One of the first great crises of the Church was one of identity. Were they Jewish with a Christian minority or an entirely new religion? I think a modern Jew, especially with the weight of 2000 years of history, would say we are definitely a new faith with a few vestiges of Judaism adapted from the Hebrew Scriptures.

Two thousand years ago it would have been an entirely different story. The apostles felt themselves thoroughly Jewish. They still went to the synagogue and worshiped at the great temple in Jerusalem. But they were suspect. They saw Jesus as divine; one of the Trinity, and even though this concept had not yet been defined, the Jewish leaders were seeing Christian Jews as maybe not being monotheistic, an ultimate heresy.

As the religious authorities became more and more hostile, and the disciples came to grips with who Jesus was as son of God, decisions had to be made. With Jesus seen as the new Passover, the source of salvation, the Jewish law became less important. The upstart Paul who claimed a post-Ascension right to apostleship -not necessarily accepted by all the disciples- was creating a church with more and more gentiles and it was growing beyond expectations.

What to do, what to do? What is important in defining one’s beliefs? In this case, it came down to a few dietary and traditional marriage laws that were seen as non-negotiable. Later, Paul would even suspend the dietary laws, if it didn’t shock the locals or if it made no sense to gentile converts. Slowly but surely the Church was becoming more gentile as its shared Jewish heritage disappeared. The ultimate destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD pretty much put an end to Christianity as a mere offshoot of Judaism.

Of course we still find ourselves trying to define who we are. What does it mean to be authen-tically Christian: proper rubrics? proper dogma? proper ethics? It is a bit of all these things. Ultimately, our faith is defined in the person of Jesus Christ. We trust his Spirit is at work in the world and it is our task through prayer, study, and faith to find out what it means to follow Jesus, much like the recent pop acronym, ‘WWJD’ What Would Jesus Do? In the Gospel today Jesus, in expectation of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, tells them, “Don’t panic, I’m sending you help.”

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.

You see, the peace Jesus gives us is the integrity of seeking with a heart open to God and finding answers together.

Presider: Fr. James Cassidy

Pre-Mass Speaker: Barbara Roy is the author of Under the Bridge Backwards, her story of caregiving for her husband Phil when he was diagnosed with Alzhei-mer's. Welcome and thank you for shar-ing your journey with us this morning. We welcome Charles Lazarus, trumpet-er/composer/recording artist to our Gym liturgies today. Chuck is no stranger to our community having participated in the SJA Cabaret and Concert Series. We are pleased to have this internation-ally acclaimed artist from the Minnesota Orchestra with us and to say thank you! for the musical inspiration.

At our last Family Mass in the Church this season, we recall our year of Family Masses and all the people of faith that have inspired us to follow Jesus. Heart-felt thanks to all those who have volun-teered for the many ministries that have made Family Mass soar!

Sun, May 1: Acts 15:1-2,22-29; Rev 21:10-14,22-23; Jn 14:23-29 Mon, May 2: Acts of the Apostles 16:11-15; John 15:26-16:4a Tue, May 3: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; John 14:6-14 Wed, May 4: Acts of the Apostles 17:15,22-18:1; John 16:12-15 Thu, May 5: Acts of the Apostles 18:1-8; John 16:16-20 Fri, May 6: Acts of the Apostles 18:9-18; John 16:20-23 Sat, May 7: Acts of the apostles 18:23-28; John 16:23b-28 Sun, May 8: Acts 7:55-60; Rev 22:12-14,16-17,20; John 17:20-26

Tuesday and Thursday morning 8 am Mass is celebrated in the Church with Fr. DeBruycker.

FFI check the bulletin, the SJA website or call the Parish Center. The Upper Room is located in the Parish Center; Hospitality Hall is in the Church basement.

Sunday, May 1

Songs for the Souls, 3 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud

Tuesday, May 3

8 am Mass in the Church

Wednesday, May 4

SAGES Honoring Choices, 6:30 pm in Hospitality Hall

Thursday, May 5

8 am Mass in the Church

Parish Council, 5 pm in the Upper Room

Amy, Arlene, Norma Amaris, Zach Arlein, Pat B., Ray B., Sally Backstrom, Lois Ballard, Lawrence Barnett, Dennis Barta, Margaret Berger, Sally Bolster, Alex Briner, Sara Brock, Mary Burns, George C., Dayna Cell, Malia Cole, Dolores Cufaude, Barb D., John D., Manfred D., Roger D.,

Dan, Dean, Megan Daoust, Chris & Larry Dease, Dave Dease, Dominic, Arliss Dooley, Colleen Dooley, Bob Duffy, Anne Duvalley, Jerome Eveslage, John & Margaret Frees, Greta, Sr. Gabriel, Mary Gallagher, Jacqui Gardner, Herb Gibbs, Kerry Gleason, Ralph Gotto, Molly Gormley, E.W. Green,

Tom Griep, John Gutterman, Hannah, Tom H., Angie Hancock, Brent Harapat, Jamel Harris, Mary Havstad, Bernhard Hering, Betty Hinker, Jim & Pat Hinton, Mary Hoody, Ethan Hoeschen, Kathy Horner, Jody Hughes, Kirk Ingram, Judy, Cecilia Jaisle, Jamie, Thomas John, Paul Jonsson,

Kathy, Judy Kadlec, Glen Kelley, Jim Kivimaki, Paul L., Amy Lainus, Jim Lappen, Rachel Larson, Jan LaVone, Dick Leahy, Gary Lindstrom, Margaret, Kyle M., Chuck MacDonald, Kahtleen Mazur, Anne McCraken, Mary Jo McMahon, Katherine & Lauren McManus, Jackie Mead, Chuck Meiers, Mike, Dorothy Mongoven, Dan Morton, Morrie Mundahl, Nate, Nancy O., Tim Nipper, Craig Norby, Tom O’Brien, Dick Olson, Paul Olvera, Pam,

LuAnne Palmer, Rick Pattison, Tammy Pederson, Joan Penrose, Bill Peterka, Barbara Pouliot, C. Popp, Nikki Poynter, Rusty Pueringer, Bob Quinn, Brendan & Lorial Rathman, Alice Ripley, Sara Robertson, Bernie Rodel, Herb Rorke, Helen Russett, Rust Family, Steven, Tyler S., Martin Salley, Conrad Sampair, Gene Schultz, Schissel Family, Dana Sell, Aileen Sheppard, Sam Slagerman, Jeff Stearns, Tom, Irene Taddiken, Marge Tax,

Jane Tax, Mike Tegeder, Mary Eve Thomas, Echo Thoren, Tim, Carin Vagle, Leroy Vague, Dick Voss, Darlene Wheeler, J. Wheeler, Phil Wixsten

A Book of Prayer is located in our Gym vestibule. If you have a family member or friend who is ill, or who has recently died, please write their names in our Book of Prayer before Mass so we may include them in prayers during our Sunday Masses.

Prayer Corner Requests: To keep prayer requests current, names will be included in the bulletin for four weeks and then removed. To renew your request, please call Nancy Becker at 612.823.8205 ext. 223.

Sunday 9 and 11 am Gym Masses:

May 8: Presider: Fr. DeBruycker. Children and Youth Sunday

May 15: Presider: Fr. Cassidy. A Special Celebration of Pentecost with the Tibetan Monks from the Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Monas-tery in Minnesota.

May 22: Presider: Fr. Cassidy. SJA Picnic (beginning at Noon at Fort Snelling State Park)

May 29: Celebrating the Community of St. Joan of Arc: Witness stories from our SJA community members.

June 5: Pre-Mass Speaker: Julie Madden on SJA Outreach Sunday. Big celebration in Hospitality Hall - visit with all our partner organizations, be amazed at all we've done, and enjoy an ice cream sandwich!

June 12: Pre-Mass Speaker: David Swanson, author, journalist, radio host, and director of World Without War.

June 19: Pre-Mass speaker: Tim McGuire, retired editor of the Star Tribune and author of Some People Even Take Them Home: A Disabled Dad, A Down Syndrome Son and Our Journey to Acceptance.

SignUpGenius for Eucharistic Ministers is available online. It is simple, user friendly and a reminder is sent 3 days before your scheduled volunteer day. FFI contact Marcia at mkurtz@stjoan.com. Gluten-free Communion is available upon request. Please see

any of the Sunday sacristans in the Gym before Mass.

Rest in Peace Walter Moulder, father of parishioner, Tinia Moulder

has passed on to eternal life. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Choir will rehearse this Thursday, April 28 at 7 pm in the Church. Songs for the Soul: Join our SJA choir in concert with the Cathedral Choir of St. Mary and special guest Robert Robinson today, 3 pm at the St. Cloud Cathedral. Free will offering. Expectant Family Blessinig: Are you looking to the arrival of a

new member to your family through birth or adoption? The SJA Prayer Partners offer a special blessing for you and your

family on Wednesday, May 11 at 7 pm in the Church. Come for meaningful support in this time of anticipation and waiting. FFI contact Anna Vagle at avagle@stjoan.com. Parish Picnic, Sunday, May 22: Enjoy a beautiful walk at our annual picnic at Ft. Snelling State Park! Mass for early guests and volunteers will be celebrated at 11 am at Shelter A. Lunch served, Noon – 2 pm. Stop by the volunteer appreciation table and register to win Concert Series tickets! Reservations are required by May 15 at the Parish Center, 612.823.8205 or on-line at www.stjoan.com. Free park permit will be provided at the ranger station. Picnic held rain or shine; rescheduled only if severe weather warning issued that morning. Please note: Ft. Snelling State Park is a mile farther south of historic Ft. Snelling. Save the Date: The recent SJA Happy Hour was an outstanding

success. Now is a good time to mark your cal-endar for future gatherings: May 17, June 21 and July 19. If you would like to host one of these and/or have suggestions for a location

contact Fr. Jim Cassidy at jamesallencassidy@gmail.com, Dennis at dheaney@sja.com or Margo at mheaney@sja.com. Prayer Service in Gratitude for the gifts of our St. Joan of Arc GLBTQ members during Pride Week will be on Wednesday, June 22 at 7 pm. Special guest musician Ann Reed. Cabaret! It is never too early to save the date for this year's SJA musical extravaganza. October 7, 8 and 9. More to come! Mobile Loaves and Fishes Urgent Needs: Our mobile food ministry needs NEW socks for women, boys and girls and toilet-ries in travel sizes (unused). Drop off your donations in the Parish Center lobby, and thank you so much for your help! The Sunday Morning Registration and Information Office

is located in the Parish Center. In the office you may register to

become a SJA parishioner; get program information; sign up for a program; and register to volunteer. The office is open after both of our Sunday morning liturgies.

Baptism: To have your child baptized at St. Joan’s you must be a registered member and participate in a 90-minute Baptism preparation class. FFI and to register call JP at the Parish Center.

Summary of contributions for the week and fiscal year. Includes plate, envelopes and estimated Sustaining Member payments.

Week of April 24, 2016 Actual $39,231 Budget $41,265 Prior Year Actual $42,642

YTD (July 1 – April 24) Actual $1,631,679 Budget $1,620,400 Prior Year Actual $1,583,681

Thank You!

Adoptive Families Book Club: Are you touched by adoption? Join us for a lively discussion of Building Self-Esteem in Children and Teens Who Are Adopted or Fostered by Dr. Sue Cornbluth. We’ll meet on Saturday, May 14, 10 am at Turtle Bread (on Chicago Ave.). Questions? Ask Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com.

New to SJA? Meet a Mentor Family! Do you love SJA but find it hard to connect with other parish families? Would you like to be part of the many exciting SJA ministries, but don’t know how to get started? Sign up with a mentor family! Your mentor family will join you for coffee and cookies after a Family Mass to share with you the ways their family found a home at SJA. FFI contact Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com.

Shoes for the Homeless: Calvary Church in Minneapolis has a foot ministry, in which volunteers wash and groom the feet of homeless guests and give them a fresh pair of shoes. We are accepting donations of gently used shoes for this ministry. Only sturdy shoes and winter boots in good condition please. Questions? Contact Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com. Food Shelf Donations Are Needed: You are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items with you when you come to Mass on Sunday and place them in our food shelf bins, located in the entrances to our Church and Parish Center. Your food offerings are donated to the Foodshelf at Sabathani Community Center each week. Thank you for your willingness to help those in need.

Plant Sale: Southside Family Charter School (on the SJA campus) is having their annual plant sale on Saturday, May 21, 9 am - 3 pm and Sunday, May 22, 9 am - 1 pm. FFI contact 612.872.8322.

Summer…and all that JAZZ: Four concerts at St. Albert the Great

(corner of E. 29th St. & 32nd Ave. S. in Mpls.) Sunday afternoon beginning at 1 pm. $15 at the door. Sunday, May 22: Maud Hixson & Rick Carlson - Songs Louie Sang - celebrating Louis Armstrong. Sunday, June 12: Maria Jette & Dan Chouinard; Sunday, July 17: Connie Evingson

and Sunday, August 21: Bill Duna & Debbie Duncan. FFI: 612.724.3643 or www.saintalbertthegreat.org.

FFI on Pastoral Ministries contact Mary Ann Kelly-Wright at 612.823.8205 ext 231 or via email: mkelly@stjoan.com.

Mental Health Ministry: Join us Monday, May 9, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale. Mr. Jon Hartman from the Hazelden/ Betty Ford Foundation will speak on Navigating Life With a Dual Diagnosis - Co-occurring Mental Health and Sub-stance Abuse Use Disorders. Light supper 5:45 pm, program 6:30 - 8 pm. Free-will offering accepted. All are welcome. 1.8 CEU's available to students and professionals. FFI contact Mary Ann Kelly-Wright at the Parish Center. Did You Know? In addition to the Hazelden Betty Ford Founda-tion providing treatment and support for people struggling with addictions, they offer specialized addiction and mental health services, including dual diagnosis. FFI contact the treatment center at www.hazelden.org or call 1.800.257.7810. BeFriender Ministry: BeFriender Ministers offer one-to-one confidential support when facing one of life's many transitions. To find out more contact Carolyn Dobis, 651.485.2868 or Mary Ann at the Parish Center. Parish Visitor Ministry offers phone calls, visits, prayer and/or

communion. If you or someone you know is unable to join us for worship or would like a long or short term additional connection in the home, hospital or rehab/care center, contact Mary Ann Kelly-Wright at the Parish Center.

SJA/TRUST Grief Support: SJA is pleased to host the TRUST Summer grief support series that will run Thursdays, May 19 through July 18 in the Parish Center. The series will open with Dee Bailey sharing her experiences on Living with Loss: What We Need to Know About this Strange New Experience. 6:15 pm, registration and refreshments; 6:30 speaker presentation; 7 - 8 pm facilitated small groups. The full schedule is available in the Parish Center and on the church/school hallway bulletin boards. FFI contact Jean Mills at 612.986.8217.

SJA ISAIAH Core Team News: ISAIAH is a coalition of more than 100 metro area faith communities - including SJA - working together for racial and economic justice. We are grounded in our faith and in our commitment to human dignity. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, we are advocating for Earned Sick and Safe Time for workers. At the state level, we are advocating for policies to close racial disparities in Minnesota, including Restore the Vote and Sentencing Reform. Join us! FFI please contact Julie Madden at the Parish Center. Sustaining Our Earth, Renewing Our Church: On Wednesday,

May 4 at 7 pm, Erin Lohes, Ph.D will present on The Church of Pope Francis: Theological and Practical Responses to Laudato Si. The Pope's encyclical has reinvigorated many who are committed to environmental justice - come and learn more!

At Woulfe Alumni Hall South, Anderson Student Center at the University of St. Thomas. Have Faith in Affordable Housing! We partner with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative in many powerful ways here at SJA. On May 12 at 7 pm, Beacon invites you to St. Mary's Uni-versity Center, 2540 Park Ave. in Mpls. Join fellow SJAers and people of faith from many communities as we ask public officials to commit to funding new affordable housing and supportive ser-vices. We have made such great strides in ending homelessness in Minnesota - let us continue together! RSVP to Chelsea at 651.789.6260x211.

SJA Outreach Fund News: This is a restricted, designated fund that supports our outreach in the world. We rely on your contribu-tions and thank all of our donors and all of the volunteers involved in our efforts. Contributions to the Outreach Fund are not subject to the 9% archdiocesan assessment, so 100% of your donation goes to this work: SJA CARE Fund: Providing emergency financial assistance

to help keep people housed and utilities turned on. Parishion-ers administer this fund, meeting with people in need to pro-vide support that prevents homelessness in our community.

SJA Justice Grants: If you volunteer with a great nonprofit, pick up an application for a grant - this is how we partner with you, our parishioners, and with fantastic organizations locally and globally. Deadline for this round of applications is today Sunday, May 1.

Sustaining Partners: We are proud to partner in a special way with Sister Parish; Arm in Arm in Africa; Women Against Military Madness and Mobile Loaves and Fishes.

Special Project: We are providing start-up funds to Mental Health Connect, a neighborhood resource for people living with mental illness, and for their loved ones. Currently in its pilot phase, this collaborative between SJA and Bethlehem Lutheran Church is being recognized as an innovative and effective way to serve our community.

FFI on the Outreach Fund, please contact Julie Madden at the Parish Center.

FFI on Peace & Justice programs contact Julie Madden at 612.823.8205 ext 228 or jmadden@stjoan.com.

A Story of War: On Wednesday, May 25 at 7 pm at Richfield American Legion (6501 Portland Ave. So.), there will be a reading from Vietnam war veteran Jerry Hall's new book, Yes Sir, Yes Sir, 3 Bags Full. This is a brutally frank story (for adults only) of Jerry's experiences, his struggles to adapt to

life post-war, and how he became a strong anti-war activist. FFI, please contact Don Hall (SJA parishioner, and Jerry's brother) at 612.823.5408.

We form the faith of our community through participation in prayer, liturgy, sacraments, education, community and works of justice.

Family Mass: On May 8, come to the Gym at 9 or 11 am to celebrate Children & Youth Sunday and Mother’s Day with the Children’s Choir as we celebrate our Faith Formation year and hold up our wonderful SJA young people and their moms. Children’s Choir Concert: Join us on May 14 at 2 pm as the Children’s Choir has their first off-site concert at the Walker Methodist Chapel (3737 Bryant Ave. S., Mpls.). FFI contact Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com. Camp St. Joan: Camp St. Joan supports our vision of peace at St. Joan of Arc by Dreaming a World United. We are in need of adult volunteers to learn and teach with us this summer. This year we will explore Italy with its rich culture, history, and the roots of our Catholic church. Please join us in giving the kids a fun-filled week at camp. FFI contact Therese Pendleton at tpendleton@stjoan.com or 612.823.8205 ext. 230. Calvary Workers: Thanks to all those who shopped, cooked, prepped, served and got to know our neighbors through the Calvary Meal this year. Your work together made a real difference!

: FFI contact Jennifer Gessner, at 612.823.8205 ext.

240, or jgessner@stjoan.com.

Our Nursery, located in the lower level of the Parish Center, is open for the 9 & 11 am Sunday Masses. The Nursery is a wonderful community of families and volunteers that allows parents to enjoy Mass and meet other families in the Parish. Drop-ins welcome!

: (Ages 4-Kindergarten) FFI contact Therese

Pendleton at 612.823.8205 ext. 230 or tpendleton@stjoan.com.

: (Grades 1-6) FFI contact Marie Bissonnette

at 612.823.8205 ext. 229 or mbissonnette@stjoan.com.

Today is our last class day for the season. Thank you to all of our teachers, lead volunteers, teen helpers, parents, and children for making this year fun and Spirit-filled. Don't forget to register now for next year: grades 1-4 Sunday classes, grades 5 and 6 Planet 56 on scheduled Sundays, or At-Home Faith Formation grades 1-6. See our website under Elementary Faith Formation for details.

Congratulations to yesterday's First Communion children. What a beautiful morning it was. We had a total of 84 children who prepared for, and received, their First Holy Communion over the last two week-ends. Blessings to them and their families!

: (Grades 7-12) FFI contact Donelle

Poling at 612.823.8205 ext. 241 or dpoling@stjoan.com or Kelley Deshler at kdeshler@stjoan.com.

High School and College Graduates: We are proud of your ac-complishments and will be recognizing you by name and school during both Masses on Sunday, May 8. Please submit your name and school to Donelle at dpoling@stjoan.com by Sunday, May 1 and wear your school colors or school themed attire on May 8.

Valleyfair: Saturday, May 21, 6th – 12th grade. Bus leaves SJA at 10 am returns at 7:30 pm. Cost $25; bring extra money for food. Permission Slip/Code of Conduct on the website. FFI contact Donelle at dpoling@stjoan.com.

: FFI contact Dennis Heaney at

612.823.8205 ext. 234 or dheaney@stjoan.com.

Honoring Choices: Health Care Directives. SAGES invites you to the 2nd of their Life Transition Series. Everyone should have their Health Care Directive in writing and up-to-date. Judine Pattinson of the Trust Nursing Group will offer her insight into the value of the document and the essentials of completing and utiliz-ing it. Join us on Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 - 8:30 pm in Hospitality Hall. Everyone is invited. Free will offering.

Hats off to the Women of SJA: Join the Women of SJA on Friday, May 6, for an evening of food, vintage hat show, and an auction of art work by staff, ministries and volunteers. Doors open at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:30 pm followed by a presenta-

tion. Wear a hat if you wish. Suggested Donation $15. RSVP by May 2 at the Parish Center 612.823.8205 or online at www.stjoan.com.

2nd Monday Dialogue with SAGES: Enjoy coffee and dialogue with former SJA staffer Cathy Doyle-Burris who will present on Keeping the Keys. Join the discussion about helping seniors make smart driving decisions on Monday, May 9, 1:30 - 3 pm in Hospi-tality Hall. Bring your friends!

Parish Book Club: We meet on the 2nd Wednesdays of the month to discuss our experiences with great stories. Everyone is welcome anytime! Here’s what to read next: May 11: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

RCIA: On Holy Saturday night we baptized 8 people and con-firmed 11. Is this your year to come into full communion with the Church? Call the Parish Center and talk to Fr. Jim DeBruycker to find out about the RCIA program which will start again in October.

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