January 8, 2012 Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany. It is a very important feast in our Church. On Christmas we celebrate the good news that the Word became flesh; on the Epiphany we celebrate the news getting out – the revelation of this amazing reality to the world. The word “Epiphany” means “manifestation.” A great Light has shone upon us. We might ask ourselves this day how we might help that Light to shine in our time and in our place! The wise men opened their treasures and offered to the Lord gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, alleluia. Mighty seas and rivers, bless the Lord; springs of water, sing his praises, alleluia.
Tomorrow, the Church Universal celebrates the Baptism of Jesus. It marks the end of the Christmas Season and the beginning of Ordinary Time. Once again in the gospel story Jesus is revealed as “My beloved Son.” This Light of the World is to cast His light and love and peace throughout the world; throughout all of history. As we return to so-called “Ordinary Time” we will hear again the wonderful stories of Jesus’ miracles, His teaching, His love for us.
National Migration Week begins today; Pope Benedict XVI unveiled the theme for the 98th World Day of Migrants and Refugees to be celebrated January 15, 2012: “Migration and the New Evangelization.” In his message, the pope says that the present time calls upon the Church to intensify its missionary activity both in the regions where the Gospel is proclaimed for the first time and in countries with a Christian tradition, “Christian communities are to pay special attention to migrant workers and their families by accompanying them with prayer, solidarity and Christian charity, as well as by fostering new political, economic and social planning that promotes respect for the dignity of every human person.”
Attention Ladies of the Parish: The next meeting of the PCCW will be held Tuesday, January 10 at 2:00 p.m. in the Atrium. We have been very blessed with the service of talented, dedicated women who have served as officers for a number of years, and have earned the right to "retire" from active service. If anyone is interested in stepping up to accept responsibility and take a leadership role as a PCCW officer, please contact Pat Biebl at 637- 7527 or the parish office at 637-7711 or stmaryparish@mwt.net
SAVE THE DATE! The Joseph Club will be sponsoring our 2nd annual dinner and dance on Feb. 11, 2012 in Marian Hall. This year will feature a Valentine's theme with cuisine from Borgen's Cafe and live music by the Time Travelers. Tickets will be available after all Masses beginning in mid January. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for an evening of good food and entertainment.
JOURNEY will have a meeting on Jan. 15th in the Rectory Meeting Room-9:00
Again this year, our church has taken on a special beauty for the Christmas Season. Thanks to everyone who made this possible. Volunteers are needed to help remove Christmas decorations after the 10:30 a.m. Mass this weekend. Removing them is a shorter job than putting them in place.
Vocations Awareness Week begins tomorrow. Remember to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, permanent diaconate, and religious life. Encourage a worthy youth to consider a religious vocation!
The St. Mary Parish Chapter of Pax Christi USA is sponsoring food donations to our local food pantries. A basket of this donated food will also be presented during the Offering of the Gifts at all weekend Masses. All are invited to bring non-perishable food products and to place them in the designated basket in the Atrium. Thank you very much for supporting this parish effort for the needy of our community.
The next St. Mary Chapter of Pax Christi gathering is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 in the Atrium. There will be a discussion of the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ call for changing U.S. laws and policies to reflect the principles contained in Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching and to bring about a more humane and just immigration system.
Project Seed Support Program is a program sponsored by the Diocese of La Crosse. To date, Project Seed has annually helped provide thousands of dollars to farmers who have fallen on hard times and just need a little help to get back up. However, the need has exceeded the resources. So now we are asking for help in sowing some financial seeds in the form of a donation to Project Seed. With your help, we will continue to help farm families succeed. Please prayerfully consider a donation to Project Seed. Send to Project Seed LLC, Office of Ministries and Social Concerns, Diocese of La Crosse, PO Box 4004, La Crosse, WI 54602-4004.
This week we highlight Oakwood Realty, LLC as the bulletin sponsor of the week.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Weekend 1 January 2012
Adults: $2,579.00
Youth: $1.50
Offertory: $231.81
Christmas: $120.00
Solemnity of Mary: $588.00
Total: $3,520.31
DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL
Target: $41,739.00
Pledged: $26,120
Cash to date: $22,072.50
"We Belong To Christ"
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
To date, $346,218.50 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.
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Saturday, 7 January, 5:15 p.m. +Storey Meyer
(Leon & Joan Meyer)
Sunday, 8 January, 8:00 a.m. *For the People of Saint Mary Parish
10:30 a.m. +Patt (Pedretti) Hansen
(Janet Lee)
Monday, 9 January, +Frank Finley
(Ed & Vivian Walleser)
Tuesday, 10 January, +Frank Finley
(Dennis, Sharon, & Sean Finley)
Wednesday, 11 January – No Mass or Communion Service
Thursday, 12 January – Mo Mass or Communion Service
Friday, 13 January – No Mass or Communion Service
Saturday, 14 January, 5:15 p.m. +
Sunday, 15 January, 8:00 a.m. * For the People of Saint Mary Parish
10:30 a.m. +Bob Hetzel (Elva Hetzel)