Church of St. Peter 2600 N. Margaret St.

North St. Paul, MN 55109 651-777-8304

June 14, 2020

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND

BLOOD OF CHRIST

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains

in me and I in him.” - Jn 6:56

THE GREATEST GIFT

Dear brothers and sisters, This year the great solemnity of Corpus Christi is made even more joyful and bright for our parish because of our dear children receiving their First Communion. Throughout the year 38 of our kids prepared to receive Jesus for the first time and most of them will welcome Him during the Solemni-ty of the Body and Blood of Christ. What a significant reminder for each one of us to the true meaning of this celebration! The simplicity and purity of our children is, in fact, a great light for us during these sometimes clouded

times. It helps us to put aside what is secondary, our all too human thoughts and concerns, our own ideas and points of view and sweetly forces us to focus on what really matters in life: allowing Christ to abide in us, the way He decides, welcoming Him with a childlike heart, not as something that we deserve, but as an unexpected and yet most desired gift.

The mystery we celebrate today is, in fact, one of the greatest and most significant of our faith. The Eucharist is a reality ultimately incomprehensible by our poor reasoning, a gift that surprises and surpasses us from all sides. No mystery finds us so stammering and incapable: the infinitely great of God’s life within the infinitely small and mundane of bread and wine! We will never stop contemplating this mystery, the Real Presence of Christ who, through the species of bread and wine, remains alive and present among us as He promised: I am with you always, until the end of the age (Mt 28:20).

The festival of Corpus Christi was instituted by Pope Urban IV in 1264, after a great Eucha-ristic miracle, to strengthen our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus’ body, blood, soul, and di-vinity and to present the Eucharist as the hidden, yet pulsating and creative heart of the world, the center, source and summit, not only of the Church but also of history and of every man and woman on earth looking for their definitive fulfillment.

Expressively Cardinal Montini – who would later become Paul VI – wrote, “The Lord has not given us a portrait of Him, nor a memory, a relic, a symbol of him: He has given us his Real Presence [...]. Love is presence, love creates closeness, love cannot truly live at a distance, love is communication [...]. Christ realized the presence in the fullest, most mysterious way, that will always leave us awe-struck and amazed.” Let us learn from our children this awe-filled gaze and amazement.

I want to express a heartfelt thank you to our marvelous catechists and assistants who pre-pared our children for this day: Richelle Peterson, Kate Koehn, Rose and Tom Carlson, Nicole McKee, Jenna Williamson, and Mason Syring. My deepest sense of gratitude to Barb Waldorf, our unparalleled CGS Coordinator and catechist, as well as to Jennifer Greger, our invaluable and multitasking Faith Formation Assistant, and of course to our tireless and zealous Pastor Fr. Ettore along with Fr. Pietro and our seminarian Giacomo. Their hard work made this day possible. May God reward each of you for the hidden and precious work you’ve done for His glory!

Fr. Daniele Scorrano

Fr. Daniele Scorrano

ATTENDING MASS

On May 19, 2020 we began holding Masses at the Church of St. Peter several times a day for up to 10

people in accordance with the Governor’s mandate. What a joy it was for those who were able to attend and

receive the Holy Eucharist in the Holy Sacrifice of Mass. Because we were limited to 10 total attendees, we

scheduled 4 Masses daily and 6 over the weekend. To be realistic and truthful those four daily Masses were

never filled with 10 total attendees.

We commend the excellent work of our Liturgy Coordinator Mrs. Teachout and trained volunteers along with

St Peter Staff who made possible six hours of weekly Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Confession

from March 22 to May 19 respecting the restriction of only 10 people in the church at that time.

Through a tense although fruitful dialogue between the Bishops of Minnesota, in particular Archbishop Hebda

and the Governor, the churches were open to 25 percent capacity on May 27 thus allowing us to begin daily

Mass twice a day and 5 Masses over the weekends limited to 80 people.

The Church of St. Peter has a seating capacity of 800 people so at 25 percent we were able to host 200

people. To comply with the 6-foot distancing rule, we had attendees seated every other pew. We received

feedback from few parishioners that seating in every other pew felt uncomfortable because the inclined floor

that slopes downward gives an unfavorable view. We decided to choose the path of charity and emotional

healing. As a result, we moved to seating parishioners in every 3rd pew which automatically reduced the

number of spots available in keeping with the 6-foot social distancing rule.

On June 5, the Governor announced churches could increase capacity to 50 percent and to be realistic and

truthful, currently today we are not even filling up the Masses allowing 80 people. This was not the case for

the Confirmation, First Communion, and School Graduation Masses. Also, we are unable to keep the 6-foot

social distancing if we went to 50 percent of capacity.

Desiring to increase in number and experience gratefulness and joy in this time of unsettling news and

different opinions, we hope to continue to nurture ourselves with the Holy Eucharist, the “source and summit of

Christian life” at the Holy Mass and at the same time remain in compliance with the COVID-19 mandates. We

thank the Leadership Team who is supporting and accompanying St. Peter Staff’s decisions during this time of

great uncertainty and changes in our life’s habits daily. This is also a time in which we are all called to

stewardship and find ways, in compliance with the guidelines, to help the mission of the church. I thank all those

parishioners who began volunteering for ushering and helping with the sanitization of the church. It is my hope

that many more people will join in this Stewardship Way of Life.

Please contact Jeff Peterson, Chief of Staff at 651-894-6154 or at jpeterson@stpetersnsp.org with any

questions or if you are interested in volunteering for ushering during the liturgies.

Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the

one bread.” 1 CORINTHIANS 10:17

STEWARDSHIP OF TIME & TALENT

THE NEW ROLE OF USHERING

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a great deal of uncertainty to our family lives, our work lives and to the way in which we worship. In preparation for phase II of the limited reopening of the church for pub-lic Mass, over 40 parishioners who had been active in various ministries prior to the pandemic and those who had indicated a desire to learn more about the usher ministry through the stewardship of time and talent were contacted and invited to training sessions on the new role of the usher. I was amazed at the number of parishioners who said “yes” to the call to serve and to learn a new way of moving forward in this newness which is in front of us. Each parishioner demonstrated a commitment to prioritize their rela-tionship with God through being good stewards of their time. By using the gift of time well, we are able to come together as a parish community to provide the much needed support for successful reopening of the church within the new parameters we have been given. If you would like to learn more about partici-

pating in this ministry, please feel free to contact Patti at the parish office.

THANK YOU FOR CARING FOR THE CHURCH PEWS!

Giving of one's self through the Stewardship of Time & Talent is a beautiful demonstration of prioritizing one's relationship with God. This past week Diane Haider, Debbie Nordling, Nona Sinn, Kris O'Kane and Cathy Standish answered the call to serve. They spent the better part of a morning providing tender lov-ing care to our church pews to minimize the adverse effects on the wood from frequent sanitization. Many hands make for light work! Thank you all, Patti Teachout, Liturgy Coordinator

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to lead holy lives and invite others to join us. Living a stewardship life-style, being grateful and generous with our gifts, serves a twofold purpose. One, it helps build God’s kingdom here on earth. Two, it helps us strengthen each other’s relationship with God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It becomes our roadmap to

Heaven.

Let’s help each other get there!

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please pray for Monica Repiscak and Nick Orfei who will be married next

weekend.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS

The Parish Office will continue to be closed.

Due to the Corona virus and the State of Minnesota shelter in place, the parish office is not open to the public.

Connie will be in the office Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 3:30 pm. If you are in need of assistance or would like to drop off or pick up items. Please call the parish office and make an appointment. 651-777-8304

If you should have a pastoral emergency after hours, please call the emergency number on the message. The office will be closed on Monday, June 29 for the solemnity of St. Peter and Paul. There will be Mass at 8:00am.

The Most Holy Trinity Sunday Liturgy (June 7, 2020) was a very memorable day for the Catechumens and Candidates of RCIA at the Church of St Peter. The Catholic Church usually welcomes new adult members into the church with the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil – But not this year.

Last Sunday, the RCIA group was able to finally celebrate their sacraments together as a group and it was a very joyous and long

awaited liturgy. The catechumens and candidates attended Mass with their sponsors, god parents, families and friends to complete their full initiation into the church. Father Ettore was assisted by Father Pietro, Deacon Bob Bisciglia and Seminarian – Giacomo. The liturgy included these Sacraments: three Baptisms, nine Confirmations, and six “First Holy Communions.”

In time, you will encounter these new members in our community so give them a hearty welcome. [ Keri Clarkson, Tanya Tkhorik, Josie Tkhorik, Will Chu, Ann Nicoski, Donna and Connor Johnson, Godfrey Amie, Susan Brackins, and Mark Eromobor. Our St Peter Community shares in their joy as we journey together in our life with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Blessings to all! Nick and Peggy John

RCIA

VICTIM/SURVIVOR ASSISTANCE PROMISE TO PROTECT - PLEDGE TO HEAL

A SAFE PLACE TO COME FORWARD ARCHDIOCESE VICTIM ASSISTANCE: 651-291-4475

On the Weekend of June 27-28 there will be a

second collection for

PETER’S PENCE THE HOLY FATHER

Thank you for your charity.

HOLY COMMUNION TO THE HOMEBOUND

UPDATED MASS SCHEDULE

Corpus Christi Sunday, June 13-14

Saturday, June 13: 4:00 PM First Communion

7:00 PM

Sunday, June 14: 8:00 AM Live streaming Mass

11:00 AM First Communion

6:00 PM

Monday, June 15: 8:00 AM

Tuesday, June 16: 8:00 AM

Wednesday, June 17: 8:00 AM

Thursday, June 18: 8:00 AM

Friday, June 19: 8:00 AM Solemnity of

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saturday, June 20: 4:00 PM Fr. Pietro’s Eleventh

Priesthood Anniversary

Sunday, June 14: 8:00 AM

11:00 AM Live streaming Mass

6:00 PM

Confession

Thursday, June 18 2:00-4:00 PM

Adoration or personal prayer in the church

Saturday, June 20 9:00-11:00 AM

No Adoration or personal prayer in the church

FAITH FORMATION SUMMER PROGRAMS UPDATE

As of today, for the sake of our chil-dren's safety, we are forced to cancel VBS along with all the other Faith For-mation Summer Pro-grams, at least the

way we planned them. As things move forward, though, it is our hope to reschedule, maybe on a smaller basis and in compliance with all the safety protocols that we will be given for some different summer proposals for our children and youth. Please stay tuned with us through our parish bul-letin and website for further information. In the meantime let us praise the Lord and rejoice together for the opportunity to go back to Mass and keep liv-ing out our faith in our domestic churches! As St. Paul says, We know that all things work for good for those who love God (Rm 8:28).

Dear parishioners and visitors, Following the desire we have to allow the homebound parishioners to receive Holy Communion, and in compliance with the guidelines in this time of pandemic, we would like to propose the ensuing protocol: Starting with Thursday June 18th 2020 one of the clergy will be happy to visit with you and bring you

Holy Communion sometime between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. We will be happy to visit with those who due to the current pandemic, or for preexisting health condi-

tions, are unable to attend Mass. Those who would like to receive Communion should call the parish and talk with Mrs. Connie Roering

indicating which Thursday they would like to be visited. The liturgy must take place outside i.e., on a porch, in the front yard or in the backyard. It cannot take

place inside homes. In case of inclement weather (i.e., rain, snow, hail, etc.) the visit will be rescheduled. Communicants should wear a mask and receive the sacred host on their hands. Communicants may remain seated for the entire liturgy. The clergy will bring his own portable folding chair.

MASS INTENTIONS

Week of June 14 - June 21, 2020

Sunday: 8:00 AM Church of St. Peter Parish 11:00 AM †Dick & Janet Taverna and Nancy Nolen 6:00 PM †Earl Morelli Monday: 8:00 AM †Edith Howard Tuesday: 8:00 AM †Carl & Anna North Wednesday: 8:00 AM †Dan & Sallie O’Brien Thursday: 8:00 AM †Vera Hahn Friday: 8:00 AM †Jane, Will & Claire North Saturday: 8:00 AM †Paul & Philomene Koller 4:00 PM †Peter Castagna Sunday: 8:00 AM †Donald Buchre 11:00 AM Church of St. Peter Parish 6:00 PM †Don & Mark Capuzzi

The Mass intentions are being honored and fulfilled by the priests during their daily Mass

even though not celebrated publicly.

SACRIFICIAL GIVING As of June 7 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020

Collected for Week: Electronic Giving $9,739.

Total Amount Collected for Week $35,833.

Amount Budgeted for Week $25,453.

Collected to Date: Stocks & Special Gifts $1,189,595.

Budgeted to Date: Stocks & Special Gifts $1,140,015.

Percentage Above (or Below) Budget 4.35%

Amount Above (or Below) Budget $49,580.

Collected for Week: Envelopes & Plate $26,094.

Current Fiscal Year Capital Improvement Fund balance after the HVAC project is

$72,496.49

Donations Received as of June 7, 2020:

Thank you for Supporting St. Peter Parish!

Please consider donating online to help us continue our

ministries. To donate online, click "Donate Now" on our

parish website or go to giving.parishsoft.com/app/

giving/stpetersnsp.org or try our new text to give

option, text “Give” to 651-240-6260.

Readings for the week of June 14, 2020 Sunday: Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a/Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 [12]/1 Cor 10:16-17/Jn 6:51-58 Monday: 1 Kgs 21:1-16/Ps 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7 [2b] Mt 5:38-42 Tuesday: 1 Kgs 21:17-29/Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16 [cf. 3a]/Mt 5:43-48 Wednesday: 2 Kgs 2:1, 6-14/Ps 31:20, 21, 24 [25]/ Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday: Sir 48:1-14/Ps 97:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7 [12a]/ Mt 6:7-15 Friday: Dt 7:6-11/Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 10 [cf. 17]/1 Jn 4:7-16/Mt 11:25-30 Saturday: 2 Chr 24:17-25/Ps 1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd [cf. 1]/Lk 2:41-51 Next Sunday: Jer 20:10-13/Ps 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35 [14c]/Rom 5:12-15/Mt 10:26-33

EMAIL OR TEXT SCAM AFFECTING PARISHES

With the coronavirus there are new attempts!

The Archdiocese has been notified that several local parishes have been affected by an email and text scam. Using Priest, Principal or a staff members name the scammer will create a new email address or text, contact the staff members, parishioners, or volunteers via email or text and then ask for a favor, money or gift cards.

PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THESE EMAILS.

If you receive such a fraudulent email or text from the parish or any staff member, please contact Jeff Peterson, jpeterson@stpetersnsp.org and notify the North St. Paul Police. DO NOT RESPOND TO THE EMAIL OR TEXT. In the case of any email or text asking for funds or appearing to be suspicious, IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO CONTACT THE PERSON DIRECTLY BY PHONE OR IN PERSON TO MAKE SURE IT IS AUTHENTIC.

PRAYER REQUESTS Please call the parish office with any prayer requests that you may have for those who are sick. Please know that you must have permission from the person that you are requesting prayers for. We are publishing these on our website. Please go to the website and pray for those that are ill.

Your prayers are requested for the repose of the souls of Eunice Kuehn, Jeannette Koppe, Delores Pariana,

David Hummerling, and Linda Christensen

who recently passed away