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From a handshake in 1989 to a present day greeting at the Indian Ministry, Clarence Von Eschen, St. Joan of Arc parishioner and Fr. Jim Notebaart, priest and administrator for the Archdiocesan Native American Ministry, have formed a strong bond for the two communities. Every year since that handshake in 1989 the St. Joan community has given to this project with increasing awareness and volume.

Each Christmas St Joan of Arc parishioners have volunteered their time and money to buy and wrap gifts for the needy families in the Native American Community to make their holiday a happier time.

MARY ELLEN KENNEDY(right) is once again chairing this project. Details with phone numbers are in the Sunday bulletin or can be learned by calling the Parish Center. Janet Stapely, the assistant administrator of the Ministry, is alert to know the families that are in special need because of recent illnesses or job layoffs or family deaths. She learns the families’ needs. St. Joan’s does not receive the names of the families—only listings as Family. A, B, etc.

Janet will get a wish list from them stating what they most need for Christmas. An example might be:

The Spirit of Christmas- The parishioners at St. Joan’s share their gifts and work cooperatively as the women at the Indian Ministry did in making this beautifully designed quilt that hangs on the wall in their chapel.
One St. Joan family can match with a Native American family. If the family is large, two St. Joan families can split the list and do the shopping. Small Christian communities have taken large families and shared the names. Some St. Joan families have chosen to give up their own Christmas luxury and buy these gifts instead. Momentary gifts are discouraged. However, one can buy gift certificates from local grocery stores as an added gift.

After shopping for the gifts they are asked to wrap them using only the child’s first name and in that way, the parents can give them to the children without the children always knowing the source of the gift. Santa is in real action. Many hearts are warmed. The families that receive the gifts have a joyful Christmas time. The Giving Families have the satisfaction and love of giving anonymously.

The wrapped gifts will be delivered to St. Joan’s on December 4th and December 11th. Mary Ellen Kennedy and her helpers will be there between the 9 and 11 o’clock Masses to gather the packages and then deliver them to Janet who then distributes to the families at the appropriate time.

Native American Holiday Ministry: We will be collecting Christmas gifts for Native American families before the Sunday Masses on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 in the Egan Room. This is a meaningful Christmas project for Small Christian Communities or work groups, as well as for families or individuals. FFI call Mary Ellen at 763.535.7241.

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Avis Von Eschen has been a member at St. Joan's since 1978. She has been involved in many projects. Although she is presently traveling and frequently out-of-town, she continues to write occasional articles for the web and to send pictures. She also helps out in the office on occasion and has stayed involved with the St. Joan Bridge Club.


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