News - August 2025 RSS Feed

We are devastated by the horrific violence that shattered what should have been a holy moment of grace at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where children had gathered for a back-to-school Mass. We hold close in prayer the students, families, teachers, parish community, and first responders. We ask the Lord to bring healing to the injured, eternal rest to those who have died, and consolation to all who mourn.

In the Gospel today, Jesus describes those attempting to enter as saying: “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” This was their definition of knowing Him. But knowing Jesus involves so much more. If we listen to His words, He is inciting us to action, to be a part of His mission. There is no ‘associate membership’ in the Church.

Come, Holy Spirit, and show us Your ways. Guide our parish discernment of those who are called to the ministry of leadership in and through the work of Parish Pastoral Council.

Parishioners who believe they have the qualifications cited and feel moved by God’s Spirit in prayer to present themselves for consideration are invited to attend one of two information sessions that will provide the opportunity for further formation in the nature, role and function of the Pastoral Council. Those who feel called to this ministry after attending an information session are invited to a group discernment process which will be facilitated by the current Pastoral Council members. Father Bob will attend and, after the discernment session and prayerful consideration, will select the parishioners to serve on the Council. These individuals will be contacted in late-October and asked to attend the Council meeting on November 19, 2025.

The current Pastoral Council members have faithfully served their term, establishing a vision and plan for our parish. With teams in place to lead the implementation of our near-term priorities – grow in knowledge of our Catholic faith, develop a stronger prayer life, and strengthen engagement of our parish – it is time to identify new members to join our Pastoral Council to support that work and Saints Martha and Mary Parish broadly.

As we begin the process to rotate members off our Pastoral Council and welcome new members, we would like to thank the current council for their service and identify new members to support the work of Saints Martha and Mary Parish. Throughout the summer, we will be providing information, engaging in conversation, and entertaining questions to identify new members to join our Pastoral Council in this blessed work.