March 13, 2026
Greetings in Christ,
This weekend, the Church gives us the delightful scene in John 9 where Jesus heals the blind man. John gives us hints of the creation with the use of mud and spittle – light and God’s Word as Jesus moves the blind man from uncreation to creation (spiritually alive in Christ). Without question, our readings on Sundays in Lent have been truly rich for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear!
Greetings in Christ,
This weekend, the Church gives us the delightful scene in John 9 where Jesus heals the blind man. John gives us hints of the creation with the use of mud and spittle – light and God’s Word as Jesus moves the blind man from uncreation to creation (spiritually alive in Christ). Without question, our readings on Sundays in Lent have been truly rich for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear!
Parish Penance Service: We will be holding our annual Lent Parish Penance Service on Thursday, March 19, from 6:30 pm-8 pm Here are some other penance services happening in other Parishes around the area.
Stations of the Cross: We will have Stations of the Cross this evening (Friday, March 13) at 5:30 pm, followed by a delicious soup supper. Last week, we welcomed more than 300 people for our fish fry and Bingo, and it was wonderful to see such a vibrant turnout! Thank you to everyone who joined us for Stations, the fish fry, and Bingo. Your presence and support make these gatherings so special. Our second Fish Fry is in one week on March 20th. Sign up now so we can prepare enough again - and consider volunteering!
Inclement Weather: A winter storm watch has been issued for parts of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities this weekend. The storm watch says that heavy snow and strong winds are possible Saturday night into Sunday. The heaviest snow (with a high likelihood of more than 6 inches) is expected on Sunday morning. Naturally, travel will be more difficult with the winter storm. Our Saturday evening (5:00 pm) or Sunday evening Masses may be attractive options given the expected inclement weather.
Christ the King Silent Retreat: Fr. Zachary Ochsenbaur and I will be leading a special retreat at Christ the King Retreat House from June 5th through the 7th. This retreat will be with parishioners at All Saints in Lakeville. The guided silent retreat will include inspiring talks, daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, communal and personal prayer, spiritual direction, and time for quiet reflection. If you have never taken a retreat before, this will be an ideal way to take one! The cost will be $385 per person. Please check out the links below to register or for more details.
Sunday 5:00 pm Mass: Our next Sunday 5:00 pm Mass is this Sunday, March 15. We are blessed to have Teresa Shackelford sharing her beautiful singing voice and musical gifts with us at this liturgy.
St. Therese Parish Meal Pack: Please join us and volunteer this Tuesday and Wednesday, March 17-18! This year, our goal is to pack more than 132,192 meals.
Chapel Improvements: We will be making some chapel improvements that will run from June to August. The wood frames around our stained-glass windows have been deteriorating for years. The windows will be taken out, cleaned up, and the frames will be replaced. Boyer Construction estimates that this will be a two-month project. The project will require scaffolding.
Additionally, we will be removing the carpet as it has been very challenging to keep clean with the level of traffic in our chapel. As a long-term solution, we will install nice travertine tiles throughout, which will match the tile in the sanctuary.
Finally, we will be upgrading our Stations of the Cross to bring in a little color and better highlight the richness of our Lord’s love for us. Eucharistic Adoration will be in the main sanctuary while our chapel is closed for repairs this summer.
Additionally, we will be removing the carpet as it has been very challenging to keep clean with the level of traffic in our chapel. As a long-term solution, we will install nice travertine tiles throughout, which will match the tile in the sanctuary.
Finally, we will be upgrading our Stations of the Cross to bring in a little color and better highlight the richness of our Lord’s love for us. Eucharistic Adoration will be in the main sanctuary while our chapel is closed for repairs this summer.
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen: I came across this delightful video of Fulton Sheen on the show What’s My Line? I have watched this video a couple of times, as the humor brings me joy each time. Fulton Sheen was truly a gift for the Church, and we look forward to the day that he is beautified!
Lou Holtz: I imagine that most of you have heard that Lou Holtz, a former coach of Notre Dame Football, recently passed away. Lou Holtz was greatly loved at Notre Dame and was a truly inspirational man who embraced his Catholic faith and lived it out. Below is a commercial that Lou Holtz did for Catholics Come Home, encouraging fallen-away Catholics to come back home. May Lou rest in peace!
Powerful Local Men's Conference Opportunity: The archdiocese will be sponsoring a powerful men’s conference featuring nationally known Catholic speaker and motivator Doug Barry. Doug is widely respected for his bold, heartfelt testimony and his ability to call men to deeper faith, stronger leadership, and greater spiritual readiness. Online registration closes on March 17. See the attachment for the conference information.
Easter Flowers: As a memorial for a loved one, these spring plants will decorate our church throughout the Easter Season. Help adorn our church for Easter. Donations will be taken after Masses this weekend, March 14 & 15. You may also donate using the order blank on the flyer in church or by using the link below through March 25.
Lenten Retreat Opportunities at the Franciscan Retreat and Spirituality Center:
March 18 Lenten Day of Prayer (come to one or all - non-sequential)
March 27-29, Palm Sunday Women's Weekend (Silent)
April 2-4, Men's Holy Week (Silent on Good Friday)
Learn More and Register:
Christian Catholic Spiritual single day retreats are offered during Advent and Lent. new theme each year, confession, spiritual direction, anointing
March 18 Lenten Day of Prayer (come to one or all - non-sequential)
March 27-29, Palm Sunday Women's Weekend (Silent)
April 2-4, Men's Holy Week (Silent on Good Friday)
Learn More and Register:
Christian Catholic Spiritual single day retreats are offered during Advent and Lent. new theme each year, confession, spiritual direction, anointing
Reclaiming Sundays: The March focus for Reclaiming Sundays is Elevated Conversation and Prayer. Deacon Joseph Block, husband, father, and Catholic school teacher, proposes three steps to moving beyond the ordinary and into more meaningful and spiritual conversations. Listen to his suggestions on how to create time and space to have elevated conversations with your family and spouse.
The 2026 Gerten’s Spring Plant Sale: Sponsored by St. Martha’s Circle!
Order your plants through us and help support St. Therese & our community.
Orders can be placed NOW (through April 6) at www.gertensfundraising.com.
Be sure to enter the St. Martha’s Circle Store ID: 146.
Questions? Please contact Barb Chacko (612-483-2482) or Ellie Kuhns (612-385-1580).
Order your plants through us and help support St. Therese & our community.
Orders can be placed NOW (through April 6) at www.gertensfundraising.com.
Be sure to enter the St. Martha’s Circle Store ID: 146.
Questions? Please contact Barb Chacko (612-483-2482) or Ellie Kuhns (612-385-1580).
Join Us in Praying the Rosary: You are invited to gather with us on Thursdays at 10 am by the fireplace to pray the Rosary together. It’s a peaceful way to pause, reflect, and lift our intentions as a community.
As a reminder, we also offer the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet every Thursday at 3 pm in the Chapel for those who think this time works better.
Discerning Vocation Invite Tue., April 14: Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda, Bishop Michael J. Izen, Bishop Kevin T. Kenney, and Fr. Mark Pavlak, Vocation Director, invite men, 16 and older, who are discerning their vocation, to join them for dinner and conversation about priesthood and religious life.
See flyer for more details.
As a reminder, we also offer the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet every Thursday at 3 pm in the Chapel for those who think this time works better.
Discerning Vocation Invite Tue., April 14: Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda, Bishop Michael J. Izen, Bishop Kevin T. Kenney, and Fr. Mark Pavlak, Vocation Director, invite men, 16 and older, who are discerning their vocation, to join them for dinner and conversation about priesthood and religious life.
See flyer for more details.
Adoration in Our Little Flower Chapel: “In confession, Jesus will heal you. In adoration, Jesus will hold you.” Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Can you commit to a weekly hour with Christ? Committed Adorers are Eucharistic guardians ensuring Our Lord is never left unattended.
Currently, we are looking for a little more help at the following times:
Tuesday, 3–4 pm
Wednesday, 12–1 pm
Please join us as we recite the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy every Thursday at 3 pm in the Chapel.
For more information, call Geri at 952-473-4422 or Marilyn Olson at 952-474-4344.
Can you commit to a weekly hour with Christ? Committed Adorers are Eucharistic guardians ensuring Our Lord is never left unattended.
Currently, we are looking for a little more help at the following times:
Tuesday, 3–4 pm
Wednesday, 12–1 pm
Please join us as we recite the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy every Thursday at 3 pm in the Chapel.
For more information, call Geri at 952-473-4422 or Marilyn Olson at 952-474-4344.
Youth Ministry: Middle schoolers in grades 6-8 are invited to join Youth Ministry for our next Charge Night on Saturday, March 14. Charge Nights are our series of monthly social nights featuring gym games, food, prayers, and fun. This month, our year-long Frozen Pizza Bracket will advance to the semifinals, where Jack’s will face off against Bellatoria. Come play with us, vote on your favorite pizza, and have a great time.
Charge Nights are free and open to all youth in grades 6-8, even if they do not go to St. Therese. Please sign up online at the Youth Ministry website.
Charge Nights are free and open to all youth in grades 6-8, even if they do not go to St. Therese. Please sign up online at the Youth Ministry website.
Join the Extreme Faith Camp Prayer Team!
High school students, here’s your chance to make a real difference at Extreme Faith Camp! Prayer Team members support the spiritual heart of camp through prayer, behind-the-scenes help with Mass and sessions, and creating meaningful experiences for middle school campers.
You’ll also grow in your own faith with talks, small groups, and mentorship—and for many, this is the most impactful part of camp. Serving on the Prayer Team is also a key step toward future Extreme Team leadership.
Applications are due March 20! Questions? Contact Chelsie Blustein at (952) 261-0566 or cblustein@st-therese.org. Apply now via the link or QR code below!
High school students, here’s your chance to make a real difference at Extreme Faith Camp! Prayer Team members support the spiritual heart of camp through prayer, behind-the-scenes help with Mass and sessions, and creating meaningful experiences for middle school campers.
You’ll also grow in your own faith with talks, small groups, and mentorship—and for many, this is the most impactful part of camp. Serving on the Prayer Team is also a key step toward future Extreme Team leadership.
Applications are due March 20! Questions? Contact Chelsie Blustein at (952) 261-0566 or cblustein@st-therese.org. Apply now via the link or QR code below!
Steubenville Youth Conference – Registrations OPEN!
Give your teen the chance to encounter Christ in a life-changing way this summer! Steubenville Youth Conferences bring together thousands of high school students from across the country for a weekend packed with inspiring speakers, uplifting music, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and joyful community.
This experience helps teens grow in faith, confidence, purpose, and a strong Catholic identity—all in a safe and transformative environment that parents rave about.
Open to students currently in 8th–12th grades.
Reserve your spot now with just a $50 deposit! Thanks to our parish’s generosity, the rest of the conference cost is fully covered.
Space is extremely limited, and spots are filling fast! Don’t wait—secure your teens spot today.
Registration deadline: April 15 – once we reach capacity, we cannot guarantee a spot!
Here is the link:
Give your teen the chance to encounter Christ in a life-changing way this summer! Steubenville Youth Conferences bring together thousands of high school students from across the country for a weekend packed with inspiring speakers, uplifting music, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and joyful community.
This experience helps teens grow in faith, confidence, purpose, and a strong Catholic identity—all in a safe and transformative environment that parents rave about.
Open to students currently in 8th–12th grades.
Reserve your spot now with just a $50 deposit! Thanks to our parish’s generosity, the rest of the conference cost is fully covered.
Space is extremely limited, and spots are filling fast! Don’t wait—secure your teens spot today.
Registration deadline: April 15 – once we reach capacity, we cannot guarantee a spot!
Here is the link:
Greece Pilgrimage: Registration is open for the Greece Pilgrimage in 2026! We will be taking a pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul on a 9-night Cruise plus 4 nights in Athens. The pilgrimage that will take place from September 14 to 28, 2026, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
We will follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul through Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Thessaloniki, and Philippi! The 9-night cruise will sail through the breathtaking Greek Isles, giving you the opportunity to visit ancient temples and idyllic seaside villages in six ports of call: Rhodes, Ephesus, Santorini, Mykonos, Philippi, and Thessaloniki. Check out this updated link:
We will follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul through Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Thessaloniki, and Philippi! The 9-night cruise will sail through the breathtaking Greek Isles, giving you the opportunity to visit ancient temples and idyllic seaside villages in six ports of call: Rhodes, Ephesus, Santorini, Mykonos, Philippi, and Thessaloniki. Check out this updated link:
Job Openings at St. Therese School:
Estate Planning: A reminder that we have a Little Flower Legacy Society at St. Therese to encourage planned and estate gifts to our parish, our school, or one of our endowment funds. Please include St. Therese as a beneficiary in your estate planning! It is an opportunity to give back to our beloved parish and ensure that our parish remains financially viable for generations to come!
- Pre-School After-School/Evening Aides (10-15 hrs./wk.)
- Toddler Teacher, full-time
Estate Planning: A reminder that we have a Little Flower Legacy Society at St. Therese to encourage planned and estate gifts to our parish, our school, or one of our endowment funds. Please include St. Therese as a beneficiary in your estate planning! It is an opportunity to give back to our beloved parish and ensure that our parish remains financially viable for generations to come!
Flocknote:You can receive my daily Mass reflections sent right to your
phone! To sign up, just text the word “ANDRIE” to 84-576 to follow the link.
Stewardship:Thank you to everyone who continues to support St. Therese! I invite you to continue supporting our beloved parish as it helps us to serve you and remain connected with you! This can be done in the following ways:
Blessings,
Fr. Andrie
phone! To sign up, just text the word “ANDRIE” to 84-576 to follow the link.
Stewardship:Thank you to everyone who continues to support St. Therese! I invite you to continue supporting our beloved parish as it helps us to serve you and remain connected with you! This can be done in the following ways:
- Click the donation button on our main parish website. You can contribute as a guest or log in if you have previously created a profile. You can choose the frequency of your gift (one-time, weekly, biweekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually).
- Bring or mail your stewardship envelope to our parish office.
- Consider transferring a stock “gift” to St. Therese. It’s a tax-free donation.
Blessings,
Fr. Andrie
Goldy: “Pinch me, I’m Irish.”