March 20, 2026
Greetings in Christ,
This weekend, the Church gives us the delightful scene in John 11 where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. While last week’s miracle of healing the man born blind was most impressive, this week’s miracle tops it by bringing Lazarus back from the dead. John’s sixth miracle (or sign, as he says) is the preamble to the seventh and final sign, Christ’s Resurrection from the dead – the greatest miracle of all.
Greetings in Christ,
This weekend, the Church gives us the delightful scene in John 11 where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. While last week’s miracle of healing the man born blind was most impressive, this week’s miracle tops it by bringing Lazarus back from the dead. John’s sixth miracle (or sign, as he says) is the preamble to the seventh and final sign, Christ’s Resurrection from the dead – the greatest miracle of all.
Stations and Fish Fry Tonight: We will have Stations of the Cross this evening (Friday, March 20) at 5:30 pm. Our second fish fry, along with Bingo, will follow! You may dine in or take out. Check out the following link for more details.
Stenciling Repair to Start after Easter: As you may recall, our stenciling in the Sanctuary was damaged shortly after Christmas Day. We worked with our insurance company and submitted a claim. Our insurance representatives reviewed the damage, and our claim has been accepted. Conrad Schmitt will begin work to repair the damage right after Easter. We will need to put scaffolding up again for one month, which is the time they estimate to fix the damage. If you would be so kind, please pray for this important repair work!
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 on our website for more details.
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 on our website for more details.
Raising of Lazarus: My favorite movie of our Lord is Jesus of Nazareth (1977). The scene of the raising of Lazarus is delightful. It presents the great drama around the raising of Lazarus very well. Enjoy!
Parish Meal Pack: Many thanks to all who participated in the St. Therese Meal Pack! We exceeded our fundraising goal to pay for 139,968 meals that we packed this week!! 815 people participated in packing meals, and many others supported the pack with their donations. This effort will allow 383 children to have a hot meal each day for an entire year. Donations above the collected amount will be moved ahead to help us pay for the 2027 meal pack. Great work, everyone!
For I was hungry, and you gave me food… Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry, and you gave me food… Matthew 25:35
Lou Holtz: Last week, I mentioned that Lou Holtz, the beloved football coach of Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, passed away. He led the Fighting Irish to a 100-30-2 record, including the 1988 national championship with an undefeated 12-0 record. Lou was a devout Catholic who brought the tradition back of having the football players go to Mass before the game. I recently came across this delightful picture of the Grotto at Notre Dame, where Lou’s name was created in the shape of candles. May Lou rest in peace!
Powerful Local Men's Conference Opportunity Tomorrow, Walk-Ins Welcome: The archdiocese will sponsor a powerful men’s conference featuring nationally known Catholic speaker and motivator Doug Barry on Saturday, March 21. 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 or walk-ins are welcome. 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. You may also donate using the order blank in the flyer in the bulletin or by using the link below through March 25.
Sunday 5:00 pm Mass: Our next Sunday 5:00 pm Mass is this Sunday, March 22. We are blessed to have Teresa Shackelford sharing her beautiful singing voice and musical gifts with us at this liturgy. Sunday 5pm Mass will then take a break until April 19th.
Lenten Retreat Opportunities at the Franciscan Retreat and Spirituality Center:
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 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.
Join the Extreme Faith Camp Prayer Team: Applications Due Today!
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 Today, 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 Today, 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:
Ireland Trip for Adults and Families with Fr. Aric Aamodt:
There’s still room on the 10-day tour of Ireland in July 2026. Adults and families are welcome. Fr. Aric Aamodt will lead the group. They'll visit Cork, Galway, Belfast, and Dublin. For more information or to register, check out the QR code or emailinfo@squisitotours.com.
There’s still room on the 10-day tour of Ireland in July 2026. Adults and families are welcome. Fr. Aric Aamodt will lead the group. They'll visit Cork, Galway, Belfast, and Dublin. For more information or to register, check out the QR code or emailinfo@squisitotours.com.
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!
- Toddler Teacher, full-time
- Pre-School or After-School/Evening Aids (10-15 hrs./wk.)
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 getting fish for the fish fry.