transfiguration exists east metro to christ,
TRANSCRIPT
Dear Friends, I am writing this article before the election results of November 3. Regardless of who won and who lost, I publicly commit to praying for our elected officials, as well as for true and lasting peace within our nation, a peace that must be rooted in the sovereignty of God and real love of neighbor. The month of November is dedicated to praying for the
dead, specifically those who are undergoing purification within purgatory. Our life on earth is a pilgrimage, a journey with a definite destination. Heaven is the ultimate vocation of every Christian, but to arrive there we must learn to love with God-like love. Mercifully, the Lord allows us some extra time if we haven’t quite yet learned how to do this when we die. We call this extra time “purgatory,” and I would wager that most Catholics who die in a state of grace, that is, Catholics who die without unrepentant mortal sin on their soul, spend at least some time there. To be quite clear, purgatory is a place of suffering, but this is not because God is vindictive. Purgatory hurts because loving hurts – and dying to self (which is the way to love as God loves) certainly hurts. That’s why we call it “dying” to self! But purgatory is also a place of great hope and joy, because all those who are there know that they will one day see God. How do our prayers help these poor souls who wait for final union with God? Well, the same way that our prayers help each other while we are still on earth. Just like we pray for each other to grow in faith, hope and love while we pilgrimage together this side of the veil, so too our prayers can assist each other when the barrier of death has been crossed by a loved one.
Transfiguration exists to lead all those in the East Metro to Christ,
the Source and Summit of our daily and eternal lives.
6133 15th Street North Oakdale, MN 55128
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Phone: 651-738-2646 After-hours Emergency: 651-501-2250 [email protected] [email protected]
Office: 651-501-2220 Attendance Line: 651-501-2255
Check our website and myParish App for the most up-to-date
schedule of our liturgies.
PASTOR Fr. John Paul Erickson 651-738-2646 [email protected]
ASSOCIATE PASTOR Fr. Brian Lynch 651-738-2646 [email protected]
DEACON Deacon Dan Brewer 651-738-2646 [email protected]
PARISH ADMINISTRATOR Erin Ethier 651-501-2209 [email protected]
SAFE ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR / PARISH SECRETARY Martha Praska 651-738-2646 [email protected]
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kathy Weed 651-738-2646 [email protected]
FINANCE ASSISTANT & TADS Kim Connolly 651-501-2208 [email protected]
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Andy Jacobson 651-501-2216 [email protected]
DIRECTOR OF SACRED MUSIC Mary Demko 651-501-2224 [email protected]
LITURGY COORDINATOR Shantel Schallenkamp 651-501-2206 [email protected]
DIRECTOR OF PARISH FORMATION Justin Kortuem 651-501-2207 [email protected]
CONFIRMATION COORDINATOR Justin Shay 651-501-2219 [email protected]
PARISH LIFE & YOUTH FORMATION COORDINATOR Melissa Phinney 651-501-2202 [email protected]
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Michelle Jwanouskos [email protected]
MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR Phil Stoffel 651-501-2245 [email protected]
AFTER HOURS PASTORAL EMERGENCY NUMBER: 651-501-2250
VICTIM/SURVIVOR SITE & HOTLINE safe-environment.archspm.org 651-291-4475
If you have a child needing to be baptized or if you are expecting a child soon, please call the parish office at 651-738-2646 to make arrangements for an individual Baptism class.
If you would like to celebrate your wedding at Transfiguration, please contact the Parish Office at least nine months in advance.
Interested in becoming Catholic? We invite anyone who has questions about the Faith, or who may be interested in becoming Catholic, to come to our formation nights, which are open to anyone wanting to learn more about the Catholic faith. Classes are the first Wednesday of the month. We have a flexible schedule if Wednesday nights don't work for you. Please contact our parish office at 651-738-2646.
Big-Ticket Capital Improvement Fund Amount Collected November 1 $ 2,010Balance in Big-Ticket Savings Account 105,164
November 1 Fiscal YTD
Total Budgeted Collection $ 19,000 $ 413,000
Weekend Collection 18,868 399,178
Surplus/(Deficit) (132) (13,822)
% Above/(Below) Budget -3.35%
Long-Term Debt for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2021 Amount Collected/Principal Payment $ 50 Balance on Long-Term Debt 4,223,346 Interest Paid on LT Debt Since 7/1/20 58,433
2
Transfiguration has a list of those needing prayers available on our website; the list is updated upon request. If you have a family member on the list, please verify the name. If you or someone you know is in need of prayers, please contact Martha at our parish office at 651-731-2646.
3
The bonds of love and affection remain after death, and even more real are the bonds of charity that exist between the members of the Church, living and dead. Our prayers can assist our loved ones in their final purification, and soften their hearts to more readily learn the lessons of love the Lord longs to teach them now and after death.
Besides simply praying for the dead in our own words and on our own time, the Church also earnestly recommends offering Masses for the dead. Contrary to a cynical interpretation of this custom, offering a stipend for a Mass said for a loved one is not “paying for salvation.” Strictly speaking, absolutely no amount of money is needed to arrange a Mass for a loved one. However, the Church does indeed recommend some small donation as a sign of gratitude. Arrangements for such Masses can always be made through our parish office, and is perhaps the greatest gift we can give to anyone, living or dead.
In addition to Masses and private prayers, we can also offer up sacrifices throughout our day for the souls of the dead. In doing this, we are offering up restitution for the damage that sin does to the Body of Christ. Inconveniences, personal discomfort, refraining from desserts or pleasures of life occasionally – all of these can be offered up by the soul in a state of grace for the healing and release of the poor souls in purgatory.
The Church also has provided a very powerful means of assisting the dead in what are known as “indulgences.” Again, contrary to a cynical interpretation, indulgences are not “get out of jail free” cards. Rather, they are rooted in our belief as Catholics in the mystical connectedness of all the baptized, as well as in our knowledge of the real damage that sin does. When we sin, our sins must not only be forgiven; we must also make restitution for the offenses we have committed. By utilizing indulgences, we apply the graces of all the saints and the Church’s suffering members to the healing of the damage done by sin, whether our own or the sins of our deceased loved ones.
One such indulgence can be gained by visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead. While ordinarily this indulgence is only available from November 1-8, due to COVID-19 concerns, the Holy Father has extended its timing to eight days of our own individual choosing any time within the month of November. For those members of the faithful unable to physically travel to a cemetery, the Church indicates the following –
The elderly, the sick and all those who for serious reasons cannot leave their homes, for example because of restrictions imposed by the competent authority in this time of the pandemic, in order to prevent numerous faithful from crowding into the holy places, will be able to obtain the Plenary Indulgence as long as they join spiritually with all the other faithful, completely detached from sin and with the intention of complying as soon as possible with the three usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the Holy Father's intentions), before an image of Jesus or the Blessed Virgin Mary, recite pious prayers for the deceased, for example, Lauds and Vespers of the Office of the Dead, the Marian Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, other prayers for the deceased dearest to the faithful, or occupy themselves in considered reading of one of the Gospel passages proposed by the liturgy of the deceased, or perform a work of mercy by offering to God the sorrows and hardships of their own lives.
During this month dedicated to praying for the dead, let us remember this often-forgotten spiritual work of mercy, and implore the divine assistance of the poor souls.
In Christ, the Transfigured and Transfiguring One,
Fr. Erickson
Monday, November 9 8:00 a.m. – Mass 5:30-6:00 p.m. – Confessions* 6:00 p.m. – GriefShare 6:30-8:00 p.m. – WWP Bible Study 7:00-8:00 p.m. – AA Meeting
Tuesday, November 10 8:00 a.m. – Mass Noon-12:30 p.m. – Confessions* Noon-1:00 p.m. – Church Open for Prayer** 5:00 p.m. – Mass 6:30-8:00 p.m. – WWP Bible Study
Wednesday, November 11 8:00 a.m. – Mass 9:00 a.m. – Veteran’s Day Flag Ceremony 9:00-10:30 a.m. – WWP Bible Study 1:00-2:30 p.m. – WWP Bible Study 7:00-8:30 p.m. – Men’s Night
Thursday, November 12 8:00 a.m. – Mass Noon-12:30 p.m. – Confessions* Noon-1:00 p.m. – Church Open for Prayer**
Friday, November 13 8:00 a.m. – Mass
Saturday, November 14 8:00 a.m. – Mass, live-streamed only
(no congregation) Sunday, November 15 -
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30-7:55 a.m. – Confessions* 8:30 a.m. – Holy Mass 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Family Formation 10:30 a.m. – Holy Mass 6:00 p.m. – Holy Mass
* Confessions will be offered Sundays 7:30-7:55 a.m., Mondays 5:30-6:00 p.m., and Tuesday & Thursdays noon-12:30 p.m. Please ring the door buzzer to be admitted.
** On Tuesdays and Thursdays for private prayer, please ring the door buzzer to be admitted.
All times subject to change. Please check our parish website daily for time changes.
We are committed to providing many opportunities for as many people as possible to encounter the Lord through programs and offerings that are accessible, friendly, and convenient.
4
Have you grown weary as you run your race and need encouragement to persevere? Do you long to know Christ better? Are you ready to grow in your trust of God as your true Source of hope? It is not too late to register for “Grounded in Hope,” a Catholic Women’s Bible study at Transfiguration! All women are invited to the video on The Unwinding, following the video presentation their will be a discussion. Visit our parish website to register.
If you would like more information, please contact Lynn Osborne at [email protected], or
Erin Ethier at 651-501-2209 or [email protected].
Transfiguration's middle school Girl Scouts, along with members of the United States Army, cordially invite you to attend the school's Veteran's Day Flag Raising on Wednesday, November 11 at approximately 9:00 a.m.
The ceremony will take place outdoors at Transfiguration school's flag pole. Guests are invited to park and stand near their
vehicle to help us honor our flag and our veterans. Honored guests will be VFW Post 5.
Are you looking for a time to get away and just be with the guys and talk about things that matter to you? Looking for a time of prayer and some social interaction? All men are invited for a time of prayer, discussion, confession, and some socializing on Wednesday, November 11, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Do you find yourself worrying about how to raise your Catholic Family in today’s environment? On Wednesday, November 18, 7:00 p.m., parishioners James and Jessica Chastek will be speaking on Crafting Catholic Family Life by Design. This will be an opportunity to for prayer, confession, and socializing with other women from Transfiguration and the East Metro. All ladies are asked to invite a friend.
Transfiguration Parishioners, Thank you for your overwhelming support for the Second Chance Booya. It was a great success!
Your support makes a huge difference in our church and community.
5
We recognize that it is the Sunday Mass that is the true source and summit of our life and faith, and we are committed to providing transcendent and transfiguring worship that also builds up our community as one.
Masses will be offered for each of these intentions.
Sunday, November 8 Anna Marie Crandal † The People of Transfiguration Joseph Falzone †
Monday, November 9 Poor Souls in Purgatory
Tuesday, November 10 Duane, Frances & James Graybill † Margaret Himmer †
Wednesday, November 11 Marcia Holmes Family
Thursday, November 12 Deceased Members of the
C.R. & Agnes Johnston Family Friday, November 13
Trinidad Espinosa † Saturday, November 14
Mary Raskina Paul Novotny †
Sunday, November 15 Everly Palmer Raymond Kaiser † The People of Transfiguration
Today, November 8, 2020, is the last Sunday at which we will broadcast the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass to those attending in the parking lot; it is also the final day we will distribute Holy Communion outside.
We would like to talk with each of you who has been attending the 10:30 a.m. Mass outside to help you find options to attend Mass inside and also receive Holy Communion.
Please contact Mary Demko at [email protected] or Shantel Schallenkamp at [email protected].
We are looking forward to working with you and thank you for your attendance during these months.
Beginning Saturday, November 28, the first weekend of Advent, we will be adding a 4:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass.
In order to open this additional weekend Mass, we are in need of volunteers. Please sign up online (there is link on our homepage).
Please note: If too few volunteers sign up, we will not be able to offer Saturday Vigil Mass.
Also beginning November 28, the 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning Mass will be open to congregants; doors will open at 7:30 a.m. Again, volunteers are needed.
Praise God for the great blessing of opening more Mass times, even during COVID.
During the month of November, we pray in a special way for our family and friends who have died, and for all the Holy Souls in purgatory. Beginning on All Souls Day, the Book of the Names of the Dead will be displayed at the high altar, where it will remain throughout November. The names of the fifty people who have been buried through Transfiguration since last All Souls Day have already been written in this year's Book; if you would like the names of your loved ones who have died entered into the Book, please email the names to [email protected] or call the parish office at 651-738-2646. Remember to pray for all souls this month.
“
6
We are committed to being a truly “pro-family” culture, a culture that recognizes parents’ primary role in the education of their children, encourages and promotes a radical openness to life, and strives to support families in their efforts to be holy and to form their beloved children into saints.
Eight years ago, St. John’s on the East Side sadly closed its doors. At the recommendation of Fr. Welzbacher, we decided to give Transfiguration a closer look. At the time, we saw a church and school being led in the right direction by Fr. Baer.
Since that time, a lot has happened. Our family has grown, as we went from having no kids in the school to now three Tigers in tow (with a fourth joining the ranks soon enough). Fr. Baer was sadly taken from us all too soon, and the school has undergone numerous changes. However, through it all, Transfiguration church and school continue to move in a wonderful direction under the leadership of Fr. Erickson and Mr. Jacobson.
As for the parish, we love the devout nature of the Mass put forth by Fr. Erickson. Each year it seems new steps are being taken that make it more apparent that the Eucharist is the focal point of the Mass. Not only is this important for us as parents to continually be reminded of, but it is critical for our children to be clear on the importance of the Eucharist as they develop their Catholic faith.
As for the school, we continue to be impressed by principal Mr. Jacobson, the teachers, and the staff. Further, Fr. Erickson’s passion for the school leaves no doubt that the school is deeply cared for and that its success is a priority. Mr. Jacobson has developed into a wonderful leader that is on fire not only for the students, but also for the Catholic faith and for helping bring the students of Transfiguration closer to Jesus. Our children were genuinely heartbroken when the pandemic forced the school to close last March because they loved school so much; and one of them recently told us they were sad to miss a day home sick because it was their day for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. These things tell us as parents that Transfiguration is doing a wonderful job caring for our children, not only personally, but also in helping form them as Catholics.
In what ways has Christ come into your life? If you have a story you would like to share, please email Melissa Phinney at [email protected].
Next Sunday, November 15, the displays for our annual Giving Tree, food drive and Options for Women East collection will be in the gathering space! There will be ornaments on the tree listing gifts requested from our hotline, lists of food donation needs for our local foodshelves, and directions on how to support Options for Women East by purchasing gifts, donating money or buying needed baby items. We are so grateful to be able to offer these services, especially during this year when COVID has affected so many in our area.
Please call Shantel Schallenkamp or Mary Demko if you have any questions. Special thanks to our Giving Tree volunteers who have been assisting callers these past few weeks, and who will help collect and distribute the gifts. God bless you all for your generosity.
Follow us @ facebook.com/Transfigurationmn
Join the conversation @ Twitter.com/ TransfigParish
Listen to past homilies and watch other videos by going to Transfigurationmn.org/YouTube
See what’s going on @ Instagram.com/Transfig39
Recently our 7th grade students performed Abraham skits. These skits included “Abraham’s Three Mysterious Visitors” and “The Sacrifice of Isaac.” A few 7th graders shared their experience about these skits and how it impacted them.
“I learned that God can make anything possible if its the way he wants it to be. I learned it by doing the skit vs just reading it. The skit really help me out so I could understand it better then just reading it. I could use it in every day life because God wants things to happen for a reason and God can make anything happen. If its the way he wants it.” (Abby B.)
“I learned that when things got hard he still believed in God. He trusted in God when He told him to sacrifice Isaac. I learned all this from reading the Bible and watching videos about Abraham. I really admire him for doing the right thing when things got tough. I am going to try to do the same. Even if it is something I don’t want to do I am still going to do the right thing. This relates to Jesus dying on the Cross. Even though that was hard for Him, He did not give up because He knew that it was the right thing to do and He did it for everyone.” (Molly M.)
For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Transfiguration Catholic Church, Oakdale, MN B 4C 02-0162
Helping You Review Your Best Options
Buying or Selling Real Estate
FREE Market Analysis
40+ Years of Real Estate Experience
Call Ken Frank 651-731-8899 Email Ken at [email protected]
PREMIER REALTY
Newest & Most Affordable Funeral Home in the Area!
Michael O’Halloran - Owner
Cremation • Funeral Services • Life Celebrations
651-702-0301 www.ohalloranmurphy.com
DITTRICH LAW FIRM P.A.GREGORY D. DITTRICH
ParishionerFamily Law & Wills
www.dittrichlawoffice.com Conveniently located at I-94 & Radio Dr.
651-730-6223 Free 1/2 Hr. Initial Consultation
Specializing in Weddings & Special Occasions
Chris Sarrack Exceptional Service 2305 Stillwater Road 651-739-7959
Bank Local. Bank Premier.Maplewood
651.777.7700Woodbury
651.578.6998
Roseville 651.633.8880
White Bear Lake651.426.7800
www.premierbanks.com
Contact Tom Maakestad to place an ad [email protected] or (800) 950-9952 x5858
Assisted living memory careNOW OPEN
(651) 855-0909 | CerenitySeniorCare.com
WULFF Funeral Home
Susan Montpetit, Manager
651-776-15551485 White Bear Ave. St. Paul
Cremation Services • Advance Planning
For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Transfiguration Catholic Church, Oakdale, MN A 4C 02-0162
GormansFamily Restaurant
Since 1980
3 Miles E. of 694 on County Rd. 14, Lake Elmo, MN
651-770-2476Hours: M-Sat 6am-8pm • Sun 7am-3pm
Breakfast Served Anytime!
Relevant Radio 1330 AM “Catholic Radio–bridging the gap between faith & everyday life”
www.catholicscomehome.orgTogether We Can End Abortion
Ed & Kathy Gorman, Parishioners
FREE ESTIMATE FINANCING
Rob Langer, Parishioner
SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION651-429-0001 • www.srheatingcooling.com
HEATING • COOLING
PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF SERVICE ORDER. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER OR DISCOUNT.
$10000 OFF Installation of Furnace or
Air Conditioner - OR - $25000 OFF
for Installation of BOTH
$2000 OFF WORK
PERFORMED
SANDBERG FUNERAL &
CREMATION SERVICES651-777-2600
sandbergfuneralhome.comFamily Owned & Operated Since 1942
State Farm®
Providing Insurance and Financial ServicesHome Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710
Amy Brown Ins Agency IncAmy Brown CLU CPCU, Agent1513 Geneva Avenue NOakdale, MN 55128-4219Bus 651.735.4193 Fax 651.735.7673www.amybrown.us • [email protected]
The greatest compliment you can give is a referral.
www.FurlongsLiquor.com
Hwy 36 & Century
779-7757
Voted Best Liquor Store Best Wine Selection
Best Service Past 21 Years
Party Planning and delivery
Open Late Night 8-10pm Monday - Saturday
SUN RAY PLUMBING & HEATING INC
Residential • Commercial FOUR GENERATIONS STRONG
651-779-6823GLENN ROESKE STEVE ROESKE
www.sunrayplumbing.com
Your search for a self storage facility is over!
Full Breakfast MenuEvery Sunday 10am-Noon
651-714-2035 • www.ray-js.com9854 Norma Lane (Woodbury Dr & I-94)
Open 7 days a week
NOW HIRING SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS!
Apply Online at: FirstGroupCareers.com
Shayne Hall Realtor, MN & WI
(651) 335-6607www.HomesByShayne.com
Michael Justen, Master Plumber
651-605-5025 www.justenplumbing.com
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Contact Tom Maakestad to place an ad [email protected] or (800) 950-9952 x5858
651-776-2328891 White Bear Ave St. Paul
www.optionsforwomeneast.com
Housing for homeless pregnant women.Volunteers needed.
651•373•1205PhilomenaHouse.org