FARMINGTON

St. Michael Church

Support for warriors

St. Michael and several other churches in the Farmington area have been involved with the Warrior to Citizen Yellow Ribbon Network program.

“This is a group of people that provides family support, community education and recognition of service members and their families,” wrote Sandy Glau.

“For example: we have provided meals for a family whose husband/father is serving in Afghanistan, have taken turns hosting a meal each month for veterans. May 7, St. Michael  provided the space for the Military Mother/Grandmother Luncheon. Approximately 106 women of military service members were royally treated to valet parking, professional chair massages, gift bags, door prizes, entertainment, a time to share stories and make new friends, and a delicious meal. Laughter, tears, good conversation filled the social hall! Many people worked together to make this such a wonderful event — and are looking forward to doing it again next May!”

HAM LAKE

St. Paul Church

Forming faith family

Molly Koop wrote that: “Some of the best news in our parish, Church of St. Paul in Ham Lake, is ‘Family Formation,’ which forms the family in the richness of the Catholic faith.

“Through interactive home lessons and monthly gatherings with hundreds of other families, we are united in our mission to pass on the faith to our children. Parents who were not well-catechized learn and grow with their children.  In our own family, we have seen our children grow to love our Lord through ‘Family Formation.’ It’s truly a blessing for a parent to witness his child’s excitement at Mass: ‘Father is wearing white! It’s a special feast day!’ or to grow with her child in her devotion to the Eucharist and sacred Scripture. It’s a blessing to be a part of the Holy Spirit’s work as ‘Family Formation’ is spread throughout the country!”

PRIOR LAKE

St. Michael Church

Angels among us

Denise Kadrlik wrote that “John and Mary Hamre, with wings in camouflage, did Gods’ work supporting military members of St. Michael in Prior Lake. In an effort to make folks aware and praying for our military, a bulletin board to display photos was created in 2006. Liz Speiker and Laura Rivisto soon joined. John and Mary held meetings regularly and continued to spread the word. The children got involved making care packages with the help of Laura Schupe.

“At church festivals, a coloring booth was set up. Mary made thousands of yellow ribbon pins with ‘pray for our troops’ on each of them. The group later learned about the organization ‘Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’ through Barb Johnson. With the help of Deacon Dick Roy and Pete Brown, we have blossomed into a ‘South of the River’ chapter, expecting recognition from the governor soon. We thank John and Mary for their passion to serve.”

MAHTOMEDI

St. Jude of the Lake School

New preschool, IB

St. Jude of the Lake School is pursuing authorization to become an International Baccalaureate School. The programs of the IB organization are based on the premise that education can foster understanding among young people around the world. St. Jude would be the first Catholic primary school in the state to obtain such authorization, according to Father Ralph Talbot, pastor. In addition to that initiative, St. Jude has also entered into an agreement to lease space to Lake Area Discovery Center, a Christian-based early education program, which will begin preschool on the campus this fall.