Our Lenten Journey Has Begun

St. Mary's Philoptochos eNews
Our Lenten Journey Has Begun

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Our Lenten Journey Has Begun. Join Philoptochos as we serve the church and community during Lent.

Philoptochos has several activities planned during Lent. Here's a quick summary with more details below.

(Icon with Purple Sashing)

Two Receptions
1. Wednesday, March 16 - Meal after Presanctified Liturgy
We need help at 5pm for set-up and 7pm for clean up. Please volunteer during the Sunday social hour or contact Connie Kouzes at 612-804-2239 or kouzes@q.com.
2. Sunday, April 10 - Reception after MEOCCA Vespers

Two Drives
1. Tandem Baby Bottle Collection
2. FOCUS Fun and Games Drives

Additionally, the Prosforo Workshop will be on Saturday, March 19, our Philoptochos Meeting is on Sunday, March 27, 11:30am in the Terrace Room, and we're coordinating several Holy Week activities.

Wishing you a blessed Lent, Annette Legeros | Chapter President
952-239-5060 | MplsPhilo@gmail.com

Two Lenten Receptions

Wednesday, March 16 - Meal after Presanctified Liturgy
Our annual serving of a meal after the Presanctified Liturgy will raise funds for St. Stephen's food shelf. We still need help at 5pm for set-up and 7pm for clean up. Please volunteer during the Sunday social hour or contact Connie Kouzes at 612-804-2239 or kouzes@q.com.
Sunday, April 10 - Reception after MEOCCA Vespers
Plans are underway for us to host a reception for our MEOCCA brothers and sisters. Please watch for ways to volunteer in the coming days.

Two Drives Run through Palm Sunday

TANDEM Baby Bottle Collection
Our annual collection for Tandem, who supports women in crisis, is beginning. Pick up a baby bottle (or an envelope) and fill it with dollars, coins and checks!
FOCUS Fun and Games Drive
During the month of April, Philoptochos is collecting "fun and games" items for FOCUS adults, including new and gently used books, 500+ piece puzzles, and backpacks. Please bring them to our table during April.

Two More Sacred Baking Workshops
(Photo: Prosforo)

One of the missions of Philoptochos is "to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs." With that in mind, you are invited to two workshops that will teach how to make the food that is integral to Orthodox services:

• Saturday, March 19, 10:30am-1:30pm: Prosforo | Communion Bread
• Saturday, May 21, 11am-3pm: Artoclasia | Blessing of Five Loaves

All parishioners are welcome to attend one or both workshops, which will be led by Toni Bazakos. Register at the Philoptochos table during the social hour or contact Toni at 612-554-7861 or georg310@umn.edu. There is no cost to attend.

March 27: Next Philoptochos Meeting
(Image: March 27)

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend the next Philoptochos Meeting on Sunday, March 27, at 11:30 in the Terrace Room. There will be fellowship and spring planning, and we hope to see you there.

April 17-23: Holy Week Activities
(Photo: Lily)

Please watch future communications or stop by our social hour table for specifics on our Holy Week activities. We will need volunteers to add to or change decorations, assist with a variety of needs on Holy Friday morning, and possibly bake. Thanks for your willingness to assist the parish!

Thank You!
(Photo: Koliva Workshop)

...to Toni Bazakos and Tina Mentor for leading the Koliva Workshop.
...to Andrea Tiggas for managing the spring fillo sale. (You can order fresh fillo for $5/pound through March 20. Place your order during the social hour or contact Andrea to let her know how many pounds you want, 612-239-1522 or adtiggas@msn.com.)
...to Julie Moricz, who organized the donation of remaining 2021 bake sale goods to several non-profit organizations in the Twin Cities.
...to everyone who has joined Philoptochos during our 2022 Membership Drive. Please send in your membership or stop by our table in the social hall this month!
...to Fr. Timothy and Presvytera Sas for graciously saying "yes" to our Meet and Greet program in February. We're so happy you're here!

When asked about goals for Philoptochos, Fr. Tim shared that while it's too early to state particular goals, he would like us to intentionally concentrate on creating a sisterhood of spiritual growth that is equal to our charitable work. There is great fruit for women to gain from each other as spiritual sisters. "It's easy to be Martha. Let's give more attention to Mary!"