Actor Martin Sheen to speak at symposium3 min read

A prominent Catholic actor will be the keynote speaker at “Save the Earth, Save the Poor,” a free symposium Tuesday, March 7, in Solon Springs.

Martin Sheen, along with representatives from Catholic Charities, the Diocese of Superior; Lutheran Social Services; All Nations Indigenous Center; and other institutions, will present at the ecumenical event, which is part of a three-day retreat hosted March 5-7 by the tri-parish cluster of St. Pius X, Solon Springs; St. Mary, Minong; and St. Anthony, Gordon.

“Living in Francis’ Church” is a Lenten retreat directed by retired diocesan priest Fr. Dennis Mullen.

The retreat will feature presentations on Pope Francis’ call for the church’s outreach to the poor and marginalized and for responsible stewardship of God’s creation.

The schedule for the retreat and symposium is as follows:

Sunday, March 5, 4 p.m., St. Mary Parish, Minong: Two presentations, “Francis Rubs Shoulders on a City Bus” and “Francis’ Use of Symbols and Words Revealing His Vision of Church Service,” and potluck dinner.

Monday, March 6, 9 a.m., St. Pius X Parish, Solon Springs: “Poor Church for the Poor” and “The Care for Our Common Home,” beginning with Mass followed by light breakfast and presentations; 4 p.m. “Poor Church for the Poor,” and “Francis Moves the Church to Be an Instrument of Mercy,” followed by potluck dinner.

Tuesday, March 7, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Solon Springs Community Center, 11523 South US Hwy 53, Save the Earth, Save the Poor, an interfaith series of presentations featuring Catholic social justice advocate Martin Sheen, Catholic Charities and other regional faith based social service providers. Breakfast and lunch included.

Tuesday, March 7, 4 p.m., St. Pius X Parish: retreat closes with a potluck dinner in between presentations on Pope Francis’ encyclicals, “The Care for Our Common Home” and “The Joy of the Gospel.”

All events are free, but guests are asked to bring a dish for potluck dinners.

The symposium is being sponsored by the Peace of Mind Project and Martin Sheen, principle spokesperson for the project.
The Peace of Mind Project was founded by Fr. James Kinney, pastor of the cluster, in 1999, and is dedicated to raising awareness for those with mental illness.

Attendees are asked to register at 715-378-4431, ext. 2, for meal-planning purposes.

Update Feb. 27:

Lenten Retreat changed for the March 5 event at St. Mary’s Church in Minong

Rev. James Kinney of the three parishes, St. Pius X in Solon Springs, St. Anthony in Gordon, St. Mary’s in Minong, alerts us to a slight change to the Lenten Retreat schedule at his three churches.

Rev. Kinney commented, “The St. Pius X/St. Anthony/St. Mary’s Lenten Retreat current two-day schedule is for March 6 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. & 4 – 6:30 p.m. and March 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Pius X Church in Solon Springs. The two day Lenten Retreat presenter is Rev. Andrew Ricci, from the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior. The previous scheduled Sunday evening on March 5 in Minong has been cancelled due to the recent serious illness of Rev. Dennis Mullen.

The March 7 “Save the Earth, Save the Poor” Symposium at the Solon Springs Community Center in Solon Springs will be held as planned, starting with registration and continental breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. followed by the presenters from Superior Catholic Charities Bureau, Lutheran Social Services, All Nations Indigenous Center, Dr. Kent Shifferd, and local interfaith community leaders. Lunch will be included.  Please call 715.378.4431, ext. 2 to reserve your continental breakfast and lunch.