I think I have written before that if you want to study most religions, draw a circular diagram with the solar year and lunar cycles on it. Then fill in of all the religions yearly festivals and feast days and you will begin to see the relationships between them all and get a pretty good understanding of the tenets of their faith.

We have come to call this the ‘circle of life’, that co-mixture of biological cycles with celestial cycles. All too often this is represented as some sort of deterministic cycle over which we have no control. Even in the Bible, three of the heroes of the Nativity story are the Magi, or astrologers, who made their living trying to read the connections of the stars with the human life story. With our upcoming celebrations of the Passion and Resurrection, comes the culmination of our Christian circle of life. You would think this would take place in the fall, but it was placed at that time of year when in the northern hemisphere everything is about rebirth, which is re-flected in the central mystery of Christianity, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We save the celebration of the victory of Christ’s movement for the end of year with the feast of Christ the King, the evening of our year. Truly we have a circle of celebrations, but that does not mean circular thinking; we do not have to live in a repetitive, boring, “Ground Hog Day” universe. Our religious year might be circular but with each new year of entering into our feasts, we change and grow and because of this repetitiousness, we grow in depth and understanding. I suggest we are called to live in a mystical circle, repetitive but growing in depth as we age. What have I learned this year? Who am I today? How do I understand what it means to live a meaningful life? Welcome to Holy Week, let’s have fun in prayer and wonder.

Pope Francis says: “Let us be renewed by God's mercy, let us be loved by Jesus, let us enable the power of his love to transform our lives too; and let us become agents of this mercy, channels through which God can water the earth, protect

all creation and make justice and peace flourish."

Holy Week Schedule

Wednesday, March 23: Seder Meal at 6 pm in the Gym. RSVP required.

Thursday, March 24: Holy Thursday Eucharist Celebration, 7 pm in the Gym.

Friday, March 25: Good Friday Con-temporary Stations of the Cross at 3 pm and 7 pm in the Gym. Nursery available.

Saturday, March 26: Easter Vigil Ser-vice at 7:30 pm in the Gym.

Sunday, March 27: Easter Sunday Services at 7 am, 9 am & 11 am in the Gym. Family Mass for Easter at 9 am and 11 am in the Church.

Presider: Fr. James Cassidy

Today we follow Jesus path to Jerusa-lem and the conflict with the oppressive powers that leads to his death. The Palm Sunday Passion will be dramatically pre-sented by nine parishioner readers, our musicians and the St. Joan of Arc choir. Gospel singer, Robert Robinson joins the choir for this Wondrous Day of Our God. Welcome!

Thank you Tommy Barbarella, Anna Vagle and readers: Tinia Moulder, JP Fitzgibbons, Terrie and Eli Coats, Luke Jessen, Christopher Hermann, Jane Cavanaugh, Andrea Palumbo and Robyn Cook.

Come to the Church at 9 & 11 am for a unique pre-Mass telling of Jesus’ last days. See the result of our families’ Len-ten journey together: SJA families, actors and musicians join In the Heart of the Beast artists to create an unforgettable Palm Sunday experience. Family Mass follows immediately afterward.

Sun, March 20: Lk 19:28-40; Isa 50:4-7; Phil 2:6-11; Lk 23:1-49 Mon, March 21: Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11 Tue, March 22: Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33,36-38 Wed, March 23: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Matthew 26:14-25 Thu, March 24: Ex 12:1-8,11-14; 1 Cor 11:23-26; John 13:1-15 Fri, March 25: Isa 52:13-53:12; Heb 4:14-16,5:7-89; Jn 18:1-19:42 Sat, March 26: Genesis 1:1-2:2; Romans 6:3-11; Luke 24:1-12 Sun, March 27: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-9

Tuesday and Thursday morning 8 am Mass is celebrated in the Church with Fr. DeBruycker.

FFI check the bulletin, the SJA website or call the Parish Center. The Upper Room is located in the Parish Center; Hospitality Hall is in the Church basement.

Monday, March 21

Every Church a Peace Church, 6:30 pm in Hospitality Hall

Tuesday, March 22

8 am Mass in the Church

Wednesday, March 23

Seder Meal, 6 pm in the Gym (RSVP required)

Thursday, March 24

8 am Mass in the Church

Holy Thursday Eucharist Celebration, 7 pm in the Gym

Choir, 8:30 pm in the Church

Friday, March 25

Good Friday Contemporary Stations of the Cross, 3 and 7 pm in the Gym. Childcare available for children 5 and under.

Saturday, March 26

Easter Vigil at 7:30 pm in the Gym (1½ hour service). Reception to follow the service, to celebrate those newly welcomed into the church!

Sunday, March 27

Easter Sunday Services at 7 am, 9 am & 11 am in the Gym. Family Mass for Easter, Farmer Rick brings his baby animals to celebrate new life at 9 am and 11 am in the Church.

Norma Amaris, Arlene, Zach Arlein, Pat B., Ray B., Sally Backstrom, Lois Ballard, Lawrence Barnett, Dennis Barta, Linda Baule, Margaret Berger, Alex Briner, Sara Brock, Anthony Brixius, Lorraine Bryant, Tim Burd, Don Burke, Cody & Caleb, Gavin Carlson, James Cates, George C., Dayna Cell,

Malia Cole, Corinne, Dolores Cufaude, Barb D., John D., Manfred D., Roger D., Dan, Dean, Megan Daoust, Dave Dease, Chris & Larry Dease, Colleen Dooley, Anne Duvalley, John & Margaret Frees, Sr. Gabriel, Mary Gallagher, Megan Gooselaw, Ralph Gotto, Molly Gormley, Tom Griep,

Sr. Gabriel, Tom H., Linda Haeg, Brent Harapat, Jamel Harris, Mary Havstad, Bernhard Hering, Betty Hinker, Jim & Pat Hinton, Mary Hoody, Kathy Horner, Jody Hughes, Kirk Ingram, Cecilia Jaisle, Jamie, Judy, Joe, Dan & Tom Jay, Thomas John, Paul Jonsson, Judy Kadlec, Glen Kelley,

Liam, Paul L., Amy Lainus, Jim Lappen, Melinda Larsen, Rachel Larson, Jan LaVone, Dick Leahy, Gary Lindstrom, Kyle M., Chuck MacDonald, Anthony Marino, Jim Mars, Marie Marschel, Kahtleen Mazur, Katherine & Lauren McManus, Jackie Mead, Chuck Meiers, Mike, Dorothy Mongoven,

Morrie Mundahl, Nate, David E. Nelson, Craig Norby, Mary Noviske, David Novitske, Olivia, Tom O’Brien, Doris Oakes, Dick Olson, Paul Olvera, Pam, LuAnne Palmer, Rick Pattison, Joan Penrose, Bill Peterka, Elaine Pinckney, Dick & Mary Pirola, Barbara Pouliot, Nikki Poynter, Rusty Pueringer, Rene, Ruth Reese, Herb Rorke, Helen Russett, Rust Family, Tyler S., Conrad Sampair, Seissel Family, Dana Sell, Aileen Sheppard, Sam Slagerman,

Emily Slotness, Jeff Stearns, Tom, Irene Taddiken, Marge Tax, James Tax, Mike Tegedor, Matthew Tenant, Mary Eve Thomas, Gregory Thomas, Echo Thoren, Tim, Ann Tonskemper, John Tovsen, Carin Vagle, Leroy Vague, Darlene Wheeler, Carol Whitlow, Ian Wiek, Mary Witte, Phil Wixsten,

A Book of Prayer is located in our Gym vestibule. If you have a family member or friend who is ill, or who has recently died, please write their names in our Book of Prayer before Mass so we may include them in prayers during our Sunday Masses.

Prayer Corner Requests: To keep prayer requests current, names will be included in the bulletin for four weeks and then removed. To renew your request, please call Nancy Becker at 612.823.8205 ext. 223.

Sunday 9 and 11 am Gym Masses:

April 3: Presider: Fr. Cassidy

April 10: Presider: Fr. DeBruycker. Pre-Mass Speaker: Antonia Juhasz - peacemaker, activist, investigative journalist, leading oil and energy expert - will speak in Hospitality Hall on Tuesday, April 12 at 7 pm. Google this woman - she is amazing!

April 17: Presider: Fr. Cassidy. Earth Sunday: A celebration of creation in scripture, readings, incredible music and stunning visuals.

May 1: Presider: Fr. Cassidy. Pre-Mass Speaker: Author Barbara Roy will speak on caring for her husband when he was diagnosed with Alzheimers. Her book is called Under the Bridge Backwards.

May 8: Presider: Fr. DeBruycker. Children and Youth Sunday

May 15: Presider: Fr. Cassidy. A Special Celebration of Pentecost

May 22: Presider: Fr. Cassidy. SJA Picnic (beginning at Noon at Fort Snelling State Park)

SignUpGenius for Eucharistic Ministers is available online. It is simple, user friendly and a reminder is sent 3 days before your scheduled volunteer day. FFI contact Marcia at mkurtz@stjoan.com. Gluten-free Communion is available upon request. Please see

any of the Sunday sacristans in the Gym before Mass.

Choir: We sing for Holy Thursday service, March 24 at 7 pm and Easter Sunday services at 9 and 11 am. Remember the rehearsal immediately after Holy Thursday service in the Gym, 8:30 pm. Resume regular rehearsals on Thursday, April 7. Holy Week blessings to you!! Last Week our Soup Supper Free Will Offering collected $520.51 for Beacon Interfaith Housing. This week's Soup Supper offering will go to Mental Health Connect. Thank you! Seder, the celebration of Jewish Passover and prelude to

Christian Eucharist will be held on Wednesday, March 23 at 6 pm in the SJA Gym. This is a fun-filled, meaningful evening for the whole family culminating with a communal dinner. RSVP to the Parish Center.

Earth Sunday will be celebrated on April 17 at the Gym Masses. The "cosmic" story of our beautiful planet earth will be told in visual images, music, poetry and scripture by our SJA choir, musicians and six special readers. And God said, "This is good." Concert Series - Forever Everly: Sunday, April 17 at 7 pm a concert of great duets immortalized by the Everly Brothers with Paul and Tim Frantzich, Boyd and Aimee Lee, Mary Jane Alm and more! Tickets are on sale today after Masses or at www.stjoan.com. Expectant Family Blessinig: Are you looking to the arrival of a new member to your family, through birth or adoption? The SJA Prayer Partners offer a special blessing for you and your family on Wednesday, May 11 at 7 pm in the Church...a meaningful support in this time of anticipation and waiting. FFI contact Anna Vagle at avagle@stjoan.com. Shoes for the Homeless: Calvary Church in Minneapolis has a foot ministry, in which volunteers wash and groom the feet of homeless guests and give them a fresh pair of shoes. We are accepting donations of gently used shoes for this ministry. Only sturdy shoes and winter boots in good condition please. Ques-tions? Contact Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com. Adoptive Families Book Club: Our next selection will be the play, Watermelon Hill, written by parishioner Lily Baber Coyle. The play tells the story of three birthmothers who were residents of the Catholic Infant Home on St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill in the 1960s. We plan to attend the 2 pm matinee at the History Theatre on April 3. Join us! FFI ask Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com. Food Shelf Donations Are Needed: You are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items with you when you come to Mass on Sunday and place them in our food shelf bins, located in the entrances to our Church and Parish Center. Your food offerings are donated to the Foodshelf at Sabathani Community Center each week. Thank you for your willingness to help those in need.

Summary of contributions for the week and fiscal year. Includes plate, envelopes and estimated Sustaining Member payments.

Week of March 13, 2016

Actual $32,532 Budget $43,678 Prior Year Actual $39,025

YTD (July 1 – March 13) Actual $1,372,927 Budget $1,367,985 Prior Year Actual $1,335,064

Thank You!

Bring an Easter Egg (or a Dozen!) to Church! While decorating your eggs this season, consider adding a few hard-boiled ones, for our neighbors in need through Mobile Loaves & Fishes. ML&F pro-vides food to the homeless, preparing and delivering necessities to people in need. Help

them serve even more this Easter! Create a personalized egg to share. FFI contact Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com. Nominations Sought for New SJA Parish Council Members: SJA is seeking new members to join the SJA Parish Council. As an advisory Council to the Pastor, the Council is a visioning and planning body which listens to the community, aids in identifying needs and concerns, and helps to develop the Parish Strategic Plan. We are in need of parishioners who: Exhibit enthusiasm about the future direction of the Parish Willing to listen, speak honestly and work toward consensus Knowledgeable about our parish ministries Have been registered members of SJA for at least two years. You can nominate yourself or someone else by Friday, April 8. Nomination forms are available in the back of the Gym or Church, the Parish Center office or on the SJA web site (www.stjoan.com). Self nominations are welcomed. Completed forms should be sent to the Parish Center, attention: Dennis Heaney. All nominees will be asked to attend a Night of Information about the work of the Council on Thursday, May 5, at 7 pm in Hospitality Hall. A formal Night of Discernment and election will be held on Thursday, May 12, at 7 pm in Hospitality Hall. If you have questions about the Council or the discernment process we encourage you to contact any current member of the Council (listed on the SJA web site). More detailed written information is also available from Dennis Heaney at dheaney@stjoan.com or 612.823.8205 ext. 234.

Parking: Be considerate of our neighbors and their property. Please don’t block driveways or park in their on-street handicapped areas. Thank you!

Building Bridges, Confronting Islamophobia: The Basilica is partnering with Masjid An-Nur for an interfaith discussion on Sun-day, April 3, 1 - 2:30 pm in the lower level of the Basilica. Author and professor Dr. Todd Green will speak. The event is free and

open to all. FFI: jandersen@mary.org or 612.317.3477.

FFI on Pastoral Ministries contact Mary Ann Kelly-Wright at 612.823.8205 ext 231 or via email: mkelly@stjoan.com.

Mental Health Ministry: Next program is Monday, April 11 in Hospitality Hall. Mr. Dustin Chapman returns for a presentation on Navigating the Health System: Advocating for an Adult with Mental Health Concerns. Find out how to assist an

adult child, relative or friend. Light supper 5:45 pm, program 6:30 - 8 pm. Free will offering accepted. All are welcome. 1.5 CEU's available to students/professionals. FFI contact Mary Ann Kelly-Wright at the Parish Center.

Did You Know? The Minnesota Department of Human Ser-vices provides information and resources on mental health related issues. FFI go to mn.gov/dhs/mental health.

BeFriender Ministry: SJA BeFrienders are able to be a source of confidential support in difficult times. Find out more by contacting Carolyn Dobis, 651.485.2868 or Mary Ann Kelly-Wright at the Parish Center.

Parish Visitor Ministry offers phone calls, visits, prayer and/or communion. If you or someone you know is unable to join us for worship, or would like a long or short term additional connec-tion in the home, hospital or rehab/care center, contact Mary Ann Kelly-Wright at the Parish Center.

SJA/TRUST Grief Support: The Winter series recently con-cluded with our traditional Service of Remembrance. Thank you to TRUST grief coordinator, Norine Larson, the caring small group facilitators, educational presenters and especially partici-pants who shared their stories and experiences. As the series takes a break, please remember in prayer all who are grieving at this time. Watch for information on TRUST’s Summer Series at SJA, beginning May 19. FFI contact Norine at 952.925.2437 or Mary Ann Kelly-Wright at the Parish Center.

Palm Sunday Blessings: Today, we remember the entrance of Jesus and his followers into Jerusalem. Jesus rides in on a donkey, a marked contrast to the procession of the Roman Empire on the other side of the city. In that spirit, we lift up all of our parishioners and ministries who seek to follow

in the footsteps of Christ. Your efforts to bring God's love and compassion to the injustice and oppression of the empire in which we live today is a gift to all of us, and you truly transform the world with your witness. A blessed Holy Week, SJA! Nonviolence in an Era of Endless War: The next Every Church a Peace Church gathering will be here at SJA in Hospitality Hall this Monday, March 21, starting with a potluck at 6:30 pm and continuing with a presentation by Jack Nelson Pallmeyer. One of our most powerful voices for nonviolence and the role of peace-making in our faith journey, Jack is an Associate Professor of Justice and Peace Studies at the University of St. Thomas, and a returning favorite to SJA. All are welcome to attend. SJA Easter Project: Can You Help? On Holy Saturday, March

26, our SJA Sister Parish committee will construct an alfombra on the plaza outside the Gym. This carpet of colored sawdust is a Guatemalan tradition and an SJA tradition as well! No artistic talent is required to help create this beautiful work so join us for as much time as you’d like. This is and a great spiritual opportunity for families. FFI/to volunteer, contact rickcnelson@earthlink.net.

Pray for Our People at the U.S./Mexico Border: A delegation of SJAers, led by Rose Grengs, is at the border, learning from those who have risked so much to cross into this country. They will also meet with those who serve these brothers and sisters and will attend immigration hearings. Please keep this group in your pray-ers and join us on Sunday, April 10 in the Parish Center, following the 11:00 Mass, to hear their experiences. SJA Housing Ministry Volunteer Opportunity: On Saturday, April 2, please join our team of volunteers in our partnership with Urban Homeworks. A team of SJAers will spend the day rehab-bing a home that will provide beautiful and affordable housing to a low-income family. No experience necessary - a great day with great people!

Sister Parish Dinner and a Movie: On Friday, April 22, our Sister Parish committee will host a screening of the film Even the Rain - a Critic's Pick of the New York Times, starring Gael Garcia Ber-nal. Filmmaker Michael Moore wrote: "Even the Rain is a brilliant movie. At a time when the poor of the world seem to be rising up, I found myself deeply moved and completely enthralled by this film." The film will start at 7 pm in Hospitality Hall, preceded by a dinner of homemade tamales! Families most welcome to join us for dinner at 6 pm, although the movie isn't a film for children. RSVP to the Parish Center so we can get a count for food.

FFI on Peace & Justice programs contact Julie Madden at 612.823.8205 ext 228 or jmadden@stjoan.com.

SJA Outreach Fund: Our SJA Outreach Fund supports: Emergency financial assistance provided by our CARE Committee Justice Grants to organizations in which our parishioners

volunteer (next deadline May 1) Sustaining Partnerships with Mobile Loaves and Fishes; Sister Parish; Arm in Arm in Africa and Women Against Military Madness. We rely on contributions from our parishioners to make this all possible. To learn more, pick up a brochure in the Parish Cen-ter, or contact Julie Madden. Thank you to all who support this incredible work!

We form the faith of our community through participation in prayer, liturgy, sacraments, education, community and works of justice.

VIRTUS Class at SJA: To ensure safe environments for our chil-dren, youth and vulnerable adults all St. Joan of Arc volunteers who have regular or unsupervised interaction with minors or vulnerable adults, must complete a VIRTUS classroom session. If you have not previously attended a classroom session, the next one at SJA is on Thursday, April 14, 6:30 pm. FFI and to register for this ses-sion or a different session in the metro area, go to www.virtus.org.

Registration for Faith Formation 2016/17 begins April 3. Register online or computers will be available Sunday mornings in Hospitality Hall through the month of April.

Camp St. Joan 2016 Italy! Save the Dates: July 18 - 21. Regis-tration is online and filling fast, deadline to register is April 1. If you would like to join the Camp Planning Committee please contact Therese at 612.823.8205 ext. 230 or tpendleton@stjoan.com.

Feed My Starving Children: On Saturday, April 2, join other SJA families to pack food for children in need around the world. We meet at the Eagan site, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm.

Shine! Celebrating Your Gifts: Do you sing? play an instrument? dance or act? Have another talent? On April 16 at 10 am in the Church we will have a showcase for all children in 1st - 6th grade followed by a potluck lunch in Hospitality Hall. Each presentation may be up to three minutes. There will be a run-through on April 9 at 10 am. Register after the Family Masses or contact Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com. The first 25 acts to sign up will be in the show!

New to SJA? Meet a Mentor Family! Do you love SJA but find it hard to connect with other parish families? Would you like to be part of the many exciting SJA ministries, but don’t know how to get started? Sign up with a mentor family! Your mentor family will join you for coffee and cookies after a Family Mass to share with you the ways their family found a home at SJA. FFI, contact Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com.

: FFI contact Jennifer Gessner, at 612.823.8205 ext.

240, or jgessner@stjoan.com.

Our Nursery, located in the lower level of the Parish Center, is open for the 9 & 11 am Sunday Masses. The Nursery is a wonderful community of families and volunteers that allows parents to enjoy Mass and meet other families in the Parish. Drop-ins welcome!

: (Ages 4-Kindergarten) FFI contact Therese

Pendleton at 612.823.8205 ext. 230 or tpendleton@stjoan.com.

: (Grades 1-6) FFI contact Marie Bissonnette

at 612.823.8205 ext. 229 or mbissonnette@stjoan.com.

Schedule: March 20, Palm Sunday and March 27, Easter: No classes April 3 through May 1: Regular classes

: (Grades 7-12) FFI contact Donelle

Poling at 612.823.8205 ext. 241 or dpoling@stjoan.com or Kelley Deshler at kdeshler@stjoan.com.

Youth Got Talent: Are you in grades 7 - 12 and have a talent that you want to share? Come and audition on April 10 for Youth Got Talent! auditions are in the youth house starting at 12:30 pm. Sign up for auditions at CLUB or online! Youth Got Talent is on April 23 at 7 pm in the SJA Gym.

#TRUESTORY Middle School Retreat: For youth in grades 6 - 8.

Join us for an awesome new retreat at Young Life’s Castaway Club in Detroit Lakes! This re-treat will be packed with fun outdoor activities, live music, a speaker, community building, and great food! Retreat will be held April 15 - 17. Cost is $175 - scholarships available. FFI email Kelley at kdeshler@stjoan.com. Registration is online.

: FFI contact Dennis Heaney at

612.823.8205 ext. 234 or dheaney@stjoan.com.

Parish Book Club: We meet on the 2nd Wednesdays of the month to discuss our experiences with great stories. Everyone is welcome anytime! Here’s what to read next: April 13: The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom May 11: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kid

Women of SJA - Save the Dates: Saturday April 9: Coffee, Conversation and Connection, 9 -

10:30 am in Hospitality Hall. Cheryl Thomas, will speak on Women's Human Rights: Are Legal Solutions Working?

RSVP to the Parish Center or on online. Friday, May 6: Celebratory Event - Hats off to the Women of SJA, 5:30 - 9 pm in Hospitality Hall.

Releasing the Paralysis of Fear: Join co-leaders Rita Benak and

Mark Scannell on Thursday, April 28 at 7 pm in Hospitality Hall as we explore the powerful phenomenon of fear and the freedom we experience when we release ourselves from

it. RSVP to the Parish Center.

Click Here for more information on our supporters