October 16, 2026
Greetings in Christ,
This weekend, we hear about the Pharisees' plot to trap Jesus with their question about paying taxes to Caesar. Naturally, if Jesus says “yes,” it looks like He is a traitor to the Jewish People. If Jesus says “no,” they can report Him to the Roman authorities as a rebel. What is a good Messiah to do? Playing on the theme of image on the coin, our Lord says to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar (his coin) and to God what belongs to God (our lives as we are made in God’s image). Our Lord always responds with wisdom to the question presented to Him!
A Prayer for Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV:
With the recent news that Pope Leo XIV underwent lung surgery and has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma this week, we invite our parish family to join in prayer for his healing, strength, and recovery. Vatican officials reported that the surgery was successful and that the Holy Father is recovering as expected.
As members of the universal Church, we lift up our Holy Father in a special way with our personal prayers, Rosaries, and family devotions. May the Lord grant him comfort and renewed health, and may Our Blessed Mother wrap him in her mantle of protection during this time.
With the recent news that Pope Leo XIV underwent lung surgery and has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma this week, we invite our parish family to join in prayer for his healing, strength, and recovery. Vatican officials reported that the surgery was successful and that the Holy Father is recovering as expected.
As members of the universal Church, we lift up our Holy Father in a special way with our personal prayers, Rosaries, and family devotions. May the Lord grant him comfort and renewed health, and may Our Blessed Mother wrap him in her mantle of protection during this time.
Capital Campaign Update: I am very grateful for the generosity of our St. Therese community! This week we raised an additional $1.3 million, bringing our campaign total to over $4.5 million! We are less than $2 million away from receiving the $10 million gift. If you have not had the opportunity to return your pledge card, I encourage you to help us hit this important milestone for our church and school. You are invited to learn more about the campaign and watch our wonderful video on our website.
Deacon Michalek Guest Speaker on the Liturgy of the Hours next Tuesday:
Join us on Tuesday, October 20, for a special presentation by Deacon Michalek, a gifted teacher and speaker, as he introduces the beauty and richness of the Liturgy of the Hours. Attend the same presentation at either 10:00 am or 7:30 pm in the Community Room.
The Liturgy of the Hours, the daily prayer of the Church, is a beautiful way to unite ourselves with Christ and the prayer of the universal Church. More lay Catholics are discovering this ancient practice as a source of peace, spiritual growth, and deeper connection with God.
Whether you are new to the Liturgy of the Hours or looking to enrich your prayer life, this presentation will offer inspiration and practical guidance.
All are welcome. Come learn, pray, and be inspired!
Join us on Tuesday, October 20, for a special presentation by Deacon Michalek, a gifted teacher and speaker, as he introduces the beauty and richness of the Liturgy of the Hours. Attend the same presentation at either 10:00 am or 7:30 pm in the Community Room.
The Liturgy of the Hours, the daily prayer of the Church, is a beautiful way to unite ourselves with Christ and the prayer of the universal Church. More lay Catholics are discovering this ancient practice as a source of peace, spiritual growth, and deeper connection with God.
Whether you are new to the Liturgy of the Hours or looking to enrich your prayer life, this presentation will offer inspiration and practical guidance.
All are welcome. Come learn, pray, and be inspired!
Psalms Course: Below are the slides from Book I (Psalms 1 – 41) from last week’s class. Everything is also on our website.
REBOOT A Life‑Changing Event Nov. 10: REBOOT, a powerful evening of renewal with internationally acclaimed Catholic speaker Chris Stefanick, is coming right here to St. Therese. This dynamic experience is designed to help you rediscover and deepen your faith in a fresh, practical, and inspiring way.
Please see the information below for details on how to participate. We hope you’ll join us for this exceptional opportunity.
Please see the information below for details on how to participate. We hope you’ll join us for this exceptional opportunity.
Chapel Update: New soundproof windows were put in the back of the chapel last week. We will be adding decorative film to both panes of glass that have beautiful images of the Martin Family and St. Therese on them. Additionally, painting will be completed next week from the candle smoke on the wall over the years. We are making great progress on the frames for the Stations of the Cross. The frames are complete and need to be stained. We are still expecting the stained-glass to be reinstalled in early November. Once complete, we can move back into the chapel.
Outside Sanctuary Wall: The outside wall of our sanctuary on the woodside where the crucifix used to hang will receive a major upgrade beginning next week. Woodpeckers have found that wood wall a haven for bugs and done a number on it over the years. They will need to find a new home, as we will be replacing that wall with high-grade metal that looks like wood. Additionally, we will be adding insulation in that wall, as no insulation was originally put in that wall when the church was built. That said, you will see quite a bit of work done on that wall over the next few weeks. We are getting things done just in time before winter sets in!
Outside Sanctuary Wall: The outside wall of our sanctuary on the woodside where the crucifix used to hang will receive a major upgrade beginning next week. Woodpeckers have found that wood wall a haven for bugs and done a number on it over the years. They will need to find a new home, as we will be replacing that wall with high-grade metal that looks like wood. Additionally, we will be adding insulation in that wall, as no insulation was originally put in that wall when the church was built. That said, you will see quite a bit of work done on that wall over the next few weeks. We are getting things done just in time before winter sets in!
Baby Bottles: Thank you to everyone who contributed to our baby bottle drive that helps Southwest Options for Women. In October, we focus on respecting life at all stages, whether little ones in the womb, those with disabilities, or our elderly in need of love and compassion. Mack Peterson, just eight years old, raised $1,500.74! Wow! I need to figure out how to get Mack on our capital campaign committee! Way to go, Mack!!!
St. Therese Talent Show: Do you sing, dance, act, do magic, juggle cats, play an instrument, or have a hidden talent you’ve been waiting to share? If so, join us for Talent Show Tryouts and show off your gifts. All ages and acts are welcome!
St. Therese Talent Show: Do you sing, dance, act, do magic, juggle cats, play an instrument, or have a hidden talent you’ve been waiting to share? If so, join us for Talent Show Tryouts and show off your gifts. All ages and acts are welcome!
Tryout times are:
- Tuesday, October 27 from 2:30 to 5:00pm
- Wednesday, October 28 from 6:00 to 8:00pm
- Sunday, November 1 from 2:00 to 4:00pm
If you can't make one of the tryout times, you may create a video of your talent and email it to talentshow@st-therese.org.
Also, if you've performed in either of our two previous talent shows and want to perform again, email a detailed description of what you're planning to do to talentshow@st-therese.org.
Men's Group Meeting on November 10—as we look forward to gathering in fellowship and strengthening our walk with Christ. November will feature a ticketed event as our parish hosts the REBOOT experience with Chris Stefanick. We warmly encourage all men of the parish to mark their calendars and join us for these meaningful opportunities to grow in faith together.
Also, if you've performed in either of our two previous talent shows and want to perform again, email a detailed description of what you're planning to do to talentshow@st-therese.org.
Men's Group Meeting on November 10—as we look forward to gathering in fellowship and strengthening our walk with Christ. November will feature a ticketed event as our parish hosts the REBOOT experience with Chris Stefanick. We warmly encourage all men of the parish to mark their calendars and join us for these meaningful opportunities to grow in faith together.
Giving Opportunity for Rosaries: We are seeking a few generous donors who feel called to help provide rosaries for all of the children in our St. Therese School classrooms. These rosaries will support our students as they grow in their love for prayer and devotion to Our Blessed Mother. We hope to purchase approximately 300 rosaries and would be grateful to any donors willing to assist with this meaningful gift for our children. For more information or to help with this project, please contact Geri in the parish office.
Join Us in Praying the Rosary: You are invited to gather with us on Wednesdays at 9:15 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 prefer that time.
Recurring Giving: You are welcome to set up recurring giving and let your stewardship be a continued expression of faith, even while you’re away. Your generosity helps sustain our ministries, strengthen our parish family, and share God’s love throughout the year. If you are currently enrolled in online giving, please prayerfully consider increasing your donation amount to help support our parish and its mission. Thank you for your faithful commitment.
Join Us in Praying the Rosary: You are invited to gather with us on Wednesdays at 9:15 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 prefer that time.
Recurring Giving: You are welcome to set up recurring giving and let your stewardship be a continued expression of faith, even while you’re away. Your generosity helps sustain our ministries, strengthen our parish family, and share God’s love throughout the year. If you are currently enrolled in online giving, please prayerfully consider increasing your donation amount to help support our parish and its mission. Thank you for your faithful commitment.
Adoration: Keep in mind that you can always share an hour with someone, and you rotate with another person each week. Any amount of time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth.
Most needed times:
For more information, call Geri at 952-473-4422 or Marilyn Olson at 952-474-4344.
Most needed times:
- Tuesday, 3–4 pm
- Wednesday, 11-12noon
- Wednesday, 4-5 pm
- Friday, 10-11 am
- Friday, 12 noon-1 pm
For more information, call Geri at 952-473-4422 or Marilyn Olson at 952-474-4344.
October and November Happenings from the Archdiocese:
Vocations: Discerning vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and permanent diaconate; visit and learn information here on the Vocations page
This weekend of October 16-18, 2026, the archdiocese will be having its annual Discernment Retreat with Archbishop Hebda for men ages 17-24 without a college degree (if the young man is a Junior in high school but not yet 17, he is allowed to attend). The retreat will be located at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo. flyer
On Tue., November 3, at 6 pm, men 16 and older are invited to join Archbishop Bernard Hebda & Vocations Director, Fr. Mark Pavlak, for dinner and a discussion about discerning the priesthood and religious life. (flyer here)
Mass of Remembrance for Families of Child Loss: Saturday, Nov 7, 10 am Cathedral of St. Paul. All families who have lost a child (from pregnancy through adulthood) are invited to honor and remember their beloved children at this Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Izen. event page
Join the Catholic Advocacy Network Nov. 21-22:
The Catholic Advocacy Network makes it easy for Catholics to participate in the political process. It keeps the faithful informed on key bills, helps them get to know legislators, and encourages action during crucial decision-making moments. Plus, three Minnesota parishes with the most Catholic Advocacy Network sign-ups in November will win $2,000. See more on the MCC website.
On the weekend of November 19-21 - Vianney Visit
Vocations: Discerning vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and permanent diaconate; visit and learn information here on the Vocations page
This weekend of October 16-18, 2026, the archdiocese will be having its annual Discernment Retreat with Archbishop Hebda for men ages 17-24 without a college degree (if the young man is a Junior in high school but not yet 17, he is allowed to attend). The retreat will be located at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo. flyer
On Tue., November 3, at 6 pm, men 16 and older are invited to join Archbishop Bernard Hebda & Vocations Director, Fr. Mark Pavlak, for dinner and a discussion about discerning the priesthood and religious life. (flyer here)
Mass of Remembrance for Families of Child Loss: Saturday, Nov 7, 10 am Cathedral of St. Paul. All families who have lost a child (from pregnancy through adulthood) are invited to honor and remember their beloved children at this Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Izen. event page
Join the Catholic Advocacy Network Nov. 21-22:
The Catholic Advocacy Network makes it easy for Catholics to participate in the political process. It keeps the faithful informed on key bills, helps them get to know legislators, and encourages action during crucial decision-making moments. Plus, three Minnesota parishes with the most Catholic Advocacy Network sign-ups in November will win $2,000. See more on the MCC website.
On the weekend of November 19-21 - Vianney Visit
Catholic Parents Online: Join Catholic Parents Online on October 24, 2026, for Courageous Parents: Protecting Children in Mind, Body & Soul, featuring Fr. Robert Altier and Dr. Michelle Cretella. Through inspiring talks, discussion, and fellowship, this special brunch event will equip parents and grandparents to confidently raise children in the Catholic faith amid today's cultural challenges. Held at Southview Country Club in West St. Paul, the event also offers a livestream option. See the flyer for registration information or visit www.catholicparents.org/events
Speaker event at St. Hubert's:
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: “Hey, I think that coin belongs to me!”