2018 archive of From the Desk of Fr. Mike
Knight of Columbus State Gathering
Posted by Anne Serwe on 7/02/18
This weekend the Minnesota State Knights of Columbus will be gathering here at St. Joe’s for the installation of one of our parishioners, Marc Peters, as the State Deputy. I want to welcome the Knights of Columbus State organization and to congratulate Marc on this singular honor. On Saturday night we ... Read More »
Evangelizing in the Best Way Possible!
Posted by Anne Serwe on 6/26/18
Last Monday night I went to the Como Park pavilion where the Saints of Swing performed for an hour and a half. There was no break in the music making and the music was very good. On the outer edges of the sitting area there were open spaces which ... Read More »
Celebrate Father's Day!
Posted by Anne Serwe on 6/18/18
Today we celebrate my 35 years of ministry. My real anniversary was on May 28th which was Memorial Day weekend. Today also is Father’s Day and the Knights of Columbus will be offering all of us ice cream sundaes. As I reflect on the gift of my ordination I ... Read More »
A Wonderful Week
Posted by Anne Serwe on 6/06/18
This past week has been one of the most wonderful weeks of my life. I received a phone call from a man I had helped when he came from Liberia, Africa as a refugee. I met him about fifteen years ago. He worked as an air traffic controller but ... Read More »
God is a Community of Beings
Posted by Anne Serwe on 5/29/18
I am a bit surprised that the Church has not elected to use the creation of humanity as the first reading today. In the story in Genesis God creates humanity in his image: male and female. They are to live in community. Therefore a man shall leave his mother ... Read More »
A reflection for Mother's
Posted by Anne Serwe on 5/21/18
This is from an address by Pope Francis on Wednesday, 7 January 2015. It is a week late, but it is a great reflection for Mother’s Day.
The family - 2. The mother
Dear Brothers and Sisters, good morning. Today we continue with catechesis on the Church and we will reflect on ... Read More »
Part Two from Pope Francis' recent Apostolic Exhortation
Posted by Anne Serwe on 5/14/18
As I wrote last week I am copying a part of Pope Francis’ recent apostolic exhortation concerning the two subtle enemies of holiness. Today we will listen to him speak about contemporary pelagianism (I have highlighted certain portions of the text)
47. Gnosticism gave way to ... Read More »
Thoughts and Challenges from Pope Francis' "Gaudete et Exsultate"
Posted by Anne Serwe on 5/07/18
In his Apostolic Exhortation: “Gaudete et exsultate” Pope Francis writes about the call to holiness in today’s world. In his second chapter he writes about the two subtle enemies of holiness; contemporary gnosticism and contemporary pelagianism. These are profound thoughts and challenges so for the next two weeks I ... Read More »
How are the Rectory Plans coming along?
Posted by Anne Serwe on 4/30/18
The plans for the new rectory were approved by the facilities committee and the bids for contractors have been gathered. With the thawing of the ground the road restrictions will soon be lifted and the work of building the rectory can begin. We asked the Archdiocese for permission to ... Read More »
Snow in April?!?
Posted by Anne Serwe on 4/27/18
It has been many years since last we faced such an epic snowstorm. I had a funeral on Saturday morning and decided to stay for the afternoon Mass. I watched the snow fall but I had no idea of how bad the driving had become. By four fifteen in the afternoon ... Read More »