ASCENSION IMMIGRATION UPDATE
We just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you. Because of your generosity and support we were able to provide 335 families with an Easter Picnic. Serving 1,675 people. Whether you donated, volunteered, or simply shared our mission, you’ve made a difference. Your continued kindness reminds people that they are not alone. Our community provided the children of Ascension with 178 Baskets to brighten their Easter morning.
UPDATE
We will continue to deliver food to families through May 23 and then Ascension will be moving to a "FREE STORE" model. This will allow families to come in and pick up their food needs for their family each week.With your Generous Donations to the Ascension Immigration Outreach Program, we will continue to provide the much need food items for these families. This is a vital service that provides food security and a sense of belonging to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
APRIL FOOD DRIVE IS APRIL 12
We have purchased 100 of the following items: Tuna, Canned Chicken, Dry Cereal, Spaghetti Sauce, Soup, Canned Fruit, Canned Pinto/Black Beans. Food has been delivered to Ascension Already. We will continue to collect donations to purchase staple items.
CONTACT JANELL WITH QUESTIONS
DONATE TO ASCENSION FOOD SHELF
CURRENT LIST OF MOST NEEDED ITEMS
SERVICE DAY
Special Thank You to all the Middle School Students and Extraordinary Disciples that shared their time helping with Service Day!
The following acts of kindness were done:
Cleaning of the church pews
Cleaning outside the church and school campus
Removing of the broken fountain outside by the Memorial Garden
Making PLARN for the Bedroll Mats for the homeless
Making Tye Blankets to go with Bedroll Mats
Assembling of Easter Baskets for children at Ascension
Making sandwich meals for Agate Shelter
Making Spring mini loaves of bread to share with some of our parish members
Palm Braiding Crosses to be giving to our homebound parish members
Card Making
Assembled toilet paper to be given to Immigration Families
Assemble Bags and Cardboard Totes for the Immigration food deliveries
AGATE HOUSING SERVICES SNACK PACKS
Snack Packs. Snack Packs are given to program participants who come to the Center to access supportive services. It’s a ‘Quick Fuel’ that is offered as a resource to create a positive community atmosphere.
CTK will be collecting the following items:
Beef Jerky
Granola or Soft Textured Nutri-Grain Bars
Juice Boxes
Small Water Bottles
Large Water Bottles
Crystal light, Kool Aid or Gatorade Packets
Nut Mix Snack Packs
Carondelet Students are collecting 10 different items. Once all items are collected we will pack the items in gallon baggies. Our GOAL is to put 200 Snack Packs together.
Looking for Volunteers to Collaborate with 4th grade students Friday, April 24, after morning Mass to assemble Snack Packs in the Gathering Space.
You can sign up this weekend to donate specific items or make a donation for items to be purchased. Please see table in Gathering Space by staircase.
Loaves & Fishes Outreach- Help Needed
We are looking for more Outstanding Ministers to share their time to help prep and serve meals with our Loaves and Fishes Outreach every other month. Our next time serving will be in March 18, 2026. Please contact Jeff at 612-910-1334 to sign up.
Social Justice Team News
History of Racism Follow-up: For those who were unable to attend the very informative presentation on March 9, we have a number of leftover folders which contain a wealth of resources and information sheets on the evidence of ongoing systemic racism education, employment, housing, health care, policing, incarceration, state and federal policies, with thanks to the St. Odilia Racial Equity Ministry. There are also bookmarks from the CTK Social Justice Team with the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Feel free to pick up these items on the table outside the library. Questions - contact mcolbert712@gmail.com
Watch the bulletin for details of a follow-up presentation in late May or early June, looking at specific actions our parish can take to combat racism. We have invited Professor David Williard to return this spring or next fall. Questions - contact ann.sittig@state.mn.us
Action Steps: Each week we will highlight some of the action steps from the folder. The Antiracism Collective in Edina facilitates meaningful conversations and policy change to strategically dismantle structural racism and hate. They offer a variety of resources for learning about racism, fostering dialogue, and taking action against systemic racism. Check out their calendar for events and actions.
Anti-Racism Conversations | Anti-Racism Collective | Edina
The Anti-Racism Collective facilitates meaningful conversations and policy change to strategically dismantle structural racism and hate in the place where we live. We believe in growing individually and changing collectively.
Justice Commission of The Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet joins with other groups to address issues that demean or deny human dignity. Contact mroers@cjstpaul.org to receive their weekly newsletter which provides opportunities for getting involved in justice initiatives.
New Members Welcome We invite people of all ages to join our team. Contact maryjanemitchell@msn.com.