St. Thomas the Apostle, Minneapolis

For all of you who participated in our “Screwtape Letters” discussions this year - and for all of you who didn’t - here’s a C.S. Lewis event that might interest you!

C.S. Lewis OnStage: Further Up & Further In St. Paul, MN

NEW CONSOLIDATED MASS SCHEDULE BEGINS IN JULY, 2024
The designation of Christ the King and Saint Thomas the Apostle as a parish cluster, including the new reality of sharing a single pastor, invites us to examine our Mass schedule. Decisions regarding our new consolidated schedule have been made with the goal of achieving a schedule that will work best for the parishioners taking into account facilities, parking availability, youth programs, and the primary importance of building community.
We will begin the transition process to our new combined Mass schedule starting in July with toggling the location of the Saturday evening Mass. Please note that the Sunday morning Mass will be at 9 AM.

We will then move to full implementation in October toggling the location of both the Saturday evening Mass and the Sunday 11:00 Mass.

These are excellent Lenten "fasts" from Pope Francis.

Stations of the Cross will be prayed this Friday, Feb 23, at 5:30pm via Zoom. If you would like to participate, please email [email protected] to receive the link.

The schedule for Stations for the remainder of Lent is as follows (all at 5:30pm):

Feb 23 Zoom
Mar 1 STA Chapel (soup supper follows)
Mar 8 Zoom
Mar 15 STA Chapel (soup supper follows)
Mar 22 Zoom

All are welcome!

Be heard.

Pope Francis wants to know what YOU think! As part of the ongoing Vatican Synod and to prepare for the 2024 gathering in Rome this fall, all U.S. dioceses have been asked to host listening sessions.

You are invited to join Archbishop Hebda for one of two virtual listening sessions: Sunday, February 25 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. or Tuesday, February 27 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Go to https://www.archspm.org/vatican-synod-welcome/ to register and receive the participant link.

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A profound thought on prayer from a woman with some experience…

Kudos to the artist(s)...

Happy ! Are you looking for ways to care for creation this season? Check out our latest compilation of resources including prayers, Advent calendars, a simplicity challenge, workshops for staying centered and sane, and much more!

Visit our website to see what others are doing to keep Creation in mind this Advent, and share other resources or ideas with us, too!

https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/resources/advent-resources-2023/

Wishing a sweet new year to our Jewish brothers and sisters, Shanah Tovah!

Learn more about the work of the Committee on Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs, including understanding the importance of our shared heritage with the Jewish people, here: https://ow.ly/6SrM50PLNLK

For those familiar with Fr. Richard Rohr, this might be of interest. For those not familiar, this might be of interest! 🙂

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Develop alternative consciousness with The Franciscan Way, an online course from the Center for Action and Contemplation and Richard Rohr. A nature lover and a simple spirit, St. Francis taught an alternative path of wisdom that offers freedom from the ego and cultural falsities.

Explore topics like what animals can teach us about the nature of Divine Love, and the value of simple living in this 7-week online study of Franciscan wisdom. Registration for The Franciscan Way is open until October 17! Financial is assistance is available before October 10. https://bit.ly/3S0m6lM

ICYMI…

In case you missed it: The U.S. Catholic bishops' conference bemoaned pollution and injustice in a message for the Season of Creation. This statement included a prophetic call for rapid decarbonization!

The bishops call us to fully embrace this season and remember that the solution to the climate crisis exists not just in our individual conversion but public policy decisions. Read more in EarthBeat here: https://www.ncronline.org/earthbeat/justice/us-waterways-polluted-injustice-bishops-say-season-creation-message

Fr Erich mentioned this papal encyclical in his homily last Sunday.

Catholic climate conference spotlights 'Laudato Si' Champions' of US church The Catholic Climate Covenant honored 13 Laudato Si' Champions at all levels of the U.S. church July 27 during the third "Laudato Si' and the U.S. Catholic Church" conference, co-hosted with Creighton University.

Well worth listening to!

Analyzing the Sabbath in the Modern World With Martin Doblmeier - Busted Halo Filmmaker and founder of Journey Films Martin Doblmeier joins Father Dave to discuss his new documentary "Sabbath" and the day's role in our modern world.

The Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis announced today, the appointment of Fr. Erich Rutten
as Pastor of the Clustered Parishes of:
the Church of Christ the King and
the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle
effective July 1, 2023


Fr. Erich (pronounced Erik) comes from a family of seven children. He was born and raised near Joliet, Illinois and attended Catholic elementary school and Catholic high school.

He came to Minnesota to get his MA in Theology from Saint John’s at Collegeville. Erich also has a Master of Divinity degree from the Saint Paul Seminary. He has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 30 years including 12 years
in south Minneapolis.

Fr. Erich was ordained to the priesthood in 2005 and has served at:
the Cathedral of St. Paul, Our Lady of Grace in Edina,
the University of Saint Thomas Campus Ministry,
Saint Peter Claver in Saint Paul,
and Saint Odilia in Shoreview.

Fr. Erich has served for eleven years as the Chair of the Archdiocesan Commission for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs,
seven years on the Social Concerns Committee of the MN
Catholic Conference of Bishops,
and five years on the Board of the Ascension Catholic Academy.

For relaxation, Erich enjoys time with family and friends, taking walks in nature, genealogical sleuthing, music, and documentaries.

All are welcome to join us for all or any part of the Sacred Liturgies of this week.

The liturgies of Holy Week are not simply six among others celebrated throughout the church year. These are indeed the Main Event – unlike any others – with a force so profound you can feel it in the church.

Holy Thursday
7:30 pm*
The great Paschal Triduum begins. Beginning in the gathering space, we receive from the Archbishop the holy oils to be used for the Sacramental life of our community. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Gathered round the table from which we receive the Bread of Life, we recall that, on the night before he died, Jesus humbly washed the feet of his disciples and told them, “As I have done for you, you should also do.” We are invited to fulfill his command in that moment by washing the feet of one another. After celebrating the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament is reposed in our downstairs chapel for an hour of keeping-watch (for those who choose) while the main sanctuary is solemnly stripped.


Good Friday
3:00 pm*
We re-assemble as the one great liturgy of the Paschal Triduum continues. We gather at the hour of our Lord’s crucifixion and death. We hear Isaiah’s haunting Song of the Suffering Servant proclaimed in word and music. “Who could believe what we have heard?” We listen to the story of Jesus’ Passion according to Saint John. We join with the church throughout the world in offering solemn intercessions. The cross of our salvation is reverently processed into church with incense, and each person is invited forward to venerate the Tree of Life. Once again, we take our leave in silence.

7:30 pm
We gather round the cross to recall the great love of our Lord who offered himself for us. In song, in Scripture, and through spoken reflection, we keep vigil for the one who died so that we might live.


Holy Saturday – the Vigil of Easter
8:30 pm
We gather outdoors around the Easter Fire, continuing our vigil, waiting and hoping for the Lord’s resurrection. From the blessed fire, we light the new Paschal Candle – the Light of Christ rising in glory. From that single flame, hundreds are lit as we process into church. The Easter Proclamation offers a sung preview of the celebration to come. We listen to multiple Scripture readings by candlelight – the great story of our salvation. After the light of the Risen Lord appears, we invoke the prayers of the Saints who have gone before us. We celebrate the Baptism and Confirmation of our catechumen. We are each renewed in the promises and waters of our own Baptism. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and we go forth proclaiming that “Jesus Christ is Risen Today!” Such Good News demands further celebration, so the liturgy is followed by a reception in the gathering space as the party continues into the night.


Easter Sunday
9:00* and 11:00 am
With Mary Magdalene and others, we learn that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! The Good News that forever changes history is proclaimed once again as we are nourished with the Bread of Life and sent forth to be the Body of Christ for the world.

* These liturgies will be live-streamed.

All current evidence to the contrary, the word “Lent” comes from a Middle English word meaning, “springtime.”

Why Do We Give up Something for Lent? - Busted Halo Giving up something for Lent might seem like just another eccentricity, but it's actually a practice with deep spiritual significance.

Lent begins this Wednesday, Feb. 22! If you're still stuck on your plans for this year, this article offers some tip for that discernment process:

❔ What are my deep desires right now?
❔ In what area of my life am I experiencing a lack of spiritual freedom?
❔ How am I participating in God’s kingdom? How am I working with Christ, following the direction of the Holy Spirit, and helping fulfill the Creator’s dream for this world?

Read more: https://bit.ly/MakingLentPlans

All are welcome! Celebrate Christmas with us at St Thomas the Apostle.

A most happy birthday to Father Steven John McMichael! May God continue to bless you with long life and bless us with your presence.

How will you celebrate Advent??

10 Meaningful Advent Traditions to Try This Year - Busted Halo Perhaps going beyond the expected traditions could make us pause for a bit more mindfulness this season.

Spiritual ruts happen. They needn’t be permanent.

Try These Unique Forms of Prayer When You’re in a Spiritual Rut - Busted Halo There are many different ways you can pray besides reciting the usual prayers. Try praying with these 5 creative ideas next time you're in a prayer slump.

There were some technical issues with our 9am Mass live stream this morning, so we will also be live streaming the 11am Mass. You can access it on our website www.stthomasmpls.org

The recording will also be available all week on the site.

St. Thomas the Apostle | A Catholic Community of Inclusion Join us for Mass onsite Saturday 5PM | Sunday 9AM & 11AM VIEW ONLINE MASS ; A Catholic Community of Inclusion In the heart of southwest Minneapolis near the shores of beautiful Lake Harriet in Linden Hills, you’ll find St. Thomas the Apostle. For more than 100 years, our Catholic parish has welcom...

A provocative take on the prayer of prayers…

Deliver Us From Evil: A Modern Approach to Embracing Love Over Sin - Busted Halo I’m asking God to help me relinquish the mindsets and behaviors that create a gulf between me and my fellow humans.

The video recording of the 9am Mass from Sunday, June 19 is now available for viewing on our website:

www.stthomasmpls.org

St. Thomas the Apostle | A Catholic Community of Inclusion Join us for Mass onsite Saturday 5PM | Sunday 9AM & 11AM VIEW ONLINE MASS ; FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP 2022 Help us continue to fulfill our mission. Learn More A Catholic Community of Inclusion In the heart of southwest Minneapolis near the shores of beautiful Lake Harriet in Linden Hills, you’ll find S...

Good morning! There is currently a power issue at St Thomas the Apostle, so the 9am Mass is unable to be live streamed. Mass is somehow being recorded and should be available later for viewing. Stay tuned for updates.

There are some excellent, thought-provoking comments in this podcast! It’s worth a listen!

Is Salvation Possible for Everyone? A listener named Kenny asks if salvation is possible for all people. He shares that his girlfriend is Catholic while he is Protestant. His girlfriend believes that the Catholic Church teaches that all people go to heaven, no matter their religion, as long as they are good people. Kenny asks if this....

Fr. Michael’s homily last weekend made many of these same points! Worth a read, and then go back and check out the homily from the live stream mass for April 24 (www.stthomasmpls.org)

I’m afraid to return to Mass in person. And it’s not because of Covid. I’m afraid, but not of the virus. Frankly, I’m afraid of what I will see, of what I will hear when I get there and step inside the church.

Click through the pop up ads and take ten minutes to read this very thought provoking article about Church and Culture:

Reclaiming the Catholic moral and intellectual tradition from the culture wars When Michael Murphy, director of Loyola's Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage, first invited me to join this conversation, he a...

You can learn quite a bit in two minutes…

Holy Week in Two Minutes - Busted Halo Watch this short video and learn the ins and outs of the Catholic traditions and rituals we celebrate during Holy Week.