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.
Volunteer at Saint Cloud Hospital as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist
posted 9/21/21
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.
September 2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal bulletin announcements
posted 8/25/2021
September 4 – 5, 2021
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: Thank you to those who have already supported diocesan ministries through the appeal. As of August 24, the Appeal raised $1,139,190 in gifts and pledges toward the goal of $1,400,000 with gifts from 7,542 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.
September 11 – 12, 2021
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: Have you read The Central Minnesota Catholic magazine? Do you follow the Diocese of St. Cloud on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or Instagram? Have you visited the diocesan websites for resources? All of these communication tools that inform us of the latest Catholic news are supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Keep the news coming by contributing at www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.
September 18 – 19, 2021
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: Through your generosity, diocesan programs continue to build the Kingdom of God here in Central Minnesota thanks to the dedicated service of our pastors, parish and diocesan staff, and volunteers who continue to do the work of Christ. Please keep them thriving by making a gift at www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.
September 25 – 26, 2021
Bishop’s Annual Appeal: The Diocesan TV Mass and parish livestream Masses have been a lifeline for the homebound. Other ministries of the Appeal continue their work in support of faith formation, family life, our Catholic schools, multicultural ministries, evangelization and vocational discernment. Will you help keep these ministries strong? Visit www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.
September 2021 Stewardship announcements
posted 8/25/2021
September 4 – 5, 2021
Stewardship as a Way of Life: “Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?” — James 2:5
What is more important – being rich in faith or rich in possessions? Society tells us that possessions are most important. God teaches a different lesson. When we are rich in faith, we keep God first and experience true joy and peace. When we put possessions first, we soon realize we can never have enough and happiness is fleeting. When we put faith over possessions, we truly realize it is better to give than receive.
September 11 – 12, 2021
Stewardship as a Way of Life: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” — Mark 8:34
Living a stewardship lifestyle means not only being responsible for my own life but for the lives of others as well. We realize that our gifts are not intended for ourselves; rather, they are meant to be shared with others. “Taking up my cross” means doing things when someone else needs me and not when it’s convenient for me.
September 18 – 19, 2021
Stewardship as a Way of Life: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” — Mark 9:35
Jesus teaches us that we are called to love one another. Love involves sacrifice. Sacrifice is a word that many of us don’t like to hear. We think it means that we must give up something that we want. However, the literal meaning of sacrifice is “to make holy,” from the words “sacer” (sacred) and “facere” (to make). In other words, we make our lives holy by sharing our gifts in the service of God.
September 25 – 26, 2021
Stewardship as a Way of Life: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.” — Mark 9:41
We are made in God’s image and likeness. We tend to forget this. When you look at others, do you see the face of Jesus in them? When others look at you, do they see the face of Jesus in you? When we realize that all lives matter to God, then gratitude and generosity become easier. Why? Because that’s the way we are made! We are one Body of Christ; when one of us is hurting, all of us feel the pain.
Volunteers needed at CentraCare St. Benedict’s Community
posted 7/12/2021
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.