July 10, 2026
Greetings in Christ,
This weekend, the Church draws from Matthew 13, a chapter chock full of parables about the kingdom of heaven – seven to be exact. This weekend’s parable of the farmer scattering the seed leads the list, symbolizing that there is something fundamental about this parable that sheds light on the others that follow. The farmer is generous in scattering seed, knowing that some will bear either no or little fruit. And yet, he keeps scattering with an eye on the good soil, knowing that it will produce a bountiful harvest for God’s Kingdom!
Psalms Conference: I have been away this week for Priest Conference on the Psalms. It was a wonderful conference! I will use many of the notes that I took for the Psalms course that I will be offering this fall for the parish. The Psalms are so rich in human emotion, highlighting all the twists and turns that we go through in life. This weekend Fr. Maloney will cover the Masses for me, as my Virginia friends invited me to join them this weekend in Jackson Hole to spend some time together. As always, be assured of my many prayers! In the picture below, look at the holy priest who was also there! :)
Extreme Faith Camp: This weekend, St. Therese is sending a group of 70 middle school campers, teen counselors, and adult leaders to Extreme Faith Camp in Trego, WI. The campers will enjoy a week of outdoor adventures, opportunities to encounter Christ through Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration, and time to build new friendships rooted in faith. We ask our parish family to keep them all in your prayers throughout the coming week—that they may have fun, remain safe, and be filled with a deeper love and zeal for Our Lord. I will be joining the group on Tuesday and spending a good portion of the day with them.
Pancake Breakfast: Next weekend, July 19, join us after the 8am & 10am Masses for one more pancake breakfast with our beloved Director of Faith Formation, Liz Lammers. She wants to also thank you for 20 years of partnership by having this meal! You will also have the opportunity to meet our new Director of Faith Formation, Adrienne Dembinski.
A Talk on Artificial Intelligence (AI): One of our parishioners, Dave Ingham, has offered to give a talk on AI for our parish. Dave is well-versed in information technology in his profession. He will provide an overview of AI, including how it can benefit humanity by helping us gather information, boost productivity, and reduce workload. Dave will also discuss potential risks to human dignity such as algorithmic bias, displacement of jobs, and erosion of critical-thinking skills. Finally, Dave will touch on how people of good will can productively engage AI and other novel technology. Dave will offer the talk twice on Tuesday, July 21 at 10:00 am and 6:30 pm in the Community Room.
Liturgy of the Hours (2nd Edition): The Church has spent years working to update the Liturgy of the Hours, or the daily rhythm of prayer for priests, religious, and lay faithful. Word on Fire will be one of the publishers of the new edition and recently released a video highlighting the quality of the prayers that will be coming soon. They are also accepting preorders. The new edition will begin to be used on Ash Wednesday, 2027. I will provide a link for you in the event you want to see production behind the new books and order a set for yourself. I ordered a set last week!
Before the Pope: The video “10 Stories Before He Was Pope Leo XIV” offers a thoughtful look at the early life and ministry of Fr. Robert Francis Prevost before his election to the papacy. Drawing from newly released Vatican documentary material, it shares memorable moments—some humorous, some deeply moving—that reveal the character and pastoral heart of the man who would become Pope Leo XIV. It’s a brief, engaging way to appreciate the humanity and faith that shaped our Holy Father.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: Do you know someone who would be comforted and blessed by a prayer shawl? They are created with care, love, and prayer for someone in need. Perhaps you know of someone who has lost a loved one, is hospitalized, is preparing for surgery, or is suffering in any way? Maybe a friend, a relative, or even yourself. Contact Geri in the parish office at 952-473-4422 to help pick out a shawl to give to someone who needs comfort.
Adoration Update: Currently, we are seeking a bit more assistance during the following times:
- Tuesday, 3–4 pm
- Wednesday, 12–1 pm
- Wednesday, 1-2 pm
Please join us as we recite the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy every Thursday at 3 pm during Adoration.
For more information, call Geri at 952-473-4422 or Marilyn Olson at 952-474-4344.
Come and rest in the loving presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In the quiet of Adoration, He receives every burden, every hope, and every whispered prayer. This is sacred time to simply be with the Lord — to let His peace settle your heart, to place your worries before Him, and to allow His gentle love to renew your spirit.
The July focus for Reclaiming Sundays is Creation: Jonathan and Mary Foster, parents and directors at Trinity Woods Catholic Retreat Center, describe how outdoor activities with their family make for wonderful memories and ultimately enhance their appreciation for God’s creation, especially on the Lord’s Day. Let’s reclaim Sundays for the Lord and our families.
July and August Happenings from the Archdiocese: Grandparents ApostolateFriday, July 24, 8:15 a.m.-11, Nativity of Our Lord, St. PaulAll grandparents and spiritual grandparents are invited to a morning of celebration, encouragement, prayer and fellowship highlighted by a presentation by Rev. Kevin Manthey, Pastor of Maternity of Mary Catholic Church, St. Paul. Refreshments will be served. A wheelchair-accessible entrance is available on Prior Ave. Find more information at
nativitystpaul.org/events/grandparentsapostolate.
Catholic Homesteading Conference Saturday, July 25, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., CanbyAll are invited to a fun-filled day of inspiring talks on G.K. Chesterton and distributism, practical advice for healthier living, and various homesteading workshops. Learn more about starting a homestead or side hustle, making your own soap, as well as pasture grazing and feeding livestock! There’s a little something for everyone, including door prizes, giveaways, vendors, and of course Mass, prayer and fellowship. Find more information and registration at
catholiclandmovement.info/events/minnesota-conference.
Retrouvaille Weekend Retreat for Couples July 31-Aug. 2, EaganRetrouvaille (pronounced re-tro-VI) is French for rediscovery. Through Retrouvaille, a rewarding marriage is out there for you, despite the pain and struggles you may be facing right now. This program offers tools needed to rediscover a loving marriage. Thousands of couples headed for cold, unloving relationships or divorce have successfully overcome their marriage problems by attending Retrouvaille. In addition to the initial weekend, Retrouvaille offers a community of continuing support. For more information, go to
helpourmarriage.org.
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:
- 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.
As always, be assured of my gratitude for your generosity and prayers to St. Therese. Be assured of my prayers for you as well!
Blessings,
Fr. Andrie