Something Old, Something New: The St. John's Stations by Father Bill Baer This Month at Transfiguration the monthly newsletter for Transfiguration Catholic Church and School April 2014 Lord, how good it is for us to be here!. . . Matthew 17:4 Christ Jesus Our Lord, Shine in Us! Christ Jesus Our Lord, Shine through Us! By now, many of you have seen the magnificent Stations of the Cross that are installed in our School’s Concourse. Each Friday during Lent, we have been praying the Stations there, and the children especially enjoy getting close enough to the Stations to observe the wounds in the hands, feet, and side of Jesus, the fierce expressions of the Roman soldiers, and the tears running down the cheeks of the Blessed Mother. These Stations were part of the beautiful interior of St. John’s Catholic Church on the East Side, which closed last July. I am grateful to Fr. Mike Byron and the parishioners of St. Pascal’s, which took over the St. John’s property, and who graciously allowed us to bring the Stations to Transfiguration. Here is a bit of history, courtesy of Mr. Greg Cosimini, one of the long-time Trustees and the unofficial Historian at St. John’s: The Stations were made by the Daprato Statuary Company of Chicago, and were likely purchased around 1922, when St. John’s Church was built. Interestingly, the entire church was outfitted with items from Daprato, including all three altars, nine statues, and the altar rail. (Look closely, and you will see a Daprato name block on the lower right side of each Station. Some of them are difficult to read because they have been painted over.) The Stations have been refurbished at least twice, and we will be doing some necessary touching-up this summer, along with improved lighting, descriptive plaques, and other refurbishings. The Fourth Station is missing part of the circle on the Cross at the top; Greg reports that it’s been that way for a very long time. Daprato still exists today as the Daprato Rigali Studios. You can find more information at their website: www.dapratorigali.com. Greg Cosimini’s family has a long connection with Daprato: his grandfather and great- grandfather worked for Daprato in the early 20th Century after moving to America from Italy. Thank God for the gift of these old-but-new Stations of the Cross. They are more than artwork; they are inspirations to prayer.
Transcript
Something Old, Something New: The St. John's Stations by Father Bill Baer
T h is M o nt h at Tra n sf i g u rat io nt h e m o n t h l y n e w s l e t t e r f o r Tr a n s f i g u r a t i o n C a t h o l i c C h u r c h a n d S c h o o l
April 2014Lord, how good it is for us to be here!. . . Matthew 17:4
C h r i s t J e s u s O u r L o r d , S h i n e i n U s ! C h r i s t J e s u s O u r L o r d , S h i n e t h r o u g h U s !
By now, many of you have seen the magnificent Stations of the Cross that are installed in our School’s Concourse. Each Friday during Lent, we have been praying the Stations there, and the children especially enjoy getting close enough to the Stations to observe the wounds in the hands, feet, and side of Jesus, the fierce expressions of the Roman soldiers, and the tears running down the cheeks of the Blessed Mother. These Stations were part of the beautiful interior of St. John’s Catholic Church on the East Side, which closed last July. I am grateful to Fr. Mike Byron and the parishioners of St. Pascal’s, which took over the St. John’s property, and who graciously allowed us to bring the Stations to Transfiguration. Here is a bit of history, courtesy of Mr. Greg Cosimini, one of the long-time Trustees and the unofficial Historian at St. John’s: The Stations were made by the Daprato Statuary Company of Chicago, and were likely purchased around 1922, when St. John’s Church was built. Interestingly, the entire church was outfitted with items from Daprato, including all three altars, nine statues, and the altar rail. (Look closely, and you will see a Daprato name block on the lower right side of each Station. Some of them are difficult to read because they have been painted over.) The Stations have been refurbished at least twice, and we will be doing some necessary touching-up this summer, along with improved lighting, descriptive plaques, and other refurbishings. The Fourth Station is missing part of the circle on the Cross at the top; Greg reports that it’s been that way for a very long time. Daprato still exists today as the Daprato Rigali Studios. You can find more information at their website: www.dapratorigali.com. Greg Cosimini’s family has a long connection with Daprato: his grandfather and great-grandfather worked for Daprato in the early 20th Century after moving to America from Italy. Thank God for the gift of these old-but-new Stations of the Cross. They are more than artwork; they are inspirations to prayer.
transfigurationmn.org
Church Staff
Transfiguration Catholic Church 6133 15th St. North—Oakdale, MN 55128
Parish Office HoursMonday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Parish Office phone: 651-738-2646
After hours emergency phone: Rebecca Minogue - 908-507-2970
April 2014 This Month at Transfiguration Page 2
Transfiguration Catholic SchoolGrades Preschool–8
6135 15th St. N., Oakdale, MN 55128651-501-2220
Principal: Jan Heuman...............651-501-2216
This Month at Transfigurationis an official publication of Transfiguration Catholic Parish.
Although the goal is to publish articles in their entirety, all are subject to editing.
This monthly newsletter and the weekly bulletin are both available on the parish website.
Pastor: Rev. Bill Baer................651-738-2646 Parish Administrator:Erin Ethier..................................651-501-2209Director of Parish Life:Gretchen Sonnen.......................651-501-2224Administrative Assistant:Martha Praska...........................651-738-2646Special Events Coordinator:Rebecca Minogue......................651-501-2207Parish Bookkeeping:Kim Connolly..............................651-501-2208 Director of Music:Mary Demko...............................651-501-2203Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry:Justin Kortuem.............................651-501-2202Family Formation Coordinator:Sue Hilo.......................................651-501-2204Maintenance Supervisor:Jerry Klaas...................................651-501-2245
and Living Stations of the Cross! by Jan Heuman
Transfiguration Catholic School will be offering another delicious Fish Fry on Friday, April 11, in the School Gym. We invite all parishioners to come for a delicious meal, and then stay for the very moving and spiritual experience of the Living Stations of the Cross led by Transfiguration Catholic School’s Fifth Grade students. The Fish Fry is from 5:00-7:00 p.m., and the Living Stations will be at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. It is a wonderful way to deepen your Lenten experience. See you all there!
A scene from last year's Living Stations of the Cross.
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On Thursday, March 20, the Transfiguration Council of Catholic Women held our first official meeting. Here are some of the great activities we have planned for the coming months:
• The St. Paul and Minneapolis Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women has invited us to the 82nd Annual Convention: “The Voice of Catholic Women” on April 30 and May 1 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton. To find out more information, check out the website: www.accwarchspm.org.
• We are having a Plant Sale in cooperation with the Women’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study May 3 and 4 in the Transfiguration Parking Lot garage – chairwomen Carol Graske (Bible study) and Diane Mencke (TCCW)
• The first annual TCCW Garage Sale is scheduled for May 29, 30 and 31 - chairwoman – Vickie Armstrong
• “Pot luck, Get to Know Each Other” Spring Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 – don’t miss this!
• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel is scheduled for various times - contact Gretchen Sonnen in the Parish Office to sign up.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. Come and join this wonderful group of women (all ages from teens to seniors are welcome!). Hope to see YOU there!
Believe it or not, Spring Clean Up is just a few short weeks away! Saturday, April 26 is the date and we need you to come help us beautify our Parish and School grounds.
We will start at 9:00 a.m. and continue until the work is done, usually around 4:00 p.m. or so.
If you can't be here that long, please consider coming for even an hour. The more people we have, the more work gets done. Bring your work gloves, rakes, shovels, pruning shears, pitch forks etc.
We are also in need of a bobcat for the day. If anyone can supply one, please call Jerry at 651-239-8151 or email me at: [email protected].
We have a lot of fun and get tons of work done at the same time. We supply lunch and drinks too! Thank you for considering this annual event. See you there!
Spring Cleanup Day - Coming Soon!by Jerry Klaas, Maintenance Supervisor
News from TCCWby Diane Mencke, TCCW Vice-President
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Update from Michael and Sharon Brennan, RCIA Team Captains
Our RCIA candidates, Todd Brown and Laura Hoagland, are now in the “home-stretch” as we approach the holy Easter Season. Since November, Fr. Baer has guided them, in our weekly meetings, through what it means to be Catholic in thought, word and deed. He has introduced them to the Sacraments as well as our rich history and tradition, plus the resources of our faith, including the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Mass, and prayer.
Both Todd and Laura have already been Baptized, so in the coming weeks,they will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, then be Confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion during the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 19.
Todd has chosen St. Giles as his Patron Saint and Confirmation name. Laura has chosen St. Christopher as her Patron Saint and Confirmation name.
Please continue to pray for these wonderful people as they come into full communion with the Catholic Church.
Look Who Dropped by for His First Visit . . .
Congratulations to our Administrative Assistant Elvina and her husband Michael on the birth of their son, William Noah Rodriguez.
Please consider making a donation to Transfiguration in memory of a beloved family member or friend. This donation will be used to purchase a beautiful plant or flower that will decorate the Church at Easter.
For more information, or to make a donation, call the Parish Office at 651-738-2646.
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On Saturday, March 1, we welcomed 100 new and long-standing parishioners for an unbelievable night of Mardi Gras fun. With plenty of beads, masks, doubloons (Mardi Gras coins), Zydeco music, and even an iPad mini giveaway, each new parishioner had a marvelous evening. The delicious New Orleans-style meal was catered by Kane’s and homemade "King Cake" cupcakes were perfectly baked and decorated by Sue and Sarah Hilo. Thank you to each parishioner who donated to make this evening a free event for our newest parishioners.
Here are a few comments from those who attended the evening: “I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated the fabulous food, decorations, games and, above all, being able to meet so many kind and wonderful people. I don’t believe I have ever felt so welcome at a Church.” “Thank you for such an incredible night of hospitality and fun, all combined in the spirit of celebration of our Catholic faith! The banquet was so beautifully done, with great attention to detail and making all
feel welcome. Father Baer's passionate reminder that we are here to welcome all people to share in Jesus was uplifting and strengthening - as was his singing of 'When the saints go marching in...!' My husband and I so enjoyed meeting other new and long-standing parishioners and because of this, look forward to getting more involved at Transfiguration for years to come.”
Welcome! 100 Attend New Parishioner Banquetby Gretchen Sonnen,
Director of Parish Life and Sacramental Coordinator
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45 from Transfiguration Join 1300 at Archdiocesan Men's Conferenceby Justin Kortuem, Director of Family Formation, Confirmation and Youth Ministry
45 men and sons from Transfiguration Parish joined 1,300 others at the Archdiocesan Men's Conference held at the University of St. Thomas on March 22. The conference started with Adoration and then Mass celebrated by Archbishop John Nienstedt. The homily was given by our own Fr. Baer. The theme for the day was to "Set a Steady Course" for our lives as Catholic men. The keynote reflection was given by Dr. Douglas Bushman, who holds the Blessed Pope John Paul II Chair of Theology for the New Evangelization at the Augustine Institute in Denver. Dr. Bushman's talk was focused on keeping focus on the goal and that if we focus on the goal we will let it dictate the rest of our lives. Keeping our focus on getting our families to heaven will prioritize how we spend our time and how we treat each other.
The second speaker was Brian Bonin. Brian was a former "Mr. Minnesota" for Hockey, a "Hobey Baker" award winner (national player of the year) in college, and an NHL player for our own Minnesota Wild. Brian's story was an inspirational one for the young men in the audience because he talked about how his life was completely focused on hockey for much of his life and through a significant conversion was able to see how faith in our Church combined with the discipline of sports could help him be a leader in his family and set a steady course for him in his new life.
Following the talk from Brian Bonin, Fr. Baer invited all of the young men up to the front to meet him and shake his hand. Brian gave each of them a word to inspire them in their own journey of faith. The morning was brought to conclusion by Archbishop John Nienstedt speaking to all of the men, expressing his joy to be with all of them and sending them off with his blessing. The men from Transfiguration returned to a hearty lunch provided by the Knights of Columbus in the school cafeteria.
Above: John Sprangers, left, a member of Transfiguration and John Bartunek, bow their heads for the blessing during Mass at the Archdiocesan Men's Conference March 22 at the University of St. Thomas.
(Photo by Dianne Towalski/The Catholic Spirit)Below: Tranfiguration Dads and Sons at the Men's Conference
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The St. Patricks’ Dinner on Saturday, March 15 brought together nearly 200 parishioners and guests for a night of delicious food, fun drinks, and lively Celtic music. The Gathering Space was packed with new and old friends alike, all coming together to celebrate being Irish—Irish either by heritage or by choice! Please mark your 2015 calendars for next year’s 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner on Saturday, March 14! Thank You to everyone who made the night such a great success: • To the Knights of Columbus and their families who planned, decorated, served, tended bar and cleaned-up after the event• To the musicians who assisted me – especially Carolyn Boulay (violin), Leslie Andry (flute), Kory Andry (percussion), singers Irene Sapanora- Gottwalt, David Gottwalt, Shelley Jwanouskos, Michelle Humphrey, and the “K of C Singers” – especially Ramon & Julian Sicam, Mike Schilling and Greg Mencke
• To the Church staff members who worked with registrations, planning, marketing, and set-up• To Fr. Baer for his wonderful and thought-provoking comments on St. Patrick• To Ben Lavine and Vicki Kueppers for lending us sound equipment• To Betty Villa of Betty’s Catering for the delicious meal• and to all the many volunteers who worked so hard to put on a fun evening of fellowship and laughter!
200 Enjoy a Very Irish St. Patrick's Dinnerby Mary Demko, Director of Music
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Transfiguration Catholic School
• I-Pads for each student in 6th - 8th Grades• Upgraded Tech Lab for Grades K-5• New middle school uniform that will distinguish them from our Kindergarten - 5th Grade students• Increased opportunities for teacher-led assistance both before and after class hours• Study Skills Curriculum will be included in the daily schedule for 5th - 8th Grades
Enrolling Now!by Jan Heuman, Principal
Transfiguration Catholic School is now enrolling students for the 2014-2015 school year. We are very excited about some of the new initiatives we are implementing this coming year! Some examples are listed below.
We have a highly qualified staff, many of whom have been here for numerous years. We have an excellent academic tradition, but more importantly, an outstanding faith and religion program. We prepare our students in Second grade for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion, and in 7th and
8th Grade we prepare our students for Confirmation, which is celebrated at the Cathedral in May. We offer many enrichment opportunities, and we are very proud of our expanded band and choir programs, as well as theater experiences.
Please contact the school office at 651-501-2220 for information about our School and Preschool programs, or email [email protected].
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The largest enrichment program at Transfiguration Catholic School involves the various programs offered by Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest. All students participate in some form of JA during the year.
Perhaps the most popular is “JA BizTown,” which is a 10,000 square foot kid-sized city within Junior Achievement headquarters in Maplewood. Several weeks of classroom learning culminates in a day-long visit to this fully-interactive simulated free market facility where students become adults for a day. By working in one of 14 JA BizTown shops, students learn what it takes to run a successful business, manage a checking account and work as a team. Through daily lessons, hands-on activities, and active participation in this simulated community, students develop a strong understanding of the relationship between what they learn in school and their successful participation in a global economy.
Transfiguration 6th and 7th graders, led by Social Studies teacher Matt Weingartz, attend BizTown every year at a nominal cost, thanks to Junior Achievement.
7th grader Maria Wolfe had many duties as the Mayor of BizTown on March 21, including giving speeches and handing out volunteer certificates and Better Business Bureau plaques. She also gave two speeches and awarded the BizTown Bank “business of the day.” Said Mayor Wolfe, “I liked how we got to experience a business day like a real working person.”
7th grader Hayley Pedersen was the reporter for the BizTown newspaper. She interviewed business people, conducted a survey of the radio station’s music selections, and wrote a weather report. Said reporter Pedersen, “I liked that I got to write newspaper stories because my favorite school subjects are English and Literature. I was also able to talk to and work with students I don’t normally hang around with at school.”
Transfiguration 8th grade students will attend “JA Finance Park” on April 7. During this one-day experience, students assume family and income scenarios and visit businesses to gather information for their personal financial decision-making. They use bank services; contribute to charities; purchase housing, transportation, furnishings, food, health care, and other expenses; and make investment decisions, while working to balance their budgets.
Junior Achievement and Transfiguration Catholic School:
A great partnership!
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Knight VisionIn King Arthur’s time, the concept of service and teamwork were portrayed by the Knights of the Round Table. Those familiar with the legend know it was a sacred state of the mind where everyone was equal and problems were solved. The modern day Knights of Columbus have used the strong concept of the Round Table to be the image of service and teamwork at the parish level.
The Knight’s Parish Round Table program creates a service partnership between the parish and Knights of Columbus. At a high level, a representative from the Knights of Columbus becomes the bridge between the needs of the parish and the service capability of the Knight’s local council.
The recent St Patrick’s Day celebration at Transfiguration demonstrates the recent effectiveness of the Knight’s Round Table program at Transfiguration Parish. The idea for the celebration came out of the Knights and was embraced by the parish. From that point on, the Knights worked in conjunction with the parish to create a successful program. Evidence of the Knight’s partnership is obvious when you look at the Knight’s web site, KC4374.org and see the
individuals who volunteered to plan, set up, take down and clean up.
But that is not the only example of the Round Table partnership at Transfiguration. There has been the Parish Fall Festival, Spring Picnic, parking lot control and hanging the Stations of the Cross in the School. Going forward, I’m confident that we have the structure in place to continue to have a strong partnership with the parish.
Father Baer, in his homily at the Archdiocesan Men’s Conference on March 22, said we are being watched; not like a person under surveillance, but more like an understudy watching the lead. We are all potential role models, and this requires us to be a people of strong faith. The Knights provide an excellent opportunity for its members to grow in faith and to be visible in the community, just like the Parish Round Table program at Transfiguration. So the call goes out to all Catholic men — evaluate the feelings that motivate you, and consider joining a Catholic family service organization where you and the community benefit.
There is a saying that if you don’t stand for something, you could fall for anything. Men stand up for your faith, because you are being watched.
God Bless, Jim Jansen, Grand Knight, Father Finley Council #4374
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Ap r i l 2 0 1 4Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5
Black & Gold Gala
6
New Parishioner Brunch
7 8 9 10 11
Fish Fry, followed by Living Stations of the Cross
12
Church Cleaning
13 Palm Sunday
Parish Reconciliation Service 3:00 p.m.
14 15 16 17 Holy Thursday
Mass of the Lord's Supper 7:00 p.m.
18 Good Friday
Good Friday Service 3:00 p.m.
19 Holy Saturday
Easter Vigil Mass 7:00 p.m.
20 Easter Sunday
Masses: 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.
No 6:00 p.m. Mass
21
School Closed
22 23 24 Senior Event (Mass followed by luncheon)
L.O.V.E. Marriage Ministry Couple's Date Night
25
26 Annual Spring Cleanup
First Communion Mass #1
27
Divine Mercy Sunday Prayers 3:00 p.m.
28 28 30
May 3: First Communion Mass #2
May 15: School Spring Concert
May 15: Senior Event (Mass followed by luncheon)
May 29 - 30: TCCW Garage Sale
T r a n s f i g u r a t i o n Catholic Church and School6133 15th Street North Oakdale, MN 55128651-738-2646
Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage PAID St. Paul, MN Permit No. 4243
Something Old/Something New.......................Front CoverChurch/School Staff Information.......................................2Fish Fry & Living Stations of the Cross.............................2Spring Cleanup Day Coming Soon!..................................3News from TCCW.............................................................3RCIA Update......................................................................4Look Who Dropped by for a Visit......................................4Easter Flower Donations...................................................4
Inside This Issue.. .Annual New Parishioner Banquet.................................5Archdiocesan Men's Conference..................................6St. Patrick's Dinner.......................................................7School: Enrolling Now!.................................................8School: Junior Achievement.........................................9Knight Vision...............................................................10 Calendar........................................................................11
Father Baer leads the Stations of the Cross in the School Concourse, where the magnificent Stations from St. John's Parish are now located. See front cover article.
