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Free virtual event with Pope Leo open to youth, parents and leaders – Friday, Nov. 21, 9:15am
For the first time, Pope Leo XIV will engage in a live digital dialogue with young people in the United States. Register your parish group for the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) Digital Experience, a free three-part journey that offers a live broadcast of the Papal Dialogue, as well as follow-up resources for schools, youth ministries and families. If you cannot attend live, register anyway to receive a same-day recording and resources. Register your parish group today.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Thursday, November 20, 1:00pm – Prayer Shawl Meeting, off-site (call the parish office to join)
- Thursday, November 20, 5:00pm – Mary and Martha Women’s Group meeting, Parish Hall
- Thursday, November 20, 7:00pm – Knights of Columbus meeting, Parish Hall
- Friday, November 21, 9:15am – Bible Study, Romero House
- Saturday, November 22, 9:30am – OCIA class, Parish Hall
- Sunday, November 23, 11:30am – Sunday Hospitality, Parish Hall
- Sunday, November 23, 11:30am – Sunday School, Classrooms
- Sunday, November 23, noon – Youth Nativity play practice
- Sunday, November 23, 5:30pm – DOC class, Parish Hall
- Monday, November 24, 7:00pm – Foundations of Faith Class, Parish Hall
- Thursday, November 27 – Happy Thanksgiving! See below for detailed schedule changes.
- Friday, November 28 – Black Friday. See below for detailed schedule changes.
Happy Thanksgiving! Please note these schedule changes for the week:
Wednesday, November 26 – No KIC Class; Faith Formation office open 8am-4pm
Thursday, November 27 – Eucharistic Adoration 7:30am-8:20am only. Reconciliation 8-8:20am. Mass at 8:30am. Parish offices are closed.
Friday, November 28 – Reconciliation 8-8:20am. Mass at 8:30am. Bible Study at 9:15am. Parish offices are closed.
Mary and Martha Craft and Bake Sale – December 6 and 7:
The annual M&M Craft and Bake sale will be held Saturday December 6, 9:00am until 2:00pm, and after both weekend Masses. The M&M ladies will also host their Christmas Coffee Sunday on Sunday, December 7.
For all those crafty crafters out there – it’s time to get creative! Donations of crafted and baked items should have prices attached and dropped off by Thursday, December 4. Raffle tickets will be available next week for $10 each. Please ask an M&M member or stop by the parish office to get your tickets for a chance to win one of three gorgeous handmade items. See the photo below of the quilt, quilted tapestry, and woven table runners available as prizes.
Mary and Martha Monthly Meetings:
The Mary and Martha Women’s Group will not have a meeting in December. The monthly meetings will resume on Thursday, January 15th in the Parish Hall at their new time of 5:30pm.
Youth Nativity Play:
The youth nativity performance, which is open to all, is planned for Sunday, December 14 at 3:00pm. The performance will be in the church, followed by potluck dinner in the parish hall.
Lord, Renew Your Church:
Thank you to all in attendance at last weekend’s Masses who participated in our Commitment Weekend procession of pledge cards. Thank you for your willingness to learn about this effort, your support of our parish, and your commitment to our future and the vision of our greater Church. We need gifts of all sizes! Not only did we reach our goal, but we reached our stretch goal as well. Now 80% of every dollar raised will stay at St. Gregory’s. Imagine the impact we can make together! If you have still have a pledge card you would like to turn in, you may bring or mail it to the parish office.
Reclaiming Sundays:
During November, the theme for the “Reclaiming Sundays” initiative is “Beauty and Prayer”. To that end, identify a suitable location in your home and create a small sacred space (prayer table/family altar). Enlist contributions from everyone in your family to make it beautiful (flowers in a small vase, draw pictures for Jesus, etc.).
Action for this month: Create a sacred/prayer space in your home.
Advent Book – The Forgotten Way by Matthew Kelly:
Inspired by the often-ignored writings of Saint James, bestselling author Matthew Kelly has crafted a uniquely powerful guide based on one epic spiritual truth: Governing your speech is a sure path to holiness. The simplicity and practicality of this great spiritual truth make it remarkable. The Forgotten Way is our parish’s free Advent book for 2025.
Formed.org Catholic Resource – Video of the Week:
What Catholics Believe About Mary: Immaculate Conception, Virginity & the Rosary – Join Dr. Edward Sri as he answers some of the internet’s most asked questions about Mary. Who is Mary? Why do Catholics pray to Mary? How could she be a virgin if Jesus had brothers and sisters according to the Bible? Find out answers to these and more questions in this episode of What Catholics Believe. https://app.formed.org/app/videos/3561162/
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 3-5 will be Friday, December 5, 6:00-9:30pm in the Parish Hall. Signed permission slips are required by all youth who attend. Forms are available in the narthex and from the Faith Formation office.
The next Friday Fun Night for Grades 3-5 will be Friday, December 5, 6:00-9:30pm in the Parish Hall. Signed permission slips are required by all youth who attend. Forms are available in the narthex and from the Faith Formation office.
Lifeline Mass at NET Center – Saturday, December 6, 11:00am:
The next Lifeline mass (Lifeline Latinamente) will be Saturday, December 6th at 11:00 am at the NET Ministries Center in St. Paul. Please let Liz know if you have interested kids; this is for both middle schoolers and high schoolers. Transportation will be provided. RSVP and permission forms are required by December 3rd.
The next Lifeline mass (Lifeline Latinamente) will be Saturday, December 6th at 11:00 am at the NET Ministries Center in St. Paul. Please let Liz know if you have interested kids; this is for both middle schoolers and high schoolers. Transportation will be provided. RSVP and permission forms are required by December 3rd.
COMMUNITY EVENTS:
Stuff the Bus – This Saturday, November 22, 9am-3pm:
Please help 4.0 School Services of North Branch stuff the bus with food donations for the Family Pathways food shelf. All donations will be matched bag for bag by the 4.0 School Services company, the school bus provider for North Branch. The buss will be parked in the old Members Credit Union (soon to be Hungry Farmer) parking lot at 6241 Main St, North Branch.
Preschool and Kindergarten Informational Meeting:
Saint Peter Catholic School in Forest Lake welcomes all parents to open house style meeting on Tuesday, December 2, at 6:00pm. Tour classrooms, meet teachers, learn about the curriculum, and see how Saint Peter Catholic School can provide the foundation for your child’s success. Registration for the 2026-2027 school year begins January 6, 2026. Visit the school website www.school.stpeterfl.org or go to http://mytads.com/a/stpetersmn to apply for enrollment. (1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake, 651-982-2216)
Christmas Concerts by East Central Minnesota Chorale & Unum Vox:
This talented group, which includes our parish’s own Kathy Grace, is bringing their annual Christmas concert to Main Street Church (6500 Main St, North Branch) on Saturday, December 13, at 2:00pm. Don’t miss this chance to see them in town!
The other two concerts and locations are as follows:
Friday, December 12, 7:00pm – Immanuel Lutheran Church, Princeton
Saturday, December 13, 7:00pm – Cambridge Lutheran Church, Cambridge
Anonymous Santa of Chisago County:
St. Gregory’s is once again a collection site for new unwrapped gifts for kids in need in Chisago County. The bin is in the narthex now through December 15. This program serves kids from birth through 18 years, but the biggest need is for items for teenagers. They are also looking for volunteers for various roles and days December 14-20. Reach out to Charee (chareelynn@hotmail.com, 651-238-6453) to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
If you are a family in need this season, you may apply for this program at https://anonymoussantamn.com/apply. Applications are due Friday, December 5. Eligible families must live within Chisago County or the Forest Lake school district and have children up to age 18 (or over 18 if still enrolled in high school).
LOOKING AHEAD:
Get excited for Vatican Unveiled at the Mall of America – January 10 through February 1, 2026:
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 available for pre-sale now.
