Twenty-five years later, we remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day. We remember the firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, and ordinary citizens who made extraordinary sacrifices. We remember the families who lost husbands, wives, parents, children, brothers, sisters, and friends. And we remember the many people whose lives were forever changed by what happened.

As Catholics, our remembrance must lead us to prayer.

We pray for those who died, asking God to receive them into His eternal peace. We pray for those who continue to grieve the loss of loved ones. We pray for the first responders and service members who carried the burdens of that day and its aftermath. We pray for those who continue to bear physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds.

But Christian remembrance also calls us to something more. Jesus tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Twenty-five years after September 11, we should not allow the memory of evil to produce hatred in our hearts. We can remember the terrible reality of that day while still praying for peace and seeking to build a world in which human life is respected and protected.

The anniversary of September 11 also reminds us of the importance of courage and self-sacrifice. On that morning, many people ran toward danger to save others. Their example points us toward the Christian call to place the good of others before ourselves. Christ Himself tells us, “There is no greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

As we mark this 25th anniversary, may we pause to remember, to pray, and to give thanks for those who sacrificed themselves for others. May God grant eternal rest to all who died, comfort to those who mourn, strength to those who continue to suffer, and peace to our nation and our world.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In Christ,

Fr. Joe Connelly 

In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah addresses God strongly.  He complains that his calling as a preacher is too overwhelming and gets him into trouble – and yet he cannot help but speak God’s word to others. Jeremiah tells us, when he does  not speak God’s message, it becomes like fire burning in his heart, so he must share it with others.

Jesus speaks many challenging words throughout the New Testament. In the Gospel reading, Jesus explains to his disciples how he will suffer death, be buried, and then rise again on the third day.

Peter is baffled by these predicted events. He cannot help but protest, God forbid, Lord! No such thing should ever happen to you. Peter’s reaction reveals his love for Jesus and his attachment to human understanding. But, Jesus explains in reply, you are thinking not as God does, but  as human beings do.

It is easy for us today to be attached to our finite understanding of things, but God has a bigger vision for the lives of those who love him. Jesus invites us to think as God does and live beyond our human understanding.

When speaking to his disciples, Jesus explains that those who wish to come after him must live in ways that are difficult: Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

In today’s second reading in Romans, the Apostle Paul repeats this call, urging his readers to give of themselves fully – body, mind, and spirit – in worship of God.

Paul’s message to the Romans and the message of the Gospel focus on the idea of sacrifice and self-gift. We are called to give ourselves to God in love, and to give of ourselves in a way that resembles God’s love. God’s love for us, perfectly expressed in the person of Jesus, completely surpasses our human understanding. This love, referred to in the Greek as agape, is the self-sacrificial and self-giving love that Jesus and Paul speak of. Self-sacrificing love is challenging, but as the example of Jesus shows, it is a true gift to the world.

We may find that the path God calls us to surpasses our understanding. But as we are fed in the Eucharist, God will give us the grace to hear and answer his call and to offer ourselves in love, even if that call challenges us in ways we are not expecting.

Deacon Michael Braun

The Assumption is the source of our celebration of Mary's queenship. At the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into the glory of heaven. She did not simply receive a heavenly reward for her faithfulness; she was given a share in the glory of her Son in a unique way. Mary is the first disciple to experience in her own body the destiny that awaits all who belong to Christ: the resurrection of the body and eternal life.

The Church's celebration of the Queenship of Mary therefore points us back to Christ. Mary is Queen because Jesus is King. Her greatness comes entirely from her relationship with Him. She is the Mother of the King, the woman who gave her complete "yes" to God at the Annunciation, remained faithful beneath the Cross, and was united with her Son throughout His earthly life. Now, in heaven, she continues to direct us toward Him.

This is beautifully expressed in the words of the Memorare: "Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided." We turn to Mary not instead of Christ, but with confidence that she will always lead us closer to her Son.

There is also a beautiful connection between these August celebrations and our own hope. The Assumption reminds us that heaven is not an escape from the created world. God created us as body and soul, and He desires to glorify both. Mary's assumption gives us a glimpse of what God intends for those who remain faithful to Him. Her queenship reminds us where that journey ultimately leads: to the Kingdom of her Son.

As we come to the end of August, let us place ourselves under Mary's maternal care. Let us ask her to teach us the same faith, humility, and obedience that marked her earthly life. May she help us to say "yes" to God each day, to remain faithful when life is difficult, and to keep our eyes fixed on the glory that awaits us.

Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.
Mary, assumed body and soul into heaven, pray for us.
Lead us always closer to your Son, Jesus Christ.

In Christ,

Fr. Joe Connelly

There were many thoughtful questions about how a Chesterton Academy presence at Guardian Angels would affect our parish, our ministries, our facilities, and our finances. The following is a summary of the questions and answers discussed at the Town Hall.

Will we still be able to use the school wing?

Yes. When school is not in session, the parish will continue to have access to most of the school wing. Chesterton Academy will have exclusive rights to Rooms M6, M9, M10, and M16 throughout the entire year.

What would the lease revenue be?

The lease will provide the parish with at least $60,000 per year, plus utilities.

Will this lease result in a net income for the parish?

Yes. The lease is expected to result in net income for Guardian Angels.

How will this impact the use of the Kitchen and Social Hall?

Chesterton Academy has been informed that the parish will have primary use of all spaces outside of the school wing. This means that parish activities in areas such as the Kitchen and Social Hall will continue to be prioritized.

What will the relationship be between Chesterton staff and parish staff?

The two organizations will have distinct responsibilities. Guardian Angels staff will continue to focus on parish ministries and administration, while Chesterton staff will be responsible for school administration and curriculum.

Does Chesterton Academy have an affiliation with the Archdiocese?

Yes. Chesterton Academy is an official Catholic High School of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

How will electricity and utilities be divided?

The parish is working with a contractor to establish a fair method for dividing utility costs based on usage. Chesterton Academy will pay its appropriate share of utilities.

What will it cost the parish to prepare the building for Chesterton Academy?

The parish will not be responsible for costs associated with changes needed because of Chesterton Academy's occupancy. Any modifications to the school wing required because Chesterton is moving in will be Chesterton's responsibility.

Guardian Angels will continue to be responsible for the regular maintenance of the building that we already provide.

What is the anticipated start date of the lease?

We are currently working on a two-year lease, with the anticipated start date in the fall of 2027.

Will the lease affect funeral luncheons?

No. Funeral luncheons will not be affected by the proposed lease.

Are the classrooms and bathrooms up to code, and who pays for any required work?

Yes, the classrooms and bathrooms are up to code. Any costs that arise specifically because of Chesterton Academy's use of the building will be the responsibility of Chesterton Academy.

Will Open Cupboard continue at Guardian Angels?

Yes. Open Cupboard will continue at Guardian Angels.

The situation with Chesterton Academy is similar in that both are third-party organizations that were seeking a new location after outgrowing their previous space. Guardian Angels was able to provide Open Cupboard with a 40-year lease for $1 per year. The Chesterton Academy arrangement is different, however, and the lease terms and payments will not be the same as those of Open Cupboard.

What about insurance?

Chesterton Academy will be responsible for its own insurance.

How will this affect parish ministries that currently use the school wing during school hours?

Some parish ministries currently using the school wing during school hours—including the Crafters, Card Ministry, and Justice and Outreach ministries—will need to relocate.

The plan is to move these ministries to available lower-level spaces, including the Youth Center and Teen Room, so that Chesterton Academy can use the school wing during school hours.

Moving Forward

The Town Hall was an important opportunity for parishioners to ask questions and better understand the proposed partnership with Chesterton Academy. We recognize that changes to the use of our facilities will require some adjustment, particularly for ministries that currently use the school wing during school hours.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Town Hall, asked questions, and shared their thoughts. More than 100 people participated, demonstrating the importance of this discussion and the care our parishioners have for the future of Guardian Angels. If you are interested in learning more about Chesterton Academy and its mission, you can visit their website at chestertonscv.org. If you have additional questions about the proposed lease or how it will affect Guardian Angels, please feel free to email me directly.

In Christ,

Father Joe

Anyone who has attempted to follow Jesus’ example of spending quiet time alone in prayer has probably experienced the challenge of remaining focused and open to the Lord’s movement during that time. Our minds easily wander. Distractions arise; whether it is noise, remember something we need to get done, nodding off because we’re tired, or worries that are on our mind, the challenge we all face is learning how not to let these things distract us from remaining focused on the Lord.

In the first reading, the Lord instructed Elijah to come out of the cave when the He passes by. Elijah waited in the cave, watchful and attentive. When the wind, the earthquake, and the fire came, Elijah discerned that the Lord wasn’t present in any of them. Elijah remained watchful and attentive, until the Lord finally came in a whispering sound. It was then that he  recognized the Lord’s presence and stepped out.

Recognizing the Lord’s presence is a skill, and one that we all can develop. Elijah had spent years listening to and  obeying the Lord’s commands, coming to know him. At this point in his journey, Elijah was able to sort out the noise and not let it distract him from what was truly important.

We can learn this skill in prayer but it takes time and practice.

In the Gospel, Jesus comes toward the disciples walking on water. Peter boldly asks to join him. When Jesus tells him to come, Peter steps out of the boat. At first Peter’s attention is focused on Jesus. The wind was blowing and the waves were crashing against the boat, but as long as Peter kept his attention on Jesus, all was well. The moment his attention turned away and he noticed the  wind, fear moved in and Peter began to sink.

There will be many times in our prayer when the storms of our lives pull our attention away from the Lord and fill us with fear and dread. Like Peter, we might feel as if we are sinking. When this happens, it is easy to become discouraged. It can be tempting to abandon prayer because it seems a waste of time.

But prayer is not useless. Prayer is what keeps us afloat amid the storms of life. Prayer is spending time with the Lord. Prayer is what drives away fear, anxiety, and dread. And when prayer becomes a struggle, we  can call out to the Lord for help, as Peter did, and the Lord will immediately come to our aid, as he came to Peter’s. With the Lord’s help, we can trust that the day will come when we are more like Elijah and those storms don’t distract us from what is truly important: keeping our attention fixed on God’s presence in our lives.

Deacon Michael Braun