St. Gregory’s Newsletter 03/12/2026

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Thursday, March 12, 11:00am – Funeral for Richard Popp, may he rest in peace.   Adoration begins at 1:00pm.
• Thursday, March 12, 6:30pm—Baptism Prep Class, Parish Hall
• Friday, March 13, 7:00pm – Stations of the Cross, Church
• Saturday, March 14, 9:00am-Noon – Lenten Retreat at Sacred Heart
• Saturday, March 14, after 5:00pm Mass – Saturday Hospitality, Parish Hall
• Sunday, March 15, 10:30am – Children’s Choir at Mass; kids who want to sing should come to the choir area by 10:15am.
• Tuesday, March 17, 8:30am – Mass for St. Patrick’s Day!
• Wednesday, March 18, 6:00pm – KIC Class for Grades 1-5; Living Stations Practice
• Thursday, March 19, 5:30pm – Mary and Martha Women’s Group monthly meeting, Parish Hall
• Friday, March 20, 6:30pm – Reconciliation available until 6:50pm
• Friday, March 20, 7:00pm – Stations of the Cross, Church

Lenten Morning Retreat at Sacred Heart – This Saturday, March 14:
Open to all men and women!  Walk-ins welcome!  Please join us this Saturday, March 14, from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Sacred Heart for a Lenten Retreat on the Holy Face of Jesus Devotion.  Materials and refreshments will be provided.  While there is no set fee, a free-will offering is greatly appreciated.  This retreat will be led by Janae (Opatz) Bower who, as many of you know, grew up in the Sacred Heart parish and now leads pilgrimages and retreats across the country.  To RSVP, contact Sandy Pelant at 612-245-8986 (call or text) or email at sandypelant2012@gmail.com.  

Archdiocesan Men’s Conference – March 21^st:
Fr. Matt and members of the Catholic Watchmen group will be attending the 2026 Archdiocesan Men’s Conference (including Mass with Archbishop Hebda) at Fr. Matt’s previous parish of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Hastings on Saturday, March 21st.  Pre-registration is required, so reach out to Fr. Matt (fathermatt@stgregorynb.org) if interested.  Participants can leave from St. Gregory’s at 6:30am with a return around 1:30pm.

Reclaiming Sundays:
The theme for March is “Elevated Conversations”. The first activity for this month is something that a married couples group that Fr. Matt is chaplain for (Teams of Our Lady) does each month–sharing of your highs and lows in the past week (or month, as the case may be).  Such an open sharing allows friends and even family members to learn more about their loved one’s world; this is why time is given for a similar type of sharing in parish small groups.  Allow them to share freely without interrupting. You can follow up with questions or comments when they are done.

Roof Project for Zambia: 
So far, we have collected $5,520 towards this special Lenten almsgiving project for Fr. Andy Phiri’s home parish, St. Stephen the Proto Martyr Parish in Chipata Diocese of Zambia.  All funds collected will be sent to Fr. Andy’s parish.  If we exceed our $6,000 goal, the additional funds could assist in roofing the 2nd parish church in dire need.   We can ensure a safe and welcoming space for Fr. Andy’s community to gather and worship.  Donations may be placed in the wooden box in the narthex.  Make checks payable to St. Gregory the Great and note “Roof Project” in the memo line.

Sacred Heart Soup Suppers:
All are welcome at Sacred Heart on Fridays during Lent (until March 27th) for a Lenten Soup Supper beginning at 6:00pm and Stations of the Cross at 7:00pm.  It is a free-will offering.    

Saturday Hospitality: Volunteers wanted
We are seeking people who would like to host our Saturday Hospitality on one or two dates through 2026.   Available dates are:  June 13, September 12, November 14, and December 12.  Please contact Joleen Pierce or Mary Determan for more information or sign up on the sheet in the narthex.

New Lower Price — Archdiocesan History Books and Graphic Novel:
We are now offering the Archdiocesan 175^th anniversary books at a new lower price.  Add one or both to your home library for just $30 for the 500-page history book or $10 for the graphic novel.  Contact the Parish Office for your copy – 651-674-4056, donna@stgregorynb.org.

Formed.org Catholic Resource – Video of the Week:  
“The Trials of Saint Patrick” is a powerful journey through hardship, loss, mercy, and forgiveness. With skilled actors and cinematic elements, this captivating story comes to life, stirring the imagination and sparking inspiration.  https://app.formed.org/app/videos/582676/

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 (note: the bulletin listed the wrong age group) will be Friday, April 10, 6:00-9:30pm in the Parish Hall.  Please RSVP to Liz by Wednesday, March 4.

Lifeline Mass at NET Center – Saturday, April 11, 6:00pm:
The next Lifeline Mass for 6th through 12th graders will be Saturday, April 11 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 April 8th.

Summer will be here before we know it!  Plan now for your child’s/children’s Summer faith activity.   

• Totus Tuus (June 14-19) on-site at St. Gregory’s with a daytime program for grades 1-6 and evening program for grades 7-12.  (registration coming soon; contact Liz Long at liz@stgregorynb.org)
• Mission Trip (June 21-27) to the Catholic Heart Workcamp in Champaign, IL for high schoolers will join other youth from nearby parishes. (contact Vince Hendren at vince@stgregorynb.org)
• Extreme Faith Camp (July 13-17 – Middle school; July 11-17 – High school) at Trinity Woods Center in Trego, WI has openings for middle school campers (current 5^th-8^th grade) or high school mentors (current 9^th-12^th grade). (contact Liz Long at liz@stgregorynb.org)

LOOKING AHEAD:
Lenten Reconciliation:
The special opportunities for Reconciliation before Easter are as follows:

• Tuesday, March 24, 5:00pm – (Sacred Heart) Drop-in Confessions
• Tuesday, March 31, 6:30pm – (St. Gregory) Prayer service with two priests

Youth Living Stations of the Cross:
The performances will be Wednesday, March 25 (for KIC families and students) and Friday, March 27 at 5:00pm (open to all).  

Knights of Columbus Fish Sandwiches and Ham BINGO:
This annual meal and BINGO will be Friday, March 27 following the Youth Living Stations performance.  Food service will begin shortly after the Youth Living Stations performance.  BINGO starts at 7:00pm.
 
Mary & Martha Easter Basket Sale March 28 & 29:
The M&M Women’s group will have their annual Easter basket fundraiser sale after both Masses of Palm Sunday weekend (March 28 & 29).  They are accepting donations of themed baskets for people of all ages.  Please price your own baskets and bring them to the Parish Hall by Friday, March 27.