PASTOR'S 2 CENTS FROM: FR. JIM DEBRUYCKER - ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH
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January 24, 2021
Pastor’s 2 Cents From: Fr. Jim DeBruycker
Let's start with a rundown of Jonah’s story: Jonah was chosen by God to preach repentance in the huge (2 days to walk across) Babylonian
city of Nineveh. Like all good prophets, he argued with God about his talents and suitability and then tried to run away on a ship. In the midst
of a great storm, the sailors realized they had an escapee from God on board and they cast Jonah overboard (I had to do thaton a fishing
trip once) to calm the seas. God sends a great fish, maybe akin to Jaws - I kid you not - to swallow him (our fundamentalist brethren are still
arguing what type of aquatic creature swallowed him.) The fish spits Jonah out, now convinced to go through with the preaching (Jonah
not the whale.) He preached up and down the city then left convinced they all were going to be obliterated. They all repented. While waiting
for their destruction, he complained about the heat and God gave him a plant for some shade. When Jonah realized God was notgoing to
destroy the city, he complained about all the trouble he went through getting here - and no fireworks. God tried to reason with him asking if
he thought he was important, “What about thousands of others… aren’t they valuable?” Jonah still pouted, so God sent a worm to eat his
shade.
Jonah is a truly interesting bible figure. Besides being probably the greatest whiner and complainer in the bible - or history - he was one
of the only successful prophetic preachers: everyone actually repented. In Jewish theology they recognize his satirical presentation as a
reluctant prophet, but more importantly, that God does withhold his anger when there is a true change of heart.
Christians often like to present the old testament God as a wrathful, vengeful God, but I often find the stories like Jonah’sreassuring. Old
Testament characters actually converse directly with God; they disagree, they question, they cajole…and God argues back. Of course, God
usually gets the final say…or lets someone get their way just to prove how wrong they can be. (Remember, always be careful what you pray
for, you may actually get what you want!) On the most amateurish of levels, I like reading the Midrash - the Jewish Rabbinic commentary
on the scriptures. It is not like reading a catechism as it actually presents differing opinions on the same story or verse,often including
comments on the intelligence of the presenter. Jonah was not completely unique.
Jonah is also hopeful in that he lets us know God can use anyone, even whiners and complainers, to do God’s work. (Thank you,God!)
Of course, that is how this reading fits in with today’s Gospel. In addition to the seaside setting, it also has to do with whom Jesus picks
for apostles. Though not necessarily the best nor the brightest, they are used to an advantage. Luckily, as usual, he has a cast of strong
women to pick up the pieces.
Many times, people ask how they should pray. Written prayers are good, but sometimes we really do need to argue with God to get God’s
opinion. And don’t worry about being a perfect vehicle, just offer yourself as available and God will find a way to use you.But - be careful
about complaining too much or God might send a worm to eat your shade.
Food Shelf/Toiletries Donations Needed: We will continue to accept non-perishable food items,
laundry detergent and body soap for Sabathani Community Center and toothbrushes, toiletry-sized
soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, and new, lightweight socks for Mobile Loaves Twin Cities. All
items can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9am - 3pm, in the bins in the Parish Center.
Thank you for your willingness to help those in need!
SJA Vision Statement
To be a visible, progressive, Catholic Community,
compassionate and welcoming to all.
No Gathering for Masses planned at this time.
The same applies to all meetings or gatherings.
Parish Center will be open 9:00am - 3:00pm Monday thru Friday
Visit: www.stjoan.com 4537 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419 612.823.8205 Fax: 612.825.7028
Our Liturgies from April through today’s will be available
through the St. Joan of Arc website. Celebrate virtually
with Fr. DeBruycker , Fr. Cassidy and the SJA
community. Watch online at www.stjoan.com.
Also join us online for our weekly Family liturgies.
SJA 2020-2021 Concert Series – Pre-recorded Concerts are
broadcast at 7pm on the following dates. Watch for FREE
(donations welcome) at stjoan.com
• Feb. 14, 2021 - SOFIA: Chambers Of The Heart – A Summary of contributions for the week and fiscal year. Includes
spiritual, open-hearted Valentine experience from this plate, envelopes and estimated Sustaining Member payments.
sublime trio: Carin Vagle, Tim Frantzich & Dean Magraw
Week of January 11 - January 17, 2021
• Mar. 21, 2021 – From My Backyard – Michael Monroe
Actual $54,178 Budget $30,667
presents music and reflections about Superior’s North
Prior Year Actual $32,032
Shore with photos by Jim Brandenburg.
Watch on demand after premier for FREE at stjoan.com - Thanks Year to Date (July 1 – January 17, 2021)
to our underwriters and SJA for making this series possible. Actual $1,057,058 Budget $1,148,338
Prior Year Actual $1,262,755
Blessings to you, wonderful SJA parishioners! We have tried our
best to connect with everyone, so if you didn’t hear from us, we THANK YOU for your continued generosity!!
probably don't have the correct information for you. You can go
to our SJA website and make any changes by clicking on Scripture Readings:
"Membership" on our homepage. Thank you!
Sun Jan 24: Jonah 3:1-5,10; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20
Are You Financially Stressed? In this difficult time, any SJA Mon, Jan 25: Acts 22:3-16; Mark 16:15-18
parishioners who are in need of confidential emergency financial Tue, Jan 26: 2 Timothy 1:1-8; Luke 10:1-9
assistance to maintain housing or utilities are encouraged to Wed, Jan 27: Hebrews 10:11-18; Mark 4:1-20
contact Julie Madden at jmadden@stjoan.com or 612.823.8205 Thu, Jan 28: Hebrews 10:19-25; Mark 4:21-25
x228. Our SJA CARE Committee is available and waiting to help. Fri, Jan 29: Hebrews 10:32-39; Mark 4:26-34
Thanks to all the donors to our SJA Outreach Fund, who make Sat, Jan 30: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Mark 4:35-41
this support possible. Sun Jan 31: Deut 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35; Mark 1:21-28
Prayer Corner: Please remember in your prayers those who are in need of healing:
Carol Anderson, Arlene Axelson, Bill, Marcus B, Dennis Barta, Phyllis Berninger, Rob Brown, Ellen, Erik, Linus & Lily Bendel-Stenzel, Elaine Boehm,
Marcia Boehnlein, Michael Branigan, Patty Brennan, Lorraine Bryant, Stacy Budd, Pam Burd, Sue C, David Carroll, Larry Clark, Barbara Cracraft,
Dan Crough, Culver family, Larry Dease, Jim DeBruycker, Joe Dooley, Linda Duffy, Ava Dunlay, Kathie DuRocher, Pete Eichten, Ellie Fitzgerald,
John & Margaret Frees, Michelle Fries, Daniela Garcia, Jim Green, Heidi Gregorich, Ron Guillfoile, Amy H, Bob & Sandy H, Christina H,
Linda & Tom H, MJ & Fred H, Jon & Rae H, Christina H, Judy Hilkemann, Brad Hinker, Jim Hinton, Gene Hniilicka, Megan Hoffman, Jan Horner,
Kathy Horner, Kathy Itzin, Ruth J, Tom Jay, Barb Janisch, Annie Kack, Alex Kalal, Brad Karkkainen, Glen Kelley, Chuck Kennedy, Paul Kennedy,
John Kingston, Sage Kirscht, Lois Koegl, Steve Kremer, Abby L, Helen LaFavor, Amy Lainus, Melva Larson, Pankraz Lechner, Theresa Little,
Bob Loftus, Chantilly Lynch, Claire Madden, Amy Matykiewicz, Dawn McCelland, Kate Meyer, Bob Miller, Rita Miller, Tom Moore, Bev Moran,
Royce Morrissette, Jack Muelken, Ted Mueller, Cheri Murch, Nate, Randy Naae, Rita Nelson, Craig Nordby, Dick Olson, Paul Olvera, Mike O’Rourke,
Colette Ott, John Palmer, Jacques Parent, Milo Parker, Jimmy Peterka, Alice Pirola, Gina R, Kevin R, Lourdes Ramirez, Carol Reiland, Ann Resemius,
Jack Riebel, Jean Rieck, Donald & Susan Roufs, Dorothy Rowe, Pat Russell, Sam, Monica Sausen, Don Schafer, Carter Schmidt, Phil Schmidt,
Colleen Schroeder, Pam Schulstad, Betty Scully, MaryAnn & Dick Seekamp, Gerry Sell, Jack Sell, Sam Slagerman, Harold Sonnek, Teddy Sparrman,
Joan Speltz, Ross, Doug Stahlke, Vivian Steblay, Carson Stier, Nancy Stockhaus, Rick Streng, Christine Stuart, Grayson Taylor, Matthew Tennant,
Dennis Thurmond, Glo Tonskemper, Arturo Torres, Al Traynham, Linda Underhill, Jesus Uz Tiu, Abby V, Carin Vagle, Leroy Vague,
Mary Sue VanVeen, Dave Velasco, Floyd Ward, Pam Washington, Marlys Weber, Bob Wedl, Jerry Wohnoutka, George Wolf, Morley Woodruff,
Michele Wylie, Dave Youngren, Edwina Zagami, Annemaire & Ava Zubrzycki, Bridget Zvirin
Prayer Corner Requests: To keep prayer requests current, names will be included in the bulletin for four weeks and then removed.
To add a name or to renew your request, please call the Parish Center at 612.823.8205.
We Ring the Bells! This Friday, Jan. 22, the UN International
Peace and Justice Treaty to Ban Nuclear Weapons goes into effect, and we will ring
our SJA bells at Noon in celebration. The US has not ratified this
FFI on Peace & Justice programs contact Julie Madden at
treaty, but, led by our SJA Peacemakers, we will continue to work
612.823.8205 ext. 228 or jmadden@stjoan.com.
to make that happen.
Huge ISAIAH Online Gathering in January: We Make MN LGBTQ+ Group News: FFI/to rsvp, please contact Ron at
Virtual Launch! On Sunday, Jan. 24, join hundreds of rejslp@aol.com.
fellow SJAers, and thousands of people of faith from • Zoom Happy Hour: Tuesday, Jan. 26, 6 - 7:30pm. This is
across ISAIAH member organizations, as we lay out such a great way to connect together with old friends and
a strategic plan for racial and economic justice in the new!
next legislative session. We will work on issues like paid family
leave, immigrant protections, affordable housing, and restoring SJA Housing Ministry News: We are all in on ending homeless-
the vote, and we are a powerful voice in Minnesota. FFI, contact ness in our community, and there are so many ways to participate
Julie Madden. in this sacred work!
• On Sunday, Feb. 7, at 11am, we invite you to a virtual coffee
We Resist the Line 3 Pipeline: SJA, through our Antiracism and and update on our Housing Ministry goals for the new year.
EcoSpirits ministries, is organizing a presence to stand with indig- You have a huge role to play in our work, and we will be very
enous leaders in northern MN to resist the Enbridge Line 3 pipe- excited to see you! RSVP to Julie Madden.
line. We will also organize support and advocacy for these re- • On Saturday, Feb. 27 (this is a change in date), join our SJA
sistance efforts. Why are we opposed? According to MN 350: team volunteering on-site to rehab a home or apartment
• This pipeline will add as much CO2 to our atmosphere as 50 building that will provide beautiful and affordable housing to a
new coal-fired power plants every day for the next 60+ years. low-income family through Urban Homeworks. No experience
needed! FFI/to volunteer, contact Julie Madden.
• It breaks tribal treaties. • SJA is the newest member of the Beacon Interfaith Housing
• It crosses 212 bodies of water in MN, including the Mississip- Collaborative, and we have a great interview with some of our
pi River, which means any leak could be catastrophic. leaders online - go to https://www.beaconinterfaith.org/blog/
congregations/a-community-of-collaboration/ to read it!
• The MN Environmental Protection Act forbids any massive
project that doesn't directly benefit Minnesotans. None of this "More Than a Single Story: Healing the Pain of 2020": Our
oil is destined for us, or needed by us. friends at Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality present this discus-
• During the official process, 68,000 Minnesotans spoke sion on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 6:30 - 8pm. Register at
against this project, and 4000 spoke in favor. wisdomwayscenter.org.
Call Gov. Walz (651.201.3400) and let your voice be heard now,
and contact Julie Madden to be involved in our SJA efforts. Parish Life
Men’s Retreat: Saturday, February 20, 9am – Noon via Zoom.
Immigration Policy Changes: The Hope and Work Ahead of Us. Theme: It Takes a Village – Where Do We
SJA's Welcome the Stranger ministry will host a two part discus- Belong? Led by Ron Joki, Mike Halley & Mark
sion on the possibilities for a new, just immigration policy that Scannell. To Register, please e-mail Mark
unites families, honors the dignity of work, and gives people the @ gasscann@bitstream.net. You will receive
chance to legalize their status in this country. Part I, on Sunday, a link just before the Retreat. Look forward to
Jan. 31 at 1pm, will focus on possible federal changes. A state having you with us.
policy discussion will follow, on Saturday, February 6. FFI/to
RSVP, contact Julie Madden at the Parish Center. SJA Mission Statement
Saint Joan of Arc is a joyful Christian community which
Mobile Loaves Twin Cities News: MLTC, a food ministry that celebrates the loving word of God in worship and action.
includes hundreds of SJAers as volunteers and lead- We transcend traditional boundaries and draw those
ers, has published its first newsletter, available at who seek spiritual growth and social justice.
www.mobileloavestc.org. MLTC has continued to We welcome diverse ideas and encourage reflection
serve our neighbors, even in a pandemic, and we are on the message of the gospel.
grateful for their outreach. We are committed to the equality of all our members
and strive to ensure their full participation
Antiracism Discussion: Save the date for our monthly discus- through liturgy, education and service.
sion, Sunday, Feb. 14 at 11am. FFI, contact Julie Madden. By these means we seek to empower all who come to grow
in wisdom and bring to reality the promise of Christ.
Pastoral Ministries Archdiocesan Synod: The Church Prepares - Please go to
https://www.archspm.org/synod/ for more information on
FFI on Pastoral Ministries contact Sherri Stella at 612.823.8205 ext. What's Next in Year 2 of the Synod. Beginning Jan. 20 - Virtual
231 or sstella@stjoan.com. Faith & Cultural Series-tackles widely misunderstood topics in
Monday Mental Health: Please join us for a Zoom Webinar Event Catholic teaching. https://thecatholicspirit.com/news/local-news/
Monday, Feb. 8, 6:30 - 8pm as Rev. Melissa Hensley, virtual-faith-and-culture-series-tackles-widely-misunderstood-
Ph.D., LICSW, presents, Smooth the Path When the topics-in-church-teaching/ Contact Cynthia at
Terrain is Rough. This is a free event. All are welcome. cmanns@stjoan.com with any questions.
To join us, follow the link on our weekly email blast. FFI
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation): It's not too late to join this
contact Sherri Stella at sstella@stjoan.com. To watch
year's RCIA group! RCIA will meet via Zoom bi-weekly
our previously recorded events, follow the link on the Mental Health
at 6:30pm. All materials are provided. Is this your year
Ministry page of our website.
to come into full communion with our church?
Contact Fr. DeBruycker at 612.823.8205
Family Mental Health: Join us via Zoom as Michael Borowiak,
MSW, LICSW and Callie Albaugh MA, LAMFT from Traverse
Parish Book Club: Wednesday, February 10, 6pm. Tribe by
Counseling & Consulting, present a series dedicated to helping Sebatian Junger To register and obtain the Zoom link, email
families navigate the challenges of COVID-19. Presentations are Lucy at lpetermeier@comcast.net
from 6:30 to 7:45pm on the following Wednesdays:
• January 27: Parenting Your Anxious/Depressed Kids in a Centering Prayer: Sundays, 10 - 10:30am. To register, email
COVID World Ray Spack at raymondspack@comcast.net.
• February 3: Grief, Loss, and Family Resilience During the
COVID Era
• February 10: What if Your Kid Says No: Practical Tips of How Faith Formation
to Manage Resistance and Defiance During COVID Times
• February 17: Help! Technology is Taking Control; Strategies Pre-school: (Ages 4-Kindergarten) FFI contact Magnolia
for Leading Young People in Healthy Relationships with Ditzler at mditzler@stjoan.com.
Technology
These are free events. All are welcome. To register, please contact Grade School: (Grades 1-6) FFI contact Marie
Sherri Stella at sstella@stjoan.com. Bissonnette at mbissonnette@stjoan.com.
First Reconciliation and First Communion: For those who are
The South Minneapolis Coalition for Grief Support provides
planning to prepare for First Reconciliation, we may begin to pre-
education and support on a wide range of needs and concerns for pare early this year, hopefully to be celebrated in February/March
those grieving. Speakers share their experience and knowledge on 2021. Children 2020 First Communion children who have regis-
grief and loss, and small discussion groups follow the speaker each tered and prepared do not need to prepare again. You will be in-
week. Groups are led by trained facilitators. You are invited to at- cluded with the 2021 group in whatever plans are developed. The
tend the next series, held virtually, starting Thursday, Jan. 21. 6:30
hope is to begin preparation in March 2021, and to celebrate in
- 7 pm - Speaker; 7 - 7:30 pm - Breakouts. Attendance is free, but late April, early May 2021. All plans are Covid-19 dependent! FFI
registration is a necessity. Please call 612.827.6159. Zoom details contact Marie, mbissonnette@stjoan.com.
will follow registration. Groups are open-ended and individuals may
join at any time. FFI, call Norine Larson at 952.925.2437. For a
schedule of speakers, go to www.trustinc.org. Youth Ministry: (Grades 7-12) FFI contact Rose Aspholm at
raspholm@stjoan.com or Brennan Hall at bhall@stjoan.com.
Help Parishioners In Need! If you are able to help members in our Confirmation 2020-21 Update: Due to the pandemic we have
community with things like picking up & delivering groceries please decided to postpone the start to our Confirmation classes until
contact Sherri Stella at 612.823.8205 x 231 or sstella@stjoan.com. spring 2021. Open to teens in 10th and 11th grade, our program is
grounded in relationship building, discernment, and service. If you
would like to be added to our contact list for teens and families
Adult Learning who are interested, please email Rose and we will keep you up to
date with our plans. raspholm@stjoan.com
FFI contact Cynthia Bailey Manns at cmanns@stjoan.com.
Trivia Night! Sun, Jan 31, 7pm. Families, groups, and/or individu-
SAGES sponsors Last Tuesday Seminar, Jan 26 at 4pm: als: here's your chance to flex everything you've ever learned, with
The topic is The Importance of Intuition. Mark Scannell will some pop-culture questions thrown in for fun. No studying or cram-
provide the input and there will time for discussion. To register ming required. Our themed rounds change every month! All are
for the Zoom link, please e-mail Mark Scannell at welcome, especially new-comers. See you there! Contact Rose
gasscann@bitstream.net. with questions and to get the zoom link: raspholm@stjoan.com
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