A message from Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda (January 7, 2026):

Following [last week’s] deadly shooting in Minneapolis, I reiterate my plea for all people of good will to join me in prayer for the person who was killed, for their loved ones, and for our community.

We continue to be at a time in this country when we need to lower the temperature of rhetoric, stop fear-filled speculation and start seeing all people as created in the image and likeness of God. That is as true for our immigrant sisters and brothers as it is for our elected officials and those who are responsible for enforcing our laws. I echo today the repeated call of the U.S. Catholic bishops that we come together as a nation and pass meaningful immigration reform that does justice to all parties. The longer we refuse to grapple with this issue in the political arena, the more divisive and violent it becomes.

It is only by working together – with God’s help – that we will have peace in our communities, state and world.

Minnesota Bishops Statement on Immigration Law and the Common Good of the Nation:https://www.mncatholic.org/pr2725

 UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Friday, January 16 – Bible Study is cancelled
• Saturday, January 17, at 5:00pm Mass – OCIA Rite of Acceptance
• Sunday, January 18, 11:30am – Youth Mission Trip meeting, St. Rafka Room
• Sunday, January 18, 11:30am – Sunday School, Classrooms
• Sunday, January 18, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – High School Youth Group, Meet in the Parish Hall
• Monday, January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Parish Offices closed
• Wednesday, January 21, 6:00pm – KIC Class for all grades, Classrooms
• Friday, January 23, 11:00am – Funeral Mass for Darlene Mellgren (visitation at 10:00am)
• Saturday, January 24, 10:00am – First Reconciliation Retreat for 2^nd graders and parents, Church 

Parish Survey:

The St. Gregory’s Parish Survey is available now.   We ask each parishioner to complete the anonymous survey by February 1; it should take only about 5 to 10 minutes of your time.  Here is the link to the online survey:  https://forms.gle/aZ71iZ7FymtSUNsy9   Paper copies may be found in the narthex.  Results will be reported back to the parish after analysis by Father Matt and the Parish Leadership Team.

 Mary and Martha Women’s Group:

The next monthly meeting is tonight, January 15^th in the Parish Hall at their new time of 5:30pm.  They will discuss the WINE (Women In the New Evangelization) Minnesota Catholic Women’s conference taking place in Eagan on Saturday, February 14.  Contact Dawn Sundly or the parish office if you want to join others from St. Gregory’s who are attending the conference.  Find more information here:  https://catholicvineyard.com/event/wine-womens-conference/

 Youth Mission Trip Meeting:

It’s not too late to sign up for this summer’s Youth Mission Trip.  Interested students and parents should attend the meeting on Sunday, January 18.  Meet in the St. Rafka Room after the 10:30am Mass.   Students who are currently in Grades 8-12 are eligible to go on the Mission Trip.  This is a great way to help others in need, grow in your Catholic faith, and meet new friends.  Contact Vince Hendren for more information:  vince@stgregorynb.org.

 Saturday Hospitality: Volunteers wanted
We are seeking people who would like to host our Saturday Hospitality on one or two dates through 2026.  The available dates are:  March 7, June 12, August 8, September 12, November 7, and December 12.  Please contact Joleen Pierce or Mary Determan for more information, or sign up on the sheet in the narthex.

Reclaiming Sundays:
“Invitation and Prayer”, January’s video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY-tONOKBvA&t=1s
As we have given attention to recreating on the Lord’s Day as God had designed, it is good to share the peace and joy we experience with others. To that end, invite someone else to share in your “Reclaiming Sundays” focus. One possibility would be to plan a Sunday dinner as a family but invite a neighbor to it. Another possibility would be to ask family friends to join you on a walk (bundle up…you’ll be fine!).

It’s here!  Vatican Unveiled at the Mall of America – January 10 through February 1, 2026:

The exhibit is open now through February 1.  Experience interesting historical perspectives, artistic items with old-world craftsmanship, and papal artifacts what show the humanity behind the leaders with Vatical Unveiled, the largest collection of papal artifacts outside of Rome.  Visit archspm.org/vaticanunveiled/ to learn more!  Tickets are now available to the general public on-site. 

Miriam Dinner for women ages 16-35 who are thinking about religious consecrated life.

Tuesday, January 27 at 6:00 pm at the Archdiocesan Catholic Center.  Registration is available here:  https://www.10000vocations.org/miriam-dinner.html

 Agape Dinner for Widows and Widowers- February 14:

All widows and widowers in the Archdiocese are welcome to share in this communal meal in token of Christian fellowship.  This annual dinner will take place at the Church of St. Peter in Forest Lake on Saturday, February 14, from 10:00am to 1:00pm.  The cost is $16 per person.  Please RSVP by February 2^nd by contacting Kathy Rubio at 651-982-2229 or krubio@stpeterfl.org.

Small Group Seeking New Members:

Come join our small group, The Holy Face of Jesus, on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of February and March, as we journey together exploring the 5 senses of Jesus throughout His most sorrowful Passion.   As an homage to the suffering that our Lord endured, we will recite The Holy Face of Jesus Chaplet, pondering His experience of Touch, Hearing, Sight, Smell, and Taste.  Chaplet materials will be provided. Please contact June Cierzan, Shannon Geier, or the Parish Office for more information or to sign up. 

Formed.org Catholic Resource – Video of the Week:  

Saint Francis de Sales: Pastor of Souls – St. Francis de Sales became a hero during the Catholic Reformation for his pastoral care and spiritual writings. Join Dr. Chris Blum as he walks through the life of this great saint, who is celebrated on January 24th!   https://app.formed.org/app/videos/582684/

 YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS: Contact Liz Long (liz@stgregorynb.org) with questions and to sign up.

Friday Fun Night:
The next Friday Fun Night for Grades 6-8 will be Friday, February 6, 6:00-9:30pm in the Parish Hall.  Please RSVP to Liz by Wednesday, February 4. 

Lifeline Mass at NET Center – Saturday, February 7, 6:00pm:
The next Lifeline Mass for 6th through 12th graders will be Saturday, February 7 at 6:00pm at the NET Ministries Center in St. Paul.  Please let Liz know if you have interested kids.  Transportation will be provided.  RSVP and permission forms are required by February 5th.

  LOOKING AHEAD:

Collecting Palms:

Place your old palms in the basket in the narthex before Wednesday, February 11.  The children of KIC will burn them at class on February 11 to make the ashes that will be blessed and used on Ash Wednesday, which is February 18.

 Youth Living Stations of the Cross:

Practices will begin soon for the Living Stations performance.   Children in grades 4 through 12 are welcome to join.  Contact Liz Long (liz@stgregorynb.org) if your child is interested in performing.  Don’t hesitate to request parts if there is a role for which you are particularly interested.