Today’s reading could almost be a comedy routine with the blind man trying to convince the power structure he actually was the man born blind from birth. Of course it is not funny, be-cause the Pharisees know well it is the blind man, but if they admit it, they will have to give Jesus the credit. Naturally, they attempted the ‘tried and true’ methodology of attacking the veracity of the reporter in hopes enough people will believe them - sound familiar?

In recovery programs there is a widely recognized phenomenon: as someone begins to over-come their addiction, they enter uncomfortable territory. There are usually patterns and rituals that surround addictive behavior. To this day, many of us ex-smokers smell that first cup of coffee and get a little catch in our throat followed by a sympathetic inhale in honor of our old addiction.

Without mentioning any names, I have heard tell of an ex-smoker who, in place of cigarettes, has substituted chewing on things like toothpicks or popsicle sticks when he is stressed. His doctor has often had to remove wood slivers from a variety of body parts…

Drug users of every variety have their trigger mechanisms. Part of recovery is recognizing these triggers and as the 'good sister' used to tell us: “stay away from the near occasion of sin!”

What is not often talked about, but what every good Al-Anon member can tell you, is that a recovering addict is a challenge. You, who used to be the suffering victim of a user, are now you are the spouse, companion or friend; you should be the proud owner of a rebuilt and re-deemed model. “Oh I’m so proud of Susie or Jimmy he is finally getting his life together. You should be so happy.” Your identity as a poor victim has come to an end and you have to learn how to know and love this person in a new way. Yikes! Change!

Clearly, this is much too simplistic a picture but the challenges, are real. Even a bad relation-ship is a relationship and we are all more comfortable with what we know - even when it is negative. I can’t count the many times I have sat with an abuse victim in the hospital only to have them plead with the police not to arrest the abuser.

The Pharisees do not want to see for fear they will see themselves for who they have become. Self-awareness isn’t easy. Oops I'm choking on a toothpick!

Your Support WILL Make A Difference

For those who have not responded with your decision on our capital campaign, please watch your mail for a gentle reminder from me. Please take a few moments to complete the commit-ment card and seal it in the confidential envelope. Then you can return it by mail, bring it to the office, or place it in the collection basket. Every financial commitment will bring us one step closer to reaching our goal. Your support will make a difference. Thank you! Fr. Jim D

Presider: Fr. Jim DeBruycker

Pre-mass Speaker: Welcome John Keller, Director of the Immigration Law Center of Minnesota. John challenges us with this important and timely message as part of our Lenten theme Encounter Judgment! Thank you to our own band-leader, Tommy Barbarella and singer, Christina Pawlowski for their inspiring solos during today's gym masses.

On the fourth Sunday of Lent we offer The Way of the Cross, a contemporary stations that brings the story of Jesus’ Passion to life through various eyewit-nesses. Come to the church at 9 or 11 am for this unique play brought to life by adult and youth actors and SJA musi-cians. We encourage families to share in this powerful experience of drama, music and prayer. The Family Masses follow immediately. All are welcome!

Sun, March 26: 1 Sam 16:1b,6-7,10-13a; Eph 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 Mon, March 27: Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54 Tue, March 28: Ezekiel 47:1-9,12; John 5:1-16 Wed, March 29: Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30 Thu, March 30: Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47 Fri, March 31: Wisdom 2:1a,12-22; John 7:1-2,10,25-30 Sat, April 1: Jeremiah 11:18-20; John 7:40-53 Sun, April 2: Ezekiel 37:12-14; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45

Anne, Zach Arlein, Ben, Jodi B., Ray B., Sally Backstrom, Dennis Barta, Elaine Boehm, Sally Bolster, Lorraine Bryant, Pam Burd, George C., Dayna Cell, Joe Chouinard, Jack Commings, Dolores Cufaude, Dejon & Leslie Culver, Barb D., Roger D., Anita Dahinten, Colleen Dooley,

Anne Duvalley, Eric, Kristian Erickson, Jermaine F., John & Margaret Frees, Donna Gallmeier, Peter & Kathleen Giefer, Betty Goodman, Ben Goodwin, Heidi Gregoric, Tom Griep, Paula Grodecki, Mary Havstad, Bernhard Hering, Brad Hinker, Helen Hinton, Jim Hinton, Ethan Hoeschen, Mary Hoody, Emily Horner, Jan Horner, Kathy Horner, Neysa Housley, Kirk Ingram, Dorothy Irvin, Judy, Ginny J., Trica Jaconson, Cecilia Jaisle, Dan & Tom Jay,

Katie Johnson, Rich Johnson, Scott Johnson, Paul Jonsson, Kevin, Stevie K., Judy Kablec, Lois Kalis, Glen Kelley, Gary Kremer, Paul L., Amy Lainus, Iva Lang, Rachel Larson, Gary Lindstrom, Helen Lishman, Pat Lyon, Jim Lyons, Malia, Mark, Mary Kay, Kyle M., Thomas Madryga, Katherine Malaga, Anthony Marino, Harvey May, Wally May, Dawn McClelland, Chuck Meiers, Mike, Marie Moilenan, Sid Monroe, Jean & Bob Moore, Nate, Steve Nathe,

Tim Nipper, Erma Odendahl, Stacey Olk, Ken Olsen, Dick Olson, Mary Olson, Paul Olvera, Pam, Judy P., Michelle P., Joan Penrose, Bill Peterka, Dick Pirola, Liz Prenzinski, Bennett Queen, Rick, John Ramerth, Lorial Rathman, Doris Rausch, Jimmy Rieck, Donald Roufs, Margaret Rowser,

Helen Russett, Conrad Sampair, Kay Samuelson, Kay Sanders, Lynn Schubert, Gene Schultz, Larry Seekamp, Dana Sell, Mac Shapland, Aileen & Dave Sheppard, Sam Slagerman, Corrine Smith, Joan Speltz, Jeff Stearns, Ted, Teddy, Tony, Irene Taddiken, Matthew Tennant,

Mary Eve Thomas, Echo Thoren, Carin Vagle, Leroy Vague, Emily Vang, Marlys Weber, Bennett Wentworth, Maureen Wolf

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

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.

FFI check the bulletin, the SJA website or call the Parish Center. The Upper Room is located in the Parish Center; Hospitality Hall, in the Church basement; the Arc, across 45th Street, 4457 3rd Ave.

Sunday, March 26

Way of the Cross, 9 and 11 am in the Church

Immigration 101, after the 11 am Mass in the Upper Room

Monday, March 27

Spirituality of Addiction, 6:30 pm in Hospitality Hall

Tuesday, March 28

8 am Mass in the Church

Heart of the Beast, 6 pm in the Church

Wednesday, March 29

Soup Supper, 5 pm in Hospitality Hall

Centering Prayer, 5:15 pm in the Church

Encounter the Way, 6:30 pm in the Church

Thursday, March 30

8 am Mass in the Church

Choir, 7 pm in the Church

Friday, March 31

Mass, 6 pm in the Church

Stations of the Cross, 7 pm in the Church

Sunday 9 and 11 am Gym Masses:

Sunday, April 2: Encounter Faith! Presider: Fr. Cassidy. Pre-mass: Experiences of encounters from SJA delegates who recently traveled to Guatemala and South Africa.

Sunday, April 9: Palm Sunday. Encounter! Presider: Fr. DeBruycker. Gospel singer Robert Robinson joins the SJA choir and readers in a presentation of the Passion of Jesus.

Palm Sunday Family Masses are at 9 and 11 am in the Church join us for a special play that tells the story of Jesus' last week.

Sunday, April 16: Gym Easter Sunday Masses 7 am Sunrise Service, Presider: Fr. Cassidy and the SJA

Musicians. 9 am - Presider: Fr. Cassidy with the SJA Choir and gospel

singer Robert Robinson. 11 am - Presider: Fr. DeBruycker with the SJA Choir and

gospel singer Robert Robinson.

Family Masses for Easter are at 9 am and 11 am in the Church. Join Farmer Rick and his baby animals as we celebrate new life!

Gluten-free Communion is available upon request. Please see

any of the Sunday sacristans in the Gym before Mass.

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.

Lenten Wednesdays: The Power of Encounter. Soup Suppers begin at 5 pm in Hospitality Hall. All Encounter Prayer / Learning Experiences are at 6:30 pm in the Church. March 29: Encounter the Way. Join us in the church for

Way of the Cross, a contemporary Stations. April 5: Encounter Service. Join us for an evening benefitting

local non-profits. There will be many meaningful service oppor-tunities for all ages.

Soup Supper, Wednesday, March 29: Join us in Hospitality Hall, 5 - 6:30 pm for soup, grilled cheese and/or PB & J sandwiches. Free will donations this evening will benefit Sabathani Food Shelf. All are welcomed! Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers who continue to help make our Soup Suppers tasty and much fun! Soup and Bread Needed for March 29! To donate 2 gallons of soup or bread, please call the Parish Center (612.823.8205). Centering Prayer on Wednesday, March 29 will be led by parish-ioner and spiritual director, Karin Grosscup in the church from 5:15 - 5:45 pm. Soup Supper Collection: Last week we collected $551 for the Advocates for Human Rights Refugee and Immigration Services. We are grateful for the work of AHR staff and volunteer attorneys - including members of our own community - who serve those seek-ing a better life in this country. Seder Wednesday, April 12! Don't forget to make reservations

for the entire family for this beautiful evening of celebrating a traditional Jewish Seder meal and learning about the origins of our own Christian practice of Eucharist. There will be prayer, singing, dancing and prizes for the children, followed by a

full dinner. This is an exciting evening and a great start to our Holy Week here at St. Joan’s! RSVP to the Parish Center, 612.823.8205.

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

Week of March 6 - March 12, 2017 Actual $34,948 Budget $38,084 Prior Year Actual $40,689

YTD (July 1 – March 5, 2017) Actual $1,437,119 Budget $1,495,514 Prior Year Actual $1,377,537

Thank You!

Choir will rehearse for Easter and Holy Week this Thursday, March 30 at 7 pm in the church.

Singles 50+ 2nd Sunday Supper April 9 in Hospitality Hall. 5 pm, Social Hour; 6 pm, Roast Pork Dinner, Dessert; 7 pm, Heartfelt sings songs from 1930s harmonies to fun renditions of current pop hits. Cost is $10. Come alone or bring a friend! FFI call Karen at 952.884.5165.

Baptisms Celebrated at St. Joan of Arc, January - March Margot Aman; Frances Boldischar; Eleanor Boyd; Helena Dickie; Michael Dziuk; Maeve & Rory Gallagher; Kevin Haupert; Violet Jordan; Lucy Klos; Henry Larson; Coleman Mahowald; Ellis Martin; Tommie Morrissette; Ayla Moin; Jack Zachman

Nominations Sought for New SJA Parish Council Members: Nominations are open for the SJA Parish Council to registered parishioners of 2 years or more. As an advisory Council to the Pastor, the Council is a visioning and planning body which listens to the

community, aids in identifying needs and concerns, and helps to develop the Parish Strategic Plan. We are in need of parishion-ers who exhibit enthusiasm about the future direction of the Parish and are willing to listen, speak honestly, and work toward consensus. Council members are expected to regularly attend a two-hour Council meeting on the first Thursday of the month, and to serve as a liaison with an assigned ministry. We invite you to nominate yourself or someone else by completing a nomination form which is available in the back of the Gym, Church or in the Parish Center office by Friday, April 7 and send completed forms to Parish Center, attention: Dennis Heaney. All nominees will be asked to attend a Night of Information about the work of the Council on Thursday, May 4, at 7 pm in Hospitality Hall. A formal Night of Discernment and election will be held on Thursday, May 11, at 7 pm in Hospitality Hall. If you have questions about the Council or the discernment process, we encourage you to contact any existing member of the Council, listed on the SJA web site. FFI contact Dennis Heaney at dheaney@stjoan.com or 612.823.8205 ext. 234.

Parking: Be considerate of our neighbors and their property. Please don’t block driveways or park in their on-street handi-capped areas. Thank you!

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's Déjà Vu: Don't miss this exciting 1970 album review with Collective Unconscious on Sunday, April 30 at 7 pm in the gym! Let your eyes, ears and body experience this exciting music in a new way as George Maurer, Jeff Engholm and the entire CU band play down the entire CSNY album with precision and soul! Tickets are on sale after masses or at www.stjoan.com.

Cabrini’s Inaugural Tegeder Talk: On Friday, April 7 at 7 pm in the St. Francis Cabrini Worship Space (1500 Franklin Ave SE) Sister Sandra Schneiders, IHM, will present on Women in the Church. This is an ongoing legacy based on Fr. Mike Tegeder’s desire to encourage adult conversations about vital topics. Register online at www.cabrinimn.org/tegeder-talks. Space is limited. Freewill donations will be gratefully accepted at the door.

Consider Carpooling or Riding the City Bus to Church: Go to metrotransit.org for more information. Thank you!

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

Mental Health Ministry: Monday, April 10 in SJA Hospitality Hall. A look at Mental Illness and the Performing Arts presented by the Vail Place Performers. Light supper 5:45 pm, followed by the program from 6:30 - 8 pm. 1.8 CEU's available for students and professionals. All are welcome. Free will offering accepted. FFI contact Mary Ann in the Parish Center.

Did You Know? The What's Left art exhibit will be on display at Bethlehem Lutheran Church 4100 Lyndale through noon on March 30. Viewing times are: Monday - Friday 8 am - 9 pm; Saturday 9 am - 6 pm and Sunday 8 am - 2 pm. FFI check the bulletin boards, Parish Center or www.bethlehem-church.org.

The BeFriender Ministry: All currently active BeFrienders are reminded to mark your calendars for our next meeting, Saturday, April 22, 1 - 3:30 pm, in the Parish Center.

The Parish Visitor Ministry is available to parishioners who cannot join us for worship or would like an additional long or short term parish connection in the home, hospital, rehab or care center. FFI/or anyone interested in serving in the BeFriender or Parish Visitor Ministry, contact Mary Ann at the Parish Center.

TRUST, Inc. Winter/Spring Grief Support Series: Thursday, March 30 is the last session of the winter/spring series. Carol Oldowski will speak on Self Care During Grief. Following Carol's presentation and social time will be our

prayerful Service of Remembrance; a time to honor deceased loved ones. All are welcome and invited to bring a picture or other memento of your loved one (not required). Gathering time 6:15 pm; FFI contact Norine Larson, 952.925.2437.

Thank You to the TRUST Meals on Wheels Volunteers who make our program possible. In 2016 our volunteer drivers deliv-ered 23,109 nutritious meals, an average of 89 meals delivered each weekday. Our 420 volunteers donated nearly 4200 hours of vital service during the year. Thank you, volunteers, for your caring and commitment! To join us as a volunteer, please con-tact us at 612.822.6040 or trustmow@yahoo.com.

Lent 2017: This Lent, many of us are overwhelmed by the state of our world. Our humanity and hope is restored in encounter with one another. From author Mary Pipher: "If you read the newspa-per, you're just freaked out. It looks like we live in this violent world that is about to destroy itself. But if you live a life where you're connected to real human beings, you're much more optimistic. Real human beings tend to be so much more courageous and noble and decent than the way they're often portrayed." Let us seek out the good, and share the good news!

Immigration 101: Today, following the 11:00 mass, join us in the Parish Center Upper Room. Jenny Zanner Rowe will attempt to help us make sense of our broken immigration system. We will also learn what we can do to help keep families intact and respect the dignity of those who seek to live and work in our country. Host-ed by our Welcome the Stranger ministry. This presentation will be repeated on Thursday, April 6 at 7 pm in Hospitality Hall.

Alfombra Returns to SJA: The alfombra is a Guatemalan tradi-tion. Our Sister Parish committee invites you to help construct this carpet of colored sawdust on Holy Saturday (April 15) and we will process through it on Easter Sunday! Volunteers also needed to help prep on Tuesday, April 4. Great opportuni-

ties for families - FFI/to volunteer, contact Rick at 651.698.6224 or ricknelson@earthlink.net.

Race: The Power of an Illusion. On Tuesday, April 18 at 6:30 pm in Hospitality Hall, join us for the first of this acclaimed three-part film series by PBS that explores the myths, meanings and importance of racial distinctions in the U.S. It is an incredible series! Please join us for the film and discussion hosted by our ministry Building an Anti-Racist Church.

Solidarity Actions with Our Muslim Brothers and Sisters: Muslim Day at the Capitol: Our SJA Welcome the Stranger

Ministry will have a presence at this rally from 10:30-11:30 am on Wednesday, March 29 at the State Capitol, with an option to carpool from SJA at 9:15 am. FFI go to www.masmn.org, and we welcome you to stand with us to in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters!

Being Safe Harbor: If you see someone being harassed for their religion or ethnicity, would you know what to do or say? This Thursday, March 30, at 7 pm, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Maple Grove will host this session on re-sponding effectively to bias and harassment. This event is co-sponsored by the Northwest Islamic Community Center.

SJA Outreach Fund: As our leaders consider a federal budget that would gut programs serving the poor and vulnerable, we give thanks for the emergency financial assistance provided to parish-ioners and neighbors in need by our SJA CARE Committee - made possible by your support of the SJA Outreach Fund. At the same time we acknowledge that we are able to assist a total of only 100 to 120 families a year. Catholic Social Teaching com-pels us to hold our lawmakers accountable to human dignity and the common good with a budget that lifts up those most in need.

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

All Are Welcome Here: Share This Message! Signs are posted around the SJA campus this morning stating "All Are Welcome Here", in English and other languages. If you'd like a lawn sign that declares your commitment to being a presence of welcome, please contact parishioner Kathy McKay, executive director of the Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project at Kathy@reconciliationproject.org. The cost is $15. Thanks Kathy!

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

Encounter the Way: Join us for The Way of the Cross at one of these performances: • Today at 9 or 11 am (St. Joan of Arc church) • Wednesday, March 29 at 6:30 pm (St. Joan of Arc church) • Friday, March 31 at 7 pm (MacPlymouth United Church, St. Paul) This powerful performance uses drama, music and prayer to offer the viewer a new lens into the story that informs our faith. It’s a wonderful Lenten event for the whole family.

Encounter Love Through Service: Commit your spirit to helping others! On Wednesday April 5, 6:30 - 8 pm, come to the Gym for a service evening to benefit local non-profits. The fun includes making: • Birthday bags for Sabathani • Hygiene kits for Mobile Loaves & Fishes • Fleece blankets for Salvation Army • Dragonfly cards & key chains for those who have lost loved ones • Dog toys for Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue (we’ll have dogs there!) • Letters for Veterans • Easter candles for families Everyone is welcome; there will be meaningful service opportuni-ties for all ages. Start with Soup Supper! Come when you can, and leave when you need. Bring a food item for the Sabathani food shelf, if you can. FFI contact Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com.

Palm Sunday Family Mass: Join us on April 9 at 9 or 11 am in the church for our colorful Palm Sunday play. We use larger-than-life In the Heart of the Beast puppets, SJA musi-cians, actors and families in a play that tells the story of Jesus' last week. Don't miss it!

Adoptive Families Book Club: Join us on May 6 to chat about local author Louise Erdrich’s novel, La Rose. We’ll meet at Turtle Bread (on Chicago in Mpls) at 10 am. Come ready for some good fellowship and a lively discussion. All interested in adoption are welcome! FFI contact Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com.

Shoes for the Homeless: We are accepting donations of gently used shoes for Calvary Church in Minneapolis. Volunteers wash and groom the feet of homeless guests and give them a fresh pair of shoes. Only sturdy shoes and winter boots in good condition please. Questions? Contact 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.

: FFI contact Michelle Dehn, Nursery Director at

mdehn@stjoan.com or 612.823.8205 ext. 240.

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 the Parish

Center at 612.823.8205.

: (Grades 1-6) FFI contact Marie Bissonnette

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

Class Schedule: Regular classes today and April 2 No classes April 9, 16.

Upcoming: At-Home Faith Formation Confab, Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30 pm, everyone is welcome as we explore the Mass. RSVP to Marie at mbissonnette@stjoan.com.

: (Grades 7-12) FFI contact Donelle

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

: FFI contact Cynthia Bailey Manns at

612.823.8205 ext. 226 or cmanns@stjoan.com.

Sabbath: Give yourself permission to rest, receive and replenish. In the midst of our busy lives, we must remember that "rest affects the way we work, they are equally blessed, and they are holy and honorable." (Mohawkmomma) Please join us for a morning of the sacred rhythms of Sabbath, Saturday, April 8, 9 am - Noon in Hospitality Hall. RSVP to the Parish

Center by April 6. All are welcome!

Parish Book Club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of a month at 6:30 pm in the Parish Center to discuss our experiences with great stories. Everyone is welcome anytime! Here’s what to read next: * April 19 (date change): The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan. * May 10: The Bondwoman's Narrative by Hannah Crafts.

Scripture Matters meets on Tuesdays at 7 pm in Hospitality Hall. Join us for food, community and lively conversation as we explore the book Isaiah 53.

Save The Date! The Women of St. Joan of Arc (WSJA) Celebrato-ry event is May 12, 5:30 pm in Hospitality Hall. Our theme is Walk-ing in Her Shoes. We will hear stories of personal journeys, have an art auction, and enjoy a delicious meal. Suggested offering $15.

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