These announcements are for parishes to use in their weekly bulletins. To submit bulletin announcements for use of all diocesan parishes, please email them.
PRAY FOR PRIESTS – Serra Monthly Calendar is available here for download (PDF) for parish bulletin
Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil
posted 10/19/19
Please join us for the annual Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil. The Angel is a gathering place for anyone grieving the loss of a child of any age, for any reason. All are welcome here to grieve, reflect, find solace and hope for the future.
The event is held at the Sartell Community Center on December 6 at 6:30 p.m. The evening begins with a brief indoor ceremony before proceeding to the outdoor pavilion. White flowers will be provided to participants to place at the foot of the Angel, in honor of their child or loved one. Attendees are encouraged to register at Eventbrite.com under the Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil in Sartell, MN. If interested, attendees may submit a photo of their loved one for a slide show presentation. This is an all-weather event.
For more information about What Would Bri Do visit http://wwbdinc.org/.
Retrouvaille retreat set for Dec. 6-8
posted 10/14/19
Retrouvaille, a lifeline for people with troubled marriages, teaches tools to couples to rediscover each other and heal their marriage. The Catholic-rooted, Christian-based retreats are confidential. Since 1977, more than 40,000 marriages have been saved.
The next retreat is Dec. 6-8 at Dakota Ridge Best Western Hotel, Eagan, Minnesota. For more information, visit http://www.tcr-mn.org/. To register, contact TCRRegistration@tcr-mn.org.
“Back from the Dead” cemetery walk
posted 9/16/19
St. Cloud area homeschoolers will be presenting a “Back from the Dead” cemetery walk from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Assumption Cemetery on Oct. 30 and Nov. 2. As participants walk through the cemetery, they will encounter martyrs, saints and others who relay their stories about “The Last Things.” (Recommended for ages 14 and up) For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Roseanne or Brenda at cemeterywalkst.cloud@gmail.com. This is a free event! You may also review a story that was in the Visitor two years ago at http://thecentralminnesotacatholic.org/saints-souls-stories-students-perform-evangelization-drama-st-cloud-cemetery/
From Mission to Mission
posted 9/13/19
For nearly 40 years, From Mission to Mission has worked with religious and lay men and women in the preparation and processing of their mission and volunteer experiences at home and abroad. Often referred to as the Wounded Warriors Project for Missioners, From Mission to Mission is most well-known for its work assisting those who serve with their transition home, which is most frequently deemed the most difficult part of the mission experience. Through its workshops, publications and one-on-one support, From Mission to Mission allows for individuals’ stories to be heard, work toward healing, and celebrate and integrate the gifts of their experiences, so that they can continue to live mission anywhere and in any role in a meaningful and intentional way. From Mission to Mission has expanded its work to also support those going through significant ministerial and life transitions.
Scott Hahn, Jeff Cavins to speak on encountering Christ in Scripture Nov. 2 in Elk River
posted 9/13/19
Scott Hahn and Jeff Cavins, well-known leaders in Catholic Scripture study, are speakers at a conference titled “Unlocking the Treasure: Discipleship on the Road to Emmaus” from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 at St. Andrew Church and School, 566 4th St. N.W., Elk River.
The conference is an opportunity to study Scripture from the heart of the church, encounter Jesus in the Word and the Eucharist and accept the challenge of discipleship. Co-hosted by St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology in Steubenville, Ohio, and St. Andrew’s, the event begins with Mass and includes a talk by Cavins, three presentations by Hahn and lunch. Books will be available for sale during breaks and at the end of the day.
Early bird registration is $35 through Sept. 18. The cost is $45 after that date and $50 after Oct. 1. Register online at https://stpaulcenter.com/elkriver/ or call the parish at 763-441-1483.
Mass for Health Care Professionals
posted 9/9/19
Please post and for your Bulletin:
Join us on Sunday, October 20, 10:30 a.m., for a special service, at Sacred Heart Chapel, St. Joseph, dedicated to recognizing and supporting the trained and talented caregivers who serve us all for the fifth annual Mass for Health Care Professionals, with Bishop Donald Kettler. A blessing will be offered for those in health care professions, with a community reception to follow. Please come honor those who dedicate themselves to the care of others. Health care workers from all areas of care are welcome, as well as family, friends and spouses. For more information, visit the Diocese of Saint Cloud website. https://stcdio.org/th_event/2019-mass-for-health-care-professional/.
Bishop’s Annual Appeal for October 2019 Parish Bulletins
posted 8/30/19
The following are bulletin announcements for the 2019 Bishop’s Annual Appeal in September. Please include them in your bulletins for the weekends indicated. Attached are three different sized graphics that can be used to accompany the announcements in your bulletin. You can drag them off onto your desktop or document. Please feel free to contact Anna Kampa the Development Office with any questions at 320-258-7654 or email akampa@gw.stcdio.org.
October 5 – 6, 2019
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Appeal. As of September 26, the diocese raised $1,226,013 in gifts and pledges. That is 94.31% of the Diocese’s goal of $1,300,000. This is made possible through the donations of 7,371 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese. Every dollar raised goes directly to ministries that support our Catholic faith and is not used for any other purpose. Join others around the diocese in making a gift at www.stcdio.org/annualappeal or mail it to: Bishop’s Annual Appeal, P.O. Box 1538, St. Cloud, MN 56302.
October 12 – 13, 2019
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: Holy Mass is the foundation of Catholic spiritual life, inviting the faithful to open themselves to an outpouring of God’s grace. Because of your generosity, the TV Mass is broadcast to homes and care facilities in 60 counties and reaches countless others online. Your generosity makes this possible. To donate, visit www.stcdio.org/annualappeal or mail a gift to: Bishop’s Annual Appeal, PO Box 1538, St. Cloud, MN 56302.
October 19 – 20, 2019
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: Diocesan Ministries are here for YOU! Visit our webpage for updates about how the Appeal supports ministries at the very core of our Church’s mission. Go to www.stcdio.org and click on Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
October 26 – 27, 2019
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: All donations received go directly to ministries that support our Catholic faith and are not used for any other purpose. To donate, visit www.stcdio.org/annualappeal or mail a gift to: Bishop’s Annual Appeal, PO Box 1538, St. Cloud, MN 56302.
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist needed at the Saint Cloud Hospital
posted 10/1/19
One of the greatest gifts you can give is your time. Visiting the sick, one of the corporal works of mercy, is a beautiful way to give that gift of time. The Saint Cloud Hospital is in need of volunteers from area parishes to bring the Eucharist to Catholic patients in the hospital. Right now, the greatest need is on weekends, but there are a few shifts open during the week as well. For more information and questions, please contact Anita Fischer at 320-251-2700 ext. 54621.
Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline
posted 10/1/19
Catholic Rural Life, a national Catholic nonprofit organization dedicated to the vitality of the American countryside, is helping to spread the message about the 24/7 confidential “Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline” to all Catholic dioceses in Minnesota. Need help finding a confidential financial or legal adviser? Feeling alone, sad or worried and need a listening ear? Call the hotline at 833-600-2670. “Our farmers are facing hard times and this is one way we can help them. This helpline is offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and all calls are answered locally by trained staff and volunteers,” said Annie Huntington, Catholic Rural Life project coordinator.
Volunteers needed at St. Benedict’s Senior Community
posted 10//19
St. Benedict’s Senior Community is seeking volunteers to assist with Catholic ministries. The primary need of the community at this time is eucharistic ministers. You do not need to have any prior experience in eucharistic ministry as SBSC will provide training and commissioning. Eucharistic ministers arrive at 8:30 a.m., round the floors distributing Communion, and serve during the 10 a.m.Mass. The current needs are for Thursday mornings and/or one Sunday a month. If you are unable to make a weekly commitment, any amount of time would be a welcome help. If interested in another ministry, other opportunities include rosary leaders (daily at 3:45 p.m.) and chapel attendants (setting up for Mass, escorting residents in and out of the chapel and tending to their needs during Mass). For more information, you can contact Rebecca Calderone, director of pastoral care, at 320-252-0010 ext. 30276 or at rebecca.calderone@centracare.com.