SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday, September 21 Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13; Psalm 19:2-5; Matthew 9:9-13 Tuesday, September 22 Proverbs 21:1-6,10-13; Psalm 119:1,27,30,34-35,44; Luke 8:19-21 Wednesday, September 23 Galatians 2:19-20; Psalm 16:1-2,5-8,11; Matthew 16:24-27 Thursday, September 24 Ecclesiastes 1:2-11; Psalm 90:3-6,12-14.17; Luke 9:7-9 Friday, September 25 Ecclesiastes 3:1-11; Psalm 144:1-4; Luke 9:18-22 Saturday, September 26 Ecclesiastes 11:9—12:8; Psalm 90:3-6,12-14,17; Luke 9:43-45 Sunday, September 27 Ezekiel 18:25-28; Psalm 25:4-9; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21:28-32

Prayer Requests If you or someone you know is in need of prayers, please call or email the parish office and we will add their names to our ongoing parishioners and friends list of intentions:markmstlouis@comcast.net or call 651-224-3379. Also, kindly let us know when the names of people should be removed. Please pray for our parishioners and friends of St. Louis Church who are sick: Paul Anderson, Peggy Anfang, Bill, Tim Brandenburger, Joyce Cole, Christy, Ginny Collins, Monty Denniston, Shirley Dufresne, Barb Arland-Frye, Greg Ennis, William F. Faulkner, Anne Hallgren, Margaret Ann Hennen, Lary Haupt, Sister Marie, Bonida Lanford, Caroline Lanford, Tom Miller, Tom Mogren, Ruth Murray, Gretchen Naegeli, Tom Nutter, Mary Bartel O’Connell, Zachary Redland, Jean Sluss, Brian Walstad, Justin Woessner.

HOLY VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE, QUEEN OF THE ANGELS AND MOTHER OF THE AMERICAS. WE FLY TO YOU TODAY AS YOUR BELOVED CHILDREN. WE ASK YOU TO INTERCEDE FOR US WITH YOUR SON, AS YOU DID AT THE WEDDING IN CANA. PRAY FOR US, LOVING MOTHER, AND GAIN FOR OUR NATION AND WORLD, AND FOR ALL OUR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES, THE PROTECTION OF YOUR HOLY ANGELS, THAT WE MAY BE SPARED THE WORST OF THIS ILLNESS. FOR THOSE ALREADY AFFLICTED, WE ASK YOU TO OBTAIN THE GRACE OF HEALING AND DELIVERANCE. HEAR THE CRIES OF THOSE WHO ARE VULNERABLE AND FEARFUL, WIPE AWAY THEIR TEARS AND HELP THEM TO TRUST. IN THIS TIME OF TRIAL AND TESTING, TEACH ALL OF US IN THE CHURCH TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER AND TO BE PATIENT AND KIND. HELP US TO BRING THE PEACE OF JESUS TO OUR LAND AND TO OUR HEARTS. WE COME TO YOU WITH CONFIDENCE, KNOWING THAT YOU TRULY ARE OUR COMPASSIONATE MOTHER, HEALTH OF THE SICK AND CAUSE OF OUR JOY. SHELTER US UNDER THE MANTLE OF YOUR PROTECTION, KEEP US IN THE EMBRACE OF YOUR ARMS, HELP US ALWAYS TO KNOW THE LOVE OF YOUR SON, JESUS. AMEN.

MEDITATION September 20, 2020

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are

your ways my ways. (Isaiah 55:8) There’s no doubt about it—there are times when we just can’t understand why God doesn’t see things our way. Why doesn’t he just give us the job we want or the healing we are asking for or the reconciliation we long for? It would make so much sense, Lord, just to do what I’m asking. But we also know that, in this life at least, we won’t always understand God’s ways. They are as far above us as the heavens are to the earth (Isaiah 55:9). Today’s Gospel illustrates this point exactly. Who would pay the same wage to the laborer who arrived early and the one who arrived an hour before quitting time? Only God can be so generous as to want to care equally for all those who come to him, whether they arrive early or come much later. And that’s why we can be thankful that God’s ways are so far above our own. Look at how the Lord cared for his chosen people over the centuries. Even though there were many occasions when he could have abandoned them, he never did, no matter how far they had strayed. They only had to seek him to find mercy (Isaiah 55:6-7). Each week at Mass, we are privileged to witness God’s mercy in action, when he transforms ordinary bread and wine into Jesus’ Body and Blood. What a God we have, who loves us so much that he gives us not only his mercy but his very self in the Eucharist! This is so much beyond anything we could ever expect or imagine. Yes, God’s ways are above our ways. He gives his love and mercy without measure, without cost, to anyone who comes to him. Early bird or latecomer, sinner or saint—all are welcome. As we are nourished by Jesus in the Eucharist, may our ways grow to become ever more like his.

“Father, I praise you for your mercy, which knows no bounds!”

Reprinted with permission from The Word Among Us

FEATURED ON THE COVER: Continuing the details of the mural surrounding the altar (photo circa 1940s) To the left is St. Joan is kneeling in prayer, her standard bearer behind her and surrounded by people of France. In the upper right corner are the Archangel Michael, Saint Margaret and Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Note in the background the arches and windows. "When I was thirteen, I had a voice from God to help me to govern myself. The first time, I was terrified. The voice came to me about noon: it was summer, and I was in my father’s garden. I saw it many times before I knew it was Saint Michael. He was not alone, but duly attended by heavenly angels. He told me Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret would come to me, and I must follow their counsel; that they were appointed to guide and counsel me in what I had to do, and that I must believe what they would tell me, for it was at our Lord’s command . . . Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret had rich crowns on their heads. They spoke well and fairly, and their voices are beautiful--sweet and soft. The name by which they often named me was Jehanne the Maid, Child of God. They told me that my King would be restored to his Kingdom, despite his enemies. They promised to lead me to Paradise." In Her Own Words. From the age of 13, the saints guided Joan on her mission, giving her constant counsel, guidance and protection. When Joan turned 17, St. Michael visited more often, outlining a plan which involved the young girl liberating her country. On the furthest left of the page is a detail of the St. Joan window. Look closely to see SS Catherine and Margaret peeking out in the tree. The Archangel is behind the young Joan. Her hand is just above the image of her father plowing with oxen. On the 17 year old Joan, notice that on her helmet (placed at her feet) there is single fleur-de-lys and on her brown skirt, there are several fleurs-de-lys! Window artisans Robert T. and Isabella Giles; installation 1914.

RING OUT, O BELLS… DATE REQUEST FOR INTENTION REQUESTED BY September 20 Sharyl Zeno Happy Birthday Nancy and Bruce Lindberg September 23 Melanie and Peder Billion Happy Anniversary Nancy and Bruce Lindberg September 24 Jean Ernster Happy Birthday (On September 27) Nancy and Bruce Lindberg September 25 †Arnold Lindberg Anniversary of Death Nancy and Bruce Lindberg September 26 Margaret Ann Hennen Happy Birthday (On September 28) Her Sister September 27 Sandy Klas Happy Birthday Fred Lenertz, Jr.

OPEN BELL DATES: The following dates are still open in October for anyone wishing to have the bells rung in memory or in honor of a loved one. October 4th, 5th, 8th-9th, 14th-16th, 24th-25th, 28th Please call the rectory during office hours to make arrangements.

Mass Intentions Monday, September 21 St. Matthew, Apostle 6:45 Regina Bukovich 12:10 Erin Peterka Tuesday, September 22 6:45 †Jennifer Underwood 12:10 †Jerry Bidon Wednesday, September 23 St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) 6:45 Those Suffering from Depression 12:10 Laris Berggren Thursday, September 24 6:45 Jill Hamburger 12:10 John and Jenny Dufner Friday, September 25 6:45 †Lois Leary 12:10 Social Harmony Saturday, September 26 SS. Cosmas and Damian 6:45 Katie Dufner 5:00 Sick and Dying Sunday, September 17 The Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:00 Living and Deceased Parishioners and Friends of St. Louis Church 9:15 The Departed Alumni of St. Joseph’s Academy 11:00 †Jim Leary 12:30 Sandy Klas

PARISH CALENDAR Anointing of the Sick suspended until further notice. Rosary in the Church September 21, 22, 23 & 25 Organ Recital Concert Tuesday Sept. 22, (After 12:10 Mass) Eucharistic Exposition Wednesday, September 16

Tuesday Organ Concerts Continue St. Louis Church’s renowned Organ Concerts will continue this year on Tuesdays following the 12:10 Mass. The September 22nd concert recitalist is Sharon Kleckner, interim organist Church of the Assumption. For a complete schedule of concert information go to our website at STLOUISKINGOF FRANCE.ORG. Your Mass and Bell Intentions For those wishing to reserve a Mass intention or Bell Ringing, please call the parish office at 651-224-3379. The stipend is $10 per Mass. The offering for the Bells is $25.

Maintenance Collection Next weekend there will be a second collection for our ongoing renovation and maintenance of the church, chapel, parish hall and rectory. It is no mistake that many refer to St. Louis Church as one of the most beautiful churches they have ever seen. The church’s beauty is maintained by your kind generosity in contributing to our second collections. Merci!

The Little Sisters of the Poor Collection Thank you to all our parishioners and friends who generously donated to the Little Sisters of the Poor collection last weekend. The amount collected totaled $1,753.56. If you still wish to send a donation directly to the Little Sisters of the Poor, their mailing address is 330 Exchange Street South, St Paul, MN 55102 or call (651) 227-0336. Ways to Watch/Listen to Mass If You Cannot Attend !During this time when attending Mass is not an option for some of you, the faithful are asked to find a Mass on TV, the radio or online and make a Spiritual Communion. Where that is not an option, it would be appropriate to pray the Liturgy of the Hours or the Rosary. For ways to watch or listen to Mass, visit archspm.org/live. Pro Life Action Ministries We've all been through a lot these last months ... but rather than allow COVID-19 to stop Pro-Life Action Ministries' 2020 Life Banquet, we decided to move the event ONLINE to ensure that we can continue to protect more mothers and save more babies. And we want you to save the date! What: Saving Lives Through Courageous Action Online Event Date: Monday, September 28 Time: 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central The Life Banquet is mission-critical to our work. Had the event been canceled outright, it would have been devastating to our ministry. If you have a computer or mobile device and an Internet connection, you can easily join us. So why not claim your spot right now! www.webcastsuccess.com/plam We’ll have much more to say in the days and weeks ahead. But we can't wait to be together with you online on Monday, September 28 at 8 PM Eastern / 7 PM Central! Your brother in Christ, Brian Gibson Executive Director. Transitus The celebration of the life and death of Saint Francis of Assisi. Join with area Franciscans and friends of Francis on Saturday, October 3 at 7pm as we recreate the evening of the death of Saint Francis and his journey to eternal life. On October 4 there will be a blessing of the animals at 12 noon. Both events take place at St. Bonaventure Church, 901 East 90th Street, Bloomington, MN 55420. October Rosary at the Cathedral Friday, October 2, 7 p.m., livestreamed from the Cathedral of Saint Paul’s Facebook page. While the pandemic prevents us from gathering for the annual October Rosary Procession, it cannot keep us from bringing our prayers to our Blessed Mother. Join Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop Andrew Cozzens virtually for Eucharistic Adoration, praying the Rosary, and Benediction. Our Lady, Un-doer of Knots, pray for us. https://www.facebook.com/cathedralsaintpaul/live_videos/ Lost and Found We have many items in our lost and found, some from last winter. If you may have lost an item, St. Anthony could be beckoning you to check our lost and found in the sacristy. Please stop by after Mass.

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