On Sunday, August 1, a group of SJA parishioners spent a powerful and uplifting afternoon as guests of the Latino members of Church of the Assumption Parish in Richfield.  The event was coordinated by the SJA ISAIAH Core Team and representatives of Assumption.  After a Spanish-language mass at 1 pm, a potluck picnic in the Assumption gymnasium was attended by approximately 125 people of all ages (25 from St. Joan’s).  Participants exchanged translator-assisted stories and home-cooked dishes.  The event concluded with an informational scavenger hunt that required attendees to fill out a bilingual bingo card and a round of musical chairs for both the kids and the adults.

 

On June 14, about forty people gathered to hear Cindi Claypatch from The Health Realization Training Center.  Cindi has been working in the mental health field since the 1970’s, including work in chemical dependency, dual diagnoses programs and other types of therapy.  Although she loved her work, she realized she was burning out, and jumped at the opportunity to learn about Health Realization.

On Sunday, May 16 in the crowded (and warm!) Upper Room of the SJA Parish Center, our SJA ISAIAH core team hosted a powerful conversation on Immigration Reform attended by almost 50 people. Joining us were Latino/a members of Assumption Parish in Richfield and parishioners of SJA who are deeply concerned about our country’s immigration policies and the importance of enacting humane, comprehensive federal immigration reform. This is the launch of what we hope is a fruitful relationship between these two parishes as we work together on immigration policy that will benefit us all.

Women's Drum Center is celebrating 20 years of classes for women in percussion. Join us for a concert on Saturday, June 5th at Sundin Hall (Hamline University) from 7:30-10:30p.m. Members from St. Joan of Arc include Lori Hanson, Deborah Cuneo, and Em Antin.

O n c e   U p o n   a   T i m e….

Do you remember Walt Disney’s, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”?  I’m thinking of the scene when Snow White declares their tiny cottage to be very dirty and dusty and with just her dazzling smile and beguiling ways she not only sets the dwarfs to work, but all the woodland creatures too.

If you were at St. Joan of Arc on Saturday, May 1, you would have known we have our own, “Snow White” in the form of Norine Larson who worked the same kind of magic.