THE BANE AND THE BLESSED

Transcription

1 Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, 2018 THE BANE AND THE BLESSED I have a friend who, though he has never been asked, has a ready response to someone wondering if Christ is risen. Why, yes, I know Christ is risen. I just met him a moment ago. The lesson my friend wants to share is that a Christian is a witness to the Resurrection. Christ is risen and loose in the world. But my friend acknowledges with regret that he has never been asked the question. And he says that is a great concern. Christians who have met Christ Risen cannot help but introduce him to others. A Christian disciple is a witness to the Resurrection. My friend realizes that Christians should be contagious. The Good News that is Christ does not have to be sold to others but lived in such a way that it attracts others. How often Pope Francis speaks about Gospel joy. But it is not the joy he talks about but the joy he lives that attracts people to Christ. He lives in such a way that the Gospel is contagious. I want to know the joy he knows. Yes, Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. We have his word, so why do we not speak it? We have his light, so why do we not spread it? We have his life, so why do we hold on to it so jealously? We have the gift of faith, the greatest of gifts God has given. And it is meant to be shared. You are the only Gospel many people will hear. You are the only Gospel many people will see. Each of us may be the only one that will introduce someone to Christ risen we met a moment ago. The Lord be with you. Father John Parr

2 SEAS STEWARDSHIP Stewards of Creation The Bible contains a profound message about the stewardship of material creation: God created the world but entrusts it to human beings. Caring for and cultivating the world involves the following: Joyful appreciation for the God-given beauty and wonder of nature; Protection and preservation of the environment; Respect for human life; and Development of this world through noble human effort (work). As loving stewards of the earth, we know that all things work for good for those who love God. (Rom 8:28) WE CARE COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND St Elizabeth's is most grateful for the generosity of our parishioners in their gifts of their treasure during the second collection at Mass every month that there is a 5th Sunday. It is this revenue which permits us to assist those in need who come to us for assistance. We thank you for your generous response. The next collection will be held the this weekend, April 28/29. VOLUNTEERING Have you ever thought of doing some short or long term volunteer work? Catholic Volunteer Network, established in 1963, is a non-profit membership organization of 215 domestic and international volunteer and lay mission programs. Through the Catholic Volunteer Network, you can access RESPONSE With thousands of volunteer opportunities, RESPONSE 2018 is the most comprehensive guide for faith-based service! You can find opportunities for service in Wisconsin, across the United States, and around the world. Some are short term service projects, while others are long term. They can accommodate single people, couples, and even families. For more information, check out their website: catholicvolunteernetwork.org/ KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS The Knights of Columbus would like to thank everyone for supporting our State Charity Raffle over the past few weeks and for our Tootsie Roll Drive last weekend. These programs our integral to our what our group is about-charity and helping those less fortunate and going through disaster or illness. FOR YOUR MARRIAGE Make Time for Date Night I will admit, my husband and I took for granted the flexibility and overall ease to not only go out with friends but also with each other during our earlier years together. These earlier years I am referring to are also known as the years before the kiddos! With that said, we continue to enjoy time with friends and family now, but we also make it a point every once in a while to plan time away for us alone. These date nights that I refer to can be a variety of things that you both enjoy and will cherish taking the time to do together. A fancy or casual dinner, a round of golf, a little afternoon road trip around the area, a wine tasting or brewery tour whatever gives you both something to look forward to! Have fun with it and fun with each other as you take away the distractions from everyday life and are reminded of how much you truly love and enjoy your spouse! Try it you won t regret it and it will be very good for your marriage! ~ Alyson and Brandon Haugen, married 7 years If you re shopping for the Food Pantry, please consider our flowing immediate needs: hygiene products such as toilet paper, shampoo, soap, deodorant, body wash, toothpaste, dish soap, and laundry detergent. As always, thank you very much for seeing the face of Christ in our sisters and brothers in need. God bless! Sara (Wozney) Balaker Richard Brandau Trudy Brieske Dorie Delaney Sr. Bridget Donaldson, OSB Elizabeth Donaldson Patrick Donaldson Sharon Grabar Robert Heim June Kukovec Kent Limberg (military) Sue Lund Jerome Malin NEEDED PRAYER REQUESTS Kevin McIntyre Judith Niedfeldt Robert C. Ristow Bailey Rohrer David Ruff Daniel Schultz Lynn Schultz Sascha Stephens Lynne Taylor Pam Tischer Colleen Tisil 5th Sunday of Easter 2 April 29, 2018

3 FAITH FORMATION We have decided not to renew our parish subscription to FORMED and it will be terminating May 17. It is possible to continue with your own personal subscription if you would like to continue sign up at FORMED.org. April 25 we celebrated St. Mark. It is still the Easter season, read the resurrection story in Mark s Gospel (16:1-8) or log in to FORMED.org; Truth and Life Audio Bible: Mark - The Gospel comes to life! This week check out this dramatic reading of Saint Mark's Gospel on Formed.org. This recording invites you deep into the extraordinary story of true discipleship and life with Christ. Be inspired anew to pick up your cross and follow Christ as you experience the Gospel in a new and vivid way. Important Faith Formation Dates April 28,29 Pick up Faith Formation registration mailing in the gathering space. Wed., May 2 May Crowning Ceremony at church 6:30 pm. Followed by Rally on the Hill party at 7pm June Tentative dates for Vacation Bible School, ages K-5 8:30 am -11am COUNCIL/COMMITTEE MEETINGS Pastoral Council - Monday, April 30 at 6:30pm Finance Council - Tuesday, May 8 at 4:30pm SUPPORT OUR SEMINARIANS Help support our seminarians. The La Crosse Vocation Society (Serra Club) will host our annual Gold Outing fundraiser on Monday, June 18, at the Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska. Proceeds help defray education expenses for our seminarians. $100 per golfer/18 holes of golf, cart, dinner. Hole sponsorships are available at $250 for businesses, individuals, and groups. With a hole sponsorship a foursome may play for just $300. Call Rich Bottelberghe, , or grerep@juno.com HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES St. Elizabeth s Baccalaureate Brunch is scheduled for Sunday, May 20 following the 10:15 am Mass. All graduating high school seniors should watch for your invitation in the mail and RSVP as soon as possible. Please contact the office if you do not receive an invitation. This is a wonderful opportunity for us as a parish to recognize our young parishioners and wish them well in their endeavors. Volunteers are needed to help with the brunch. If you are available, please contact the parish office. Thank you. SQUARE FOOT GARDEN WORKSHOP Please join us on Sunday, May 6th after the 10:15 Mass for a Square Foot Gardening workshop hosted by the Simple Living Group. The workshop will demonstrate how to build a square foot garden as well as how to organize and plant for maximum harvest. GOOD MOURNING MINISTRY All who have lost a loved one are welcome to join all or any of our Good Mourning Ministry gatherings. The next scheduled meeting is Monday, May 7 at 1:00 at church. CARD MAKING Do you enjoy making greeting cards? If so, please consider joining our homebound committee to create holiday cards to mail to our homebound parishioners. We will meet on Monday May 7 at 2:15 in the gathering place. No experience necessary. Shari Ireland will guide us through the process. This is a significant way to share your love with those in our church family that you don't see regularly. Thank you for helping us to reach out to our homebound church family with expressions of love and remembrance. PARISH INCOME (FISCAL YEAR 7/1/17 6/30/18) Last Week s Collections Weekly Budget Difference Annual Budget Envelopes/Plate.$8,835 $10,594 -$1,759 $550,888 Fiscal Year-to-Date $445,962 $444,948 $1,014 5th Sunday of Easter 3 April 29, 2018

4 DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL The countdown is on. We only have about 8 more weeks to reach our parish target of $82,615. If you have not pledged yet, please prayerfully consider how your donation can help the appeal. Just last week we received a donation of $ but any donation no matter the size is sincerely appreciated. We are still below the number of donors who contributed last year so if by chance you have forgotten to send your pledge card back in, there is still time. June 30th is the deadline. You may also donate online for your convenience and remember you can make payments as well. If you are not able to give at this time, could you please send in the pledge card and indicate that as well. That helps with record keeping. Please keep the Annual Appeal in your prayers. Thank you and God bless you! As of 4/23/2018 Total pledged: $64, Under: -$12,575 FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED Changing the World for Children Do you have room in your home for some extra love? Foster care can make a tremendously positive difference in the life of a child. It takes a special person to provide foster care, and the rewards are special, too. The gift of love between foster parents and foster children goes both ways. The main requirement is the desire to open your heart and home to children in need of comfort and stability until they can return home. For more information contact Lutheran Social Services at or visit lsswis.org/fostercare. BAPTISM CLASS Expecting parents, the Baptism class is an opportunity for you to enrich, strengthen and deepen your Catholic Faith the Faith you are asking to have your child brought into at the celebration of their baptism. Please RSVP by calling the parish office or online at seasholmen.org. Our Next Class is Monday, June 25 at 6:30 pm 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 Karen Anderson Laura Antonie Len Beranek Francis Brown Finance Council Members Ryan Malak Janice Dvoracek Brian Clements Les Giesler Angie Hendrikson Shelly Linskey Christine Olson Larry Warzynski Shawn Handland Pat Stephens Larry Warzynski th Sunday of Easter 4 April 29, 2018

5 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday, April 29 5th Sunday of Easter 8:00 am Mass People of SEAS 8:00 am Confirmation 10:15am Mass Kyle Bertelsen Monday, April 30 St. Pius V, Pope 8:30 am Mass Helen Gavin 6:30 pm Pastoral Council Meeting 7:00 pm Men s Sunday Scripture Study Tuesday, May 1 St. Joseph the Worker 7:00 am Mass Fr. Joseph Grassl Wednesday, May 2 St. Athanasius, Bishop 8:30 am Mass Catherine Furman 6:30 pm May Crowning Thursday, May 3 Sts. Phillip and James, Apostles 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Rummage Sale at Holland Town Hall 8:30 am Mass James Hakala Friday, May 4 Easter Weekday 8:00 am - 11:00 am - Rummage Sale at Holland Town Hall 8:30 am Mass Tom Sonsalla Saturday, May 5 Easter Weekday 8:00 am Pray the Rosary 4:00 pm Sacrament of Penance Vigil: 6th Sunday of Easter 5:00 PM Mass Sharon Martin Sunday, May 6 6th Sunday of Easter 8:00 am Mass Donald Pedretti 10:15am Mass People of SEAS Visit seasholmen.org for the parish calendar of events MEN S SUNDAY SCRIPTURE STUDY Parishioner Emil Meindl will be continuing the Sunday Scripture Study for Gentlemen only beginning April 30 th. This Scripture Study will be held on Monday evenings from 7:00 8:00 pm in the Guest Room across from the kitchen in the church. Come and join other men for fellowship and support and to learn how the Sunday readings relate to your daily life. The readings will be provided for you, but bring a bible if you have one. Hope to see you there! ETERNAL REST Donna Dummer, age 63, died Wednesday, April 11, Her funeral was celebrated on Tuesday, April 17 at SEAS. Donna is survived by her husband, James, children Jill (Max), Jacob (Angela), Joshua (Hilary), Joseph (Courtney), and many grandchildren. Please keep Donna and her family in your prayers. May she rest in peace. HAPPENINGS IN OUR FAITH COMMUNITY Today, we welcome, Lorelai Renee Mally, daughter of Zachary and Anna Mally, to our faith community in the celebration of Baptism. It is now our privilege to help this child grow in faith. We have a great gift of faith to share. SEAS ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE New this year we will also have perennial plants, houseplants, and a bake sale as well! Rummage Sale at Holland Town Hall/ 2018 dates: Monday, April 30 drop off donations from 4pm-7pm at Holland Town Hall Tuesday, May 1 - drop off donations from 10am 7pm at Holland Town Hall Wednesday, May 2 drop off donations from 10am-7pm Thursday, May 3 Sale from 8am 6pm Friday, May 4 - Sale from 8am 11am (1/2 price sale) We cannot accept: computer equipment, TV s, lg. appliances, lg. furniture, exercise equipment, baby equipment Many volunteers are needed to set up and sort on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; work the sale on Thursday and Friday; tear down at the end. Please help! Sign up to work for an hour or two on the sheets in the gathering place at church or when you drop off your donations at the town hall. Fun opportunity to get involved and meet other parishioners. 5th Sunday of Easter 5 April 29, 2018