November 27, 2011 The Viroqua Community Bell Choir will ring in the Christmas season with a free concert at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, at the United Methodist Church, 221 S. Center, Viroqua. The Just 4 Fun men’s barbershop quartet will also perform. Refreshments will be served after the performance.
The book club will meet Tuesday, November 29, to discuss UNBROKEN; a WWII story of survival, resilience, and redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. Please read the book and join us.
From the Diocesan Mission Office: "On Behalf of the many women and men who serve Christ in the foreign missions, the Diocesan Mission Office extends to you a heartfelt thank you for your financial generosity on World Mission Sunday. We have received your parish's contribution of $1,654.05 which will be forwarded to the National Office of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. May God bless you for the financial and spiritual help you offer the missions."
The Fortney Meal Ministry prepares and deliverers to the residents of the hotel one Sunday per month on a rotating basis. Next weekend will be our parish’s turn to provide meals on Sunday evening. It’s the turn of those who attend the 5:15 p.m. Saturday Mass to prepare the meal and there are containers for meal preparation located in the Atrium. Thank you for your generous participation in this worthy ministry.
"DIRECTIONS" REP classes for 11th and 12th graders meets Wed., Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.
In keeping with our tradition, JOURNEY members and their families are invited to see a family movie at Vernon Square Cinema on Saturday, December 3rd at 10:00 a.m. The cost is $2.00 per person. Movie may be “Arthur Christmas” OR “Happy Feet II” OR “Soul Surfer”. Please bring a non-perishable food item for donation. Concession stand will be open. Meet at the theater before 10:00!
A training session for new Eucharistic ministers will take place in December. If you wish to participate but have not already done so, please volunteer for this ministry by calling the parish office by Monday, December 5 so that the training may be scheduled.
Today, another month of the Parish Prayer Calendar is part of our bulletin. Please join the PCCW in daily prayer for special concerns, families, individuals and clergy. If you are new to our parish - welcome as a new member- you will be mentioned specifically next year. If a loved one has joined the Lord or moved from our parish, they will be remembered individually in this year's calendar. In such a prayerful way we can connect with all members of our parish. "O' Lord, let us let YOU do what you want to do through us today."
We extend our sympathy to the family of Rosemary Johnson who passed away on November 4. Her funeral was held at St. Mary's on Tuesday November 8. May she rest in peace.
We extend our sympathy to the family of Patricia "Patt" Hansen who passed away on November 9. Her funeral was held at St. Mary's on Friday, November 18. May she rest in peace.
The PCCW will this year be collecting for Toys for Tots
The feast of St. Nicholas is traditionally celebrated in many cultures as a day in which small gifts are given to children. The PCCW is celebrating this early “Christmas” by aiding the Toys for Tots program. We ask you to join us in giving all kinds of toys; large [basketballs and riding toys], medium [games, dolls, balls, and trucks], small [crafts, DVDs and coloring books]. Baskets for collection will be in the Atrium from November 12-December 12 of course including the feast of St. Nicholas-- December 5/6. All toys must be new and unused to comply with state standards. What an opportunity for children to pick out toys with family finances in mind and share in the true meaning of Christmas--giving gifts of love and care.
St. Mary's Craft Show - Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 - 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Coon Valley Village Hall, 108 Roosevelt St., Coon Valley. Crafts and Baked Goods of all kinds will be available. Concessions/lunch counter opens at 8 a.m. Free admission.
The News & Views Newsletter of the La Crosse Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is posted on the bulletin board in the Atrium. Read to find out….
• What would President Diane answer if asked "what kind of an organization is the LDCCW or the NCCW and why should I be a member?"
• How to get prepared for the coming of Jesus.
• Have you been chosen to lead or pushed into leadership. Read Cathy Berry's report on leadership.
• Reflections on Christmas songs. "Go Tell it on the Mountain." WRITE "MERRY CHRISTMAS" ON ALL YOUR OUTGOING MAIL. Tell the world that Jesus is the reason for the season.
• Some important words on saints.
• Who does the Roman Catholic Church recognize as the most powerful intercessor to the world?
• Mark all your calendars!!! LDCCW Convention, "Being Truly Catholic", will be held April 13 & 14, 2012 in La Crosse.
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Saturday, 26 November, 5:15 p.m. +Gerald Stoltz (Joe & Pat Biebl)
Sunday, 27 November, 8:00 a.m. +Lawrence & Ethel Kearney (Theresa Fortney & Mr. & Mrs. John Kearney)
10:30 a.m. *For the People of Saint Mary Parish
Monday, 28 November, 8:00 a.m. +Gerald Stoltz (Esther Sullivan)
Tuesday, 20 November, 8:00 a.m. +Frank Finley (Tim Finley Family)
Wednesday, 30 November, 8:00 a.m. +Elvera Bekkum (Bekkum Family)
Thursday, 1 December, 8:00 a.m. +Delores Huffar (Robert & JoAnn Harrington)
Friday, 2 December, 8:00 a.m. +Rosemary Johnson (Elva Hetzel)
Saturday, 3 December, 5:15 p.m. + Carl Downing (Ed & Pat Klos)
Sunday, 4 December, 8:00 a.m. *For the People of Saint Mary Parish
10:30 a.m. +Janie Cina (Larry & Lila Cina)
FINANCIAL REPORT
Weekend 20 November 2011
Adults: $2,944
Youth: $14.84
Offertory: $271.70
Total: $3,230.54
DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL
Target: $41,739.00
Pledged: $17,945.00
Cash to date: $13,268.75
"We Belong To Christ"
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
To date, $341,659.50 has been paid in cash to the Capital Campaign. This parish has responded generously to this worthy effort. Please continue to pay on your pledge. The pledge is a five year commitment. Thank you to all who participated. New pledges may still be made. Call Father Francis for a pledge card.