On May 8th we heard those wonderful words of “Habemus Papam!” and from that moment on we have been celebrating the election of our new Holy Father Pope Leo XIV. Since the deadline for the bulletin is on Tuesdays, we were not able to write anything about our new Holy Father, so I thought that I would share my experience of joy from that special moment, and I would encourage you all to do the same with one another. 

Typically, I have Thursdays as my day off and it’s usually the time that I can take care of my personal life like oil changes, banking stuff and whatever else I have been putting off during the past week. So, that Thursday morning I had woken up early to watch the other two votes and then I had mass at the Handmaids praying for our next Holy Father. After breakfast and saying my prayers, I cleaned out my fish tank and then sat down at my computer to watch the livestream of the chimney for the third vote of the day. I was watching the family of seagulls for about five minutes and then all of a sudden, I saw the white smoke coming forth from the chimney. I couldn’t believe it at first and thought that it was just greyish black smoke but then I realized that it was the real deal. Now anyone who looks at me can tell that I am not the kind of person who runs very often, but after seeing the white smoke, I think it’s safe to say that I broke the sound barrier at least twice. Immediately I ran down to the offices and yelled, “Habemus Papam! We have a Pope, and we have white smoke!” (Apparently, most of the office staff jumped when I yelled...) Immediately after proclaiming the good news I ran up the stairs to the sacristy and got the Cathedral bells ringing. (Fr. Seth was at the Chancery that day meeting with the Presbyteral Council and said that the bells ringing had confused them until someone checked and saw that we had a Pope) After the bells got going, I ran over to the school and then I announced on the intercom, “Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!” to which the entire school erupted with cheers. The Kindergarteners all went outside to hear the bells and were all chanting, “We have a Pope!” repeatedly while dancing like Charlie Brown characters. After a bit of time, the kids went back in for lunch and then we all watched and waited for our new Holy Father to walk out onto the balcony at St. Peters. When the French Cardinal came out onto the balcony and announced, “Habemus Papam!” the kids cheered so loud and for so long that all I heard was the name Roberto and that his name would be Leo something. When one of the teachers said that he was an American I almost died from disbelief. I said into the mic, “Theres no way...Guys he’s an American.” to which all of the kids cheered, and complete chaos ensued. After getting the teachers got the kids under control we offered up a prayer for our new Holy Father Pope Leo the XIV. I hope to never forget that joy filled day. 

My brothers and sisters, it's moments like these that remind us of the great joy that comes from the Christian life. How we are meant to celebrate these special moments and to give thanks to God for the joy that is ours in Christ through the Gospel message. As Pope Leo XIV begins his reign as the Supreme Roman Pontiff, let us pray for him that he would shepherd the Church of God with that same joy we have all experienced on this day. 

In Christ our hope,

Fr. Jacob Toma

Do you have a desire to serve at Mass? Altar serving is for children and adults alike. We are seeking those who have a desire to help out for Sunday masses, Holy Days and/or funeral masses.  Even if you only can serve funerals, we would love to hear from you. If interested or if you have any questions, contact the office at St. Mary Star of the Sea at 218-722-3078. Training is available. 

Donut Sundays at St. Michael's are back!  Join us beginning Sunday, May 18, following the 11 a.m. Mass for fellowship and sweet treats.  Donut Sunday will be held on the 3rd Sunday of each month, offering a great opportunity to connect with fellow parishioners and enjoy a delicious donut (or two).  We look forward to seeing you there!  Donut Sunday is also the 3rd weekend of the month at the Cathedral and Star of the Sea!

Due to the wonderful response it has received, the Knights of Columbus have extended their Into the Breach video series.  This inspiring program is designed to encourage and equip Catholic men to boldly live out their faith in today’s world.  Meetings are held every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church, with each week focusing on a key theme—such as brotherhood, leadership, fatherhood, and spiritual warfare—offering thought-provoking insights and engaging group discussions.  While the series is geared toward men, both men and women are warmly welcome to attend.  The next meeting will take place on Thursday, May 22. 

Laundry Love:  Thank you to all who are donating to our monthly service event at Spirit Valley Laundry.  We serve low/no income persons by paying for laundry, offering compassionate hospitality, and respecting the dignity of individuals.  Assistance needed for our next service date, Tuesday May 20th, 8:30-11:30 for "quarter-plugging" the machines.  Contact Mary Ann 218-409-1705.  Collection following the 11 am Mass on May 18th.

CHUM:  As a CHUM member congregation, we focus on cereal donations:  hot/cold whole grain cereals, pastas and crackers.  All non-perishable food donations appreciated.  All are welcome to the CHUM Spring Assembly Tuesday, May 20th 6 pm at Coppertop Church, starting with hotdog meal. Register at chumduluth.org.

Damiano:  Preparing and serving the Saturday meal on June 14 and July 12.  Need 3 volunteers for this from 1:30-6pm.  Volunteers contact Gina 218-428-1392.  Monthly Beatitudes meeting from 3-4pm at the Damiano Cafeteria during the break between food prep and serving.

Come to Texas Roadhouse (902 Mall Drive, Duluth) on Sunday, May 18 between 11am and 9pm to help support the Arrowhead Parish Nurse Association (APNA).  Nancy Turchi, Parish nurse at St. Mary Star of the Sea, and Doris Schmidt,  Nurse for Priests for the Diocese are members.  Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% of all sales to the APNA.  There will also be a table set up with $5 chances to win a $50 gift card to Texas Roadhouse.  Hope to see you there.   

Join us for our annual Stellabration event on 5/30! Enjoy an evening of food, drinks, silent and live auctions, and State Fair fun! The silent auction opens May 26th at 12:00pm and doors to the event open at 5:00 on May 30th. To learn more about how to attend or how participate in the silent auction visit www.stellamaris.academy/stellabration
 
Silent Auction Donations: We are still looking for items to include in our silent auction. If you are interested in supporting our event by providing an in-kind or monetary donation valued at $25-$200 for our Silent Auction Please contact Sarah Pennings at sarah.pennings@stellamaris.academy  

Please join the Duluth Serra Ministry in praying for our May Seminarians of the Month, Deacon Phil Mayer and Deacon Jacob Tschida. Deacon Phil is in his fourth year of Configuration at Sacred Heart Seminary in Milwaukee. His home parish is St. Joseph in Crosby. Deacon Jacob is also in his fourth year of Configuration at the North American Pontifical College in Rome. His home parish is Immaculate Heart in Crosslake. Both Deacon Phil and Deacon Jacob will be ordained into the priesthood in June.  

Come to encounter our Lord in the Eucharist in this beautiful night of adoration, confession, and music. Prayer teams will be available for special requests of prayers and for blessings. The next Holy Hour will be Friday, May 16 at St. Benedict’s: 5:30—6:30 pm free pasta salad dinner & 6:30—7:30 pm Holy Hour.