check. We encourage alll parents to consider becoming Essential Three approved.
The background check process can be somewhat lengthy, and you never know when you might want to step in as a chaperone, hall monitor, or substitute catechist.
- To get started: click HERE to download the essential three paperwork.
- Then go to www.virtus.org and click on the "first time registrant" button to create a personal Virtus account. This will allow you to register for the Virtus Class, sign the Code of Conduct, and request a background check.
Becoming a Catholic
Do you know someone who is:
- Thinking of becoming a Catholic?
- Already Catholic, but has not received Confirmation?
- Interested in serving as a sponsor?
The RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - is for them. The first meetings are for inquiry - no strings attached, no need to have made a final decision, all seekers welcome. It's a process of spiritual formation and learning. The RCIA at St. Odilia meets on Wed. evenings, beginning in mid-September. Each inquirer is also assigned a parishioner as a sponsor. Might this year be the "right time" to explore joining the Church? More info: Lucy Arimond, Director of Adult Formation and Evangelization, at 651-415-3331 or arimond@stodilia.org.
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Fall Festival 2016
The "Fall Festival of Blessings" at St. Odilia is coming up before you know it!
Read the letter to the parish from Fr. Rask and Trish Brokman:
Help to Promote the Festival:
- Print out the Fall Festival flier and post on business and community bulletin boards in your area: Fall Festival Flier
- Display your Festival yard sign on your front lawn.
Needs:
- Canning jars are needed for the Marketplace in pint, half pint and quart sizes. Please place in the Courtyard.
 - The Silent Auction needs baskets. If you have any to donate those too can be dropped off in the Courtyard.
- Books, games, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, Cherry Tree toys for prizes (new or gently used), kid's games, can all be dropped off in the Courtyard.
NEW at the 2016 Festival:
- The Live Auction will have a "Buy It Now" option this year. You won't have to wait to bid for the item you have your eye on. You can just buy it now and avoid the competition.
- There will be Saturday AND Sunday BINGO and it will be held indoors in the Courtyard! You may even see Fr. Stiles calling the bingo numbers as he did last year.
Begin Collecting Silent Auction Items:
To all of those crafters in the parish, the Silent Auction committee would love to put together a basket of your items to be auctioned off. The Silent Auction has been successful thanks to the donations given by so many of you. Please keep your donations coming. Donate a single item or put together a theme basket yourself to donate.
Begin Collecting Live Auction Items: Summer is the perfect time to set aside items for this auction. See the complete List for items needed and drop off/pick-up information.
Fall Festival Quilt News:
- Shangri La Quilt: This year the Fall Festival quilt is called "Shangri La" and was designed by Sue Harvey and Sandy Boobar of Pine Tree Country Quilts. Despite its origins, this quilt is nowhere near country-style. Our quilt is made in a palette of teal blues and purples, with a little green and some other colors mixed in. A combination of batik and printed fabrics make this quilt unique and the white background fabric gives it a lively appearance. The finished quilt size is 100" X 112". The St. Odilia quilters will begin selling chances for the quilt at the Feast of St. Odilia Ice Cream Social on July 17. You can buy six chances for $5 or $1 apiece. Ticket sales will continue after all weekend Masses beginning two weeks before festival weekend and throughout the festival events. Click HERE to see the quilt.
- New this year! Fall Festival Mini Doll Quilt: What do quilters do with fabric scraps? Make another quilt! The St. Odilia quilters have made a 16" x 20" quilt from the leftover pieces and parts of this year's Fall Festival raffle quilt. It's a great size for use as a table topper or doll quilt. Chances for this quilt will be $0.50 apiece.
We thank our 2016 Fall Festival Bingo Sponsors: - MN Catholic Credit Union
- Catholic United Financial
We thank our 2016 Fall Festival Raffle Sponsors: - Anchor Bank
- Donna Vannneste, Realtor (Coldwell Banker Burnet)
- Eibensteiner Real Estate Group (Remax Results)
- Grandma's Bakery
- Impressive Print
- Knights of Columbus
- Little Venetian Restaurant
- Premier Bank
Pick Up Your Raffle Tickets: - Raffle tickets are $3 each. Pick up your tickets at the Ice Cream Social on July 17 or after most weekend Masses in August.
- Raffle tickets will also be available for pick up on tables across from the parish office (alphabetized by last name) during the week and when they are not available in the Courtyard.
- Purchased tickets can be mailed in the envelope provided, dropped in the collection basket or dropped off at the festival with your payment. The drawing is 5:00pm on September 11 in the entertainment tent. All tickets must be in the barrel at 4:30pm on Sunday, September 11.
- If additional tickets are needed, please contact the parish office.
We are most grateful for the generous sponsorship of these businesses. If you are connected to a business and would like to make a Fall Festival donation please contact: Trish Brokman at: pbrokman@comcast.net Mark your calendar for Fall Festival on Sept. 10 & 11, 2016
We can use your gifts! Contact Trish at pbrokman@comcast.net or 612-743-9572 to find out how you can be involved!!!
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FALL FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER LINKS Join the fun!! Please consider volunteering your time and talent to our community FUNraiser. It's sooo easy to sign up...just click on one or more links below: |
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ST. ODILIA SCHOOL SUMMER HOURS
Tuesday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The School Office will be closed
July 1 through July 18
"You are encouraged to call ahead to make sure someone is in the school office. Over the summer we will continue to give school tours and accept new students. If you know of neighbors, friends, or family who are looking for a new school, please have them call me over the summer and I will be happy to meet with them!"
Brian Ragatz, Principal
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ST. ODILIA CHARITABLE OUTREACH
The Greek word 'agape' is translated both as 'charity' and 'love' in many places in the New Testament. When allowing for these words to be used synonymously, we understand that charity is the epitome of perfection in our Christian life. It is the "greatest" of the three abiding virtues. Charity specifically refers to the love that we have toward others. This month we again open our charitable hearts to others in need.
June Green Envelopes:
In June, the green envelope is for "Peter's Pence". The Peter's Pence collection unites us in solidarity with the Holy Father and his works of charity to those in need. The quote (above) from Pope Francis addresses our responsibility before the world. The collection to the Peter's Pence allows the Holy Father to support victims of war, natural disasters and others in need of assistance. Join Pope Francis and be a witness of charity in the world. Be generous as the Lord is generous to us. Thank you. Through your generosity, the Catholic Community of St. Odilia contributed a total of $666.00 to support Peter's Pence.
July Green Envelopes:
Contributions received in the green envelopes marked "Charity", will help fund charitable organizations in our area for use in feeding, clothing, and sheltering. Please join us as we walk "charitably" toward our brothers and sisters by giving whatever you can of your time and money resources.
Did you misplace your green envelope?
You can still contribute to the St. Odilia Charity fund. Just make the check out to St. Odilia with "St. Odilia Charity Fund" in the memo line.
Contributions remain below our budget goal for our fiscal year. If you'd like to make an additional one-time gift to our Sunday Debt and Facility Maintenance funds, you can click HERE.
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 CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL FOUNDATION UPDATE
We invite you to continue your support to these ministries in 2016. Our parish goal remains the same as last year at $109,599. Every gift matters, so please prayerfully consider your gift. Thank you for your continued support of the Catholic Services Appeal. These are the ministries served by the Appeal:
- 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 and Catechesis
- High Schools
- Hospital Chaplains
- Latino Ministry
- Marriage, Family and Life
- Parishes
- Prison Chaplains
- Saint John Vianney College Seminary
- The Saint Paul Seminary
- Venezuelan Mission
The total for pledged and received continues to grow and is now
$93,112.60.
Thank you!
To donate online through the CSAF website click HERE.
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ST. ODILIA WEEKLY CHURCH BULLETINS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE FOR YOU! You can read the St. Odilia weekly church bulletins via the online links on the St. Odilia website.
You can even subscribe to have the links to the bulletin delivered to your email each week. Click HERE to find out more from the Parishesonline website.
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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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