• VBS

    VBS is back and our theme is, Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light. We are returning to our traditional week this year. We will spend each morning of the week singing, dancing, learning about our Catholic faith, and building community. Children in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade will register as campers.

    We are looking for 6th grade - high school helpers along with adult volunteers to make VBS a celestial success!

    All youth volunteers need to have 2 non-family adults submit a character reference. Please send the link below to family friends, teachers, coaches, bosses, counselors/deans, etc. asking them to complete and submit those forms before VBS week (July 24th -28th).

    2023 VBS Youth Volunteer Character Statement

    If you have any questions, email us at vbs@st.odilia.org.

    Please see FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS for VBS HERE!

     

    High School Youth MinistryMetanoia Club

    We have begun.  We have dates on the calendar.  We will start the fun!
    Come and enjoy spending time together with old friends and new.  May 21st will be our first Club Event for High School students, followed by June 4th and June 18th. The Club will begin by building character through fun and games, and prepare everyone for supporting our first major event of the year, our VBS  from July 24th-28th.

    Please send me any questions about any of the event dates.  We will need some help supporting our kids through our adults, even if you feel you are not qualified, you are.  I would also like to begin to grow our young adults who have completed high school and want to come back time to time to help develop the Faith in our kids.

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    As a program designed to protect our youth, and adults who help coordinate events within our Catholic communities, our diocese will require VIRTUS TRAINING for all adults willing to help.  It might sound like something you don’t want to do.  I urge you to help, regardless of the short time involved in preparation for this training. It is important to understand why we do this.  Please find my information here.  And reach out asap.  The training can be explained through a direct email from me.  Please send me an email manning@stodilia.org or text/call to 612-910-1991.

    Catholic Youth Summer Camp

    What is Catholic Youth Summer Camp?

    Catholic Youth Summer Camp is the premier high adventure camp packed with incredible activities! High ropes, paintball, blobbing, zip lines, a climbing wall, and more! Extreme Faith Camp is integrated closely with our host parishes, guaranteeing that summer camp is not just a mountaintop faith experience, but one that builds lifelong foundations of faith.  Our faith programming is founded in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church, and our mission and work is anything but boring.

    This year we have entered into collaboration with Catholic Youth Summer Camp, an Ohio camp whose mission is to awaken, empower, and equip a generation to live the adventure of the Catholic faith through world-class programs and an environment of encounter.

    Click HERE to the camp's website with full details.   

    Extreme Faith Camp 2021 will be hosted at Trout Lake Camps in Pine Ridge, MN.  

    Register on their website 

    Who can participate?

    The camp is for current 6-8 grade students, but high schoolers and adult leaders can join in by being small group leaders.

    The Church of St. Odilia is the recipient of a generously donated seven-volume Heritage Edition of the St. John’s Bible! 

    The John Roberts Company, a printing firm in Coon Rapids, donated a copy of the Heritage Edition of the St. John's Bible to St. Odilia.

    St. John’s Bible Presentation before 6pm Mass!

    Join us in the Courtyard, Sunday April 16th before the 6:00 Mass for a presentation of the St. John’s Bible. View the museum-quality art reproduction of the original bible and see first-hand the splendor of this work. This is an opportunity to see, hear and learn more about this inspirational undertaking. 

     

    Click on the image above to hear the story of how St. Odilia received this tremendous gift in memory of long-time parishioner Robert Keene, father of Michael Keene, who is now the owner of the John Roberts Company.

    The St. John's Bible is the first handwritten and illuminated bible in 500 years. The Heritage Edition is a limited-edition full-size reproduction enhanced by hand with real gold and silver foil applications and leather-covered binding. When the cover is closed, it's 2 feet by 3 feet and each volume weighs approximately 20 pounds. Read more HERE.

    Watch the bulletin, eNews and website for other upcoming events where we plan to share this tremendous gift with our community.

  • St. Odilia will welcome our little ones during the 9:00 AM Mass beginning Fall 2023! Childcare (Nursery) for toddlers ages 18 months to 42 months will be available in room 1416 at no charge while parents attend Mass. Our Sunday Morning Coordinator, Mrs. Sandi Ling, will be caring for the children along with volunteers, each week. Classes for children 3 ½ through Kindergarten will meet in several of the preschool rooms at St. Odilia. Engaging activities, stories and crafts will help our little ones learn about and grow closer to Jesus.   

    Sunday         SS         ss2

    During Sunday School we will be using the Allelu curriculum by Our Sunday Visitor. It was created by catechists and child psychologist Joseph White. Each lesson will provide a multisensory experience for the children. For more information about the curicullum watch the video below. 

    If you have any questions, please reach out to Sandi Ling at ling@stodilia.org  

    Don’t miss out on the fun! Register Here for Fall 2023!

     

    Who is Family Faith Formation for?

    This registration is for anyone with children in grades k-6 who is seeking Family Faith Formation, First Communion, or Baptism for ages 7+ (also known as OCIC). Our Faith Formation program is a family-based catechetical program that helps families grow in the transforming love of God by understanding and living the Catholic Faith.

    Monthly Sessions:

    The families meet separately once a month, September through May, for grade level catechesis and adult formation. Then, in the weeks to follow, your family explores the week's topic at an age-appropriate level using the workbook and resources given in your child's respective class.
     

    Our model for catechesis combines monthly Classroom Lessons with weekly Home Lessons.

    Classroom Lessons

    Once a month, students in Grades K-6 meet in classes by grade level, where trained catechists present the lessons.  Parents gather separately for adult formation.

    Home Lessons

    Parents, equipped with materials and an understanding of the weekly lessons, teach their children the Faith. Lessons immerse families into the life and seasons of the Church and cooperate with the liturgical cycle. Learning is made fun through the use of games, activities, stories, memory verses, quizzes, and audios/music. 

    Confirmation

    Questions? Please contact Gizella at miko@stodilia.org
    Confirmation 2022
     

    When?

    Confirmation Classes occur 3 times a month on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm, from early September to early May.

    Two Large Group sessions:

    There are five large group sessions in which the parents and/or the sponsor and child are to attend.  

    Tuition:

    Tuition for those students enrolled in the Wednesday evening program for Confirmation preparation is $150 for the year. This does not include the expense of the retreat. The retreat fee is an extra $40. There is a family maximum of $350.    

    Retreat: 

    Information on the Confirmation Retreat for the 2023-2024 Academic Year is forthcoming.

    Confirmation Date:

    The date for confirmation for the 2023-2024 Academic Year is yet to be announced.
     
     
    Please contact Gizella Miko at miko@stodilia.org with any questions you may have.

    Requirements in the First Year of Confirmation:

    • 8 Service Hours due by April 12
    • Complete the Bible Basics for Catholics and the companion packet by May 3

    Requirements in the Second Year of Confirmation:

    •  8 Service Hours due by April 12
    • Complete the Sponsor Booklet
    • Complete the Confirmation Sacramental Form
    • Attend the Sponsor/Parent Night on February 8
    • Attend the Confirmation Retreat on the Weekend of April 22-23
    • Complete the Bible Basics for Catholics and the companion packet by May 3

    If you need ideas for Service Hours...

    Helpful Links

    Confirmation Service Hours Form for 2022-2023

    Sponsor and Confirmation Saint Selection Form

     

    Requirements for Confirmation:

    • 8 Service Hours due by April 12
    • Complete the Sponsor Booklet
    • Complete the Confirmation Sacramental Form
    • Attend the Sponsor/Parent Night on February 8
    • Attend the Confirmation Retreat on the Weekend of April 22-23
    • Complete the Bible Basics for Catholics and the companion packet by May 3

    If you need ideas for Service Hours...

    Stuck on who you should pick for your Confirmation Saint? Click Here!

    Life Teen has prepared a wonderful list with different suggestions -- we have attached a link below!

    Remember: Picking a Confirmation Saint should be taken seriously. The idea is to pick a Saint who would be a good model for you as you grow in holiness and try to live the Christian life. Find a Saint who has similar interests to you, similar struggles, or someone who led an earthly life you find admirable.

    Though the Sacrament of Confirmation is not accompanied by a legal name change, Catholics often informally add their Saint's first name after their middle name and before their last name, so keep that in mind when you pick a Saint.

    The Saints who share your first or middle names are already special patrons, so you might pick a Saint who you are not already named after.

    Confirmation Date:

    Monday, May 22nd, 7:00 pm at the Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis.  
     
     
    Please contact Gizella Miko miko@stodilia.org with any questions you may have.

     

    Sacrament Registration for St. Odilia School Students

    Programs Now Open for Registration:

    • 2nd Grade First Communion and First Reconciliation, 
    • 8th Grade Confirmation Preparation
    • Baptism for age 7+ (RCIC) or First Communion for grades 3-6

    Tuition:

    • $50 per child
    • $50 for RCIC or grade 3-6 First Communion Preparation

    Confirmation Retreat: The St. Odilia Confirmation retreat will be. (Saturday 8:30 am - Sunday 4:00 pm) The registration for this retreat will be later and cost $40 for the weekend.

    See the links below to register. Please note that parents will need to fill out one registration per child.

    2nd Grade 1st Communion & 1st Reconciliation Preparation - REGISTER HERE 

    Who is it for? This registration is for anyone with a baptized second grader enrolled at St. Odilia School. If your child is unbaptized and you would like to have your child receive First Communion this year please contact Gizella Miko (miko@stodilia.org or 651-415-3343) for information on how your child can receive First Communion.    
     
    Classes: Classes occur during the school day and are taught by St. Odilia School Staff.  
     
    Two Large Group Family Events: There will be two family events, Dec 14th & Feb 1st from 6:30-8:30, in which we will have Family Formation for you and your child.  
     
    Two Retreats: There will be one retreat to prepare for First Reconciliation on Wednesday, January 18th, and a second retreat to prepare for First Communion on April 21st.  
     
    Tuition: Tuition for each student in Family Faith Formation is $50. 
     
    Questions? Please contact Brenda McLennan at mclennan@stodilia.org or 651-415-3343

    8th Grade Confirmation Preparation - REGISTER HERE 

    Who is it for? This registration is for families of children in grade 8 of St. Odilia school who wish to register for Sacramental preparation for Confirmation. 
     
    Classes: Classes for Confirmation occur during the school day, and include lessons both through St. Odilia teachers, and St. Odilia Faith Formation Staff.  
     
    One Large Group session: There is one large group session in which the parents/sponsor and child are to attend. This will be on February 8th from 6:30-8 pm in the Church.  
     
    Tuition: Tuition for those students enrolled in St. Odilia school is $50 for the year. This does not include the expense for the retreat.   
     
    Retreat: The St. Odilia retreat will be (Saturday 8:30 am - Sunday 4:00 pm) The registration for this retreat will be later and cost $40 for the weekend.   
     
    Confirmation Date: 
     
    Questions? 
     

    Baptism for age 7+ (RCIC) or First Communion for grades 3-6 - REGISTER HERE 

    Who is it for? This registration is for anyone with children in grades k-6 who is seeking Family Faith Formation, First Communion, or Baptism for ages 7+ (also known as RCIC) Our Family Faith Formation program is a family-based catechetical program that helps families grow in the transforming love of God by understanding and living the Catholic Faith.
     
    Monthly Sessions: The families meet once a month, September through May, for grade level catechesis and adult formation in the courtyard. Then, in the weeks to follow, your family explores the week's topic at an age-appropriate level using the resources from the packet that you pick up on the family formation night. These lessons allow your family to learn through activities based on the lessons from Sunday Mass, thereby immersing your family in the Church's liturgical year.
     
    Tuition: Tuition for each student in Family Faith Formation is $100. There is an additional Sacramental Preparation fee of $50 for those enrolled in First Communion or RCIC.  
     
    Questions? Contact Brenda McLennan 651-415-3343 or mclennan@stodilia.org

    GET FORMED

    Formed.org offers a wide array of online Catholic study programs, movies, ebooks, and audio downloads from top Catholic presenters.  There is something for every age, including family movies.  Watch as an individual, as a couple, family or form a small group.  You can grow in your faith in a profound and meaningful way. St. Odilia has purchased a shareable subscription to an online Catholic resource that you'll find to be invaluable. 

    St. Odilia has purchased a shareable subscription to an online Catholic resource that you’ll find to be invaluable as you seek to grow in your faith.  To access our subscription, go to www.formed.org

    1. Select "Sign up as a parishioner"
    2. Type in "St. Odilia, 3495 Victoria St. N Shoreview, MN"
    3. You can then enter your name and email address.
    4. Happy browsing!

    Some great resources to check out on Formed.org:

    Symbolon – Link – 20 videos and study guide for you to study the Catholic faith

    Reborn – Link – 3 videos to recall and remind you about the great importance of the Sacrament of Baptism

    The Search – Link –  A new video series by Chris Stephanic (author of Chosen Confirmation Program)

    Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist – Link – Understand in depth this great gift and mystery in which Christ is given to us sacramentally

    Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)*

    The Journey to Becoming Catholic

    Are you looking to become Catholic? Maybe you have never been baptized or were baptized in a different Christian tradition, or perhaps you received Baptism as a child in the Catholic Church but never received your First Communion or Confirmation. If any of these strike a chord with you, then OCIA is the place for you!

    The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a process by which parishes welcome new members of the Catholic Church through education, faith sharing, and liturgical rituals.   This process includes several stages marked by prayer, study, and discussion, and community building.  Included in the process are several Rites, which take place within the context of the Mass.  The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) describes OCIA as a process in which participants "undergo . . . conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments."   

    OCIA is tailored to the needs of each individual and one may take as much time as he or she needs in the initiation process before becoming ready for full initiation through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.  It is a process rather than an educational program and this process takes place within the community of the faithful, the local Church.  All that is truly required is a sincere desire to learn, grow, and develop one’s relationship with God.

    Who is OCIA for? 

    • The Unbaptized ("Catechumens"): Those not baptized who are seeking to grow in awareness of God’s call to conversion as well as ways to respond to that call
    • The Baptized ("Candidates")...
      • Anyone baptized into a non-Catholic Christian communion who wishes to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church
      • Anyone baptized into the Catholic Church who did not complete the Sacraments of Initiation (e.g. Confirmation)

    What to expect? 

    Sessions meet weekly from September until after Easter on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8 pm. If you are a Spanish speaker, we also offer OCIA in Spanish on Sunday mornings from 11:15 am-12:45 pm. The OCIA team leads the group in catechetical instruction using the Symbolon resource, large / small group discussions, and prayer.  

    By late October, Catechumens and Candidates will have chosen sponsors to accompany them on this journey of faith.  During Lent, there are a series of blessings during the Mass to prepare those seeking Baptism to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.  At the Easter Vigil (the night before Easter), those who desire to become members of the Catholic Church are brought into full communion with the Church.   See the schedule below for full details.

    How to sign up? 

    1. Use the OCIA Inquiry Form to contact the ministers and set up an initial meeting. 
    2. Once you have had your initial meeting with the ministers, use the OCIA Registration Form for us to gather important information so that we can best serve your needs.
    3. The ministers will add you to the OCIA newsletter which gives updates on important OCIA events, classes, and important upcoming information.

    OCIA Inquiry Form 

    OCIA Registration Form 

    OCIA 2022-23 Calendar

    Fr. Brian John Zuelke, O.P. // 651.415.3337 or zuelke@stodilia.org

    Catholic Community of St. Odilia, 3495 Victoria N., Shoreview, MN 55126

    * More properly referred to as "Order" rather than "Rite," as will be reflected in new liturgical texts coming out soon

     

    Resources Outside of St. Odilia 

    Explore and grow your faith!

    archspm.org/ Synod

     Serving Catholics and communities in the Twin Cities and surrounding regions. 

    Where are we in the Synod Process? 
    2020-21 The Church Prepares.      

    Click HERE to review the updated Synod Process and this year's events.

    After last year's successful Prayer and Listening Sessions,
    Archbishop Hebda announces three Focus Areas for Parishes to discuss in Fall 2021
    toward a vision plan through the Synod process for our Archdiocese.

    Three Focus Areas:
    1. Forming parishes that are in the service of Evangilization
    2. Forming Missionary Disciples
    3. Forming Youth and Young Adults for a church that is always young.

    Arch Faith and Culture
    Faith and Culture Series

    Inspired by thousands of participants at the Prayer and Listening Events, this series connects their stories to the story of the Church. Each virtual event inclues a talk, testimonials, and a live panel discussion. Registrationis required to participate live.

     Dates and topics are listed below; all events begin at 7 p.m.

    • Wednesday, January 20: Sources of Catholic Teaching (Scripture, Tradition and Magisterium), presented by Dr. Bill Stevenson
    • Wednesday, January 27: The Church's Teaching on Sexual Morality and the Family, presented by Dave & Cathy Deavel
    • Thursday, February 4: The Church's Understanding on the Dignity of Women, presented by Helen Alvare
    • Tuesday, February 9: The Priesthood (Both Baptized and Ordained), presented by Sister Esther Mary Nickel

    Register online to participate and submit your questions! Zoom links will be sent to registrants prior to each event.
    Registration is limited to 500 participants per event.

    Learn more abou these offerings, and find all materials from the Synod fall 2020 series at archspm.org/synod.

    Praying with Scripture Series - 5 part virtual study

    Talk 1

    Click the image to begin the series

    Talk Titles and Speakers:

    Talk 1:  "Prayer is a Personal Relationship with God," by Archbishop Hebda

    Talk 2:  "How to Listen to God in Our Hearts," by Bishop Cozzens

    Talk 3:  "Conversations with God - Acknowledge, Relate, Receive, Respond,"  by Bishop Cozzens

    Talk 4:  "Discernment of Spirits - Consolation and Desolation,"  by Bishop Cozzens

    Talk 5:  "Overcoming Obstacles," by Archbishop Hebda

     

     Healing and Hope Series

    This five-part virtual series on praying with Scripture offers practical tools for growing in holiness, drawing upon the rich tradition of the Catholic Church. Archbishop Hebda and Bishop Cozzens will teach the fundamentals of praying with Scripture and explain how to use a Prayer Companion resource to enrich your prayer experience. This series begins September 13. Watch at your convenience with family, friends or on your own.

    Date: October 18 – November 21 (Livestreams Tuesdays beginning October 20 at 7 p.m.)
    Location:     Online and.on Facebook and YouTube

    To Participate

    Cuppa Joe

    USCCB

     The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is an assembly of the hierarchy of bishops who jointly exercise pastoral functions on behalf of the Christian faithful of the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    We Promote the Common Good which the Church Offers Humankind

     

    DAILY REFLECTIONS SECTION
     

    Word on Fire

     Daily Gospel Reflections

    From Bishop Robert Barron
    Click the image

     

    Blessed is She

     
    Start Your Day in Prayer

    A community of women devoted to daily prayer and sisterhood
    Click the image

     

    Magnificat

    Discover Magnificat

    A monthly publication
    Click the image

     

    MagnifiKid!

    Discover MagnifiKid!

    A weekly publication for Kids
    Click the image

     

     

     OFF CAMPUS RESOURCES

      Catechetical Institute ID Retreats The Rediscover Hour Practicing Catholic
     

       The Bible in a Year   Firlfriends    All Things Catholic   Fr. Mike Schmitz

     Check out these popular podcasts from Ascension Press

     
     

    SPRED

    Special Religious Education for Adults & Adolescents

    Many of you may be wondering, what is Sp.R.Ed.?

    Sp.R.Ed. is the Special Religious Education Program at St. Odilia parish that serves developmentally disabled adults through Christian based learning and classes twice a month.

    It is my absolute pleasure to be able to communicate with both the Sp.R.Ed. and St. Odilia communities through this page! Stay tuned for future class meetings, ways to get involved with the program, and exciting news about Sp.R.Ed.

    •  
     
    Confirmation Classes for People with Disabilities
    Confirmation classes are available for persons with special needs, or mental or physical disabilities, age 16 or older. Please contact Jon Heyer at the number listed below to receive information as it becomes available.
     
     
    Questions:
    Call Jon Heyer, Faith Formation Office
    E-mail:     heyer@stodilia.org
    Phone: 651-415-3351