THE BANE AND THE BLESSED

Transcription

1 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 25, 2018 THE BANE AND THE BLESSED I didn t know anything about Eric Clapton. Now I want to learn more. Recently he was honored in London for his years of music. The article said he is considered one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time. He is the only person to be inducted three times into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The news story mentioned Clapton s lifetime battle for sobriety. Some years ago he wrote his autobiography in which he tells his story with insight, honesty and humility. As a young man fame came early to him as did his addiction to alcohol. His life was spinning out of control. In his own words he describes his second stay at a treatment clinic. Nevertheless, I stumbled through my month in treatment much as I had done the first time, just ticking off the days, hoping that something would change in me without me having to do much about it. Then one day, as my visit was drawing to an end, a panic hit me and I realized that in fact nothing had changed in me, and that I was going back out into the world again completely unprotected. The noise in my head was deafening, and drinking was in my thoughts all the time. It shocked me to realize that here I was in a treatment center, a supposedly safe environment, and I was in serious danger. I was absolutely terrified. In complete despair. At that moment, almost of their own accord, my legs gave way and I fell to my knees. In the privacy of my room, I begged for help. I had no idea who I thought I was talking to. I just knew that I had come to the end of my tether. I had nothing left to fight with. Then I remembered what I had heard about surrender, something I thought I could never do, my pride just wouldn t allow it, but I knew that on my own I wasn t going to make it, so I asked for help, and getting down on my knees I surrendered. Within a few days I realized that something had happened for me. An atheist would probably say it was just a change of attitude, and to a certain extent that s true, but there was much more to it than that. I had found a place to turn to, a place I d always known was there but never really wanted, or needed, to believe in. From that day until this, I have never failed to pray in the morning, on my knees, asking for help, and at night to express my gratitude for my life and, most of all, for my sobriety. I choose to kneel because I feel I need to humble myself when I pray and with my ego, this is the most I can do.in some way, in some form, my God was always there, but now I have learned to talk to him. This weekend we celebrate Jesus Christ as King of the universe. But his greatest desire is to be king of hearts, yours and mine. This week let s not be afraid to ask him to come and rule over us. And this week let s not be afraid to ask as we kneel before him. The Lord be with you. Father John Parr

2 CARING AND SHARING The food boxes you received for our Christmas Caring and Sharing event are due back on Monday, November 26 th. Thank you so very much for your generosity in providing a Christmas meal for our guests! We are also asking at this time for any donated items, in new or like new condition, to be dropped off at the parish. We are especially in need of sheets, towels, blankets, socks, underwear, and boys clothing. These items will enable our guest to shop for their families and provide them with many wonderful Christmas gifts. Lastly, you have the opportunity to be one of Santa s elves that day. It takes many volunteers to make this day as special as it can be for our guests. We have many roles that need filling, so please consider volunteering! If you have any questions about how you can give to Caring and Sharing by way of donating your time, talent, or treasure, please contact Sr. Bridget or Carol Reider. The parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton have a wonderful opportunity to see God s eyes in the eyes of those in need and to make a positive difference in someone s life. Thank you in advance for your part in helping fight hunger in our community and for bringing hope and the spirit of Christmas to these families. God bless you. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Please join us on a day of fun and festivities preparing for the Advent Season. Friday November 23, :00 AM: Meet at Church Parking Lot to setup the Nativity 4:00 PM: Meet near the Wells Fargo Bank in Downtown La Crosse to setup our Rotary Lights Parade Float 5:00 PM: Join the many in watching the Rotary Lights Parade Saturday December 1, :00 PM: Join us for Mass 5:45 PM: Directly following Mass, join Father Parr as he blesses the Nativity 6:00 PM: Directly following the Blessing, join the KC Christmas Party and see a special guest SEAS will soon have another option for your giving. Please watch the bulletins for the available online giving options coming in the near future. Susan Amundsen Sara (Wozney) Balaker Richard Brandau Trudy Brieske Mike Candahl Sr. Bridget Donaldson, OSB Elizabeth Donaldson Patrick Donaldson DeEtte Gillmeister Joe Gittens Sharon Grabar Lois Hanson June Kukovec Kent Limberg (military) Sue Lund MARCH FOR LIFE Two Marches for Life Washington, D.C. or Chicago There are two excellent opportunities to march for life once again this year. The Pilgrimage for Life to Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, runs Jan , Visit and click on Pilgrimage for Life to sign up. The March for Life Chicago is one day only, Jan. 13, and you can sign up by visiting and scrolling down to the link. Both pro-life marches have buses leaving from locations around our diocese. HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception this year is Saturday, Dec. 8, and it remains a holy day of obligation. Mass on Friday evening, Dec.7, at 5:00pm and during the day of Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8:00am will observe the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Masses beginning the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8 will observe the Second Sunday of Advent. Catholics are to attend Mass twice that weekend, once to fulfill the holy day of obligation (Immaculate Conception) and once to satisfy the Sunday obligation. PRAYER REQUESTS Jerome Malin Kevin McIntyre John Modjeski Judith Niedfeldt Ken Proctor Robert C. Ristow Bailey Rohrer Celia Scholze Erica Schultz Sascha Stephens Lynne Taylor Phyllis Thaldorf Pam Tischer Colleen Tisil Tim Van Eijl Please remember, the sick, hospitalized, military members, homebound and anyone needing of our prayers. May they experience the healing power of God. The Nativity of St. John the Baptist 2 November 25, 2018

3 FAITH FORMATION The Confessions of (Not-So-St.) Kaitlyn Would I have the courage to say all of my sins? I ll just go behind the screen so he doesn t know who I am, but that thought quickly turned into, Maybe I won t go at all. God understands that I m not ready and He forgives me anyway, right? However, deep down I knew that the only way our relationship could be repaired was if I had the courage to stand up and get in line. So I did. I pushed the heavy door open and, to my surprise, when I saw the priest s face, the weight of all my fear lifted. He had a smile that stretched wider than the ocean; I no longer felt the need to hide. There was something special about this encounter. He asked me my name, we made the Sign of the Cross and, as I started to confess my sins, I began to cry. Instead of hiding my face, I couldn t help but return his compassionate gaze. This priest, standing in persona Christi, began speaking to me with the mercy of our Lord: Kaitlyn, he said, leaning toward me, Our Lord gave His life to save you, but you have forgotten how to love yourself in light of this. You were made for Him and His unchanging love. And even now, He has never, ever stopped pursuing you. And then it hit me: Jesus Christ was speaking to me through this priest. I was encountering Christ, Himself. He didn t speak with harsh words, but with a profound, gentle love. Then the priest said I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Mic drop. Let s think about the weight of these words for a moment. When the priest absolves you, God is also saying, I love you, I have always loved you. You are mine. I delight in you. I have not left you an orphan. I am not ashamed of you, afraid of you, or disgusted with you. My power is made perfect in your weakness. Finally, my son/daughter! You are home. Callahan, Kaitlyn. The Harshest Thing You ll Hear in Confession.web. -youll-hear-confession/ PARISH INCOME BULLETIN EARLY TO PRESS NO FINANCIAL INFORMATION IMPORTANT FAITH FORMATION DATES Wed., Nov.28 - Penance Service grades 4-6 from 6:30pm-7:45pm in church. Open to all parishioners. Wed., Dec.5 - Penance Service grades 7-10 from 6:30pm-7:45pm in church. Open to all parishioners. Sun., Dec. 9 - Penance Retreat in church from 11:45am- 12:30pm for First Penance families. Wed., Dec Penance Service grades 2,3 First Penance from 6:30pm-7:45pm in church. Open to all parishioners. APPEAL UPDATE In a spirit of generosity, we ask that all members of our parish respond with prayers and gifts to this year s Diocesan Annual Appeal. We are half way there. Thanks to all who have donated so far. SEAS Parish Target: $ 84,910 Pledged: $ 41,895 As of 11/16/2018 Please help reach our goal for the DAA. If you have not pledged, please do so we can wrap this up as soon as possible. God bless. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:8 ROTARY LIGHTS Help assist Rotary Lights in its mission of collecting non-perishable food items to help feed the hungry in the greater La Crosse area. Please bring your family (and your non-perishable food items) to the Rotary Lights display in Riverside Park. It is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy an evening together. The SEAS Holmen Food Pantry is the recipient of the donated food items on the following evenings: Sunday, November 25 Friday, December 7 Saturday, December 15 Wednesday, December 20 Friday, December 21 Tuesday, December 25 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 3 November 25, 2018

4 SEAS SIMPLE LIVING Christmas: a season of love, a season of giving, a season of waste! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that Americans, who are the world s leaders in waste, generate more than 25 million extra tons of waste during the time between Thanksgiving and New Year s. In contrast, Pope Francis, during a general audience, said "I would like us all to make a serious commitment to respect and protect creation, to be attentive to every person, to counter the culture of waste and disposable, to promote a culture of solidarity and of encounter. A few suggestions for decreasing waste follow: To become aware of how much we waste, try keeping a green log listing things consumed and things discarded each day. Each year, an estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold in the U.S. Consider recycling Christmas cards and wrapping paper, and seek out items made from recycled paper. Finally, reduce your consumption; this will naturally lead to less waste. SAINT MICHAEL PRAYER With the start of Advent next week, we are ending our communal recitation of the St. Michael prayer after our weekend Masses. However, you are invited to continue with the prayer as part of your personal prayer time. This prayer was given to us by Pope Leo XIII and is a powerful prayer against evil. Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell, Satan and other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. FREE BOOK We invite you to pick up a complimentary copy of a wonderful monthly prayer publication called Give Us This Day. Copies are available in the gathering place. Each issue includes daily inspiration from the lives of saintly witnesses; the scripture readings for each day along with insightful, relevant reflections; and simplified daily prayer for morning and evening. PARISH INFORMATION PARISH RECTORY & OFFICE Phone Fax Number office@seasholmen.org STAFF Pastor, Father John Parr pastor@seasholmen.org Pastor Emeritus, Monsignor Delbert J. Malin djm133@charter.net sbridget@seasholmen.org Pastoral Minister, Carol Reider carol@seasholmen.org C.R.E. (3 years-gr. 5),.Mary Luebke reled@seasholmen.org youth@seasholmen.org Director of Music, Beth Lakmann music@seasholmen.org Secretary, Sandy Jerue office@seasholmen.org Sister Jean sjean@seasholmen.org MASS SCHEDULE Weekend: Sat. 5:00 pm and Sun. 8:00 & 10:15 am Weekday: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am except Tues. 7:00 am Gluten Free Hosts: St. Elizabeth s has gluten free hosts available. Please contact Fr. Parr, and he will make the necessary arrangements. SACRAMENTS Reconciliation: Saturday 4:00 pm or by appointment. Baptism: Baptism involves membership in the church. Parents are to attend three sessions early in the pregnancy. Marriage: Our church is trying to create successful marriages. This takes some time. Arrangements for a wedding date are to be made at least six months before the anticipated date. Anointing of the Sick: Communal celebrations in fall and spring. Individual celebrations upon request. Please call the office when family members are hospitalized. PASTORAL VISITATION Anyone who desires a personal home visit is invited to call the parish office. CATECHUMENATE Anyone wishing to become a full member of the Church is invited to visit the parish office. NEW PARISHIONERS Please call the parish office. Parish Council Members Alyson Haugen Laura Antonie Len Beranek Jennifer Fisk Finance Council Members Barry Ploessl Janice Dvoracek Brian Clements Les Giesler Angie Hendrikson Shelly Linskey Christine Olson Larry Warzynski Shawn Handland Pat Stephens Larry Warzynski Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 4 November 25, 2018

5 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday, November 25 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 8:00 am Mass People of SEAS 10:15am Mass Marilyn Beranek Monday, November 26 Weekday 8:30 am Mass Bruce and Florence Ziegler Tuesday, November 27 Weekday 7:00 am Mass Jerome Frohmader 6:30 pm Stewardship Committee Meeting 6:30 pm RCIA Wednesday, November 28 Weekday 8:30 am Mass Jerome Frohmader 6:30 pm Youth Faith Formation classes 6:30 pm Sacrament of Penance Thursday, November 29 Weekday 8:30 am Mass Grace Hanson 6:30 pm Choir Friday, November 30 St. Andrew, Apostle 8:30 am Mass Bruce and Florence Ziegler Saturday, December 1 Weekday 8:00 am Pray the Rosary 4:00 pm Sacrament of Penance Vigil: First Sunday of Advent 5:00 PM Mass Families of the Knights of Columbus 6:00 pm Lighting of the Nativity followed by the KC Christmas party Sunday, December 2 First Sunday of Advent 8:00 am Mass William Kroner 9:15 am Wee Believe Sunday School 10:15am Mass People of SEAS Visit CHRISTMAS FLOWERS If you would like to make a donation toward Christmas flowers to decorate the church, please use the Flower Offering Envelope in your December contribution packet. If you do not receive contribution envelopes, due to ACH contributions, please place in a plain envelope and mark Christmas Flowers. Include your name and names of those you would like honored or remembered. Thank you. ADVENT BIBLE STUDY One of the many ministries we have here at St. Elizabeth s is the ongoing adult formation studies. This Advent, we will offer The Role of the Holy Spirit. Three reflective presentations on the Roles of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture, and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The presentations by Mr. Brueggen are on Tues, Dec 4 th, 11 th,and the 18 th from 6:30-7:30pm with social time from 7:30-8:00. Please join us as we journey through scripture discovering the roles of the Holy Spirit and what role the Spirit wants to play in your life!! Each session will include a short presentation followed by small group discussion. These sessions are suitable for all ages and will make for a great way to challenge yourself in scripture knowledge and meditative prayer. Make plans now to attend and bring your friends, too. Mr. Brueggen SACRAMENT OF PENANCE Please celebrate the Lord s mercy in the Sacrament of Penance during these days of Advent. All parishioners are welcome to join the Faith Formation students on Wednesday evenings (Nov. 28, Dec. 5, and Dec. 12) at 6:30 pm. Four confessors will be available each evening. Also confessions are scheduled at 4:00 pm every Saturday. Please feel free to contact Father Parr if you wish to schedule a time more convenient for you. ADVENT PRAYER BOARD Let us support each other in prayer. This Advent season, open and prepare your hearts for the coming of Jesus by posting your prayer request on one of the beautiful stars of the Advent prayer board located in the gathering space. Parishioners will be able to read your prayer request and join you in asking God for assistance or expressing gratitude for the gifts He has given us. May God bless you and bring you the HOPE, LOVE, JOY, and PEACE of the coming of Jesus. Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 5 November 25, 2018