“Why are you cast down, my soul?”  These words of the psalmist have never resonated more with me. In fact, I don’t think the Psalms have ever felt more personal to me than they have this past week. In the sorrow and shock of what happened at Annunciation, God’s Word has been my anchor. The Psalms are such a gift—they are God’s own words expressing our words, giving voice to the whole range of human experience and emotion: joy, gratitude, despair, anger, fear, and hope.

At Fr. Zehren’s Mass on that tragic day, the responsorial Psalm was Psalm 139: “You have searched me and you know me, Lord… If I sink to the nether world, you are present there… Even there your hand shall guide me, and your right hand hold me fast.” To hear those words as horror unfolded is absolutely chilling to even imagine—and yet, they remain true. Even in the darkest place, God’s hand does not let go of us.

That same morning, I prayed with Psalm 36: “Sin speaks to the sinner in the depths of his heart… He plots the defeat of goodness as he lies on his bed.” It described the reality of evil with sobering accuracy. But it doesn’t end there: “With you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Continue your kindness for those who know you.” Evil is real—but it does not have the final word. Through acts of faith and courage, Christ’s light can overcome any darkness.

And earlier this week, Psalm 42 echoed my own cry: “Why are you cast down, my soul, why groan within me? Hope in God; I will praise him still, my savior and my God!”

That’s the beauty of the Psalms—there is no ache, no fear, no doubt too deep for God to hear. He takes every cry of the human heart and answers it with His presence.

So in the aftermath of such sorrow and devastation, this must be the Christian response: Hope in God; I will praise him still, my savior and my God. Let that hope take root in us—and spread to a world aching for light.

Fr. Mike
Parochial Administrator 

Starting Wednesday, Sept. 17 we will be changing our Wednesday Mass time from 8:00 AM to 5:15 PM, with confessions offered in the Adoration Chapel starting at 4:45 PM. 

We have been considering offering an evening Mass for some time and are excited to offer an opportunity for people to come to a daily Mass who currently cannot make the morning option work. This will also allow for opportunities for our Faith Formation participants to attend Mass before programs begin on Wednesday nights.

From Wednesday, September 17 and moving forward, there will be no 8:00 AM parish Mass offered on Wednesdays. 

Mass at 8:00 AM will continue to be offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with confessions offered in the Adoration Chapel at 7:30 AM.

Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund
In response to the mass shooting during the first all-school Mass of the year for Annunciation Catholic School, the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota (CCF) has established the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund. The Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund is a charitable fund at CCF that will provide financial support to the Church of the Annunciation for the needs of the church and school, as well as to support those affected by the tragedy. Those seeking to donate may do so at this link.

 

Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 PM in Regan Hall starting Oct. 7

Register Here or contact Clare Catton at 763-762-7405 or [email protected].

OCIA, which stands for the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (previously called RCIA) is an extended period of evangelization (developing a relationship with Jesus Christ), catechesis (instruction in the faith), and spiritual formation (deepening in faith) in the Roman Catholic Church.

Although it is primarily the process by which people become full members in the Roman Catholic Church, OCIA welcomes serious inquirers at all levels of knowledge, faith, and intent—in other words, you do not need to feel like you're ready to become Catholic before you begin OCIA. Ultimately, though, the process culminates in the reception of one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, and full membership in the Catholic Church. The formal OCIA process begins in early October and ends a couple of weeks after Easter.

For instruction, we will be following two video series by the Augustine Institute, “The Search” with Chris Stefanick and “Symbolon: The Faith of the Church.” Our Tuesday night sessions are open to all parishioners to attend and deepen their faith as we are all in the lifelong process of conversion.

The Cana Experience is a formation program for mothers and fathers of young children. Regardless of where you are in your faith and family journey, you will grow in your relationship with God, confidence in your role as a Catholic spouse and parent, and friendships with other families. 

Small groups explore the following topics:

• Created & Called: Called to Motherhood: A Catholic Small Group for Mothers
• Reigning in Life: Becoming a Provider: A Catholic Small Group for Fathers
• Temperament God Gave You (coming in January 2026)

Click here for more information. 

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Sunday, October 12 from 1:30-3:00 PM in the Community Room

Developing into a woman spiritually,  physically, intellectually, and emotionally begins with recognizing and celebrating that we are all created by God to be loved, respected, and valued by others and ourselves.

Come learn about your body, the natural rhythm of your cycles and how healthy charting can help you know your body and promote healthy care of your body throughout your entire life. Presented by Sami Conway, CFC. The cost is $20 per Mother/Daughter ($5 per extra daughter).

This presentation is for girls 9-15 years old who have already begun their cycles AND an accompanying maternal figure present with them to take part in the presentation.

Sign up at saintvdp.org/intro-to-charting
 

Please know that we welcome new adorers to take open hours! Click here to sign-up as an adorer or substitute adorer.

Adoration Sign-up