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952-941-3150 • www.paxchristi.com • Twenty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time • Week August 27, 2017 WEEKLY BULLETIN OUR PAX CHRISTI PILGRIMAGE TO THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Written by Cecilia Cervantes, Worship Council member In just three weeks, an enthusiastic group of Pax Christi community members will go on pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine in La Crosse, WI. I really look forward to joining our spirited pilgrims as we leave our homes and families in Minnesota and venture to a holy place, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, that has been set aside to honor our Lord’s Blessed Mother. Even though we will make our journey in a comfortable motor coach, nevertheless, there are certain hardships that are inherent to going on pilgrimage. It’s not a tour or vacation but instead a spiritual time to be renewed in faith, hope, and charity. In the centuries before there were faster modes of transportation, traveling on pilgrimage meant a prolonged journey of anywhere from several weeks to a year. Travelers made the trips for many reasons: to ask for divine aid, to fulfill a religious obligation, or to venerate an important place or object. I have heard from Pax Christi members who traveled to and prayed at the La Crosse Shrine — they are sure that Our Lady interceded on behalf of a special family request. There’s something enigmatic about the concept of going on pilgrimage. Maybe it’s because it is among the most ancient spiritual practices, going back to the Old Testament. After all, Jesus Christ Himself went on pilgrimage with his Mother Mary and His earthly father, St. Joseph. In the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, we recall how He was left behind in Jerusalem after a pilgrimage from His hometown of Nazareth and how Mary and Joseph found him teaching the doctors of the law in the Temple. I am happy to join my fellow Pax Christi sisters and brothers on this pilgrimage journey because we will all be together. I know some of the members who will make the trip. These include: Anne Kieser, Dennis Shonka, Esperanza Duran, Hermes Cervantes, Father Marc Paveglio, and many others. We even have a few joining us from other parishes — all are welcome! I am really excited about making new friends from Pax Christi and beyond. As we know, Pax Christi members are wonderfully generous with their time, talent, and treasure. But let’s face it — we’re all very busy and, other than at Mass, we don’t have many opportunities to get to know each other. Going on pilgrimage will provide us with a unique occasion to grow closer in faith and to visit with each other as fellow pilgrims on our way to discover the extraordinary nature of our ordinary life because it is lived in Christ and is, indeed, a royal path leading to eternal life. I really look forward to learning from each of you and to understand why each of you is so special because you were created and are loved by God in God’s image and likeness. I know that together we will recognize that at the Shrine we will be in a sacred space where God’s nearness will become clearer to us. Finally, by being together on the journey, as well as at the Shrine and on its grounds located on over 100 beautiful and serene wooded acres surrounded by numerous lovely bronze sculptures of holy people, I am confident we will more vividly feel the peace, mercy, and love of Our Lord and His Blessed Mother. So, may God bless you as we prepare for our special time together. I can’t wait until September 18! P.S. There’s still time to register. All the details are at paxchristi.com. PILGRIMAGE TO THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Monday, September 18, 7:00am–6:00pm, $65.00 RSVP CATECHISTS NEEDED FOR ALL LEVELS OF FAITH FORMATION The Faith Formation year begins soon. We need your help! Adults — parents, grandparents, college students, and any interested parishioners — are needed to serve as catechists/leaders for grade school, middle school, and high school. What is the time commitment? Most Faith Formation groups meet once a week, either on Sunday or Wednesday nights, for 75 minutes. Sessions begin September 20 and 24. What sort of assistance is provided? Catechist training is on September 17. You’ll also receive detailed lesson plans and guidance from the Pax Christi staff during the year. Any benefits? You will make a difference in the lives of many youth! Plus, if you are a parent, our fees are waived and we offer childcare. How do I get started? Visit www.paxchristi.com/ ffregistration to learn more about our programs. Contact Andrea Ward, [email protected], to volunteer or with questions. You’ll need to complete a background check, VIRTUS class, and sign a Code of Conduct. The success of our Faith Formation program depends on the generosity of shared ministers like you!
