Authors Margaret Nelson and Keri Pickett; photo by Roy Blakey

Events celebrating the book:
We've been honored that our book has resulted in many substantive discussions of Mary Jo's work and the issues facing the poor and homeless COMING IN OCTOBER, 2005: A month-long exhibition of photos and interviews from the book along with a series of discussions and programs looking at how individuals and institutions can alleviate poverty and homelessness in our society. At The Church of Saint Patrick, 6820 St. Patrick Lane, Edina 55439. Phone 952/941-3164. The Mall of America Rotunda, program and book signing, with Mary Jo Copeland, Margaret Nelson and Keri Pickett, 11:30-1 p.m., Saturday, November 27, 2004

Coming Together to Make a Better World: Living Our Shared Values
Earlier events:
A program/discussion in the Mother Teresa Hall in the Basilica of Saint Mary's undercroft where portraits and interviews from the book were on exhibit. Hennepin at Seventeenth, Minneapolis, MN From 1-2:30 p.m., Sunday, November 14, 2004

"Coming Together" was an opportunity to explore issues raised in the new book, "Saving Body & Soul, The Mission of Mary Jo Copeland" by Margaret Nelson and photographer Keri Pickett.

Open to everyone, the program included an exploration of shared social justice values; a look at the issues facing the poor and homeless in Minneapolis; and a commitment to how we, individually and as a society, can be more effective in living our values and meeting the social justice needs around us.

Participants included: clients and residents of Copeland's Sharing & Caring Hands, the Basilica's Saint Vincent DePaul Ministry, and local shelters; Basilica volunteers and parishioners as well as Janice Andersen, the Basilica's Director of Christian Life, and Johan van Parys, Director of Liturgy and Sacred Arts; Father Patrick Griffin, pastor of the Church of St. Philip and founder of St. Stephen's Shelter; and the book's author and photographer.

November 14: Exhibit of Portraits and Interviews, Mother Teresa Room, Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis.

Saturday, November 6: Special program for members of the Minneapolis arts organization, Artists Unlimited, featuring the Basilica exhibit of portraits and interviews, and a discussion by Keri and Margaret about the book and the issues raised.

Sunday, December 5: 10:30 a.m. forum discussion on issues raised in the book, at Christ the King Church, 5029 Zenith Avenue S., Minneapolis. The exhibit of portraits/interviews on exhibit through Christmas.


Sunday, October 10: "Bringing Mary Jo Home," at the 11:15 a.m. mass and at a reception following, at Annunciation Church, 509 W. 54th St., Minneapolis. Keri, Margaret and Mary Jo signed books at the reception.

September 18: book launch celebration at the Minnesota Center for Photography. Mary Jo, Margaret and Keri signed books and spoke about their work. Sales broke all records for any other book event in the history

September 19: book signing at the Cathedral of Saint Paul following all morning masses.

September 19: opening reception for the exhibit, including a discussion with Keri and Margaret, at the Basilica of Saint Mary.

September 25: book signing by Mary Jo, Margaret and Keri at St. Patrick's Guild's main St. Paul store, followed by a signing at Sonrise Books in Eagan.