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 bulletins.
December 2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal bulletin announcements
posted 11/19/2021
December 4 – 5, 2021
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: Blessings to all of you in this season of Advent. Thank you to those who have already supported diocesan ministries through the Appeal. As of November 19, the Appeal raised $1,245,866 in gifts and pledges toward the goal of $1,400,000 with gifts from 8,180 households. Every dollar raised goes directly to ministries that support our Catholic faith and is not used for any other purpose. Learn more at www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.
December 11 – 12, 2021
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: Blessings to you and those you love on this third Sunday of Advent. Our diocesan ministries are walking with you as we joyfully anticipate the birth of our savior who comes to us to save us from our sins and bring new life. Please support these ministries with an end-of-year gift at www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.
December 18 – 19, 2021
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: In this fourth week of Advent, please remember the diocesan ministries that, through your generosity, continue to build the Kingdom of God here in Central Minnesota. Please keep them thriving by making a gift at www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.
December 25 – 26, 2021
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: Christ is born! Our mission is to be His heart of mercy, voice of hope, and hands of justice. The ministries supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal are at the heart of this mission. They provide assistance, education and pastoral care to people throughout our diocese. Please consider a gift at www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.
December 2021 Stewardship announcements
posted 11/19/2021
December 4 – 5, 2021
Stewardship as a Way of Life: And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value.” (Philippians 1:9-10)
During the Christmas shopping season it is easy to get caught up in the frenzy of buying gifts. But is that “gift” truly an expression of your love for the other person. Or, are you just fulfilling your “obligation” to give them something? To grow in friendship with someone, you need to spend time with them and learn what is of value to them. Maybe this year, buy less “stuff” and spend more time with those you love.
December 11 – 12, 2021
Stewardship as a Way of Life: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
St. Paul reminds us that God is an abundant God. He is the ultimate giver of gifts. He promises to give us all that we need. Remember, that we are created in God’s image and likeness. We, too, are made to be generous with all of our gifts as well. Placing our trust in God frees us from being a slave to possessions. It allows us to gratefully and generously share ourselves and our goods with others.
December 18 – 19, 2021
Stewardship as a Way of Life: “For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.” (Luke 1:44)
When you hear the Scripture readings and Gospel reading at Mass, do you “leap for joy?” If not, don’t blame the lector or priest; rather, look inside yourself. What are you doing to grow in friendship with Jesus? How do you prepare for Mass each week? Do you just show up and expect to be entertained? As the Body of Christ, we are called to be active participants, not just passive observers.
December 25 – 26, 2021
Stewardship as a Way of Life: “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)
During this season of giving, let us remember a beautiful gift that we have received: being children of God! As God’s children, it’s in our DNA that we share and express our love for others as well. Tell your spouse, children, other family members and friends that you love them — every day! Also, pray for those people who are different than you, those who you may not like or those who go out of their way to annoy you. Your prayers may be the start of a new friendship.
The Central MN Council on Aging has four openings in our Advisory Committee for 2022
posted 10/26/2021
We are currently seeking applications from interested service providers, older adults, family caregivers, and community members at large to fill the Benton, Kanabec, Stearns, Todd county vacancies. A representative from a cultural community may come from any county within our 14 county region.
The Advisory meets six times a year at our office in Sartell, Minnesota on the third Wednesday of the month from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Mileage reimbursement is available.
The primary functions of the Advisory are as follows:
- Advise the Board of Directors in the development of the Area Plan.
- Assist in the identification of the needs of older adults and their caregivers in the region.
- Review grant proposals under the Older Americans Act and make funding recommendations to the Board.
- Assist staff in the assessment of Older Americans Act grantees.
Application available at: cmcoa.org Accepting applications until December 31, 2021
Volunteer at Saint Cloud Hospital as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist
posted 10/21/21
Do you feel called to visit the sick and provide the Eucharist to people spending time in the hospital? The Spiritual Care Department at Saint Cloud Hospital are seeking a few more volunteers to complete our rotation of ministers that bring communion to Catholic patients at St. Cloud Hospital. Right now, we are scheduling volunteers on Sundays only and volunteers commit to one Sunday each month. This is a 1 ½ to 2 hour commitment and we can be flexible on time. You would be welcome to attend the 10:30 Mass at the St. Cloud Hospital chapel before or after your rounds. We are mindful of your safety during the pandemic and have safety protocols in place. Please contact Anita Fischer, Chaplain, at 320-251-2700 ext. 54980 with any questions to assist your discernment.
Volunteers needed at CentraCare St. Benedict’s Community
posted 10/12/2021
CentraCare St. Benedict’s 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 this ministry as St. Ben’s will provide training and commissioning. Eucharistic ministers arrive around 8:30 a.m., round the floors distributing Communion, and serve as Eucharistic Ministers during the 10 a.m. Mass. The current needs are for Monday, Thursday, or Friday 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 chapel attendants (setting up for Mass, escorting residents in and out of the chapel and tending to their needs during Mass) or one-to-one visits with residents in their rooms. For more information, you can contact Rebecca Calderone, Director of Spiritual Care, at 320-252-0010 ext. 30276 or at rebecca.calderone@centracare.com.
Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline
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.