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Spring 2020
Ordinary Time
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Dear Confreres,
I pray that you and your families are all healthy and doing well given the last couple of months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been such a challenging time for everyone; be it regarding health concerns for family members and loved ones, forced separation from family, the financial impacts of job loss or reduction in work, and especially for us as a community and Church not being able to attend Mass in person and receive the Holy Eucharist.
I have spoken with multiple members over the course of the last few months and like everyone in our state, country, and world, the feelings of anxiety about the future, fear of illness, economic uncertainty, and frustration with the quarantine are common themes. I have experienced many of these same feelings myself numerous times over these past weeks.
Even during all these challenges, God's grace has shown through as it always does. Members have shared beautiful stories about how their families have grown closer emotionally and spiritually during this time, even while the physical closeness was through a Zoom call. Others have shared how they have been able to have the time to immerse themselves in spiritual reading and a deeper prayer life without the rush of everyday life. As a community, we have prayed the Rosary together in the evenings.
In the coming weeks as we move forward as an area and nation, I am sure that I will, and perhaps some of you may as well, be revisited by these moments of fear, anxiety, and frustration and a sense of weariness that seems to persist. In these moments, I hope you may find some peace and calm by this daily reflection from the book Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy.
"Lord, I trust in Your almighty power and unconditional love. I trust that You care about me and are present in every storm I face in life. Give me hope in the midst of every trial and enable me to turn to You as the source of my peace. I love You, dear Lord. Jesus, I trust in You."
I look forward to a time hopefully very soon when we can see each other in person. Most of all, I am looking forward to us all being able to once again fully engage as a community in living out our charism in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy that we do for our lords the sick and the poor, and in defending our faith.
May God continue to bless you and your families,
Ivan Posthumus, KM
Minnesota Area Chair
Order of Malta, American Association
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Fr. Joseph Johnson, ChM Spiritual Reflection
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Change is always difficult. Right now, we are individually feeling pain from the disruption of our home and work lives by the current health crisis. As members of the Church, we are feeling the pain of not being able to celebrate public Masses, as well as a certain level of isolation from our family of faith. As an Order, we have yet another painful transition to face--on top of everything else--with the death of our Grand Master, Frà Giacomo.
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Deacon Steven Koop, ChDD Spiritual Reflection
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As the pandemic continues, and the weeks of staying at home and social distancing go by, it is easy to focus on what we have lost. The list is long: jobs, time with friends and precious routines that we have come to rely upon. We might respond with anger, demanding to have our prior life back just the way it was. We might also see this as an opportunity to rethink our priorities...
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With 900 years of history, this is not the first time that our Order has faced a highly contagious disease. The 1675-1676 outbreak of plague on Malta was one of the more challenging for the Order, as the disease spread rapidly and claimed thousands of lives in a short period of time. The tools of quarantine and distancing were already known at that time- in fact, the Grand Master issued a stay-at-home order to parts of Valletta, and arranged for food to be delivered to the houses in those neighborhoods so that the inhabitants could stay home. Gatherings in churches were prohibited, hair cutting was regulated, special isolation hospitals were built: all items that could have been lifted from the headlines of the last few weeks! As the plague reached its worst points, the historical record says there was a "religious revival" of people praying, doing penance, adoring the Blessed Sacrament, and venerating relics. The Knights, and the people of Malta, turned to Our Lord and His saints, and we should follow that example.
We are continuing to plan our celebration of the patronal feast of our Order, the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, for the Sunday before the feast, so please save the date of June 21st. We are also still planning for various service opportunities, and for a fall retreat for our Area in some form, and will be sharing as much information as we can once we know more about how our various partners will resume their operations. In the meantime, please continue to support the food packing events if you are able, and please continue to pray for one another.
Matt Heffron, KM, and Arika Heffron, DM
MN Area Co-Hospitallers
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From the Communications Chair
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Hello Confrères,
We read in the Gospel of Matthew that what we do to the least, we do to Christ, and what we do not do to them, we do not do for Christ. Indeed, our particular charism charges us to see the sick and the poor as Christ, and serve them as such. By our example they ought to see Christ in us. We are Christ's hands when we work to feed the hungry, or give aid to the sick. We are Christ's voice when we speak truth and comfort to the troubled. We bring Christ's peace when we quash fear.
Our world is beset by many troubles, as it has been since time immemorial. From its founding our Order has stood as a bastion against these, and now we carry the mantle our forebears left us. Below you will read about various works of mercy our members are engaged in; please pray for them, help them, and let them inspire you. Though we are scattered, we are all still one body in Christ, and we are all on the same path to sanctification in our Order. Reach out to your confrères, and unite in our works spiritually if not physically. By our mutual devotion we will bring light into dark places, and illuminate the path to God.
God bless us all,
Andrew Busam, KM
MN Area Communications Chair
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American Association Pen Pal Program
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The American Association sponsors a safe and secure Pen Pal Program for prisoners, run by the Minnesota Delegation. This provides members and friends a means to live out Christ's call to "visit the imprisoned" from the comfort of our homes and on our own time schedule.
Pen Pals commit to writing no less than one letter a month for no less than one year to an inmate assigned to them. Pen Pals send their letters direct to inmates using a pseudonym and our innocuous P.O. Box as the return address. Inmates write to you using your pseudonym and mail their letters to our P.O. Box and we in turn forward letters to you. And the process repeats.
Full details are available here. Document #2 contains an application we hope you will complete and return. Other documents include letterhead, sample letters, tips for writing effective letters and more.
If you find yourself with a little extra time, we have hundreds of inmates waiting to connect. Most will someday be released and what we do now will have a profound impact on their return to our communities. While up to 65% of released inmates nationwide return within 3 years, those who have someone who cares about them while they are serving their time, return at a rate of less than 5%. That's not 5% lower than 65%. That's less than 5% total return! Can you be present to someone in need of a Pen Pal?
Steven Hawkins, KM |
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MN Area Prayer Intentions
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Minnesota Prayer Intentions:
1) Please keep Dr. Rodolfo Savica and his family in your prayers. Dr. Savica is in his year of discernment and formation in preparation for Investiture in November
Please email Andrew Busam, KM, if you would like to include someone in the upcoming MN Area prayer intentions list.
American Association Member's Prayer Intentions
Two of our east coast Knights, AC and Michael O'Rourke, have a prayer intentions email distribution list. If you would like to add your prayer intentions to the list or would like to pray for those on the list, you can request to be added to the distribution list by emailing Michael O'Rourke, KM
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Nighly Rosary: Prayer for the Living and the Dead impacted by COVID-19
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We join our prayers to the prayers of the greater church the world over that God may pour out his grace upon His people, and bolster us in these difficult times. To that end, our Area is hosting a nightly rosary at 6:30 pm, except for Sundays, over Zoom. Please join us as you are able.
Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 492 496 624 One tap mobile +13126266799,,492496624# US (Chicago) +16468769923,,492496624# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Find your local number: |
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Feed the Hungry: Sodality of St. John the Baptist
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Sodality of St. John the Baptist, headed by our own Robert J. Hanten, KCHSJ, KM, organizes regular food packing events for the benefit of local needs as well as communities abroad. Events usually run from 7:00 to 8:30pm and are followed by a social gathering. Event details are posted to our area website calendar here, and the next events occur on the following dates:
May 18th August 10th November 9th
Health safety measures are in place to account for the current pandemic, and most healthy individuals from age 12 to 65 can participate. This is a need that is always with us, but is especially important now. In chaotic times, giving someone the peace of knowing that they will not go hungry is a powerful way of showing God's love. |
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Feed the Hungry: Dorothy Day Center
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 We continue to serve dinner the 4th Friday of every month at the Dorothy Day Center in St Paul from 4:00pm to approximately 6:00pm. Reminders are sent out each month. But we also have available the opportunity to serve any evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on second floor of Higher Ground on the Dorothy Day Campus. It's a much smaller environment dedicated primarily to working residents who can't be back to the shelter in time for daily dinner at 4:30pm. Several members of the Order find this an easy opportunity to serve that doesn't interrupt their work day. For details and volunteer signup, Click here.
Steven Hawkins, KM |
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Cradle of Hope Service Opportunity
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 Cradle of Hope was awarded one of our area grants this year. Cradle of Help (formerly Project Life) was founded by Ann Dickinson, DM in 1973. For those of you not familiar with the organization it is most likely because it operates behind the scenes disbursing financial aid to pregnant women at Crisis Pregnancy Centers across the state of Minnesota. This video from their 2017 gala will give you an idea of the wonderful work that they do: Cradle of Hope.
You can also visit their website at:
In talking with Ann during the grant process I was made aware that there are also hands-on service opportunities that may be of interest to our area members. Ann and I have discussed setting up a 30-minute call for those interested in learning more about Cradle of Hope and how our members can be of service. If you are interested in learning more, please send an email to:
Ivan Posthumus, KM |
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Little Sisters of the Poor Supply Needs
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Little Sisters of the Poor have been in need of different supplies during the COVID-19 quarantine. A number of our members have donated supplies over the last month and I and Mother Theresa thank you for your generosity. They can still use our help. If you are interested in donating supplies please email Ivan Posthumus, KM to find out what supplies Mother Theresa would like to have donated.
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There is a "hidden gem" in the Twin Cities that Dave and I discovered years ago at the Cathedral where Jeremy Stanbury performed his one act play about Saint Paul during the Year of Saint Paul. At that time, it was called Epiphany Studios but it was changed to Open Window Theatre in May 2011, "for the purpose of bringing multi-generational professional theater with a redemptive vision to the Twin Cities".
Dave and I feel strongly about supporting local Catholic initiatives so this is a "no-brainer" as Catholic theatres are few and far between. Jeremy and his wife Sarah, along with a board of directors, have operated this unique and culturally important theatre through many ups and downs and, with the grace of God, now have a great location easily accessible to Minneapolis and St. Paul. We encourage you to check out the website, www.openwindowtheatre.org to learn more about Open Window Theatre and its upcoming season starting in October! Please see below for information of live-streaming Jeremy's play on Saint John Paul II, "Lolek" next week! Virtual Performance This is where it all began. Lolek was founder Jeremy Stanbary's most popular traveling play between 2003-2011. On May 18-the 100th anniversary of "Lolek's" birth-enjoy a virtual living room preview of the revised play that will kick-off our Season 7 this fall! (Interactive Q&A to follow.) Barbara Dries, DM
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Lourdes Virtual Spritual Pilgrimage
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| As all of you know the pilgrimage to Lourdes was canceled this year due to COVID-19. The American Association hosted a Lourdes Virtual Spiritual Pilgrimage for our malades, care givers, and members. The pilgrimage was well attended each evening. Though this approach is meant to be used only for this year Ken Craig, KM and Hospitaller of the American Association would like to hear feedback regarding the program, the technology utilized, and the spirituality of the pilgrimage. If you attended any of the calls and would like to provide feedback please send an email to: [email protected] |
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Minnesota Area Prepares Over 5,000 Meals for IOCP
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 On Thursday, April 23, the Feast of St. George, members of the Minnesota Area joined together at the Sodality of St. John the Baptist warehouse to prepare meals for those in need.
Volunteers packaged 5,200 meals and delivered them to IOCP, the Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners in Plymouth, Minnesota. |
World Day of the Sick and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Sick
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 The Minnesota Area co-sponsored the World Day of the Sick Mass and Luncheon on Saturday, February 8 at the Church of St. Agnes in St. Paul. Archbishop Bernard Hebda celebrated the Mass.Thirty Knights, Dames, and Auxiliary were in attendance to aid Mass attendees and the priest and deacons as they blessed the sick with Holy Water from Lourdes and provided Miraculous Medals.
Area members prepared the luncheon that was provided and served to over 200 Mass attendees.
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North American Prison Ministry Apostolate
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As many of you know Steve Hawkins, KM has been doing wonderful work for the local area and the American Association related to Prison Ministry. Based on this work Steve has been asked to join the advisory council of the North American Prison Ministry Apostolate. This Apostolate is composed of Knights and Dames across the 3 American Associations and Canada. Please keep him in your prayers as he continues his wonderful work related to Prison Ministry
Ivan Posthumus, KM |
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Prospective Membership Reception
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Dear Confreres,
On March 1st I sent a letter announcing that we would be holding a new prospective member reception on May 21st. With the recent challenges and closings due to the COVID-19 virus, we have decided to re-schedule the event to a later date. We will send another letter to you once life in Minnesota returns to a more normal way of life. Along with the first letter, I enclosed two "new member" packets along with a request that each of us think of at least one person or couple who you feel might be called to the spirituality of the Order of Malta either as Knights or Dames or as a member of the Auxiliary.
As we wait for the new date to be set, please continue to think of people who are active in your parish, participate in your Blessed Gerard projects, defense of the faith, or who are involved in other ministries that may indicate a concern for the unborn, or the poor and the sick.
You may also want to reach out to your Pastor as well to describe the Order of Malta and ask for his thoughts on potential candidates. To make approaching these prospective candidates a bit easier, feel free to utilize the "new member" packets. I know that you all join me in praying for an end to this virus and for all of those impacted. I look forward to setting a new date and will let you know of the new date as soon as we are able.
If you have any further questions or suggestions regarding prospective members please email Patty and Tom Hooley our Co-Membership Chairs Thank you for your help!
Ivan Posthumus, KM |
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For 2020 the Minnesota area Grants committee has forward two grants to New York. One for Ann Dickinson DM, on behalf of Cradle of Hope. Cradle of Hope encourages life by providing financial aid to women and babies in crisis, especially those women who might not choose life because of financial pressures.
The second grant for Robert Hanten KM, on behalf of the Sodality of Saint John the Baptist for serving the sick and the poor by providing food and provisions to the poor and those facing both natural and man-made disasters.
The time is now to start thinking about your grant nominations for 2021; it's only six months way. Please see these guidelines for an idea of what will be required to submit for a grant:
Marc Jenny, KM
MN Area Grants Chair
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Many of us are becoming much more proficient with remote meeting tools and alternate means of communication. How can we use these talents to bring our Area closer together?
Some ideas that have been brought up are organizing a book review, or a distribution list for spiritual reflections, or hosting a regular online meeting time for socializing. Would you be interested in participating, or do you have an idea for an online supported event or initiative you'd like to see?
If so, please let me know and we may make it happen!
Andrew Busam, KM
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Area Events Payment Method moving to Electronic
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Based on the area survey results and approval by the board, we will be moving to an electronic payment method for events and area dues.
Our Treasurer Britt Noser, KM researched multiple options and we have decided to adopt PayPal as the service we will use. They offer a special transaction rate for 501(c)3 organizations
The processing fee of 2.2% per transaction will be added to the cost of each payment made by our members to cover the transaction cost.
Email Ivan Posthumus, KM if you have any questions.
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MN Area Virtual Directory
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We have members that have expressed interest in us creating a virtual local member directory. The directory would have a picture of the Knight, Dame, or Auxiliary member and a brief bio. This would be hosted on Dropbox and would only be accessible by our members. If you are interested in being part of this directory please email Andrew Busam, KM
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All MN area events are listed on the American Association website under our area page in the calendar section.
Click here to access the area calendar
Please contact Andrew Busam, KM with any questions or for additions to the calendar.
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2020 Year of Discernment for Investiture
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MN Area Chair
Hospitallers
Matt Hefron, KM
Arika Heffron, DM
Marc Jenny, KM Membership Patty Hooley, DM Tom Hooly, KM
Communications Chair Andrew Busam, KM
Britt Noser, KM
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Read the current edition of the American Association Newsletter,
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Download the Order of Malta, American
Association mobile app
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