Around the Archdiocese

Martyrs of Damascus Icon Tour

An Introduction to the St. Joseph Business Guild: Tuesday, March 25

Parish Lenten Mission: March 26 & 27                                                                                                                                    Join in a two-evening Lenten mission (6:00 - 8:00 PM / March 26 & 27 / St. Mary of the Lake / White Bear Lake) led by Susan Windley-Daoust, Ph.D. (founder of the Mark 5:19 Project). Learn how to deepen the fire of discipleship and establish strong, spiritual habits through prayer and the Eucharist. The first evening (March 26) will include Mass at 6 p.m. followed by Mission Talk #1. The second evening (March 27) will continue with Mission Talk #2, followed by adoration, worship music and confession. The Mission will be livestreamed as well. Learn more and register at stmarys-wbl.org/event/parish-lenten-mission. View flyer.

Ham It Up Bingo: Friday, March 28                                                                                                                                      Come and share a good time with your family and friends at the annual St. Odilia “Ham It Up” Bingo from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on Friday, March 28 at St. Odilia in Shoreview! Play to win a ham, cash, and other prizes. Concessions and game sheet sales begin at 6 p.m., popcorn, nachos, Culver’s custard, drinks etc. available. The first game will begin at 6:30 p.m. A fun night for the entire family! Visit stodilia.org for more information.

An Introduction to the St. Joseph Business Guild: Friday, March 28
The Seven Last Words of Christ by Theodore Dubois: Friday, March 28                                                                    Join Holy Childhood in St. Paul at 7:30 PM for a powerful Lenten evening, beginning with a warm soup supper at 6:30 PM. The night continues with a beautiful performance of The Seven Last Words of Christ by Theodore Dubois, featuring the Holy Childhood Schola Cantorum and Orchestra. The music, paired with the reverent Stations of the Cross, invites deep reflection on Christ's final moments. This is a perfect opportunity for spiritual renewal, fellowship, and beautiful music this Lenten season. Find more information at holychildhoodparish.org/schola-cantorum.Catholic Charismatic Renewal Office Spring Conference: "... in the Upper Room”: Saturday, March 29                                                                                                                                                                                                 Come and reflect on the Upper Room from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 29 at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville. The Upper Room - a place of prayer and miracles, a gathering place where Jesus instituted and gave us the Eucharist. It is here that Jesus invites Thomas to touch his wounds and believe, It is the gathering place of the Disciples as they wondered what was next and awaited the Holy Spirit. And it is from this place they were sent forth emboldened to proclaim the Good News. Presenters for the day are Father Michael Becker and Father Tom Margevicius. Find more information and registration at universe.com/events/-in-the-upper-room-tickets-WSJ0N2.

Running the Paschal Mystery: Saturday, March 29                                                                                                                Running the Paschal Mystery: Cheerleader or Participant? Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson, a lively, humorous, energetic, and highly acclaimed presenter, is a theologian, educator, storyteller, spiritual director, and retreat leader. He will share thoughts and stories from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 29 at Lumen Christi in St. Paul of this epic dimension of our shared faith: The Paschal Mystery.

Mozart Vespers: Sunday, March 30                                                                                                                                                     Enjoy the soul-lifting beauty of Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, presented by the Twin Cities Catholic Chorale and Orchestra, from 3:00 - 3:45 PM on Sunday, March 30 at St. Agnes in St. Paul. Hear his settings of five Psalms, plus the premiere of a new setting of the Te Deum, by the Reverend James McConville. All are presented as part of the Vespers and Benediction liturgy. Learn more at CatholicChorale.org.

Mind, Body and Spirit Series - Healthcare from a Catholic Perspective -- Women Walking on the Journey Together: Tuesday, April 1                                                                                                           Presentation: 7:00 - 8:30 PM / Tuesday, April 1 / St. John Neumann / Eagan. Connecting with God, in whose image all are made, helps women recognize the beauty and sacredness of their own bodies. Unhealthy and damaging cultural lies will be addressed as we focus on loving ourselves unconditionally just as we are called to love others. Presenters Melissa Johnson, LMFT and Ashley Sandholm, MS, RDN will also explore the world of eating disorders: What are they? How can you recognize them? And how to move forward. Find more information at sjn.org/pastoral-care.

Lent 2025 Day of Prayer: Thursday, April 3

Heavenly Queen and Earthly Mother - Typologies of the Virgin Mary in Art from West to East: Saturday, April 5                                                                                                                                                                                                 Throughout history, Christian artists faced a special challenge of depicting the heavenly realm through the human language of visual communication. How could the unseen realm of divine become seen through the artistic product of human hands? Images of the Virgin Mary pose an interesting lens for thinking about this question because Mary, as a human being who has won God’s special favor in heaven, lies at the heart of the mystery of Incarnation in which human beings could encounter the divine. Images of Mary in art depict this intimate correlation between heaven and earth. Join us on Saturday, April 5 from 9:00 - 11:15 AM at St. Paul's Monastery & Benedictine Center. Participants are welcome to join the sisters in Midday prayer, followed by lunch (registration for lunch required). Free event. Registration is required: www.theologyday.com, 320-363-3560 or [email protected].

Spring Wine Social: Saturday, April 5                                                                                                                               You're invited to St. Lawrence Newman Center's Spring Wine Social from 5:00 - 9:00 PM on Saturday, April 5 at Our Lady of Grace in Edina! Enjoy fine wine, food, and community while supporting University of Minnesota students to become lifelong disciples of Christ in His church. Special guests include Auxiliary Bishop Kevin Kenney and keynote speaker Father Mike Schmitz. Learn more at gophercatholic.org/spring-wine-social.

Lenten Retreat-Pilgrims of Hope: April 6-9                                                                                                                                    This Lenten retreat (April 6-9 at St. Patrick's in Edina) features Deacon Art Miller, as he reflects on Pilgrims of Hope, Pope Francis’ theme for Jubilee 2025. Through powerful storytelling and deep spiritual insight, Deacon Art will be inviting us to embrace our call as modern-day pilgrims. This retreat offers a sacred time to pause, reflect and prepare our hearts for Easter as we walk together in the light of Christ’s promise. The evening talks will be repeated the following morning for a total of three talks. See stpatrick-edina.org/lentenretreat for dates and times.

Pro-Life Across America Culture of Love Celebration: Thursday, April 10                                       Details: Banquets of MN in Fridley / Social 5:30 PM / Dinner 6:30 PM / Dr. Monique Ruberu, MD guest speaker / Tickets: $75 / RSVP: prolifeacrossamerica.org/love.

26th Annual "Living Stations of the Cross"
Deacon Discernment Day: Saturday, April 26                                                                                                                             If you are considering a vocation as a permanent deacon, your first step is to attend a Deacon Discernment Day from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturday, April 28 at the St. Paul Seminary. Discerners and their wives (if applicable) will learn about the vocation of the permanent deacon and The Saint Paul Seminary Institute for Diaconate Formation. Find more information and registration at saintpaulseminary.org/event/deacon-discernment-day-spring-2025.

2025 Landmark Spark: Friday, May 2                                                                                                                                                  Join this unforgettable evening at Landmark Spark, The Basilica Landmark’s annual fundraiser beginning at 5:00 PM on Friday, May 2 at The Machine Shop in Minneapolis. We come together to celebrate and support the restoration of The Basilica of Saint Mary. This special evening promises to be a blend of elegance, fun, and philanthropy, all dedicated to preserving and enhancing one of Minnesota’s most treasured landmarks. Your presence and support will help ensure that The Basilica shines brightly for generations to come. Find more information and registration at thebasilicalandmark.org/spark.

Women's Retreat - It Is Well: Saturday, May 3                                                                                                                    All women are invited to spend a day in community, in the presence of our Lord in the sacraments from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM on Saturday, May 3 at Holy Name of Jesus in Medina. The day includes speakers Kenna Millea and Fr. Tim Wratkowski, meditation, adoration, reconciliation and plenty of time for small group discussion. Cost is $60. Learn more and register at hnoj.org/womensretreat.

Luxury Bingo Annual Fundraiser for Women’s Care Center: Saturday, May 10                                                   Fourth Annual Luxury Bingo - the event of the year! Join us from 6:00 - 8:30 PM on Saturday, May 10 at the Rush Creek Golf Course in Maple Grove for this one-of-a-kind event featuring luxurious high-end prizes, fabulous food and drink and lots of fun with Women's Care Center friends! All proceeds benefit life-saving services of WCC-Anoka, where we provide expectant mothers and babies wrap-around care from pregnancy to kindergarten.

Pilgrimage to Poland & Lithuania: July 1-12, 2025                                                                                                             Fr. Michael Skluzacek invites you to join him on a pilgrimage to Poland and Lithuania July 1-12, 2025. The theme is Divine Mercy, St. John Paul II, Mary and the saints. We will visit the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow, sites from the life of St. John Paul II, Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko and other saints, the Hill of Crosses and the original painting of Divine Mercy in Lithuania, the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, and many more amazing sites. There will be two additional priests attending: Fr. Theodore Campbell and Fr. Julian Druffner. All-inclusive or land-only options available. For more information and to register, please visit Mater Dei Tours at www.materdeitours.com or call 608-440-3700.

9-Day Marian Pilgrimage Fatima & The Island of Madeira (with Fr. Austin Barnes & Fr. Mark Moriarty): October 13-21, 2025
Ongoing Opportunities

Come to Pacem in Terris for a Transformative Lenten Retreat
Allow God’s love to heal, nourish and transform your life. Find rest in body, mind and spirit in this hermitage sanctuary. No schedules or daily distractions. Pacem in Terris offers guests an environment of silence to pray and enter into an intimate union with God. Open year-round. Gift certificates available. Reservations: 763-444-6408 or www.paceminterris.org. Visit Pacem in Terris Hermitage Retreat Center at 26399 Highway 47 NW, Isanti, MN 55040.

Online Evening Prayer for Youn Adults: 4th Tuesdays @ 7:00 PM

Capitol Thursdays | Second and fourth Thursdays January-May, 10-11:30 a.m., Minnesota State Capitol, Saint Paul | Join the Minnesota Catholic Conference during the legislative session to learn about policies that uphold life, dignity, and the common good and how you can advocate for them. We’ll also take you to the Capitol for a short tour and to meet with your legislators. Find details and RSVP at MNCatholic.org/events.

First Friday Adoration at the Capitol | First Fridays January-May, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Minnesota State Capitol, Saint Paul | Join us for any amount of time from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Governor’s Dining Room located on the lower level of the Minnesota State Capitol (B420). Note that in April, Adoration will take place on April 14 due to Good Friday the week before. Find further details at MNCatholic.org/events.

Join the Minnesota Catholic Conference Advocacy Network!

Sidewalk Counseling and Prayer
We urgently need more volunteer sidewalk counselors and prayer supporters at all 5 Twin Cities abortion locations so no children are killed without any attempt to save them. Our greatest needs are: Whole Women's in Bloomington (where we've lost a third of our coverage since Bill Kelly's death), Planned Parenthood in Uptown Minneapolis (where nobody is out praying in support of our sidewalk counselors), and Planned Parenthood in St. Paul (where we are missing clients in late afternoons who need to hear about Abortion Pill Reversal). Half of substitute requests go unfilled, and a small handful of volunteers have been shouldering the burden of the rest. To get involved, please contact us at [email protected] or 651-797-6366, or contact Pro-Life Action Ministries at 651-771-1500 for details and training.

Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House
Men are invited to come and recharge with other men from our parishes at a silent retreat at the Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Elmo, MN. The cost is a free-will donation. Call Mr. Rick Hill at 612-597-0775 or Mr. Bob Meyer at 651-605-1808 for more information.

Gifted and Belonging
Gifted and Belonging (GAB), a Catholic social group for young adults with and without disabilities, will be meeting the third Sunday of the month from 6:00-8:00 PM. We are being hosted by Matthew's Parish in St. Paul (look for the GAB signs!). Come join other youth adults for a brief time of prayer and then hang out and have fun! At GAB we believe all are gifted and all belong! For more information, view the GAB Flyer or contact Ms. Megan Dunsmore.

Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Classes teach couples the Church-approved methods on how to achieve or postpone pregnancy while embracing the beauty of God’s gift of sexuality. For a complete list of classes offered throughout the Archdiocese, visit archspm.org/family or call 651.291.4489.

Red Cross: Volunteer