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From the Pastor&
It wasn't the gifts of the Magi that were so important but the time they took to bring them.
This past Thanksgiving I went to Cleveland Ohio, for a wedding. I had some free time so I decided to visit my good friend, Sr. Brendon, in Yougstown. She told me which exit to take off the interstate, and said it should only be about an hour drive. When I ended up near Pittsburgh, PA., I realized I must've missed the exit. This was not the first time I missed an exit and spent extra hours driving. Several years ago I was going to Hastings to visit my mother and ended up in Winona, a hundred miles South of Hastings. My Dad always thought I was a "daydreamer", ever since I was a little kid. All I can do, when I'm lost, is smile and laugh, no need to get uptight and frustrated.
Maybe I can learn something from the three Magi. They stopped at Herod's palace for directions; the least I could do is stop at a SuperAmerica station. And all of us can learn something from them. For those who are searching for meaning in life, follow the example of the Magi who left their homes to find the Christ. Where will we find true happiness? Some look for it in material things instead of risking everything to discover the Christ. All of us should be seekers of the truth. Some folks are intrigued by New Age philosophies, quick fix remedies, and novel things that appear everyday. The real truth is the One who said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." All of us who try to live the Christian Life must be like the Magi -- seekers of the One who gives our lives meaning and purpose.
The following prayer by Thomas Merton is a good prayer for all of us who are Magi in 2000 -- seeking Christ, leading others to Christ.
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think that I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact
please you.
And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this,
You will lead me by the right road though I may know
nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to
be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will
never leave me to face my perils alone.
--Thomas Merton
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Pastoral Ministry&
PASTORAL THANKS
As 2000 begins I would like to thank and acknowledge all Pastoral Ministry volunteer lay ministers for your great work on behalf of our community. Through your commitment and dedication we are able to serve many needs in our parish. At a time in society when life is so busy, YOU have made service in our Lord's name a priority and I know it isn't always easy with the other responsibilities you have in your lives. THANK YOU for all you contribute -- you are needed and appreciated. May our new year be full of promise and blessings for you and those you love.
Peace,
Mary Ann Kelly--Wright
ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVER EDUCATION RESEARCH STUDY
Are you caring for a family member with Alzheimer's or other memory problems? You are invited to participate in Partners in Caregiving, a free off-campus program and research study of the University of Minnesota. Partners in Caregiving provides education, support and training for those who are faced with the difficult day-to-day tasks of caring for a family member with memory loss. Professional supervision is provided while the caregiver is "in class." Part of the study is to test the effectiveness of this program. Those who participate will be randomly assigned to the educational program or to a comparison group. All participants will be asked to complete several surveys and conversations over the course of a year. The comparison group may participate in the educational seminars after one year's time. Program dates are: Six consecutive Mondays or Wednesdays beginning January 17 or 19, 5:30--7:30pm, at Alterra Clare Bridge near Shoreview. There is no charge for participation but pre-registration is required by calling (612) 627-4059.
ANGEL TREE
THANK YOU to all who provided gifts for our Angel Tree! Holy Rosary sent a poster (west entrance) to express their appreciation (come and see it!) Blessed Kateri also expressed their thanks for making Christmas special for their members. God's blessings to all from Ralph Reeder food shelf where Operation Joy gifts were distributed.
Angel Committee,
Judy, Barb, Pat & Kathy
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