What would you like to know about St. Joan of Arc? Do you have a story about our parish or of general interest that you think others would like to hear? For story ideas, contact Jeff Rholl, jeff@stjoan.com.

Imagine a place where children are leaders and they share their stories and sing their songs while parents and other children listen intently and add their own comments now and again. It is a happy place, full of energy and love. It is never quiet and never dull.

Now imagine that this place is a church and the activity is Sunday Mass and parents aren’t nudging their children to sit straight or pay attention. They don’t have to because the children are listening to what other children have to say about God and service to others and kindness. They know that being quiet during a homily is not the ultimate goal but participating is - answering questions and sharing ideas. Imagine this is a mass where children want to come.

Have you wandered into a dream? Could such a children-centered Eucharistic celebration exist? Yes, it does - twice every Sunday morning at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and it is called the Family Mass.

The joy and energy of the Family Mass can be felt as you enter the Church. Most of the children are gathering together after attending their morning Sunday school classes. There are colored pictures to show and hugs to be shared with parents who are filtering in from the gym mass. There is a sense of community, vibrant and lively. Everyone is welcomed by the host family and by the presider, usually Fr. Jim Cassidy.

Parents and children take active roles in the various ministries of the mass - from host family to homilist, to Eucharistic minister, musical guests and sacristan. Children write and read petitions, play musical instruments and offer their food donations at the offertory. Each Sunday they gather in the center of the room for the homily where they can share their ideas on such topics as forgiveness and love and friendship. Each homily has a lesson to be taken home, such as “we can love and forgive even when we are angry.”

During one Sunday homily last spring, the children were asked how they show random acts of kindness. “Visit a sick friend,” “offer a hug,” “eat lunch with someone new,” “call a lonely person,” were just a few examples offered by the children.

The homilies may take the form of a play, a discussion or a dance. One of the most popular Family Masses is when Farmer Rick joins the group with his lessons from the animal world. With his furry friends in tow, he is quick to point out that animals accept each other regardless of how they look. By stoking a bunny softly he teaches that we need to treat our friends nicely so they enjoy our company. Or by listening to a bleating baby goat we are reminded that each of us has a unique voice. The lessons are simple yet gripping. And almost always, they bring smiles and laughter.

Jeanne Morales has been active at St. Joans for the past year. She loves working in her garden, attending the St. Joan of Arc Bible Study and sneaking off for camping trips when she has time.

What is felt most profoundly at the Family Mass is that everyone is welcome, whether you have been attending church for years or bringing your child for the first time. The St. Joan of Arc philosophy that you are welcome wherever you are on your journey is concretely felt and shown at the Family Mass. It is a special time to experience firsthand how much love and fellowship can be found in the small packages that are our children.

Jim Spensley has been a St. Joan's regular since 1980. He is an electrical engineer and product management consultant. He took up digital photography in 2001, preparing for a trip to Yunnan Province, China, where his daughter Alys is a Fulbright Research Fellow. Jim and Marilyn have 3 children, now 23, 22, and 17, who joined their parents in various volunteer activities at St. Joan of Arc. Jim is a political activist and sometime DFL candidate. He volunteers in public service, including President of the Minneshaha Creek Watershed District (1986-93) and a Member of the Hennepin County Capital Budget Task Force (1993-2004). Jim is also a Board Member of SMAAC.

Other Features This Year
The Dalai Lama on the Anniversary of 9/11(9/02) by The Dalai Lama Dharamsala
AIDS Ride Calls it Quits(8/02) by Michael Reinbold/Edie Kalweit
An Open Letter on Iraq(8/02) by Philip Steger
Voices of the Faithful Movement(8/02) by Chuck Collins
Chris Reano Leaves for Zanzibar(8/02) by Susan Sell
Small Christian Communities at SJA(7/02) by Janice LaDuke
Adult Delegation to TNII(7/02) by Heidi Meyer/Edie Kalweit
Parish Profile: Where We Start our Journey(7/02) by Anne Garvey/Jeff Rholl
Adult Confirmation at SJA(6/02) by Karen Hall
Parishioners Granddaughter Fights Cancer(6/02) by Gloria Bandy
Tragedy or Transformation(6/02) by Bob Beutel
Making Theater with Peter Rothstein(6/02) by Michael Reinbold
SCC Letter to Archbishop Flynn(6/02) by the SAGES
Youth Delegation to TNII(6/02) by Ginny Johnson
The Best Time to be Catholic?(6/02) from the Davenport Messenger
What is the Whole Farm Coop?(6/02) by Nancy Lynch
Supper at Emmaus... a poem(5/02) by Pat Stevens
A Woman's Journey: Mary White(5/02) by Chuck MacDonald/Peg LaSota
The "Western Creed"(5/02) by Chuck Collins
Father Jim Cassidy's "Day Job"(5/02) by Jean Jachman
Living on Empty: Homeless Shelters(5/02) by Chuck MacDonald
Changes in the Nursery(5/02) by Molly Ryan
Sex and Scandal and the Church(5/02) by Jo Youngren
South Africa Reaches Back(4/02) by Chuck MacDonald
Sarah Gleason/Isaiah: Collaborative Ministry(3/02) by Chuck MacDonald/Paul Oman
How 'Bout Them Prayer Partners?(3/02) by JoAnn Potts
Parishioner Reflections: Lent(3/02) by Linda Freemon/Paul Oman
La Oficina Legal(3/02) by Peg LaSota
The Role of the Welcome Giver at SJA(2/02) by Michael Reinbold
Feeding the Spirit Through the Senses(2/02) by Roger Dick and parishioners
A Christian Brothers School(2/02) by Chuck MacDonald
Sister Kathleen: Painter of Icons(2/02) by Chuck MacDonald/Janice LaMere
Angel at San Miguel: Parishioner Poem(2/02) by Pat Stevens
WebReporter Featured in February Book(1/02) by Jeff Rholl
Welcome Giver Evokes Strong Feelings(1/02) by Ronnie Angelus/Rick Spaulding
The Shining Light: Poem(1/02) by Michael Erdman
Becky Rose: The Spirit of the Blood Drives(1/02) by Michael Reinbold
Peter Russell Visits SJA(1/02) by staff

Year 2001 Features include Stories of Grace, New Parish Center, "Conversations" by Chuck MacDonald, Peter Eichten, and much more. Year 2000 Features include George Wertin, Joan of Arc Statue, the old Parish Center and much more.