T h is M o nt h at Tra n sf i g u rat io n Lord, how good it is for us to be here!. . . Matthew 17:4
May 2015
t h e m o n t h l y n e w s l e t t e r f o r Tr a n s f i g u r a t i o n C a t h o l i c C h u r c h a n d S c h o o l
From Father Baer
Lots of Babies, Lots of Baptisms Over the past 12 months, we have celebrated 54 children’s Baptisms here at Transfiguration. (We have also Baptized 3 adults during this time.) Between now and the end of June, 13 more children will be Baptized. And these statistics reflect another wonderful trend: Many young families are joining Transfiguration.
Recently, a grumpy parishioner said to me, “This Parish is going backwards.” (It had to do with statues.) I responded, “Look around, we have a bright future!” Babies and young children are everywhere. And whenever a parish has lots of little ones, it gets a lot more of them. That’s because a young couple looks around carefully when they first visit Transfiguration to see if there are others their own age. They are especially eager to see if it’s a family-friendly Parish, a community that sincerely welcomes the next generation, strollers and diapers and crying and all. There are parishes that feel cursed by their demographics. That is, they are located in areas that do not have many young families anymore. We at Transfiguration, by contrast, feel twice blessed: The county’s population surveys indicate pockets of growth inside our Parish boundaries; and there are also many new families driving in from Saint Paul and Woodbury and Lake Elmo and beyond because they want a good, solid, meat-and-potatoes Catholic Parish and School for themselves and their children. A heartfelt welcome to all of you!
Christ Jesus Ou r Lord, Sh ine in Us!
C h r is t J esus O u r L o rd , S h i n e th ro u g h U s !
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Transfiguration Catholic Church 6133 15th St. North—Oakdale, MN 55128
Parish Office Hours
• Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. • Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon • Saturday 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. • Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon Parish Office phone: 651-738-2646 After hours emergency phone: Rebecca Minogue - 908-507-2970
Church Staff Pastor: Rev. Bill Baer.....................651-738-2646 Parish Administrator: Erin Ethier........................................651-501-2209 Director of Parish Life: Gretchen Sonnen............................651-501-2224 Administrative Assistant: Martha Praska.................................651-738-2646 Special Events/Communication Coordinator: Rebecca Minogue...........................651-501-2207 Parish Bookkeeping: Kim Connolly...................................651-501-2208 Director of Music: Mary Demko....................................651-501-2203 Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry: Justin Kortuem..................................651-501-2202 Family Formation Coordinator: Sue Hilo............................................651-501-2204 Maintenance Supervisor: Jerry Klaas........................................651-501-2245
Transfiguration Catholic School Grades Preschool–8 6135 15th St. N., Oakdale, MN 55128 651-501-2220
Principal: Tina Monosmith...............651-501-2216
This Month at Transfiguration
is an official publication of Transfiguration Catholic Parish. Submissions should be sent to Jean Yost, editor: yostgarden@comcast.net Although the goal is to publish articles in their entirety, all are subject to editing. This monthly Newsletter and the weekly Bulletin are both available on the Parish Website.
transfigurationmn.org
by Lisa DeLara, President
The Transfiguration Council of Catholic Women has had a very busy spring! On April 25, we welcomed Sister Clara Maria to come and speak to us about vocations and her personal vocation story. It was a wonderful morning, her talk was very inspiring, and we thank her for sharing her story with us. On April 27, we held our annual Potluck Dinner. It was a wonderful time of fellowship for our ladies. At the Potluck, we awarded the "Our Lady of Mount Carmel Scholarship." This scholarship will be awarded each year to a young woman who will be attending college in the fall. We were very happy to award our first scholarship to 18-year old Sophie Stella. Sophie is a fine example of a young woman who truly lives her life for Christ. She volunteers often around Transfiguration Parish as well as in her community and has a deep love for God and the Church. Congratulations, Sophie! On May 2 and 3, we have our 'pick up' days for our Plant Sale. We have been very successful with this sale and thank everyone who ordered plants this year. Finally, on May 8 and 9, we will be having our 2nd Annual Garage Sale. Last year, the whole Gathering Space was filled with items and we made close to $5,000.00. Please drop off any items you would like to donate to the sale on Wednesday, May 6 or Thursday, May 7. The money from both our Garage Sale and Plant Sale help us to continue funding things like the Women's Morning of Reflection, the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Scholarship, and the other good works we do here at the Parish. Finally, June marks a shift in leadership for the TCCW. As my term comes to an end as President, I am excited to welcome Melinda Stella as our new President. We would also like to thank Anna Kolb for her service on our Executive team and welcome Ann Merabella and Joan Dittman as new Executive members for this upcoming term. Thank you, ladies, for stepping forward and sharing your gifts with the TCCW.
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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults by Mike & Sharon Brennan On Easter, we welcomed with great joy: Robert Craig (St. Lawrence) Bear Rebecca Lynn (St. Monica) Colestock Keith Gordon (St. Dunstan) Kruse Amy Elizabeth (St. Therese of Lisieux) Meyer ...fully into the Body of Christ! God has blessed us all with their example. Thanks be to God!
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by Justin Kortuem, Director of Faith Formation, Confirmation and Youth Ministry Sixty-six students were Confirmed on a beautiful day at the Cathedral of St. Paul on Sunday, April 26. These students have been preparing for the last two years by researching Saints, doing corporal works of mercy, and lots of prayer. Rejoice with them and the whole Church as they begin to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Kingdom of Heaven!
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by Sue Hilo, Family Formation Coordinator
This year, we celebrated First Holy Communion Masses on April 11 and 18. We had 42 children from our Catholic School and Family Formation Program with their families and friends gathered around them as they received the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ for the first time.
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Totus Tuus is Back This Summer! by Sue Hilo, Family Formation Coordinator
Come join us for a week full of fun at our "Totus Tuus" (Latin for "Totally Yours") Catholic Youth Summer Program. A wonderful team of four trained young adults will be teaching our children about the Catholic Faith the week of June 14-19. The team arrives on Saturday, June 13, and stays with two host families that open their homes to the team for the week. The program is open to all children, from 4 years of age to Seniors in high school. We will need many volunteers to help out during the week, providing meals for the team, snacks for the children, and time in the classrooms or serving in the lunchroom. Please consider volunteering for this wonderful program. There are sign-up sheets in the Gathering Space under the Totus Tuus Bulletin Board. Check out the photos on the Bulletin Board from last year. The children going into 7th-12th Grade in the Fall will meet in the evenings from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14 to Thursday, June 18. The children in Pre-School through 6th Grade will meet 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. We will celebrate Mass, Stations of the Cross, Confession, and Adoration, and learn the Virtues and Beatitudes, and the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Children also enjoy singing songs, playing games and learning about Saints when the team acts out skits. Please pick up a registration packet in the Gathering Space for more information. Here is what some parents had to say about the Totus Tuus Summer Youth Program: • Just wanted to say "Thank you" to Transfiguration for bringing the Totus Tuus team here! • My daughter and niece had a wonderful time! They came home every day laughing and joking, retelling skits and songs but, more importantly, they came home more in love with Christ and His Mother through the Faith of our Church. • This program is such a blessing for the children and for our whole family! • I so hope that Totus Tuus will be back next year!! • The kids had a great time. I hope it's in the works to do it again next year! • The girls had a wonderful time at the night sessions. They will be back again next year! We hope to see your children participate this summer. Sign up before May 31 for the discounted price.
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Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
May 2015 Wednesday
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Thursday
Friday 1
Saturday 2 TCCW Plant Sale Pickup
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4
May Procession at 10:30 a.m. Mass TCCW Plant Sale Pickup 10
5
6
12
13
14
15
School Spring Instrumental Concert
18
19
20
Ascension
25 Pentecost
9 TCCW Garage Sale
Mother's Day
24
8
Young Adult Softball (every Monday)
11
17
7
Memorial Day
26
27
16 Berkenpas/Ladd Wedding
21
22
School Spring Music Concert
School Grandparents Day
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29
School & Church Offices Closed
31 Trinity Sunday
New Children's Choir Will Begin Rehearsals the Week of September 14 We are very excited to offer this opportunity! Open to students entering 4th - 12th Grade in the Fall. The students will rehearse one day per week, and will sing at one Mass approximately every 6 - 7 weeks. Please contact Mary Demko for more information at 651-501-2203 or mdemko@transfigurationmn.org.
23 Kloek/Lam Wedding
30 Parish Work Day 8:30 a.m. Brink/Pierson Wedding
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Transfiguration School Students Perform "The Big Bad Musical" by Tina Monosmith, Principal
Transfiguration School students just wrapped their fabulous theater production of The Big Bad Musical. Our First-through-Fifth Graders sang, danced and acted out a full-scale musical to sold out audiences! Ashland Productions comes directly to Transfiguration, working with our students, and helping them learn all about the theater, stage production skills, and developing their acting skills. The show was incredible and it is such a wonderful gift to be able to offer a true theater experience to our students! We are already looking forward to next year’s musical!
Transfiguration Catholic School is Now Enrolling! by Tina Monosmith, Principal
Where Can You Find a Traditional Catholic Education and Small Class Sizes in Addition to Language and Fine Arts for Every Student? At Transfiguration Catholic School — call us today at 651-501-2216
Transfiguration Catholic School provides a strong educational foundation in every curriculum area, including music and languages. Through small class sizes and a proven curriculum, we are able to give each child the individual attention they deserve to achieve their future educational goals and grow both spiritually and intellectually at a price that is affordable for families. Transfiguration Catholic School prepares students for High School, life and leadership through: • Traditional Catholic Education • Digital Learning Initiative & 1:1 iPad Program • Small Class Sizes • Music & Language for Every Child • High Academic Standards • No Common Core Testing • Instilling Dignity, Respect & Prayer • Outstanding Athletics for Boys & Girls • Enrichment & Fine Arts for All Grade Levels • Affordable Tuition: Only $3,825 Per Year Contact our School Principal, Mrs. Tina Monosmith, at 651-501-2216 or tmonosmith@ transfigurationmn.org, for a personal tour of our exceptional Catholic School. A traditional Catholic education provides students with so much more than a strong academic foundation; it infuses our Catholic Faith into every area of the curriculum. In a Catholic school environment, students have the opportunity to build moral character, develop a strong prayer life, learn about their Catholic Faith, and prepare to be people of faith as they enter into the High School environment and beyond. Consider Transfiguration Catholic School today! Now enrolling! Visit us online at www.transfigurationmn.org/school.
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Declamations at Transfiguration Catholic School by Barb Schmitz, Enrichment Coordinator
It is said that one of the greatest fears people have is the fear of public speaking. At Transfiguration Catholic School, all 7th and 8th Graders must overcome that fear in the annual Declamation Contest. Developed almost 30 years ago by former Principal Ted Zarembski and teacher Art Komarek, the declamations assignment is designed to give students practice in speaking before a large group in a safe atmosphere. On April 23 and 24, sixty-five 7th and 8th Graders performed their declamations on a stage in the Church Gathering Space in front of their peers and family members. Some recited classic speeches, some recited comedy monologues, and others chose passages from storybooks. Each student chooses his or her piece, and most use costumes, props, and sets to enhance their performances. Students do not read from a printed copy of their declamations; rather, all declamations are recited from memory, and must be at least 500 words long. Students receive a grade for their work in their Reading/Communications class. Students are judged
by a panel of teachers on accuracy of the piece, enunciation, originality (costumes and props), and stage presence. Those judged the best by the judges (the “Top Ten”) performed again on April 27, when First, Second, and Third places were awarded by another panel of judges. Declamations is a unique assignment in an elementary school, and although it can be challenging, most students agree that it is an entertaining, positive experience that will serve them well in the future. Says 8th Grader Alex B., “Declamations take a lot of preparation and planning. After positive feedback from the judges and your peers, you’re proud of your effort. It’s nice to make it into the ‘Top Ten’ because you get to listen to nine of the other declamations that were judged ‘best.’ Declamations set you up well for future public speaking opportunities.” Another 8th Grader, Jack M. says, “Declamations are a good way to prepare us to speak in front of a large group. Declamations are fun, and a project I enjoy doing. Making the ‘Top Ten’ is exciting, especially hearing your name announced over the School loudspeaker!”
Top Ten Declamation Winners: Elise A., Maria B., Caralyn C., Gabe H., Nik J., Jack M., Caitlin O., Hayley P., Lauren V., Joe W.
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Knights of Columbus in Action — The Ten Commandments Monument by Mike Braun, Grand Knight, Father Finley Council, #4374
Brother Knights Leroy Martin and Bob Altman, ready to slide the monument on the lift gate. It started with a casual statement that a monument of the Ten Commandments for indoor display was available in Crystal, at St. Raphael’s Convent. The comment was heard by the Knights of Columbus Chaplain, Father Baer. Father gave the Sisters at St. Raphael's the phone number of brother Knight Mike Schilling. Mike quickly committed to taking the monument off their hands, so they knew it would have a good home, and would be picked up after Easter.
Brother Knight Jerry Klaas pulls the monument up the incline to the School.
Mike called around, looking for a way of picking up and transporting this monument. The monument is 24 inches wide, 40 inches long and 62 inches high, and weighs about 800 pounds. Various ideas were analyzed, but it was decided to rent a truck with a lift gate as the means of getting it done. Brother Knights Mike Schilling, Bob Altman and Jerry Klaas went to pick up the monument on April 14. The Knights attended 8:00 a.m. Mass that morning, a terrific way to start this endeavor, then picked up the rental truck, and were on their way by 9:10 a.m., arriving at St Raphael’s location about 9:45 a.m. They loaded the monument and were off, arriving back at Transfiguration about 10:45 am. Brother Knights Justin Korteum and Leroy Martin and some custodians were on hand to help with the unloading. The lift gate truck eliminated the need for a lot of people. Brother Knights Jerry Klaas, Bob Altman, and Leroy Martin uncrated the monument and, with Fr. Baer and Principal Tina Monosmith, it was set into position in the School.
The monument in School with Brother Knight Bob Altman.
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by Justin Kortuem
Over 90 men and their sons came to Catholic Man Night on Thursday, April 23, for Adoration, Confession, cold drinks, a steak dinner, fellowship, and inspiration to steer clear of the enemy's traps. The topic for the night was "Spiritual Combat: Three ways the devil tries to trick men." Father Baer outlined ways men get tricked by the devil and how to combat them. Following Adoration, dinner started with a new tradition of fathers honoring their sons. This time, it was two fathers honoring their sons
who were to be Confirmed in just three days. Another exciting initiative introduced at the dinner was a Bible course starting this Spring for fathers to read the Bible to their children. The first course will go through the Acts of the Apostles. Our next Catholic Man Night will be Thursday, June 11, starting at 6:00 p.m. The topic for the night is "Islam and the Catholic Response." For more information on how to join a Men's Group or to read the Bible to your children contact Justin Kortuem at jk o rt u e m@t ra n s f ig u ra t io n mn . o rg .
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My name is Debbie Kruse and I am a new member of Transfiguration Parish (January 2015). One reason that I joined this Parish is the Prayer Shawl Ministry. After speaking with Gretchen Sonnen, I am hoping to resurrect this ministry to what it once was. As the new facilitator, I am inviting others to join our group of knitters and crocheters, as we reach out to those in need of comfort and support, as well as celebration and joy. We have prayer shawls available, in many colors and styles, to be given to family and friends who are grieving a loss, health issue, or other stress in their lives, as well as celebrating a birth, graduation, anniversary or other joyful events. "Prayer Shawls are symbolic of an unconditionally loving God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover and give solace. Those who receive these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed." (Written in 1998 by Janet Bristow, one of the founders of Shawlministry.com). by Debbie Kruse
Watch future Sunday Bulletins for details. For more information about this rewarding ministry, please contact me at 651-307-7205 or (preferred) krsnkruses@aol.com.
Couples for Christ by Del Sliter
Couples for Christ (CFC) are families in the Holy Spirit renewing the Face of the Earth — moved by the Holy Spirit, united with the Catholic Church, blessed to witness to Christ’s love and service. Couples for Christ is a united global community of family evangelizers that sets the world on fire with the fullness of God’s transforming love. We are committed to live in God’s righteousness and holiness, evangelizing people through a life of love and service; we work for the renewal of families that will serve God and build generations of Christian leaders; and we pursue total Christian liberation through social justice, respect for life, and work with the poor. In March 11, 2000, CFC was granted Vatican recognition as an International Association of the Faithful of Pontifical Right, through the Pontifical Council of the Laity. In April 25, 2005, the Vatican confirmed CFC’s recognition and issued the definitive approval of its International Statutes. Couples for Christ has different ministries which we call “From Womb to Tomb”: Kids for Christ, CFCYouth, Singles for Christ, Handmaids of the Lord (single matured women, widows, separated or divorced, single parents), Servants of the Lord (single matured men). How to get involved? Please attend the Christian Life Program Informational night on Friday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. here at Transfiguration or you can call Joe Malinao at 952-994-1290 with any questions.
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Transfiguration Catholic School Has Two Champion Sports Teams by Matthew Weingartz, Athletic Director
Transfiguration Young Adult Co-Ed Softball Team by Justin Kortuem
Come cheer on your Parish team this summer! All games are played at Walton Park, east of Transfiguration on 15th Street.
2014 8th Grade Volleyball Catholic Athletic Association and Twin City Champions Front Row(L to R): Lauren V., Lauren H., Maria W. Back Row: Erika Hiestand, Hayley P., Elise A., Emily A., Mallory S., Joe Hinrichs
May 4, 8:15 p.m. May 11, 7:15 p.m. May 18, 8:15 p.m. June 1, 6:15 p.m. June 8, 7:15 p.m. June 15, 6:15 p.m. June 22, 9:15 p.m. June 29, 7:15 p.m. July 6, 9:15 p.m. July 13, 6:15 p.m. July 20, 7:15 p.m. July 27, 8:15 p.m. August 3, 9:15 p.m. Want to play? Email: jkortuem@transfigurationmn.org
2015 8th/7th Grade Girls Basketball Catholic Athletic Association Class “B” Champions Front Row (L to R): Caralyn C., Alyssa M., Megan M. Middle Row: Elise A., Lauren V., Gracie K., Hayley P. Back Row: Todd Klingsporn, Joe Hinrichs, Lauren H., Kate H., Joe Hangge
Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID St. Paul, MN Permit No. 4243
Transfiguration Catholic Church and School 6133 15th Street North Oakdale, MN 55128 651-738-2646
I n s i de T h is Is s u e ... Baptism..........................................Front Cover
School: Students Perform The Big Bad Musical....10
Church/School Staff Information..............................2
School: Now Enrolling............................................10
TCCW News............................................................2
School: Declamations.............................................11
RCIA/Easter Vigil......................................................3
Knights of Columbus: The Ten Commandments....12
TCCW Garage Sale.................................................4
Catholic Man Night.................................................13
Confirmation...............................................................5
Prayer Shawl Ministry.............................................14
First Holy Communion..............................................6
Couples for Christ...................................................14
Totus Tuus...............................................................7
Young Adult Co-Ed Softball Team..........................15
May Calendar...........................................................8
School: Two Champion Sports Teams....................15
Summer Upcoming Events......................................9