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FEP NEWSLETTER_ ____________________________________________________________________ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER2015 www.allsaintschurch.com/fep
Advent Reflection
I’m really bad at waiting. Doctors’ offices, checkout lines and traffic, all test my patience in a
variety of ways. But the notion of waiting is something that is essential to our human nature. We
have all waited on something, sometimes even without obtaining what we have hoped for.
I often wonder what it felt like to wait for our savior, Jesus, to be born. Ancient Israel understood
what it was like to wait for a savior, but when Christ was born the wait was over, the savior had
been born! During Advent we are blessed with the opportunity to welcome Christ and wait patiently
for his coming, just like the ancient Jews. Advent is a season that requires patience. It is also a very
still season, in the stillness we await Christ to be born into our lives. Although Jesus was only born
once in human history, during Advent Christ is born anew in our hearts.
During this Advent season, I hope you all experience the joy of patiently awaiting the coming of
Christ in your hearts, homes and families!
In Christ,
Michelle Neitzke
Director of Senior High Faith Formation
See inside for news about
† FEP Schedule page 2
† Ecumenical Thanksgiving Prayer Service page 3
† CGS—Spirit Kids—EDGE—Chosen page 3-5
† Parent Series page 5
† Family Advent Events page 6
† Men’s ADVENTure page 7
† 55+ Christmas Luncheon page 7
† Youth Ministry events page 8
Discipleship In-Service for
Catechists, Small Group
Leaders, Aides “The people who walked in darkness have seen a
great Light.”
– Isaiah 9:1
Wednesday, January 6th
6:30-8:30pm
FEP Schedules Advent/Christmas
CGS NO Classes Thanksgiving week
Tuesday Classes held December 1, 8, 15
Wednesday Classes held December 2, 9, 16
Friday Classes Held December 4, 11, 18
NO Classes Christmas break
Classes Resume the week of January 12
Spirit Kids—EDGE
NO Classes Thanksgiving week
Classes December 2, 9, 16
NO Classes December 23, 30, January 6
Classes Resume January 13
Chosen 9 Sunday Classes held November 22, December 13, 20 and January 10, 31
Monday Classes held November 30, December 7, 21 and January 4, 25
Chosen 10 Sunday Classes held November 22, December 13, 20 and January 10, 31
Monday Classes held November 23, December 14, 21 and January 11, 25
January 10/11 is Candidate and Sponsor Event
OUR ANNUAL ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING PRAYER SERVICE Wednesday, November 25 7:00pm We are pleased to announce that this year’s annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Prayer Service will be hosted at Crossroads Methodist Church 17671 Glacier Way in Lakeville Fr. Marcus Milless will be speaking. This will be a traditional Word Service with choral music. We will partake in Sacred Scripture and words of wisdom from the Pastor. Mark your calendar. This is a wonderful way to begin your Thanksgiving holiday weekend. In addition to Crossroads, other participating churches include: ¨ All Saints Catholic Church ¨ St. John’s Lutheran Church ¨ Cross of Christ Community Church
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them;
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19: 14
Praying with Your Child “If we want to assist the child in his or her religious experience, an important area which we must attend is that
of prayer. Prayer is, first of all, listening to God. It is the particular key which opens up the mystery of God’s
relationship with God’s creature; it is a key which belongs to God, but which God gives to all… Prayer is initia-
tion to the mystery of God and is, itself, a mystery… our task is that of creating the conditions for silence and
reverence which will help the child focus on and listen to God. We do this, first of all, by preparing an environ-
ment with a prayerful atmosphere.” Gianna Gobbi, Listening to God with Children, page 117-118
As parents, we find that we pray often and earnestly for our children. We ask God to keep them safe,
to make them well, and to help us as we care for them. But there is another gift of prayer that comes
to us: the gift of praying with our children. There is a big difference between a child’s prayer and that
of an adult. It is precisely this difference that makes it such a privilege to pray with little children.
They lead us to an enjoyment of God that we may have been missing. When allowed to pray natural-
ly, their simple words come straight from the heart. What is prayer? We have probably been told that
prayer is talking to God. But talking is only one of the ways that young children communicate with
God. They help us understand a broader and richer notion of prayer: to pray is to listen to God and
respond, to receive God’s gifts and respond. (From National Catechesis of the Good Shepherd web-
site.)
Spirit Kids All Saints FEP Christmas Pageant -
Our Second Graders will present the Nativity narrative for the
other grades on Wednesday, December 16, during their regular
scheduled class times. Parents, grandparents and other relatives
are invited to attend. The pageant will be presented in Murphy
Hall at the following times: 5:50-6:10 pm and 7:20-7:40 pm.
We thank Francie Madden for once again directing the pageant.
All Saints Spirit Kids are invited to participate in our Prayer Goal again this year.
Please find the prayer resource book and the grade level lists on our parish website
www.allsaintschurch.com/fep
We will have three prayer goal opportunities during FEP on the following dates:
Prayer Goal #1 (prayers marked “I” on check list) February 3
Prayer Goal #2 (prayers marked “X” on check list) March 30
Prayer Goal #3 (prayers marked “O” on check list) April 13
As we continue to enter more deeply into the beauty of our Catholic Faith, we continue to
encourage the middle schoolers to choose to meet God in prayer – EVERYDAY!!! I have
heard it said to “pray your age”, so if we are 11 years old – pray for 11 minutes a day, etc.
Sounds good! Could you imagine the awesomeness of our relationship with God when we
are 80 years old and we spend an hour plus with Him EVERYDAY!!! How awesome!!
To encourage this daily prayer, we have encouraged the middle schoolers to spend time with
God every day by reading the Gospel for the day. You will find the link here for those read-
ings… maybe you can “pray your age” too!
Upcoming Dates for Edge:
December 9th – Prayer Goal – click here for more details http://www.allsaintschurch.com/
FEP/ (scroll down for Prayer Goal details.)
It has been a great semester of Chosen so far. I look forward to the second semester
of Chosen 9 and 10!
The 10th graders have their first Sponsor/Candidate Gathering on January 10/11th.
Please note that if the sponsor cannot attend a parent can attend in their place.
Prayers for you and your families as you prepare for the Christmas season.
God Bless!
Michelle Neitzke
“Me, a Saint?!?” Come for a talk, fellowship, and a treat while your
child(ren) are in FEP!
Wednesday, December 2nd
5:30-6:45pm and 7:00-8:15pm
Attention Parents
this is for you!
Come for stories, traditions, treats, making of Advent wreaths, and more. If possible, please bring work gloves and pruners, plus a plate of cookies to share. Please pre-register by Friday, Nov. 20, by contacting Mike at [email protected] or 952-469-6480. Cost: $5.00 per family (payable when you come).
ADVENT FAMILY WORKSHOP Monday, November 23, 6:30-8:00 pm
Murphy Hall
PARISH ADVENT RETREAT Tuesday, December 1, 6:30-8:30 pm
We will begin with Mass in Church at 6:30 PM. The retreat continues with an inspiring talk by Deacon Mickey Friesen. The closing prayer will conclude by 8:30 PM and refreshments will follow. No pre-registration. Free-will offering. Any questions, please call Mike at 952-469-6480.
ADVENT SUPER SATURDAY SERVICE DAYS
On December 5, share the holiday spirit with residents at Trinity Care Center in Farmington. We will make Christmas cards and sing carols with them from 1:30-3:30 PM. Advance sign-up is needed. Please see the Super Saturday website page. On December 12, help pack meals for those in need around the world. We have reserved spots at Feed My Starving Children in Eagan. Choose either 9-11 AM or 11:30 AM-1:30 PM in online signup accessed through the Super Saturday website www.allsaintschurch.com/sssd
CHRISTMAS OUTREACH
The tree is now up in the Gathering Space. Please stop by and take a tag (or two) and help make someone’s Christmas more joyful. Those sponsoring Armful of Love families should bring packages in by Thursday, December 3. Armful of Love and Gifts of Love gifts need to be turned in by Sunday, December 6. Armful of Love Sorting and Packing Sunday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. in the church Many hands needed – Jr High-Adult Details about all of our service projects can be found on the flyer available by the tree and on the parish website.
CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON FOR 55+
Partake in Holiday spirit at the 55+ Musical Christmas Luncheon in downtown St. Paul on December 9 at the Downtowner Woodfire and Grill. We will depart All Saints at 11 AM and return close to 3 PM. COST will be $13.00 and lunch will be on your own. Menus will be provided to you at registration in the church office. Decide what you will order beforehand. DEADLINE for registration is December 4 at noon. Questions? Call Laurie at 952-469-3464. Seating is limited to 34.
AN ADVENTURE FOR MEN WAKE UP & PREPARE THE WAY! What’s Christmas all about? Baking Cookies? No. Wearing Ugly Sweaters? No. Going in Debt to Buy Presents? No. Advent is about preparing a place for Jesus to be born anew in our families, in our homes, and in the Church at Christmas. Yet, Jesus won’t magically appear in our homes at Christmas, we have to fight to keep his coming at the center of preparation. Wake Up and Prepare the Way every Saturday during Advent; November 28 through December 19 at All Saints! Come and enjoy fellowship. Listen to a broth-er parishioner give a testimony. Praise the Lord with Luke Spehar. Adore the Lord, or come to Reconciliation. · 6:30 AM Fellowship - Coffee and Donut Holes · 6:45 AM Testimony · 6:55 AM Praise · 7:05 AM Adoration & Reconciliation · 7:30 AM Close with Benediction
NEXT ALL SAINTS BIBLE STUDY: PRIEST, PROPHET, KING Come join us for this great video/discussion series by Bishop Robert Barron that focus-es Jesus as the fulfillment of the foretold Priest , Prophet, & King, and our ongoing call to live in these roles as his followers. This six-part series will be offered on Tuesday mornings, Dec. 1-Jan. 19, 9:15-11:15 AM, and on Thursday evenings, Dec. 3-Jan. 21, 6:30-8:30 PM (with two weeks off at Christmas). The cost is $20. Scholarship funds as needed. Childcare is available on the Tuesdays. You can register by contacting Mike ASAP at 952-469-6480 or [email protected], or by getting a form at the Parish Office or HERE.
Registration NOW open!
Steubenville Teen Pilgrimage June 16-21, 2016 #fill2busses
We will travel to Dallas for a phenomenal youth conference hosted by Life Teen. Speakers include Mark Hart and music by
Ike Ido Ndolo. Not only will we have the conference but we are looking into a baseball game, BBQ, and rodeo. The trip back
includes plans to stop at the Shrine of Our Lady of Snows. Many fundraising efforts help to lower costs and make possible for
teens. The Official Guide is available online under Youth Ministry or contact Chris or Michelle with questions.
Winterblast! Dec. 11-12
Nearly a thousand Middle School teens flood this high energy crazy event! It begins with Mass and then continues with an evening
of opportunities and options including; swimming, arcade, ice rink, movies, crafts, hair saloon, inflatables, adoration, confession,
and more. $35 and spots are limited for our group. Register online.
ULTIMATE ATHLETE CAMP
Remember when that guy rolled that frying pan? If you are an athlete and want to bring Christ into your sport or maybe you just
want a spiritual and physical “workout” then sign up for this camp. It will be unlike anything you would expect. Currently two
opportunities are offered at All Saints for Middle School (Dec. 12) and High School (Jan. 30). Register and check it out
EternalChampions.org
Mark your Calendars! NEW Senior High Opportunity
Pump it Up In the Heart of Jesus- Senior High Winter Retreat Feb.12-14, 2016. All Saints is partnering with St. Joes Catholic
Church for a weekend retreat at Camp Wapo. $105. This would make a great Christmas gift for any senior high teen.
SSSD- Super Saturday Service Day- is a monthly opportunity for service open to teens and other parishioners. Teen and adult
volunteers help planning and organizing these opportunities at the parish and offsite. Those interested in participating can find
more information and sign up online for monthly service opportunities. Details and signups on line. Dec. 5 (Trinity Care Center),
Dec. 12 FMSC, January 9 (Baby Blanket making).
FUSION- occurs the first (social type night) and third (catechetical/issue type night) Friday of the month for Middle School teens.
Senior High teens lead using Edge materials from Life Teen. No sign up required…just come!
Senior High MOVE- is a weekly Wednesday opportunity for senior high teens (grades 9-12) to gather for food, social, faith
sharing, service, prayer, and fun. The evening begins at 7pm followed by different programming or activities until 8:30pm. MOVE
switches between social evenings, catechetical evenings, and issue nights. No registration is required.
Life Line Masses- are great opportunities for teens (grade 8-12) to experience liturgy differently. This really exciting and fun! You
can bring friends and expect an experience like no other. Lifeline masses are first Saturday of the month October-May. Meet All
Saints at 4:30pm and end McDonalds by 11pm. December 5th Lifeline is ticketed and features Tony Melendez, an international
musician born without arms. January 9th
Discipleship training groups (DT groups) are small groups for senior high teens that are seeking a deeper , more mature
faith, which has inspired in them a love for the Lord and a desire to grow closer to him. These are teens that WANT to BE disciples,
by holding them accountable for attendance, prayer, and commitment to goals of the group; they are ultimately devoted to being
better disciples. Parents or teens interested in a DT group should contact Youth Ministry.
Beloved is a monthly gather ing for high school ladies interested in explor ing what it means to be a daughter of God. The
evening is a mini retreat and involves games, talks, small group, music, and fun. Saturday 6:30pm-9pm. Led by Core team females.
Nov. 20, Dec. 12, Jan. 23.
Brotherhood is a new monthly gather ing for high school men. Expect games and fun, guy time, challenging speaker (s),
competitions, small group, fun, and food. Saturday 6pm-9pm Led by Core Team guys. Nov. 20 (Called to Protect); Dec. 12
SPECIAL NIGHT- Dad’s are invited to join their sons this evening- some fun competitions and activities. Jan. 23 (Man Cave)
GaGa Ball/Nine Square in the Air An fun evening (typically Sunday) where teens gather for fellowship and games. Nov. 22,
Dec. 20, Jan. 10.
See the youth ministry page for more events!
Youth ministry
