On Retirement

I retired from my position as Coordinator of Justice and Outreach at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, effective August 4, 2012. My replacement is Cheryl Peterson who I anticipate will take over this blog for me. You can reach her at cpeterson@guardian-angels.org.

It has been a privilege to be part of the Guardian Angels Catholic Community. It is not only a parish that "welcomes ALL at the table", it is a Catholic community that is committed to living out the Sermon on the Mount (the beatitudes and Christ's teachings), that is, Catholic social teachings of justice, outreach and peace-making.

When you go there, and I would invite you if you have never visited, you will immediately see an acre food shelf garden as you drive in. This garden produces 12,000 lbs of produce for area food shelves, all by volunteers. As you continue into the parking lot, adjacent to the front door, you will see the Parish House. Beginning in September, it will be used to house homeless families (that are referred there by the Community Resource Center at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church). Again, the staffing for this homeless shelter, Hope for the Journey Home,  will be volunteers. Now, as you enter Guardian Angels, you will see a Justice and Outreach kiosk and on it more of the justice and outreach programs offered by Guardian Angels, e.g. Sister Parish Ministry (opportunity to do exchanges with our Sister Parish, Santa Rita, in Teustepe Nicaragua), Loaves and Fishes (to feed the hungry at Dorothy Day Center), Justice and Peace Action Ministry or Respect Life Action Team where you can engage in justice work, or learn about Guardian Angels many justice education offerings, e.g. JustFaith or Engaging Spirituality. You will note how open the sanctuary is and that there is two areas at the back of it, one the Giving Center and the other the Holy Family Room.

You can donate food or other items at the Giving Center and even recycle your printer ink cartridges, used cell phones or clothing. Currently, Guardian Angels is collecting backpacks and school supplies for inner city children.

The other area, in the Holy Family Room, there will be coffee and cookies and an opportunity to socialize with others after Mass. There is also a prayer corner, a display for military families and prayer quilts, as well as, many other useful things in the back of church.

At the beginning of Mass you will hear our choir. Guardian Angels is fortunate to have a world class music director, Roger Stratton, and several composers as members of the Parish. The Parish is also known for its music.

Our pastor is Father Rodger Bauman. He has two assistants, Father Stan Maslowski and Father Stan Sledz. We soon will have a new deacon as well. The liturgies and homilies are particularly meaningful and will feed you spiritually. I think you will like Guardian Angels.

After Mass you can stroll out to our prayer garden, next to the Historic Church (yes, we still have our church, now remodeled, from our beginning rural days, along with a large, modern sanctuary). Unlike many churches today, you will also find our cementary located next to the church.

Next month is Guardian Angels' Fall Festival, September 14-16. You won't want to miss it. Senior Citizen night is Friday. Saturday there is a pasta dinner and Sunday a chicken dinner, both catered by Lake Elmo Inn. You can buy a raffle ticket; $10,000 in cash top prize, vacation packages and $10,000s of other prizes.

There are all kinds of activities for kids, adults and families, including the BEST FIREWORKS display in the area on Saturday night. There will be a Market Tent with books, DVDs, fresh produce, plants etc. at bargain prices. And 10% of the proceeds of the Festival are donated to non-profits serving the poor here and abroad. 

I look forward to my new role as a parishioner and volunteer and hope you will join me at our Fall Festival September 14-16, and if you are not a member, will visit us for a weekend Mass and see why Guardian Angels is a model for other Catholic parishes and has been recognized for its justice and outreach as well as its music programs.

Bob Walz, now retired