God Provides
Dear Mater Dei Community,
It's hard to believe two months of our inaugural year are already behind us. We have been blessed. Each gift of time, talent and treasure continues to shape our apostolate in ways that are truly beautiful. We're happy to share details and developments from the past month, including an exciting announcement about a matching pledge! God continues to provide through the generosity of so many within our Church. We are humbled and grateful. May God bless you.
++
Ad Jesum Per Mariam
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Day-to-day at Mater Dei
Students and instructors are settling into their weekly routine at Mater Dei. In addition to classroom instruction this past month, students received hands-on instruction in a variety of basic skills such as auto maintenance, first aid and fire safety. The students have been excited about the addition of Eucharistic Adoration at Holy Family Church on Wednesdays and have taken the time to stop into the chapel often. A few of the students offered feedback on their experience so far at Mater Dei:
"Going to Holy Mass, praying the Angelus and Divine Mercy Chaplet every day is so meaningful to me."
-Ruth Frederickson
"I choose to go to Mater Dei so I can talk about my faith and learn about it in school. I love how we have Mass everyday and how we do the Chaplet everyday with each other."
-Anthony Lemke
"We have wonderful opportunities for prayer throughout the day. I always have so much fun at Mater Dei and it is a great blessing to me."
-Ava Schapman
"Praying before and after every class reminds me how important it is to keep Jesus a part of the simple things in my life."
-Josie Zauhar
Grounds update
We have slowly but surely been working to get the Mater Dei education center "up to code". Improvements to the fire system and security system are in progress and the students just finished planting trees to screen the back parking lot. Classes are being held in our temporary classroom space in the church hall of Holy Family Parish until the education center passes inspection. We are so grateful for the hospitality of Holy Family parishioners as they continue to share their space with us. We hope to be downstairs by the end of November, God willing.
Service project
The November service project for Mater Dei took place at Calvary Cemetery. Students and the Handmaids prayed for the souls of the deceased and cleared headstones that were overgrown with grass and weeds. We had the opportunity to pray near the graves of friends and family members of our own students as well, which was quite powerful. In preparation for the service project, it was explained to the students that the Church grants a plenary indulgence to the faithful who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray for the departed on any day from November 1 to 8. Before heading to the cemetery, we attended Mass and the students were given an opportunity for Confession.
Matching pledge
We are so excited to announce that we've received a pledge for a $50,000 matching gift for Mater Dei Apostolate! That means any donation made through the end of the school year will be matched until the $50,000 mark is met, bringing the total to $100,000! Please pray for our generous donor and help spread the word about this blessed opportunity. If you would like to make a donation (which will be doubled!) please send your gift to:
Mater Dei Apostolate
PO Box 3359
Duluth, MN 55803
Or you may donate securely online by clicking the button below. Please join us in our mission to provide higher education prep with a higher purpose: union with God. Thank you for your generosity and may God bless our Mater Dei community!