UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Saturday, August 1, 9:00am – First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart (Rush City)
• Saturday, August 1, after 5:00pm Mass – Evening Prayer (Church)
• Wednesday, August 5, 6:00pm – St. Gregory’s Grill & Gather, (Parish Hall & Outdoors)
• Saturday, August 8, 6:00pm – Saturday Hospitality, (Parish Hall)
• Sunday, August 9, 11:30am (after 10:30am Mass) – Becoming Catholic Inquiry Session; details below (Cry Room)
• Monday, August 10, 7:00pm – “No Greater Love: A Walk Through Christ’s Passion” Video Series, (Parish Hall)
• Wednesday, August 12, 5:00pm – Youth Altar Server Training for new and returning servers, (Church)
• Thursday, August 13, 6:30pm – Baptism Prep Class, (Parish Hall)

St. Greg’s Grill and Gather:  Wednesday, August 5
Maybe we can catch a break from the heat for our 3rd and final Grill and Gather on Wednesday, August 5.   If you missed the last one, you missed seeing Father Matt lead an impromptu dance party!  This is meant to be a fun and friendly evening for parishioners of all ages, and all members of St. Gregory and Sacred Heart parishes.   Food and fun begin at 6:00pm.  We will have hot dogs, root beer floats, bingo, games, cribbage tournament, face painting and more, extending to 8:00pm.  All you have to do is join us and bring a lawn-chair!!   Events will take place outside and in the parish hall of St. Gregory’s.  This will be a rain or shine event!    

Becoming Catholic:  OCIA Inquiry – An Informal Meeting, Sunday, August 9 at 11:30am
On Sunday, August 9 at 11:30am (after the 10:30am Mass), Fr. Matt will be offering a “Becoming Catholic” inquiry session in the Cry Room.  This will be an informal session for any adult who is interested in joining the Catholic faith.  No need to register – just show up, grab some refreshments from our Coffee Sunday Hospitality in the Hall, and then head into the Cry Room, for a discussion with Fr. Matt.  
            This process for Adults and Children over 7 used to be called the RCIA process but now it is called the OCIA process (Order for the Christian Initiation of Adults).   The class is set to begin in September, but the day of the week will depend on those who are interested.  Current Catholic parishioners are encouraged to invite their non-Catholic friends, neighbors, or family members who may in interested in joining the church.   If you have any questions or if the concerned person(s) are unable to attend (but are still interested), please contact Fr. Matt (fathermatt@stgregorynb.org) or the St. Gregory’s Office (ideally before the meeting).

Registration for Fall Faith Formation OPEN NOW!
Registration is now open for the 2026-27 formation year.  We have programs on Wednesday evenings for children and youth from Pre-K through 9th grade. 10th grade students will complete their Confirmation program on Sunday evenings.  Use this online form to register and pay:  https://www.myegiving.com/App/Form/ac53b10d-9501-442b-88b7-90270c2f3aae    Paper forms are available in the Narthex and Parish Office.
          Registration prices will increase on August 29th.  We can’t wait to see everyone back here on Wednesday, September 16th.

Seeking Fluent (or Semi-Fluent) Spanish Speaker
We would like to make St. Gregory’s a home for everyone, including those for whom Spanish is their primary language. Do you or someone you know have fluency (as least to a degree) in Spanish?  Fr. Matt has some intermediate Spanish, but it would be helpful to have a parishioner available who could at least translate for things like Baptism requests.  Please contact the office if you are willing to help.

Vote in the Primaries – Tuesday, August 11
As Catholics and faithful citizens, Archbishop Hebda invites you to form your conscience, inform yourself about local candidates, and participate in the primary election on August 11th.  
View a video from Archbishop Hebda here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=8zzuoIk3l9Y&t=28s
Find more resources on the Minnesota Catholic Conference website: https://www.mncatholic.org/election2026 

Altar Server Training – Wednesday, August 12 at 5:00pm
There will be an altar server training session for all new and current youth altar servers on Wednesday, August 12, at 5:00pm.  Please meet in the church.  If your child is unable to attend, please contact Father Matt directly to make other arrangements.  Children who have been receiving Holy Communion for at least one year may be eligible to become altar servers.  Parents of interested children should reach out to Father Matt prior to August 12.  

Fostering Vocations Group Kickoff – Friday, August 14 at 6:00pm
Join Fr. Matt, seminarian Jacob O’Meara, and other interested parishioners on Friday, August 14 at 6:00pm at St. Gregory’s Parish Hall for the Fostering Vocations group kickoff meeting.  The goal of this group is to foster vocations at St. Gregory’s and Sacred Heart.  The group will meet approximately three times a year to discuss how to encourage parishioners to consider vocations to become priests, religious sisters and brothers, deacons, and wives and husbands married in the Church.  To be added to the email list, please contact Fr. Matt (fathermatt@stgregorynb.org).

Pints with Padre: Thursday, August 27
This Summer event is returning on Thursday, August 27.  All adults of both parishes are invited to join Fr. Matt at The Fort Restaurant & Bar (80 W 4th St, Rush City).  Gather at 6:00pm, talk by Fr. Matt on the 7 Deadly Sins with Q&A at 6:30pm, and then hang out afterwards.  

Reclaiming Sundays:  August – Service
The following quote from “On Keeping the Lord’s Day Holy” (Dies Domini) by Pope St. John Paul II may be helpful for understanding the importance of service: “Inviting to a meal people who are alone, visiting the sick, providing food for families in need, spending a few hours in voluntary work and acts of solidarity: these would certainly be ways of bringing into people’s lives the love of Christ received at the Eucharistic table” (#72).
                One activity to especially focus on this month is to spend time with your neighbors. The Night 2 Unite (a.k.a. National Night Out) is Tuesday, August 4, so perhaps your neighborhood plans a gathering on that day. In North Branch, there will be a city-wide celebration from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Central Park (6250 Main St.). Alternatively, you could bring a neighbor-in-need some flowers and/or cookies.
            August Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzPIYfi7FPE&t

Formed.org Catholic Resource – Video of the Week:  
The Violinist: Stories of Solanus Casey is a must-watch documentary that chronicles the inspiring life of a humble Capuchin friar known for his deep faith, simplicity, and profound impact on those he served. Featuring personal stories from the people who knew Bl. Solanus, the film showcases his remarkable ability to inspire others, sharing heartwarming anecdotes about his modest lifestyle and passion for playing the violin.   https://app.formed.org/app/videos/3287491/

FALL FESTIVALS & OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS:
Soon, it will be Fall Festival season, including for our two parishes.  Here is a brief list of upcoming events:

• Saturday, August 8, 11am-9pm – Corn Days at Church of St. George (Fr. Shane’s current parish) (133 North Brown Rd, Long Lake) www.corndays.com
• Tuesday, August 11, 6pm-8pm – Stuff the Bus with School Supplies, North Branch Central Park during Concerts in the Park
• Sunday, August 16, 11am-3pm – St. Genevieve’s Parish Festival (6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville) www.stgens.org
• Saturday, September 5, 6pm-10pm – St. Bridget of Sweden Block Party (Hwy 8, Lindstrom) www.stbridgetofsweden.org
• Sunday, September 13, 10am-2pm – Sacred Heart Fall Festival; Food begins at 11am (415 W. 5th St, Rush City)
• Sunday, September 27, 11:30am-2pm – 45th Annual Booya and Fall Festival at St. Gregory!  Details coming soon for donations needed, raffle tickets, and volunteer opportunities.  

Formed.org Catholic Resource – Video of the Week:  
St. Bridget of Sweden:  Join Dr. Carl Vennerstrom and Mary McGeehan as they dive into the life of this medieval saint: St. Bridget of Sweden. A wife, mother, and visionary, St. Bridget was an evangelist both inside and outside the home. St. Bridget’s visions of Christ’s Nativity have greatly influenced its depiction in Christian art. Watch to find out more!   https://app.formed.org/app/videos/2760681/

FALL FESTIVALS & OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS:
Soon, it will be Fall Festival season, including for our two parishes.  More details coming soon about how you can support the 45th Annual Booya and Fall Festival here at St. Gregory’s.

• Saturday, August 8, 11am-9pm – Corn Days at Church of St. George (Fr. Shane’s current parish) (133 North Brown Rd, Long Lake) www.corndays.com
• Tuesday, August 11, 6pm-8pm – Stuff the Bus with School Supplies, North Branch Central Park during Concerts in the Park
• Sunday, August 16, 11am-3pm – St. Genevieve’s Parish Festival (6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville) www.stgens.org
• Saturday, September 5, 6pm-10pm – St. Bridget of Sweden Block Party (Hwy 8, Lindstrom) www.stbridgetofsweden.org
• Sunday, September 13, 10am-2pm – Sacred Heart Fall Festival; Food begins at 11am (415 W. 5th St, Rush City)
• Sunday, September 27, 11:30am-2pm – 45th Annual Booya and Fall Festival at St. Gregory!  Details coming soon for donations needed, raffle tickets, and volunteer opportunities.